Milwaukee M18 FUEL HATCHET 8" Pruning Saw

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL HATCHET 8" Pruning Saw is a game-changer for anyone involved in arboriculture, landscaping, or even just maintaining a large property. This compact, lightweight tool has quickly become an indispensable part of my toolkit, and I find myself reaching for it more often than my traditional gas-powered chainsaws.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things you'll notice about this pruning saw is its robust build. Milwaukee has a reputation for producing durable tools, and this one is no exception. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor is designed to handle demanding cuts without bogging down, and the full house chain ensures reduced vibration and cleaner cuts. The tool feels solid in hand, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight at just 4.9 lbs. This makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces or when working overhead.

The ergonomics are well thought out. The top handle design provides excellent control, and the lanyard loop is a handy feature for aerial applications. I particularly appreciate the metal bucking spikes, which offer enhanced control when making cuts. The translucent oil reservoir is another thoughtful touch, allowing for quick visibility of oil levels, ensuring you never run dry during a job.

Performance

When it comes to performance, this little saw punches well above its weight. The variable speed trigger provides excellent control, allowing for precise cuts. The automatic oiler ensures the chain is always properly lubricated, which is crucial for maintaining cutting efficiency and extending the life of the chain.

In my experience, the M18 FUEL HATCHET makes quick work of branches and small trees up to 6 inches in diameter. It might struggle with anything larger, but that’s to be expected given its 8-inch bar. For pruning tasks and clearing smaller debris, this saw is more than capable. I’ve used it on various types of wood, from soft pine to harder oak, and it performs admirably across the board.

Battery Life

Battery life is another area where this tool excels. I’ve primarily used it with 5.0Ah batteries, and I can get through a significant amount of work before needing to swap batteries. The Milwaukee M18 battery system is known for its longevity and fast charging times, and this saw is no exception. On a full charge, I’ve managed to cut through multiple 6-inch stems without any noticeable drop in performance.

Safety Features

Safety is always a concern when using power tools, and Milwaukee has incorporated several features to mitigate risks. The chain tensioner is easily accessible for quick adjustments, and the climbing scabbard provides a safe storage option when the tool is not in use. The knuckle guard adds an extra layer of protection for the forward hand, which is a nice touch.

However, there are some areas where the design could be improved. The bar lube reservoir is quite small, holding only about 30ml of oil. This means frequent refilling, which can be a bit of a hassle. Additionally, the bar lube cap sticks out and can catch on branches, potentially unscrewing during use. These are minor inconveniences but worth noting.

Usability

The usability of this tool is impressive. It’s light enough to use one-handed, though I would caution against this for safety reasons. The saw is well-balanced and comfortable to use for extended periods. The onboard tool carrier for tightening the chain is a convenient feature, ensuring you always have the necessary tools at hand.

One area where I found the tool lacking is in the design of the trigger and safety switch. The release lever is positioned such that you have to use your thumb to depress it, which can make the grip feel unstable, especially when wearing gloves. Additionally, the variable speed trigger has most of its motion in the slow range, which can be annoying and potentially dangerous as the saw is more prone to kickback at lower speeds.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this pruning saw has proven invaluable for a variety of tasks. From clearing storm-damaged branches to maintaining walking trails, it has consistently delivered reliable performance. It’s also a fantastic tool for homeowners who need to manage occasional fallen limbs or do some light pruning around the yard.

For professional use, this tool is a solid addition to any arborist’s arsenal. It’s particularly useful for limbing and small tree removal, where a larger chainsaw would be overkill. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and use in confined spaces, such as when working within a tree canopy.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL HATCHET 8" Pruning Saw is a highly capable and versatile tool that offers excellent performance in a compact package. While it does have a few design quirks, these are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from its overall functionality.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. For anyone looking for a reliable, easy-to-use pruning saw that can handle a variety of tasks, the M18 FUEL HATCHET is a fantastic choice. Its combination of power, battery life, and ergonomic design make it a valuable addition to any toolkit, whether you’re a professional arborist or a weekend warrior maintaining your property.