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ToolGuyd > Power Tools > Cordless > Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Chainsaw in 3 Words – Fast, Quiet, Good

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Chainsaw in 3 Words – Fast, Quiet, Good

Mar 14, 2019 Stuart 57 Comments

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Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Chainsaw

The new Milwaukee M18 chainsaw, which was released just a few months ago, is an amazing beast. At last year’s new tool media event, Milwaukee discussed the new High Output batteries, and ways the new chainsaw was designed to take advantage of the new batteries’ higher current capabilities.

Milwaukee’s claims was that it was powerful, faster than gas, and could deliver up to 150 cuts per charge. On paper, the new Milwaukee cordless chainsaw does look to be better than gas.

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But how well does it perform?

We requested a test sample from Milwaukee, and put it in the hands of an experienced tree service professional. They had started a job with several gas chainsaws from top brands, and I handed off the Milwaukee saw with a fully charged 12.0Ah battery.

Trees Cut Down with Chainsaw

Not all the above trees were cut using the Milwaukee chainsaw; the image is intended to show the context of the job that day. I witnessed the M18 saw being used on one of the large trees, and on some large-limb trimming tasks. I didn’t stick around to watch everything, because it can skew things.

After about an hour I checked back with the tree service pro who had been using it. “So, what do you think?”

Wow, it’s quiet.

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Cuts fast.

Feels good.

A quick count showed 3 Stihl gas saws and 1 Echo on the field. There might have been more.

Checking back again, I saw the pro filing a tooth on one of the blades. The saw had hit something metal from an old clothes line install or similar. There were two other saws nearby, ready to be used, but he had wanted to continue using the Milwaukee. To me, that made a strong statement about how good the new Milwaukee chainsaw really is, as it demonstrated an immediate preference.

I’ll be checking in with the tree service company soon, to see how well the Milwaukee M18 cordless chainsaw has worked for them over time, and how it compares to the many gas engine chainsaws they’ve been using alongside it. I can try to pass along any questions you might have about the chainsaw’s performance or use.

Features and Specs

  • M18 Fuel brushless motor
  • 16″ Oregon bar and chain
  • Designed to provide the power and performance of gas engines up to 40cc
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 6600 RPM
  • Reaches full throttle in under 1 second
  • Automatic oiler
  • Dual-stud for improved bar and chain retention
  • On-board scrench storage
  • 33″ overall length
  • 3/8″ low profile chain pitch
  • 0.043″ chain gauge
  • Weighs 13.9 lbs

So, in 3 words, it’s fast, quiet, and good.

Price: $449 for the kit, $299 for the bare tool

Buy Now(Kit via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Kit via Tool Nut)

The kit comes with a Rapid Charger and HD12.0Ah battery. They say it’s compatible with all M18 batteries, but will work best with an HD or High Output high capacity battery. If you don’t have an HD12.0 battery, you’ll probably want to get the kit.

If you’ve used this saw, what do you think of it? Would you agree with the fast, quiet, good assessment?

Thank you to Milwaukee Tool for providing the review sample.

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57 Comments

  1. Luke

    Mar 14, 2019

    I got one in the fall to knock out massive dead tree in my yard. I’ve been using it sporadically to process firewood and clean up limbs. Very simple, quiet, and powerful. I love it, no complaints.

    Reply
    • BevTL

      Dec 13, 2020

      I’m just coming into this game. (My husband passed, and firewood is my new task.) I’m old, and I can’t get the darned gas machines going. I don’t have the power for the snap in the tug. I’m looking for one I can work with. I love reading these reviews.

      Reply
  2. Nathan

    Mar 14, 2019

    I have to assume it’s similar/same to the echo 58V cordless model since they are also made by the TTI group – have similar capacities.

    Since I suspect milwaukee has a good product I will say this about the high power cordless chainsaw. It comes up on speed faster and smoother – and can do so while starting a cut. I guess what I should say – is it acts like a larger motor gas chainsaw in that there is plenty of torque for a job – but more immediate. Provided it can run over an hour at a time (and I suspect that’s easy) then with all the other features of a pro chain saw (tensioner, chain type, oiler) they are going to be as good or better.

    The Echo I got – I would happily use all day if I had to because there is less vibration and noise. I’d even say it’s a bit safer in that you can feel the chain action better – because it runs smoother but that’s debatable. I would assume this device would work just as well. I suspect the milwaukee lasts longer on a battery but I wonder.

