Blog Post Refresh Testing
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery 3006
SCORE: 78 POINTS
- Max Speeds: 4900/6200 RPM
- Max Line Diameter: 0.105 in.
- Cutting Swath: 17 in.
- Stock Head: Dual-line, rapid load
- Length: 73.4 in.
- Weight: 16.8 lbs w/2 x 8.0Ah batteries
- Bare Price: $399
- Kit Price: $699 w/two x 8.0Ah High Output batteries
PROS
- Extremely powerful
- High cutting speed
- Large cutting swath
- 0.105-in. line capable
- Includes a rapid load head
- Includes a shoulder strap
- Accelerators to full speed in less than 1 second
- 2.5 Nm peak torque
- 2.5HP peak power
CONS
- Heavy
- Frequent line breaks when cutting heavy cover
- Expensive
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Dual-Battery String Trimmer emerged as the most powerful model we tested. While its cutting swath isn’t quite as large as Makita’s GRU07 and Husqvarna’s 525iLST, we could feel the additional muscle Milwaukee’s brushless motor produced.
Its two-battery design puts 288Wh of capacity on board when you use a pair of 8.0Ah High Output batteries that netted more than 30 minutes of runtime during our review. From an efficiency standpoint, it’s solid as well, tying for second place. That’s impressive considering the noticeable power difference.
The downside is that it’s also the heaviest model in this group. However, there’s a shoulder strap that comes with the tool that I highly recommend you take advantage of when you’re trimming larger properties.
TOP SCORING BATTERY-POWERED STRING TRIMMERS
Best Overall: 93 Points
Husqvarna
525iLST
Runner Up: 88 Points
ECHO
DSRM-2600
Third Place: 87 Points
Greenworks Commercial
ST161
related links
- Other Trimmers We Tested
- Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers for Homeowners
While we love Husqvarna’s 520 iLX for its balance of light weight, low vibration, and maintenance cutting, the 525iLST offers more muscle and a larger swath to make quick work of roadside, ditch, and large area cutting. However, while its 25cc gas equivalent power is excellent for maintenance and moderate overgrowth, it doesn’t have as much power as some of the others on our list.
We tested with Husqvarna’s 9.0Ah battery and measured impressive cutting speed and runtime while keeping the weight manageable near the 13-pound mark. With backpack battery options also available, you can substantially extend that runtime and significantly reduce the amount of weight in your hands. It’s an excellent choice for Pro crews who need mid-range power and long runtime.
| Result | Ranking (Out of 8) | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Used | 9.0Ah | |
| Tested Top Speed | 5490 RPM | 7th |
| Cutting Speed | 8.8 sec. | 3rd |
| Runtime | 40.3 min. | 1st |
| Battery Efficiency | 7.0 sec/Wh | 2nd (tie) |
| Vibration Control | 2 out of 5 | 2nd (tie) |
| Balance | 4.3 lbs., front bias | 3rd (tie) |
| Line Loading | 2 out of 5 | 7th |
