Milwaukee has an outstanding line of performance-driven tools. Their innovative nature keeps the industry from idling and stagnant. They have proven this several times in the past, with the MX FUEL being their latest example of forward thinking. Their two most popular cordless power systems, the M12 (12-Volt) and M18 (18-Volt), make up over 300 trade-focused power tools! This sizable catalog also includes their Outdoor Power Equipment. Which brings us to today’s question…

Is Milwaukee’s OPE line any good? There is no question or denying Milwaukee’s craftsmanship. They are known to provide quality and reliable tools, there’s no doubt about that. What we’re really interested is how does Milwaukee’s Outdoor Power Equipment line compete with other manufacturers. Innovation is what defines Milwaukee, but do they devote the same research and development to their lawn and garden power tools? I'm here to help you out with this question, so let's take a closer look!

Let’s start off with the recently announced Milwaukee 2527-21 M12 FUEL Hatchet 6" Brushless Cordless Pruning Saw Kit. This BRAND-NEW saw is interesting to the market. It delivers unmatched control & access, has the power to cut 3" hardwood, and delivers up to 120 cuts per charge. This electric pruning saw is designed to meet the ergonomic, performance, and durability needs of landscape maintenance professionals. Weighing less than 5 lbs and featuring a compact design, the cordless pruning saw gives you increased control and maneuverability in tight access areas. The advanced electronic package also delivers an instant throttle response and a variable speed trigger for ultimate control over the power range. This pruning saw features a full house chain, easy access chain tensioner, automatic oiler, metal bucking spikes, and onboard storage for the scrench. This tool kit will include one 12-volt XC 4.0Ah battery, charger, Oregon 6" Bar & Chain, Scabbard, and a scrench. This will also be available as a bare tool under 2527-20.

Another impressive product is Milwaukee’s QUIK-LOK attachment system! It’s a versatile Outdoor Power Equipment system featuring multiple attachments, powered by a single M18 FUEL powerhead. With the QUIK-LOK attachment system, you have the capability to switch between multiple attachments and complete a wide range of applications. Available attachments include string trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and a three-foot attachment extension. Entered the QUIK-LOK attachment system by purchasing either the string trimmer with QUIK-LOK or pole saw with QUIK-LOK. Once installed in the system, you can add on the attachments you need, when you need them. The QUIK-LOK coupler offers tool free attachment changes allowing you to switch from one task to the next. This entire QUIK-LOK system is powered by a single Milwaukee M18 FUEL battery. Want more! Take a look at our demo video below featuring the 2825-21ST string trimmer.

String Trimmer
If you’re only looking for dedicated products for particular tasks, no problem, as Milwaukee has you covered in this department as well. For instance, the 2725-21HD M18 FUEL String Trimmer Kit. This trimmer has the power to clear thick brush, reaches full throttle in under 1 second, and provides up to 1 hour of run-time per charge. The motor is positioned in the rear of the trimmer to provide the best combination of power, balance, and maneuverability. The trimmer features high and low speed settings with a variable speed trigger. High provides the power to clear thick brush, and low maximizes run-time while having plenty of power for grass trimming. The 16” cutting swath trims more grass in a single pass, increasing productivity. The full-sized head holds more line and has a metal reinforced bump knob for longer life. This tool kit will include one 18-volt 9.0Ah battery and charger. Bare tool also available under item number 2725-20.

Hedge Trimmer
Next, let’s talk about the Milwaukee 2726-21HD M18 FUEL 24” Hedge Trimmer Kit. This hedge trimmer has the power to cut ¾” branches, cuts up to 30% faster, and provides up to 2 hours of run-time per charge. The handle placement and weight distribution provide the best combination of balance and control. The trimmer features a slider-crank mechanism and all-metal gear case providing unmatched durability and longer life. The 24” blade trims more material in a single pass, increasing reach and productivity. The blade tip guard prevents damage to the property and the blades. Kit includes a 18-volt XC 8.0Ah battery and charger. This is a great choice for homeowners and professionals. If you don’t need extra batteries or charger, you can also pick this up as a bare tool under item 2726-20.

Chainsaw
The Milwaukee 2727-21HD M18 FUEL 16" Chainsaw Kit delivers the power to cut hardwoods, cuts faster than gas, and delivers up to 150 cuts per charge. This unit is great for professional landscape maintenance, power utility, and the installed M18 user. The POWERSTATE brushless motor maintains speed under heavy loads without bogging down to outperform small gas engines and higher voltage systems. REDLINK PLUS intelligence ensures maximum performance and protection from overload, overheating and over discharge. The M18 REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery delivers unmatched run-time in all applications. M18 FUEL technology allows the unit to reach full throttle in under 1 second providing ultimate control and productivity. You can find this as a bare tool under item 2727-20.

Blower
Another great addition to Milwaukee OPE line is the 2724-21HD M18 FUEL Blower Kit. The blower has the power to clear from 15 ft, gets to full throttle in under 1 second, and is up to 4 lbs lighter than competitors. The power and efficient brushless motor and high output battery delivers 450 CFM and 120 MPH output. The blower features a variable speed trigger and high/low speed settings for increased control. The high setting is for the most demanding applications and low is optimized for clearing debris from flower beds without moving mulch. The lock on button allows the blower to be locked on to full throttle, so the operating hand can be relaxed reducing fatigue. In the box you’ll find a 18-volt XC 8.0Ah battery and charger. Bare tool can be found under item 2724-20.

Sprayer
Lastly, the very useful 2820-21PS M18 SWITCH TANK 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer Kit. This 4-Gallon backpack sprayer kit delivers the industry’s first interchangeable tank design with no manual pumping. The battery-powered backpack sprayer provides you with instant, constant and adjustable pressure up to 120 PSI and a 25 ft spray distance. The 5-mode pressure adjustment knob adjusts the pressure between 20 – 120 PSI, giving you the capability to complete a wide range of applications. On a full charge, this can provide up to 12 tanks of spraying.  The isolated pump, hose, and wand design allows you to add on tank assemblies for different spraying applications and eliminating cross-chemical contamination. Milwaukee also offers this as a bare tool under item 2820-20PS. This one is a great addition to the catalog.

Now that we had a rundown on Milwaukee’s Outdoor Power Equipment line, let’s answer the question we’ve been waiting on. Is Milwaukee’s OPE line any good? To keep the answer short and simple, YES. However, I do feel they can improve on some categories, more specifically the variety of products and size catalog. Their competition, being DeWalt and Makita, offer lawn mowers which is something Milwaukee does NOT and that’s a huge miss in my opinion. Their competitors also offer more variance and more lawn and garden power tools that consumers can choose from. Milwaukee’s selection is not very big when comparing. With all this being said, the only direction Milwaukee can go is up! Milwaukee is producing NEW products and cutting-edge ideas to the OPE world like the 12-volt Hatchet and QUIK-LOK system, but we would like to see more. Not too long ago, they released a revolutionizing platform called MX FUEL, which had me thinking. It would be pretty awesome to see a MX FUEL lawn mower added to the product line!