Milwaukee M18 14" Chainsaw is a RIPPER

[Nessism1]

Just a quick shoutout in favor of this little 14" saw. Interestingly, the 14" is more powerful than the 16". Not sure why. It's more expensive also. As a homeowner, the 14" is more than big enough for my needs. I've got a tree next to the driveway, directly touching, and now the driveway is lifting, so the tree needs to come down. Anyway, this thing is making short work of it. It's a quality tool. I just started working with it, and fingers crossed my regular batteries don't go into overload shutdown. My angle grinder puts the batteries into overload when cutting continuously under load. Milwaukee makes "high output" batteries for applications like this, but I don't have one.

Generally speaking, I like gas power tools, but given the on and off nature of a chainsaw, battery meets my needs.

Found this favorable video discussing this little machine.

 

[Pablo]

I love my 80V saw. Ready 24/7!

 

[JeffKeryk]

If only they weren't from China...

 

[fantastic]

Did anyone check out PF's latest chainsaw video? He threw a Dewalt 60V in there for comparison.

 

[spasm3]

I think those battery saws are perfect for small homeowner jobs, especially where they may only be used once a year or so.
Better if you are using the same battery system for all your tools

 

[slo town]

I have Milwaukee M18 everything. I love my Husqvarna gasoline powered OPE but the convenience of a quality battery powered OPE tool cannot be overstated.

I'm sure I'm stating the obvious, but no hearing protection is required with a battery powered chainsaw. That by itself is convenient.

Scott

 

[BHopkins]

If only they weren't from China...

It is a little disappointing, coming from a company that is as American in it's roots, as Milwaukee. But I don't think any of the power hand tools are American made any longer. Maybe the super premium stuff, like Hilti? Oh, it looks like even Hilti builds all their tools elsewhere, including China.

 

[MalibuRam65]

Using a Forge BATTERY in OPE makes a difference for Milwaukee tools definitely check them out

 

[wavinwayne]

...I don't think any of the power hand tools are American made any longer...

This is mostly true, but my Makita LXT 1/2" impact wrench says "Made in USA" on the tag. I'm sure that just means they assembled the Chinese made parts in a USA facility.

 

[Nessism1]

I was right about the batteries going into overheat protection mode. Got a lot of work done before that, though. Switched back and forth between my two 5Ah batteries until they were depleted and needed charging. I was/am completely tired out at that point, so it's okay by me. Again, the saw is designed for the high output batteries, so it's as expected.

Before and after photo is a little misleading, because I started cutting with my little $39 Walmart Hyper Tough chainsaw. All the heavy lifting was done by the Milwaukee, though.

 

[mk378]

Milwaukee introduced a three-row 9AH M18 battery for the chain saws. The two-row batteries work but they overheat more readily.

 

[Nessism1]

Milwaukee introduced a three-row 9AH M18 battery for the chain saws. The two-row batteries work but they overheat more readily.

Sadly, the batteries are stupid expensive. There is a "Special Buy" on right now at Home Depot for a Forge 6Ah battery for $149. Regular price, $229. Such a deal! (sarcasm)

 

[spasm3]

I was right about the batteries going into overheat protection mode. Got a lot of work done before that, though. Switched back and forth between my two 5Ah batteries until they were depleted and needed charging. I was/am completely tired out at that point, so it's okay by me. Again, the saw is designed for the high output batteries, so it's as expected.

Before and after photo is a little misleading, because I started cutting with my little $39 Walmart Hyper Tough chainsaw. All the heavy lifting was done by the Milwaukee, though.

View attachment 325328View attachment 325329

looking at that tree, i would have guessed it would be a bit much for a small battery saw. Nice Job!

 

[oldcodger]

I have the 6" version. I must say it has been the handiest thing to have around. Perfect for cuttin up limbs that fall from the oaks in my yard. I also have the Atlas 80V 18" from Harbor Freight. It has been a pleasure to use on bigger stuff. No gas or oil!

 

[Rand]

I have the 6" version. I must say it has been the handiest thing to have around. Perfect for cuttin up limbs that fall from the oaks in my yard. I also have the Atlas 80V 18" from Harbor Freight. It has been a pleasure to use on bigger stuff. No gas or oil!

I think it still uses oil

 

[Pablo]

I think it still uses dribbles oil out in your shed/shop

FIFY

 

[doitmyself]

looking at that tree, i would have guessed it would be a bit much for a small battery saw. Nice Job!

Regarding chainsaws, many shadetree warriors think with elevated testosterone levels. Big and heavy usually wins over practical and efficient.

Battery saws are becoming more prevalent with arborists. Be aware that top handle saws like in the OP have a tendency to greater kick-back effects.

 

[burbguy82]

It is a little disappointing, coming from a company that is as American in it's roots, as Milwaukee. But I don't think any of the power hand tools are American made any longer. Maybe the super premium stuff, like Hilti? Oh, it looks like even Hilti builds all their tools elsewhere, including China.

Milwaukee has not been made here in nearly 20 years. Many things were made in Europe in the 80s and 90s, Lichtenstein and Germany. They are no more American than QUANG DONG SHIN LING. The Loktor series of drill, before the V18 1st Gen Lithium stuff....was made in USA and Europe.

Some Hilti made here, but most not made here. Europe mostly

Hilti and Makita are the only two self owned, power tool companies anymore.....meaning not owned by a conglomerate.....Makita still makes tools Japan, for the Japan market, and Chinese for us Americans

 

[Nessism1]

I'm seeing tons of Milwaukee batteries on eBay for reasonable prices. I'm targeting the Forge 8Ah jobby. Home Depot had some great combo deals, tool + battery, so I suspect many people are selling off the battery they don't need. I'm going to buy one. Targeting the type still sealed in the OEM retail packaging. No brown box, too risky.

Cutting through the trunk now, and it's thick. The standard batteries don't like the high current draw.

 

[cptbarkey]

Often HD sells the 12AH with the 8AH for around 250-280. The chainsaw still will eat through those batteries. I have the original first gen saw and it’s a monster. I am overdue for some trail clearing but will start soon.