    Reply
    • OhioHead

      Mar 14, 2019

      Hmmmmm Echo is Chevron, MKE is TTI = not the same company. Please post otherwise……..

      Reply
      • Stuart

        Mar 14, 2019

        No they’re not; you’re both wrong. Are you thinking of Ego, which is a Chervon brand?

        Echo is owned by Yamabiko.

        Correction: There do appear to be links between Echo 58V cordless tools and TTI. One World Technologies is listed as the customer service company on Echo’s standalone cordless tools site, which would suggest that their cordless outdoor power tools are developed and marketed by TTI.

        Reply
        • fred

          Mar 14, 2019

          You learn something every day. I did not pay attention to the fact that Kioritz (the parent company for my now somewhat ancient Echo stuff) had been merged with Shindaiwa into Yamabiko

          BTW – I also saw recently that Robert Sorby (as in English Chisels) is part of an entity called The Superactive Group – which in turn is owned by the China-based Super Fame Holdings. They also own Spear&Jackson (mostly gardening tools), Eclipse Tools (saw blades etc.), Bowers Metrology and several other companies.

          Reply
        • OhioHead

          Mar 14, 2019

          Thank you Stuart, I read the post I responded to as Ergo, not Echo……..

          Reply
          • Stuart

            Mar 14, 2019

            If it makes you feel any better, I had to look up Echo’s parent company. I knew they weren’t TTI or Chervon, but that was the extent of my Echo brand structure knowledge.

          • notinuse

            Mar 14, 2019

            The Echo 58V cordless products are made by TTI, not Echo.

      • notinuse

        Mar 14, 2019

        Echo 58V tools are made by TTI. At least Consumer Reports thinks so. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/stringtrimmers/Echo-cordless-trimmer-can-be-tricky-to-start

        Also, all of my customer support email for my Echo 58V tools are from a ttigroupna.com domain.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Mar 15, 2019

          Thanks! That could be. I was referring to the gas chainsaws because that’s what was on the field and being skipped over for the Milwaukee.

          Reply
          • Nathan

            Mar 15, 2019

            That’s what I was alluding to – all the ECHO 58V cordless stuff has their name on it – but is all but shuned by any ECHO repair center and even ECHO themselves. If you call the main ECHO number for repair they immediately say you must go to the ECHO CORDLESS website etc etc.

            I have the cordless hedge trimmer too – which gets high reviews – but yes there are a larger number of bad reviews on them quitting. Mine falls into this camp and I can’t seem to get it repaired. I tried a few times and finally gave up they won’t even send me a replacement. So I’m not ever buying another Echo Cordless item. The way they implemented that whole system is just wrong to me. incidentally all the milwaukee outdoor equipment looks nearly identical to the echo with minor changes for the battery shape. Not that I’m surprised. I suspect being an actual TTI company – they will get better customer service.

    • Richard Wineberg

      Jun 2, 2020

      Makita has two or three saws. The arborist type, top handle, very good. They seem to have gone electric early.

      Reply
  3. Julian Tracy

    Mar 14, 2019

    After watching the Bolt’r guy’s video comparing the internal build quality of the Milwaukee cordless chainsaw with the Dewalt 60v, I got curious about my Makita 36 v saw and took it apart a bit to compare with the internals of the Dewalt and Milwaukee he had opened up.

    I’ll say the Makita seemed to be better made in almost all the points than both the Dewalt and Milwaukee saws. No surprise I guess seeing as how Makita / Dolmar has a long history of quality saws.

    The first Makita 12” 36v chainsaw dual battery version I had was made in Japan; quite a few of their specialized or oddball cordless tools still are. Their current cordless jigsaws are made in the UK.

    The current 14” chainsaw I own , is the one I tore into a bit for comparison, is made in China, like many in their current lineup, and probably Milwaukee too.

    Probably whatever company’s tool platform you’re already bought into is the chainsaw you should buy, but if you’re simply buying into a cordless chainsaw only, might pay to compare the internal build quality…

    Reply
    • OhioHead

      Mar 14, 2019

      Dolmar makes an excellent chainsaw, just not as well known in the US “big three” 1) Stihl 2) Husky/Jonsered 3) Echo 4) everything else…….

