Customer Reviews for Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Battery Chainsaw/Pole Saw (Tool-Only)

I love it! Cut all the lengths into logs in one day. The 12 ah battery last till 11h30, so I had an early lunch break et then finished it all in the afternoon.

Lighter with more power than I expected. Glad I went with M-18 power

One of my top 3 go-to brands. If I did this daily, I'd prob stick to one, and it'd be this, but I only property management stuff on the side so I've acquired a few different brands over the years. This is a great tool made by one of the best companies out there. I still have Milwaukee products from 1998(Hammer drill) that still works. Love the way it shoots and I love how convenient it is. A compressor sound bothers me so this eliminates that entirely. I rarely get any jams but if I do, it's pretty quick to clear. Having a needle nose plier in your tool belt can help sometimes

I own a lawncare company. I consider it "lawnscaping" as I don't do dirt work, mulch, or retaining walls but pretty much everything else. Had a client that couldn't tend to her yard and had been using a Poulan to cut out a bunch of volunteer trees. Kept having to stop and fill it with gas and then get it fired up again which was generating a lot of downtime. I already had the Quik-lok string trimmer/edger and a leaf blower so decided I would just go and pick up the chainsaw too. I've used it to clear cut a few properties now and have only had to charge the battery once! Very little downtime, just the occasional top-off of bar and chain oil! It is also substantially quieter than a gas chainsaw and doesn't leave you stinking like that fantastic 2-cycle/gas mix. Extremely good cuts and very easy to operate! Literally put the 12.0 battery in and your off cutting away with nothing but a simple trigger pull! Inside bar retention uses 2 large bolts mounted to a metal plate. Also has a nice metal chain guide! If mine were to die I would purchase another one in a heartbeat! Definitely worth every penny spent!

I was ordered to cut this tree due to roots damage. With a heavy heart I was able to easily cut it with this chain saw… I must say I was seriously impressed.

The chainsaw was amazing! I bought it to clear some fallen trees after the ice storms in Oregon. I wanted to get a battery-powered chainsaw because I love the nearly instant startup and the quiet running but couldn't use my corded saw because I was too far from an outlet. Compared to my plug-in electric, the Milwaukee was far more powerful and cut faster. I was also able to compare it head-to-head with the Makita 18V plus both an Echo and a Husqvarna 16" at similar (~$300-400) prices. The Makita moved at much higher RPMs but got bogged down when cutting into a thick (24+ inch) oak trunk and stalled but did cut through brush and smaller limbs a little faster. Both gas-powered saws had plenty of power but cut a lot slower than the Milwaukee and were loud enough to require hearing protection. One nice feature that the Milwaukee has is full metal bucking spikes, which work a lot better than the plastic ones on the other saws (except the Makita, it also has metal). The common complaints that I've seen have been the battery life, bar & chain oil usage, and chain loosening. On average, the 12Ah battery lasted for about 2 hours of use and the bar & chain oil was down to about a quarter left. I just refilled the oil each time I swapped batteries and it worked out fine, although it did use more than the gas saws. I did run into a couple issues with the chain tightness initially but after I played with it I realized that the guard has to be unlocked to properly tighten it, which resolved my issues. One feature that I'm torn about is the use of the traditional "scrench" for doing chain removal/maintenance. The Makita has a tool-free knob that made tightening much easier, although I feel that the scrench was more useful for cleaning and chain removal. I do like how the scrench stows in the base under the handle but it requires something to pry it out with due to how it locks in. Pros: Lots of power, at least equal to comparable gas-powered saws Cut through 24+ inch oak with no problems Quick startup Quiet operation Works with my M18 battery system Battery life with included 12Ah battery was great Metal bucking spikes Well balanced Cons: Needs better instructions for chain tightening Built-in scrench is hard to get out Used more bar & chain oil than gas saw

This saw singlehandedly took down a 75’ tree with a trunk measuring 32”-37”. It went through 3 8.0 H.O. batteries, but got the job done.

A little on the pricey side but it works well. Very impressed with battery life and power. You can make a ton of cuts through small timber but as soon as you get into the bigger wood and longer cut times it will eat your battery life. I wouldnt recommend it for bucking wood but if you like to fill your trailer with longer lengths and wait till your home to cut it down then its perfect. Picture- 7'x14' trailer with maple and birch, had one bar left on the 12ah battery when we were done.

I’ve been using the saw to clear trails and logs in rivers - sometimes via kayak.

Tried reciprocating saw but found it too small and slow. Now I can harvest pieces of driftwood from the local beaches. Who knows what I'll find next.

This saw was instrumental in taking down this big maple tree (before and after pics attached). Handy saw to use on a lift. Powerful smooth cuts. 12 AH batteries last long.

Very disappointed would not sink a 2-3/8” to nail on sheathing. Sunk maybe 5 out 50, the rest were 1/4 to 1/2” from being set. I do not understand the hype on YouTube compared to my experience right out of the box. Terrible and unacceptable.

This a great saw! Every bit as capable as any gas saw I’ve ever used without the noise and muss and fuss. Couldn’t be happier.

I cant say enough about this 21 degreen framing nailer. Milwaukee hit a grand slam with this one. I have been using my HO 3.0ah battery and its last me all day sheeting. Its only down side is it gets heavy after many hours and it only holds one sleeve of nails. Besides that, its a top 5 must have tool.

