Milwaukee M18 FUEL Dual Battery Blower

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Dual Battery Blower, model 2824-20, is a robust and powerful tool designed to meet the demands of both professional landscapers and serious homeowners. After spending some time with this blower, I can confidently say it brings a new level of convenience and performance to cordless landscaping tools.

Unpacking the Power

The first thing that struck me was the sheer power this blower delivers. With a maximum output of 600 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and an airspeed of 145 MPH, it competes directly with gas-powered blowers. This power is particularly evident when tackling heavy or wet leaves, which it handles with ease. The blower reaches full throttle in under a second, which is a noticeable advantage when you need to quickly clear an area.

Battery Life and Performance

This blower requires two M18 REDLITHIUM batteries to operate, and it's optimized for the high-output variants. I tested it with a pair of 9Ah and 12Ah batteries. While the 12Ah batteries offered the best performance, they also added significant weight, making the blower a bit cumbersome for extended use. The 9Ah batteries provided a good balance between power and weight, making it more manageable for longer tasks.

One of the standout features is the variable speed control. The ambidextrous sliding lock-on lever allows you to set a consistent speed, which is great for prolonged tasks like clearing a large driveway or yard. You can also use the trigger for an extra burst of power when needed. This flexibility helps extend battery life by allowing you to use only as much power as necessary for the job at hand.

Comfort and Usability

Despite its power, the blower is relatively quiet, especially compared to gas-powered models. Milwaukee claims a noise rating of 64 dB(A), though my own measurements showed it to be slightly louder at full throttle. Nevertheless, it's still quieter than many other blowers I've used, making it less of a nuisance for both the user and the neighbors.

The blower is well-balanced, even with the heavier batteries. The secondary handle at the bottom is a thoughtful addition, providing extra support for two-handed operation. This is particularly useful when using the blower for extended periods or when maneuvering in tight spaces. The build quality is what you would expect from Milwaukee—sturdy and durable, with high-quality plastic construction.

Attachments and Features

The M18 FUEL Dual Battery Blower comes with both tapered and flat nozzle attachments. While I found the tapered nozzle to be more useful for most tasks, the flat nozzle did create a slight high-pitched sound that I found irritating. However, this is a minor inconvenience, especially since I generally wear hearing protection when using power tools.

One of the most innovative features is the battery life indicator. Located in a convenient spot on the blower, it provides a clear view of the remaining battery life, allowing you to plan your tasks more efficiently. This is particularly useful when working on larger projects where running out of power midway can be a significant disruption.

Practical Use Cases

During my testing, I used the blower for a variety of tasks, from clearing leaves off my roof and gutters to tidying up my driveway and patio. It performed exceptionally well in all scenarios. The variable speed control was particularly useful when dealing with delicate areas like flower beds, where too much power could displace mulch or damage plants.

For homeowners with large properties or professionals who need a reliable tool for daily use, this blower offers a compelling mix of power, convenience, and durability. However, it’s worth noting that the blower is battery-hungry. On full power, even the high-output batteries drained faster than I would have liked. Therefore, having multiple sets of batteries and a rapid charger is almost a necessity for uninterrupted use.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Dual Battery Blower is a powerhouse that brings the convenience of cordless operation without compromising on performance. Its quick throttle response, variable speed control, and robust build quality make it a versatile and reliable tool for a wide range of landscaping tasks. However, its heavy reliance on high-capacity batteries and the associated cost could be a drawback for some users.

Would I recommend this blower? Absolutely, but with a few caveats. If you already own other Milwaukee tools and have a collection of M18 batteries, this blower is a no-brainer. It seamlessly integrates into the Milwaukee ecosystem and offers performance that rivals gas-powered models. However, if you’re new to Milwaukee tools or have a limited budget, the cost of acquiring multiple high-capacity batteries could be a significant investment.

In summary, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Dual Battery Blower is an excellent tool for those who need serious power and are willing to invest in the necessary batteries to keep it running. Its performance, build quality, and user-friendly features make it a standout in the cordless blower market.