      Reply
      • Todd

        Mar 15, 2019

        The Makita/Dolmar saws are excellent, and are real screamers when comparing stock for stock with other brands. Their reliability is also on par with any other brand, Home Depot uses them as rentals which is a pretty strong indication of their long term durability. Not to say Stihls or Husquvarnas are not reliable or durable.

        Nice to read of someone that actually had the Makita x2 battery saw apart. I’ve been wanting an electric or battery saw to use indoors as my Husky 372 doesn’t lend itself to using in an echo chamber with poor ventilation. From what I’ve been able to find the x2 brushless saw cuts faster than their corded 16″ offering. That and having an extension cord on a chainsaw, in my experience, is incredibly inconvenient as well as a liability.

        Reply
        • Bolt

          Mar 15, 2019

          I remember some carvers I talked to really liked the pro husky battery saw for working inside.

          Reply
    • Ric Woodward

      Mar 15, 2019

      Makita seems the industry’s leader. Many models including 2or 3 top handle saws. More for arborists , they are my favorite.
      Far as I know , only makita makes them at present.

      Reply
      • Big Richard

        Mar 15, 2019

        Dewalt’s 12″ 20v XR saw is also a top handle. Great little limber. Also, SBD Craftsman is coming out with a brushed V20 version, looks identical to Dewalt’s, different colors obvi.

        Reply
    • Richard Wineberg

      Jun 2, 2020

      Makita should crank out an arsenal of great tools to go with their batts. I have all SunJoe stuff because of the tool variety.

      Reply
  4. Seamus

    Mar 14, 2019

    I got one when they first came out last summer/fall. Replaced the underpowered Ryobi cordless I had been using. I took out a couple 12” branches and trimmed down several huge cottonwood stumps in preparation for grinding them out. The larger one of these was 4 ft tall and 6 ft across. That was a painful job with the Milwaukee and took a few hours across a couple three days. Lots of overheating of the battery and swapping the 12 out with a 9 and a 5 (which iirc was laughably short running) Would have been a lot easier with a gas saw and a longer bar. But that’s the largest of anything I needed to cut in the foreseeable future and it did get the job done. And sure is nice not to have to deal with fuel and constant noise.

    Reply
  5. Adam

    Mar 14, 2019

    It’s a great saw and agree with the assessment. I do prefer using it with a 6ah HO, but other than that I love it. Can leave it in the car and not know it’s there. Glad I returned the DeWalt 40v I was almost stuck with (90 day satisfaction guarantee).

    My only gripe is there tensioning system. To ideally set it, you have to remove the cover to the chain.

    Reply
  6. Kent

    Mar 14, 2019

    I think gas will continue to be the way to go for the pro or hardcore amateur. I cut 6-8 cords a year, and have a collection of Husky & Stihl saws. I take the saws that fit the job, and leave the others in the shop that day (but I always leave with 2).

    However, for the homeowner who runs a saw on occasion, this would be so much better than a gas saw.

    Reply
    • tojen1981

      Mar 14, 2019

      This looks to be a nice saw, but yeah, its not something I’d take into the woods for cutting all day. It would eat through batteries too fast. You’d need an arm full of batteries. Plus, it’s fairly heavy for the work it can do.

      Whereas a gas saw, you can go all day on a few gallons of gas and some bar oil.

      If I buy another saw it will be the Stihl MS500i. That thing looks wicked.

      Reply
      • Sierra Samantha

        Apr 8, 2020

        I have the echo 58v and the most you would ever need would be two extra batteries one is probably enough though as they charge from empty to full in about 45 minutes

        Reply
  7. Josh

    Mar 14, 2019

    I really want to see some reviews of this thing by people that have used it a year or more. I am hopeful anyway. I have gone through 2 electric (read: with cord) chainsaws over the last 10 years. The first was the bottom of the line echo. It lasted just a couple of times. Maybe a year in total. Next was the Worx chainsaw. This one lasted several years. Maybe 2 years ago the chain finally went, and I haven’t been able to find a replacement chain for that model.

    I am eagerly waiting to see more info on the cordless models. I know stihl has one, but it has a tiny bar. I hope the Milwaukee (my preference – cause everything else is red) or Dewalt end up being great saws. Time will tell I guess.

