Milwaukee Updates the M18 Fuel 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum with a New Design
Back in 2018, Milwaukee came out with its first backpack vacuum on the M18 Fuel platform. Fast forward to 2025, and a second-generation model is hitting shelves with an updated design. I’m going over everything you should know about the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum ahead of its release to help you determine if it’s the right model for your jobsite cleaning needs.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum Performance
- Model: Milwaukee 0895-20
- Max air volume: 70 CFM
- Max water lift: 55 inches
- Max runtime: 40 minutes
- Debris type: dry
- Brushless motor
The Milwaukee 0895-20 is the brand’s second go-around with the 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum name designation. Like the last model, it features a 3-in-1 design (more on that later) and a brushless motor.
On the highest speed setting, it delivers up to 70 CFM of air volume, with a water lift rating of 55 inches. The previous model (0885) achieved up to 55 CFM and a 76-inch water lift.
That change means that the new model is pulling in more air, affecting a wider field to pull in debris from a larger area. The trade-off is a lower pulling strength, though 55 inches of water lift is nothing to shake a stick at. I’ll compare the two models further in a table below.
Using an XC8.0 M18 battery, Milwaukee claims runtimes of up to 40 minutes on low and 20 minutes on high.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum Design
- Tank capacity: 1 gallon
- 3-in-1 wear/hang/carry design
- Tethered remote control
- Removable HEPA filter
- Compatible with 1 7/8-inch hose accessories
So, what is the 3-in-1 designation referring to with this vacuum? Like the previous model, you can wear it as a backpack or hang/carry it using the onboard handle at the top. Those capabilities are useful for keeping it off the ground while you work, but you can also set it on the ground thanks to its flat bottom platform.
No matter how you use it, the canister has a 1-gallon dry capacity, but it’s not rated for wet messes. If you need something for both wet and dry cleanup, Milwaukee has an extensive line of cordless shop vacs to choose from!
It includes a HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of dust particles greater than 0.3 microns. I like what Milwaukee did with the HEPA filter removal system with this model. You can easily remove the filter with a quarter turn to clear or replace it, and then lock it back into place when you’re finished.
One criticism we had with the previous M18 FUEL 3-in-1 backpack vacuum was that the power switch was in an inconvenient location. For the new model, Milwaukee introduced a much handier power control system, with a tethered remote that stores in two locations: one on the body of the vacuum and one on the right shoulder strap.
The controls themselves are simple— just a power button and a mode button to switch between power settings.
How Does it Compare?
With this updated model, Milwaukee now has two 3-in-1 backpack vacuums on the M18 platform. Let’s compare both models side by side to see how they stack up.
| Milwaukee 0895 (new model) | Milwaukee 0885 (previous model) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Airflow: | 70 CFM | 55 CFM |
| Max Water Lift: | 55 inches | 76 inches |
| Runtime: | 40 mins | 40 mins |
| Tank Capacity: | 1 gallon | 1 gallon |
| Price: | $299 (bare) | $299 (bare) |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum Price
This vacuum retails for $299 as a bare tool, including a HEPA filter and several vacuum hose accessories. There are no kit versions available at the time of writing, so be sure to pick up an M18 battery and charger if you’re not already on this system. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.
Should You Buy It?
Milwaukee released the previous-generation M18 backpack vacuum a few years ago, and while it was a good tool, it definitely had room for improvement. The new model (0895) introduces some welcome design changes, like a tethered remote and easy-remove HEPA filter. It also pulls in more air than the last model, collecting dust and dirt more effectively.
If you’re after a larger debris tank than 1 gallon, Milwaukee still has an extensive selection of cordless solutions on the M18 platform, ranging in tank size from 2 to 12 gallons. However, if the backpack design is a real draw for you, you’ll have to stick to one of their 1-gallon models for now.
