Our editor, Scott May, recently moved into a new home in Olympia, Washington, with several acres of mostly wooded land that needed substantial cleanup. Over the past few months he has worked through brush, ivy, undergrowth and general yard cleanup to prepare for winter. During that time he tested the latest Milwaukee M18 FUEL outdoor power tools and came away impressed. Initially skeptical about battery-powered equipment for heavy foliage, he found the cordless tools handled the work well and made yard chores easier compared with gas-powered alternatives. Below are his observations and photos from extended real-world use.
Trimmer
Scott used the trimmer extensively on tall brush and grass, ivy, general shrub trimming and even light work on small trees. The tool delivered consistent power and felt well balanced for prolonged use. Removing the cord eliminates the risk of accidentally cutting a power lead and makes it far easier to reach tight spots and hold the tool at awkward angles. Compared with gas trimmers, there’s no exhaust or fuel to contend with, which is a clear advantage in confined areas. With the HD 9.0 battery he didn’t run out of charge during needed tasks. The only issue he noticed after several weeks of heavy use was the cutting blades loosening slightly; a quick re-tighten solved it without further trouble.
String Trimmer
Concerns about whether the battery-powered string trimmer could match a gas alternative were put to rest. On grass it performed exceptionally well, and the ability to control speed electronically made precise trimming simpler than with a gas engine. Scott praised the quick-load head design — it significantly speeds up line replacement and probably cuts that task down to about 30 seconds. The only drawback he mentioned was a slightly awkward balance when using the tool for edging, but overall it proved to be a reliable, easy-to-maintain option for regular lawn care.
Blower
The blower became his favorite tool. It’s versatile, quiet and surprisingly useful beyond outdoor leaf cleanup. Scott uses it indoors to clear dust from sensitive equipment like LED panels and delicate display materials, and at home to dry a freshly washed car or blow dust out of a garage. It performs very well on driveways and lawns, and because it’s cordless it’s convenient around the house. For longer run times he recommends pairing it with a larger battery. Compared to his corded blower, the M18 unit is quieter and more practical for indoor use, making it an excellent all-purpose blower for both residential and light commercial needs.
Overall, Scott’s experience with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL outdoor power line transformed him into a cordless advocate. The tools provided ample power, convenient handling, and practical advantages over gas models—no fuel, no fumes, less maintenance, and improved maneuverability. For homeowners with acreage or heavily wooded yards who want the flexibility of battery power without sacrificing performance, these tools make a compelling case.