    Reply
    • Adam

      Mar 14, 2019

      Every time I’ve need the saw to work, it has, as long as I charged the battery I suppose. Nothing to worry about not working or needing a cleaning.

      Milwaukee power tools have a 5yr warranty & uses a standard Oregon chain size (r56). I don’t think you will have anything to worry about if you buy one, except maybe a Gen2 3-4 years down the road.

      Reply
      • Nathan

        Mar 15, 2019

        I would argue the milwaukee one on the shelf today is already a gen 2 device since it stems from the echo 58V cordless system. I would also say I wouldn’t bother owning one of these without a milwaukee HD battery to use with it.

        Best thing all of these better cordless chainsaws are doing is using a common bar and chain system. Or you move to the Stihl/Husqvarna device. I’m starting to look at the Stihl cordless system right now.

        Reply
  8. Garrick

    Mar 14, 2019

    I was wondering about getting a saw that was so good and long lasting, like it sounds. I just bought a 3/4 acre property and it is half treed. It hasn’t been pruned in 5-10 years, so this summer it would get a lot of use, but after that it may be just a couple hours a year. There isn’t enough to supply firewood after the first year, so I am wondering… do I need a professional chainsaw, or should I get one that is half the price, but lasts for a tenth the usage of a Milwaukee? Almost all my tools are professional, because they got a lot of use before I retired, and it is so nice to still have them available. I want a pro chainsaw, but don’t really need it, so should I?

    Reply
    • Peter

      Mar 15, 2019

      I am very happy with my 12” Dewalt saw, while it accepts flex volt batteries I only use it with 20V batteries because of the weight.
      The weight or more the lack of weight makes it so great for my light duty work like pruning on my property and it also works for the occasional, for me bigger, trees.

      Reply
  9. Robert

    Mar 14, 2019

    So I actually made a couple of videos in December and posted them on YouTube comparing the DeWalt Flexvolt, DeWalt 20v, Worx 14″ eléctric saw and the Milwaukee M18 saw.

    I moved to a whole new platform because of that chainsaw, well, that and for Milwaukee lights.

    I love that chainsaw.

    It wasn’t as fast as the flexvolt, but it had more torque and wouldn’t stall as quickly.

    It replaces my 16″ gas Stihl as well.

    For $600 I was able to get:
    (2) 12ah batteries
    (2) compact radius lights
    (1) chainsaw

    Now I have good light I can plug in or power with the two 12ah batteries for all day work, or I can cut down a loooot with the two batteries.

    Reply
  10. aj

    Mar 14, 2019

    I have this saw and a gas Husqvarna. I’ll grab the cordless for most uses. For limbing and small logs, battery life is ridiculous and seems to be similar to many tanks of gas. Like, hours. For bucking large logs, battery life is maybe similar to one tank, and really the gas saw is a better choice if you want to make a cord out of a large tree in 10 minutes.

    Main downside is it’s a bit heavy.

    I also had the DeWalt 60V and sold it. The Milwaukee is a little better overall. Surprisingly more power, run time and seems to run cooler.

    Reply
  11. DC

    Mar 14, 2019

    Sorry but I love my Stihl gas chain saw.

    Reply
    • John

      Mar 8, 2023

      Agreed. Those gas powered Stihl chainsaws are the only way to go, I currently have a present day MS 291 18” saw and an older 032AV 20” saw. Both of these are very reliable and will work to clean up after a storm unlike a battery operated saw that cannot be charged up due to an extended power outage.

      Reply
  12. Jason

    Mar 14, 2019

    Love my Dewalt 40v chainsaw. Fell several small trees a year to season with it no problem

    Reply
  13. MacLean

    Mar 15, 2019

    We got just over 2′ of snow in Fall Creek, OR a couple of weeks ago…just outside Eugene. Trees and power lines were dropping like flies. My neighbor and I left for work in our trucks around 7 am. Two hours later we made it less than a quarter mile and had run through four tanks of chainsaw gas between two saws. Came across a huge oak wrapped in power lines…we we’re not touching anything that dangerous. We spent another two hours cutting our way back home…trees were dropping behind us. Then we didn’t have power for a week.

    I’d love to own an electric saw…I have a 6″ Makita I love for limbing. But I can stash a gallon of chainsaw juice and be good for an emergency. Not sure I want to own an electric saw.

