Milwaukee Tool is the latest manufacturer to enter the cordless outdoor power equipment business. The Brookfield, Wis.-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries teased the new products to the media June 8-9 at the company’s 2016 New Product Symposium in Milwaukee.
With a January launch planned, Milwaukee didn’t release specifications, run times or price points for the string trimmer, blower or hedge trimmer, which are part of the manufacturer’s M18 FUEL line that includes more than 200 tools with interchangeable lithium ion batteries. A chain saw is also in the works, but the company didn’t give a timeline for its launch.
Andrew Lentz, product manager for battery products and outdoor power equipment, said Milwaukee saw a “tremendous opportunity” to leverage its technology and R&D processes to deliver cordless outdoor power equipment products.
The company did extensive user testing to get feedback on performance, durability and ergonomics. The result is a product line that Lentz said outperforms 18-volt products on the market and some higher voltage products. He noted this equipment will be complimentary to gas products on landscape professionals’ trucks and trailers–not a replacement.
Here are the details available on the new products, all of which are lighter, quieter and have lower vibration than their gas-powered counterparts, Milwaukee said.
M18 FUEL String Trimmer: The trimmer features a Powerstate Brushless Motor with a solid drive shaft, delivering power, balance and maneuverability for the professional. It reaches full throttle instantly and delivers unmatched run-time.
M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer: This product delivers more power under load, unmatched run time and has a zero maintenance motor, Milwaukee said. Its 24-in. blade trims more material in a single pass, increasing reach and productivity.
M18 FUEL Blower: It provides the best combination of power and efficiency through an axial fan design, the manufacturer said. The blower delivers the longest max CFM run-time of all cordless blowers on the market, according to Milwaukee.
The products are designed and engineered in Wisconsin and made in China. They will be sold through the company’s existing distributor network, which includes hardware stores, farm and ag distributors, dealers and Home Depot.
