Product Review: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8 in. 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless HATCHET Pruning Saw Kit with 6Ah High Output Battery and Charger
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Introduction
Quick overview
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL hatchet is a compact, high-performance cordless pruning saw engineered for arborists, landscapers, and homeowners who want gas-like power without the noise and fumes. This review covers the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8 in. Brushless HATCHET pruning saw kit (with a 6Ah High Output battery and charger), weighing in under 5 lbs (without battery) and built to deliver fast cuts and excellent control.
What is this product?
Product identity and purpose
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8″ hatchet pruning saw is a battery powered hatchet pruning saw designed to replace 25cc gas saws for many pruning applications. The kit includes the M18 FUEL HATCHET 8″ pruning saw, an M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 battery pack, and the M18 & M12 multi-voltage charger. It’s a professional cordless hatchet saw kit for heavy duty pruning, offering increased access and control in tight spaces.
Key Features
What stands out
- POWERSTATE brushless motor: delivers the power to complete cuts in demanding materials and reaches full throttle in under 1 second.
- Full house chain: minimizes vibration and delivers clean cuts for professional results.
- Automatic oiler + translucent oil reservoir: ensures proper chain lubrication and easy oil level checks.
- Metal bucking spikes & climbing scabbard: increased control during bucking and secure storage/transport for aerial work.
- Easy access chain tensioner & onboard scrench storage: quick adjustments and tools always ready.
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: smart communication between tool and battery for unmatched performance and protection.
- Lanyard loop: tie-off points for safe aerial applications.
Detailed Description
Performance and design in-depth
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL delivers increased control and access with a compact hatchet-style design that makes it perfect for trimming branches up to 8 inches. The POWERSTATE brushless motor maintains speed under heavy loads and powers through hardwoods faster than many 25cc gas saws. With REDLINK PLUS intelligence and M18 FUEL technology, the saw reaches full power almost instantly and offers a variable speed trigger for precise cuts.
Weighing less than 5 lbs (tool only), the M18 brushless hatchet saw improves maneuverability for tight access areas. The included 6Ah High Output battery provides longer run time than standard packs — ideal for landscape crews or extended homeowner jobs. This is a cordless 8 inch hatchet pruning saw with 6Ah high output battery that removes many of the hassles of gas maintenance while delivering professional results.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Powerful and fast: Cuts hardwoods and holds speed under load.
- Compact and lightweight: Easier to handle in tight spaces and overhead.
- Professional features: automatic oiler, metal bucking spikes, scabbard, and onboard scrench.
- Part of the M18 system: compatible with 250+ M18 batteries and tools.
- Cleaner and quieter: No gas fumes or two-stroke maintenance.
Limitations
- Battery weight: The saw is light without the battery; full kits are heavier but still manageable.
- Run time depends on use: Heavy, continuous cutting will deplete any battery; a spare 6Ah battery can solve this.
- Price: M18 FUEL hatchet saw kits with battery and charger are an investment compared to entry-level corded saws.
Who Should Buy This Product
Ideal users
This M18 FUEL pruning saw kit is perfect for professional arborists, tree care crews, landscapers, and serious homeowners who want a compact brushless 18V hatchet saw for tree pruning. If you’re searching to buy Milwaukee M18 FUEL hatchet saw for reliable, gas-beating performance—this kit is worth considering. It’s also great for those looking for a battery powered hatchet pruning saw for arborists and landscapers who need portability and reduced maintenance.
Comparison with Similar Products
How it stacks up
Compared with small gas 25cc saws, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL hatchet offers cleaner operation, lower maintenance, and instant throttle response. Against other cordless competitors, its POWERSTATE motor combined with REDLINK PLUS and High Output battery often provides better sustained torque and faster cuts. For buyers searching for a compact brushless 18V hatchet saw for tree pruning, the M18 FUEL has an edge in ergonomic design and accessory integration (scabbard, onboard scrench, etc.).
Buying options
If you’re ready to order, look for the M18 FUEL pruning saw kit buy online or search for Milwaukee M18 hatchet saw kit for sale at reputable retailers. For bargain hunters, comparison shopping for M18 hatchet saw deals or looking for “Milwaukee hatchet saw near me” can surface local inventory and promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the kit include a battery and charger?
Yes. The kit includes the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 battery pack and the M18 & M12 multi-voltage charger — so you get a complete, ready-to-use package.
What size branches can it cut?
The 8″ bar and full house chain are optimized for trimming branches up to roughly 8 inches in diameter, making it a lightweight electric hatchet saw for trimming most residential and many professional pruning tasks.
Is it part of the larger M18 system?
Yes. The tool is part of the M18 system, which includes over 250 compatible solutions — a big advantage if you already own M18 batteries and chargers.
Final Verdict
Bottom line: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8″ Brushless HATCHET pruning saw kit is a best-in-class cordless hatchet pruning saw for arborists, landscapers, and serious DIYers who want gas-like power without the hassles of fuel. With a powerful POWERSTATE motor, REDLINK PLUS intelligence, and a 6Ah high output battery included, this kit delivers the control, speed, and durability professionals demand.
If you’re ready to buy Milwaukee M18 FUEL hatchet saw or want to order M18 hatchet pruning saw with battery and charger, this kit is an excellent choice. For those comparing options, consider the long-term savings on maintenance and the convenience of the M18 ecosystem.