    Reply
    • Nate Bezanson

      Mar 15, 2019

      Yeah, for people working in the field, I think the vehicle charger would be pretty much a necessity. I can charge all my power tool batteries off my car, and wouldn’t have it any other way. I keep ten spare gallons of car juice in the garage, and rotate it out so it doesn’t go stale. (I add stabilizer anyway just in case I get lazy…)

      I don’t even own a chainsaw. For the little bit of wood I need to dice up, I put a 12-inch wood blade in my recip and that’s done all I’ve ever asked. It’s certainly not as fast as a proper chainsaw, but it sure was cheap! 😉

      Reply
    • Nathan

      Mar 15, 2019

      in your area I wouldn’t have one. Or I’d have it as a extra maybe. I’d depend on a gas device too.

      Then again I’d probably also have a whole home generator too. Or something for power backup

      Reply
      • MacLean

        Mar 15, 2019

        30 kw diesel generator…which I bought on surplus…and didn’t have hooked up yet because the transfer switch is good awful expensive.

        Reply
  14. Nick

    Mar 15, 2019

    I bought the saw after hurricane Michael took out trees in my yard and some friends around me. I own several gas saws huskvarna, poulan, etc. I used to love the hskvna, starts easy, cuts well, ok power 39cc, rarely stalls. Then the Milwaukee came in, power was out for about 2 weeks, gas was even harder to get. I used a generator to charge batteries, used the batteries to charge my phone and use my tools. I’ve been using the Milwaukee chainsaw fairly often for several months now. As for as the headline description goes; I’d say that it’s 100% accurate. The saw is much quieter than any gas powered, and as far as cutting power, it far surpasses the hskvna. Every time I use this saw in front of someone new they are blown away by the performance. Even after telling them the price tag, they just saw “worth every penny” and then some. My biggest pro I can give anyone reading this review would have to be, if you are on a ladder or on top of a roof, an all electric saw is the only way to go.

    Reply
    • Mo

      Mar 15, 2019

      I find it an excellent tool. I used it last fall to help my father put up about 3 cord of dry standing red and white elm.

      We used this and his 40v Ryobi. No gas saws.
      The Ryobi is probably fine for most home owner and light duty use.

      The only issue I ran into was overheating the battery pack while bucking a tree into firewood. This is an almost constant load on the machine. They’d shut down a bit before half drained. Swap out and cool down, use again. But that dry red elm is HARD.
      I have way too many battery packs and chargers, so it wasn’t an issue for me.

      But I’d say that you need a minimum of 4 HO packs and 2 rapid chargers if you want to try to run this all day. And that is an investment.

      Reply
  15. Ryan

    Mar 15, 2019

    I cut 80-100 cords of firewood per year and I’ve tried nearly every electric chainsaw out there and the Milwaukee 16” is the best cordless electric chainsaw on the market to date.. the 58v Echo is very impressive as well, but it’s all about the amp hours in these batteries.. the Milwaukee high output 12.0 amp hour battery is absolutely amazing in my opinion..

    I honestly can’t wait to see what the future has in store with the cordless electric chainsaw market..

    BTW – I obviously don’t cut 80-100 cords of firewood per year strictly using my Milwaukee chainsaw.. I use it as much as I possibly can and it definitely serves its purpose for what I may need it for on any giving day.. I mainly use it for anything 12-14” and under in diameter..

    Here’s the way I see it, if you are curious about how well the Milwaukee chainsaw performs.. I challenge you to go buy the kit on Home Depot’s website.. I believe it’s somewhere around $449 plus tax right now.. you get a 90 day return policy if you buy it from Home Depot, so you have nothing to lose.. if you don’t like it, take it back and get a full refund, no questions asked..

    Reply
  16. Dominic S

    Mar 15, 2019

    Could we get a comparison between the Echo 58V and this Milwaukee? Personal anecdotes acceptable as well.

    I run M18 power tools but I have an Echo 58V string trimmer. Wondering which chainsaw to get and would like to make an informed decision.

