Milwaukee Updates the M18 Fuel 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum with Several Notable Changes
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 to help you determine if it’s the right model for your jobsite cleaning needs.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum Performance
- Max air volume: 70 CFM
- Max water lift: 55 IOW
- Tank capacity: 1 gallon
- Max runtime: 40 minutes
- Debris Type: Dry only
- Motor Type: Brushless
Suction Power
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 power setting, it delivers up to 70 CFM of air flow 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 now pulling in more air, affecting a wider field to pull in debris from a larger area. The trade-off is a lower pulling strength, although 55 inches of water lift is nothing to shake a stick at. I’ll compare the two models further in a table below.
Bear in mind, this vacuum is only intended for dry messes, which is one of the reasons it’s able to trade off some water lift without losing effectiveness. If you need to clean up water or other wet debris, I suggest you opt for one of Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Modular Wet/Dry vacuums instead.
Runtime
Using an M18 Forge XC8.0 battery, Milwaukee claims runtimes of up to 40 minutes on low and 20 minutes on high. In the Max-Runtime mode, this translates to around 1,350 square feet of cleaning capability.
In my experience with battery-powered vacuums, runtime has been a particular pain point for large-scale use. But in this case, 40 minutes is more than enough to get the job done, especially if you’re just picking up light debris. Keep in mind, you can always opt for a larger battery if you need a little more time, but this will obviously affect the total operating weight.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum Design
- Model: Milwaukee 0895-20
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Weight: 17.9 lbs (bare tool), 20.3 lbs (with 8.0Ah Forge battery)
- Filter Type: Removable HEPA filter
- Hose Diameter: 1-7/8 in.
Size and Weight
As a backpack-style vacuum, the overall weight is a key factor that we need to consider. Milwaukee took this to heart and designed the 0895 backpack vacuum with a robust, padded hiker-style harness that’s easy to adjust to fit your body. It weighs in at 17.9 pounds as a bare tool and 20.3 pounds with the recommended 8.0Ah Forge battery.
While 20 pounds isn’t ridiculously heavy on your back, there are lighter models on the market, such as the Makita LXT XCV17, which only weighs 15 pounds with the two kitted 5.0Ah batteries, but it isn’t as strong.
I feel that Milwaukee makes up for this by giving you more padding for your waist and shoulders. But if weight is heavy on your mind, you may want to consider one of Milwaukee’s rolling vacuums instead.
Hose and Accessories
Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at what you get with this vacuum:
- Telescoping Wand: Extends from 26 inches to 38.5 inches for increased reach and versatility
- Pivoting Floor Tool: Easily maneuver around obstacles for fast and efficient cleanup
- Crevice Tool: Allows increased access into tight spaces
- Ergonomic Handle: Pairs easily with the telescoping wand for improved comfort
- 6-foot Flexible Hose: Features an integrated locking mechanism for a secure connection
One of my biggest gripes with vacuums across the board is what to do with the various nozzles and attachments. Fortunately, Milwaukee took this challenge head-on, and I think they did a great job. The telescoping wand, floor tool, crevice nozzle, and ergonomic handle all clip securely to the side of the vacuum when not in use. Moreover, the hose tip features a clever plastic clip that allows you to attach it directly to the base of the vacuum, keeping everything neat and organized.
3-in-1 Design
So, what is the 3-in-1 designation referring to with this vacuum?
Like the previous model, you can wear it as a backpack, carry it using the handle at the top, or hang it up by the integrated metal hook. 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 and is very easy to empty in a matter of seconds.
HEPA Filter
The Milwaukee 0895 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. This is nice because it doesn’t require you to open the canister and only takes a matter of seconds to swap out.
Tethered Remote Control
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 the two 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) | Milwaukee 0885 (old) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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, there was 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.
