Milwaukee M18 Fuel 20cm Hatchet Pruning Saw
Earlier in the year I had an idea to write an article exploring the different hatchets that can be carried in the back of your 4x4 that don’t take up much space, but after watching many videos, and reading on-line reviews it quickly became apparent that this was the one to beat.
After numerous attempts to contact Milwaukee for information and images about their saw – and receiving the corporate equivalent of tumbleweeds – I did what any self-respecting hack would do: I went elsewhere. In fact, I went one step further and got my wallet out and bought the bloody thing myself. (Being transparent - I wasn’t even asking for a sample to borrow - just images!).
Enter Powertoolmate.co.uk, who not only answered their phone but actually seemed pleased to take my money. Cheaper than Milwaukee's own pricing and refreshingly efficient, they had the hatchet and batteries winging their way north faster than you could say "customer service disaster." Sometimes the best gear reviews come from the most frustrating circumstances, and this little beauty has certainly proven that point.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hatchet and separate battery pack arrived very well packaged and looking like it meant business – a compact, red and black beast that sits somewhere between a traditional pruning saw and a proper chainsaw. At first glance, you might wonder if someone at Milwaukee had been having a laugh, creating what appears to be a miniature chainsaw for people who can't be bothered with pull-starts and petrol mixing. But spend five minutes with it, and you'll realise this is no novelty item.
Built Like a Brick Outhouse
The build quality is typical Milwaukee – solid as a rock and designed to survive whatever punishment British weather and ham-fisted users can dish out. The 20cm (8” in old money), bar might seem modest compared to your average chainsaw, but for the tasks most of us actually need doing, it's spot on. The brushless motor delivers the kind of torque that makes short work of branches up to about 15cm diameter, while the compact size means you can actually manoeuvre the thing without needing a degree in lumberjacking. Not that I, Milwaukee, or anyone recommends it, but there are videos on-line of folk using it to cut down trees that are well over a foot in diameter.
What struck me immediately was how balanced it feels in the hand, especially with their 5.5Ah batteries. Milwaukee have clearly spent time getting the weight distribution right, and it weighs in at around 2.7kg with the battery. The rubber overmould grips provide excellent purchase even when your hands are cold and damp – which, let's face it, describes about 90% of the year in this part of the world.
Lumberjack shirt and 007 pose!
The safety features are comprehensive without being intrusive. There's a proper chain brake that activates if the saw kicks back, plus a lockout switch on both sides that prevents accidental starts. The chain tensioning system isn’t tool-free, but Milwaukee have been thoughtful enough to attach the adjustment tool directly to the saw body, so you’re never rummaging through a wet field or the back of your motor trying to find it. They’ve also included a sturdy scabbard that slips securely over the bar and chain for safe transport and storage.
Fire Pit Champion
My primary reason for buying this saw was cutting wood for the fire pit, and it's absolutely excelled in this role. Seasoned hardwood logs that would have me reaching for the bow saw now get dispatched in seconds. The chain speed is impressive – Milwaukee claim 15 metres per second, and while I can't verify that without some seriously expensive timing equipment, it certainly feels rapid enough to make light work of even knotty timber.
Battery life has been better than expected. A single M18 5.5Ah battery will typically see me through well over an hour of intermittent cutting, which covers most of my needs. The saw takes any battery from Milwaukee's extensive M18 range, so if you're already invested in their ecosystem, you're sorted. If not, factor in the cost of at least one decent battery – the tool-only version might look tempting on price, but you'll need juice to make it work.
Charging made easy using my Ecoflow Delta 2 Max
After quite a bit of umming and ahing, I eventually opted for the Milwaukee M18HB5 High Output 5.5AH twin pack battery kit - this cost me more than the Hatchet itself!
Green Lane Maintenance Made Easy
The other half of this saw's brief was clearing overhanging branches on green lanes before being driven along in press cars. Nothing kills the mood quite like £50,000 worth of shiny metal getting intimate with an oak tree, and the Milwaukee has proven invaluable for preventive maintenance.
Working overhead is where the compact size really pays dividends. A full-size chainsaw would be unwieldy and potentially dangerous for this kind of work, but the hatchet's modest proportions make precision cutting feasible even when you're stretching up from a ladder, or tailgate. The anti-kickback features inspire confidence when working at awkward angles, and the relatively quiet operation means you're less likely to wake the entire village at dawn.
Chain maintenance is straightforward, with standard Oregon components that are readily available from any decent tool shop. The automatic oiling system keeps things lubricated without intervention, though Milwaukee could have been more generous with the oil reservoir size – it wants topping up fairly regularly if you're doing extended sessions.
The Verdict
The M18 Fuel Hatchet Pruning Saw has proven its weight in gold. It's transformed routine maintenance tasks from proper chores into quick jobs, and opened up possibilities for projects that previously would have required hiring kit or calling in favours.
Costs vary, but at around £200 for the Saw alone, it's not impulse-buy territory, but for anyone who regularly deals with timber maintenance, it pays for itself quickly in time saved and convenience gained. The build quality inspires confidence, the performance impresses, and the battery compatibility makes it a logical addition to any M18 toolkit.
Just don't bother trying to ring Milwaukee about it – save yourself the frustration and go straight to a proper retailer. Sometimes the best customer service comes from the people who actually want your business.
The Mud Life verdict: A proper tool that does exactly what it promises, even if buying one requires navigating Milwaukee's customer service black hole. Highly recommended for anyone who values their time and shoulders.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a fire pit to feed and some press cars to protect from low-hanging lumber. Some jobs are just more satisfying with proper kit.
Saw: PowerToolMate - Milwaukee M18 Hatchet
Price: Around £170.00
Batteries: PowerToolMate - Milwaukee M18 18v 5.5Ah High Output Battery Twin Pack and Fast Charger Energy Kit
Price: Around £200.00