    Reply
    • Bryce

      Mar 15, 2019

      I’m in the same boat (I use Echo 58v and Mikwaukee). Pretty sure I will go with the Echo saw. They both seem like good products, so it comes down to 1) cost and 2) battery compatibility. The Echo line is lesser known than some others like Ego/Milwaukee, so you can sometimes get great deals on eBay on open box or even brand new Echo 58v equipment. As far as batteries go, I own some power hungry M18 tools like the mud mixer, but even with that I just do not see a real use case for the Milwaukee 12ah battery. It is a false compatibility for me. Yes it fits into smaller tools and works, but there is a 0% chance I would ever actually use it that way. I am always gonna reach for a handier battery. The only tool I would actually use the 12ah battery in would be the chainsaw. So for me it makes sense to keep my hand tool lineup separate from my outdoor tool lineup, and maintain large batteries for the outdoor tools and small/medium size batteries for hand tools. Just my 2 cents.

      Reply
      • Nathan

        Mar 15, 2019

        on the battery idea – that’s part of what lead me to the ECHO system. I’m already in the Dewalt tool system so when it came time for a new trimmer I was thinking about the Dewalt 40V but it’s a different battery – so why choose that over others. Though it gets great reviews.

        I’ve always thought high draw powertools needed more voltage anyway so when the echo 58V system came out it made so much sense – and I thought – it had ECHO behind it. The attachment system alone on the trimmer was worth for me. So I now had a dedicated OPE battery platform and a different tool platform. Worked great.

        Doing that from scratch today – I’m lean a bit on the EGO system, and probably still look hard at the Dewalt 40V OPE. The Dewalt is quality enough that I see some pros in my area move to it. But I also now see some using the new Stihl cordless system – with the backpack battery even. (seriously – look it up – insane)

        Reply
    • Nathan

      Mar 15, 2019

      I have the echo 58V chainsaw and I really like it but I’ll say I don’t use it hard AT ALL. I have a bit over an acre lot with some trees and I use it on my dad’s lot where we cut down a diseased Elm.

      Anyway I’ll say I think the 2 saws are mostly the same – same parent company – same bar – same chain – etc. The Echo after a light delay will start spinning strong. I use the 4AH battery with mine because that’s the only batteries I have are the 4AH. So it’s heavier. But it runs – there are other reviews about the runtime and the like and I have to assume they are accurate. I was done trimming up trees and the battery still had power. The day we cut the elm down – I did that and cut 5 sections out of it – battery was probably 50% after that. IT still ran if I wanted to use it.

      I have great success with the string trimmer and the chainsaw – but the hedge trimmer issue has me thinking I would buy into another platform. ECHO doesn’t want to support this and apparently neither does TTI. WHich makes sense considering they compete for shelf space. I suspect it won’t be long before ECHO abandons this and moves to the Stihl/Husqvarna 36V system – and calls it their own.

      The product however is good.

      Reply
  17. The Baker

    Mar 15, 2019

    I have had the Makita 36v saw for over a year and have been using it on our Christmas tree farm in Oregon . It’s perfect to hang on the tractor and use for general maintainance around the farm. Cutting downed branches, dead trees and general clean up. With a pair of 6a batteries it lasts most of the day unless I’m using it heavily. I like the ability to buy Oregon chains and bars off Amazon pretty inexpensively. It continually surprises me how much it can cut and really like that I don’t have to carry around gas too. Naturally, the big Sthil comes out for firewood or large diameter trees. Very happy with the makita.

    Reply
  18. Bob

    Mar 15, 2019

    I am not sold on electric saws. Power to weight for the electrics is pretty terrible and battery life aint there yet. Durability is still questionable. Though none of them have been out long enough to know for sure.

    For example my stihl ms660 a pro saw weighs about the same (16lb) as the Milwaukee with 12.0 battery. But the stihl will pull a 42” bar burried in oak and has 7.5hp. This is a 90cc saw and is the second largest saw Stihl makes. They litteraly cut down the rain forest with these things. Now I get it a MS660 is not a saw you want to run every day, all day. Just used it as the weights match up. I have run a ms660 all day, as my main saw, when I was a kid. Once. And I was in great physical shape back then and it still kicked my a$$. A more realistic example would be The Stihl MS261. 10.8 lbs 4hp. Great power to weight. And with these new “fuel injected” chainsaws, carburetors should never need adjusting if you use fresh gas/stabilizer.

    The Stihl $600ish is similar money for a milwaukee saw and two 12 amp hr batteries assuming a 25” bar on the stihl.