We have acreage and trees are falling down all the time. The battery lasts longer than you think and its way more powerful. If you had an extra battery you could literally be cutting all day (swap n charge). Smaller rounds are easier on the saw and the battery lasts longer but i got x16 16" rounds from one battery (wet dense wood).

it is a good tool to have as part of your tools. handy, powerful and easy to use. it is a good size and is light in weight. The only thing that I would change, is the access to change the chain for one of easier access

Best battery operated nail gun on the market.

I use this for 4x4 trail clearing, fire wood cutting and property maintenance. I love how quiet it is compared to a gas saw. And was pretty impressed with how long my 8.0 batteries last. Very nice saw for the price!!! Kept the fire going all night one one 8.0 battery with 2 bars left after a lot of cutting.

I use the saw to cut firewood. Of course it was new, but I cut a cord of wood with two charges of a twelve AH and nine AH battery. Some of the wood was 22" in diameter.

First, I have owned about 6 chain saws (various brands), including one corded electric. This was my first cordless electric chainsaw that I bought because I already had Milwaukee batteries, etc. I have had and used this chainsaw for almost a year and here are my thoughts: PROS: Weight, handling, cutting, features, and longevity of included 12ah battery are all great. The 12ah battery is good for a day of work in my land maintenance application. Another benefit was this was my first 12ah battery among my stable of M18 batteries. This is the perfect battery for the new high velocity blower and other applications that need a robust battery. CONS: Biggest problem and reason I didn't give 5 stars: The chain comes off more frequently than any other chain saw I've ever used. I tighten the nuts with a ratchet wrench, so they should be plenty tight. This is very annoying and very limiting. Minor problem that has probably been corrected by now: The "helpful" chain direction label under the cover is backwards. I've included photos of that wrong label and the correct label on the outside of the cover. In both photos, the chain is shown in the correct orientation.

Ready to go rain or shine, heat or snow it is ready to go. No gas to mix or go stale

I bought this chainsaw after a lot of research. I don’t often need a chainsaw, maybe once a year or so, and I’ve dealt with enough gasoline powered ones to experience significant frustration. While this one was a bit pricier, it’s exactly what I need, which is a powerful reliable chainsaw. I used it to cut up several downed trees from the latest hurricane, and quite honestly, by the time the battery died, I was ready for a break myself.

All Milwaukee tools make my job more easy

Bought this to cut firewood a few times a year. I've owned a few gas and battery saws in the past. This is the only battery powered saw I'd recommend. Cuts through hardwoods reasonably and is fine for limbing up small stuff. My biggest battery is an 8amp hour and it definitely wont last all day if that's your hope. Things I don't love: I don't know enough about saws to properly explain this but I assume it has to do with chain speed. This saw has a tendency to grab logs and roll them towards you. With gas powered saws I never had that issue. I definitely have to brace any/every cut against rolling back to me. I wish the dogs were bigger to help with this problem. Bar and chain are thin. Seems like this makes the battery possible but it definitely feels flimsy. I threw the chain on the second day of use and I feel like I have to focus on not bending/deflecting the bar and chain.

I thought this Chainsaw is going to be a great purchase. That was such an understatement! I like collecting driftwood is turning it into A RT. This saw with a fully charged battery can do so so much! I’ve cut slabs! I’ve cut endless steppingstones. I’ve cut Burlewood ends from pieces I never would have been able to get to if I had to pack gasoline. Plus it starts every time! I bought the 12 V rotary tool it sharpen the blade perfectly!… Yes I would recommend it

2min out of the box it dropped the chain. Ok, maybe they didn't tension it at the factory. Tightened it like a normal saw, it lasted another 10min of trimming tiny branches. It does have great power but with the delicate little chain and bar it seems handicapped. Also pumps a bit too much oil that gets all over. Nearly as messy as a 2-stroke saw. Being as this is the top offering from Milwaukee and costs >$450 Still I don't recommend it over other options out there that are cheaper or better quality.

Use for work. Outperformed gas power chainsaw at an emergency a few days after purchase. Cut through a big oak tree blocking interstate 76 and an ambulance with a trauma patient. Used high output 8.0 battery.

GREAT saw, Punches way above its weight class. light easy to use tons and tons of torque. the chain is extremely sharp and replacements are cheep. I have shoulder issues and the simplicity of this tool make it great for me. Make sure when you first use the saw to tighten the bar nuts. I didnt check them and through the chain. Had to file the chain guide teeth down once that was done it has preformed without issue. Great Product.

Best chainsaw I've ever used. Cuts hardwood like it's cutting cabbage.

I can't say enough about this workhorse. I've had professional lumberjacks up my property and they cannot believe that I've felled as many trees as I have -- and as big as they are -- with this saw. They were truly stunned. I started with an 18" Ego -- realized pretty quickly that it's an urban tool best used for limbing and cutting for firewood. Surprisingly the 16" M18 has run circles around the larger Ego. It goes through oil like a parched horse, but the power of the saw is undeniable. And if a pinch starts to happen, it's usually strong enough to pull you out of a jamb. The motor is quiet enough to start working at 6am without bothering the neighbors, and it cuts through 24" and larger trunks with no problems. The battery lasts a good long while, but I got a second battery so that I could stay out in the field for a few hours. I also like the chain tightening mechanism -- easy screw-in that requires loosening two bolts before you tighten the chain. And the tool you use is hitched to the underside of the body. Sometimes it's a pain to remove, but you eventually get the hang of it. No more worries about gas and pulling a cord to get started. This saw is a workhorse that will absolutely do the job without giving you any issues. When this bad boy dies out years from now, I'm going in right in and getting another one.