    I get it electrics have their niches. They are quieter and no emmissions/stinky 2 stroke smell but lugging around a heavy electric saw is going to wear you out very quickly. Tired+chainsaw=bad news. I mean I guess they figure the batteries are going to run out before you get tired?

    I don’t run saws professionally any more so my saws may only run a couple times a year if that. I don’t have issues with gummed up carburetors because I use the right gas and store the saws correctly. I just pick up my saw and use them when I need them so I don’t think the electric has an advantage in this department. Come on guys mixing gas ain’t that hard Lol. Buy the premixed stuff in the can. Seriously you should though. It doesn’t have any ethanol and is high-octane gas+stabilizers.

    These electric saws are the same money as a pro gas saw, are not as powerful, weigh more and I doubut they will last as long (durability). They are less noisey and don’t pollute (emmissions) but if your into being green why are you cutting down a tree tho 😉

    I love all my cordless tools I just don’t think electric battery chainsaws are up to snuff YET. I fully expect that to change sooner or later tho. Maybe the next battery technology will get us there.

    Reply
    • aj

      Mar 15, 2019

      Good points but it’s 13.9 pounds with the battery. Also, battery life really is impressive, especially with lighter use. Equal to maybe 3 fills of gas.

      Reply
    • Charles F

      Jun 2, 2020

      Stihl has gone to hell. After my last stihl died with no support, and my (pro) Stihl dealer saying “we don’t recommend Stihl anymore, we are having a lot of issues, buy Echo” I switched to the m18 chainsaw.

      So far it’s great. I pick it up all the time over my 2 gas husqvarnas.

      Old stihl is good though. I’d buy a used (pre 2016) over a new one any day. Company is just riding off it’s old rep.

      Reply
  19. Bob

    Mar 16, 2019

    I will admit I am highly skeptical milwaukee battery can perform same work as three tanks of fuel in a gas saw but if thats the case I would love to see a gas vs electric shoot out video. Especially with one of the newer electronicly carbureted gas saws. If it was a legit “controlled variable” experiment I bet it would get huge views on youtube. Yes, you too can be a youtube star lol

    I just thought of another point. If I’d have to stop for three tanks of fuel in the same time the Milwaukee stoped for one battery change I would also have filled the oil resivor three times in my gas saw. I would think you would almost have to do the same for the Milwaukee saw as well (assuming it has adequate chain lubing qualities). Even some of the pro gas saws do not pump enough oil into the bar so this would be a concern with the electrics for me. If I am already on the ground filling the oil tank, its not any more time to fill the gas tank. Food for thought at least.

    Also the ms261 (more realistic comparison than the old and heavy ms660) is 10.8 lb vs 13.9 for the Milwaukee. 3+lb difference is huge when it comes to saws. Thanks for the heads up on the Milwaukee weight tho. Seemed way to heavy at 16ish lbs and Team Red usualy has their tools squared away.

    Reply
  20. Charles F

    Jun 2, 2020

    I have the M18 chainsaw, had it for a year now. Great saw. Everybody’s first choice.

    After using it one of my guys went ahead and bought his own.

    It’s a bit heavy, and a 16. It’s got a role. Perfect for a guy like me who cuts down say 30 trees a year, which means unending carburetor issues. And yeah, I’ve gone with the canned fuel all the way, it helps

    Reply
  21. TomD

    Nov 8, 2021

    It appears a new version is coming out – the 2727-20C – but I can’t find what’s different as it looks identical, but if basically the same why did they change the part number?

    Reply
    • TomD

      Nov 8, 2021

      Perhaps the “C” refers to “California” in response to the new law banning gas motor tools.

      Reply
    • Big Richard

      Nov 8, 2021

      Isn’t it just a 14″ version? The 2727-20 is the current 16″ model and the 2727-20C is a 14″ model.

      At least that’s what I have heard, I can do some more digging.

      Reply
    • Big Richard

      Nov 12, 2021

      Sorry for the delay TomD, but I did get confirmation from my Milwaukee rep that the only difference is the bar length. Same powerhead with no other updates.

      Reply
  22. Big Richard

    Apr 20, 2022

    Nice option – albeit pricey – for anyone who owns the saw:

    https://www1.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Outdoor-Power-Equipment/Saws/49-16-2747

    Reply

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