Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower Delivers Higher Performance And Runtime
Milwaukee got off to a hot start with its battery-powered lawn care system, but the blower has been in need of an upgrade. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower is the response and we’re diving deeper to see if it’s been worth the wait.
Pros
- Much higher blowing force than previous versions: 18.0 N on our meter
- Ambidextrous cruise control slider
- No gas noise, emissions, maintenance, or other hassles
- Easy-to-see fuel gauge
- Comfortable handle and trigger design
Cons
- Sometimes acts like it’s shifting between speeds while using the cruise control at lower levels
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower Performance
Power Source
The Milwaukee 2824 requires two M18 batteries to operate and High Output batteries offer the best performance. There are no specific recommendations at the moment, but 8.0Ah High Output packs offer a nice balance of performance, runtime, and weight.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use two batteries of the same capacity that start fully charged to get the best results.
Blowing Force
It’s all about the numbers and the Milwaukee 2824 is a big step up from the previous single-battery design (2724). For airspeed, you’re looking at 145 MPH backed up with up to 600 CFM. At its best, it can produce up to 17.7 Newtons of blowing force. Plus, it has a ridiculously fast throttle response, hitting full power in under a second.
Using a pair of 8.0Ah High Output batteries, we actually registered a peak of 18.3 Newtons with a stable measurement of 18.0. It’s always nice when something exceeds our expectations.
While that doesn’t challenge the highest blowing force numbers we’ve seen, it’s still impressive. Most gas handheld blowers might get you in the 12.0 Newton range, so it’s pushing significantly better than that.
Perhaps more importantly, it’s a level that is capable of moving wet debris far better than Milwaukee’s first efforts.
Runtime
Runtime depends on which batteries and what speed you’re using. With the 8.0Ah High Output batteries we tested with, the blower ran through them in just over 15 minutes at full power. If you want the best runtime, you can use the 12.0Ah High Output packs, which should net you north of 23 minutes at WOT.
Of course, your runtime improves tremendously if you run at lower power levels. We turned the blower to medium (3 bars on the cruise control) and had 4 bars after 30 minutes. It finally quit with 1 hour, 51 minutes on the stopwatch.
Perhaps more relevant, we tuned the cruise control to deliver 12 Newtons—the point where gas models fall away. There, we were able to run for just over 32 minutes (32:12).
Noise Level
Based on ANSI B175.2 testing, Milwaukee’s blower only generates 64 decibels. We test at the operator’s ear rather than 50 feet away so you know what to expect while you’re working. In this case, wide open throttle (WOT) generates 81 dB(a). That should keep the neighbors happy, even if you’re working first thing on Saturday morning.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower Design
Throttle Control
Like many blowers on the market, you can control the throttle with the variable speed trigger or a cruise control. Milwaukee’s take on the cruise control is a little different, though. It’s a center slider that’s equally easy to operate whether you’re right or left-handed.
You can also operate the trigger with the cruise control on. If you come across some stubborn debris, just hit the trigger to give you full power. When you release it, the cruise control holds it right back to the level it was before.
Size and Weight
The blower is just over 34 inches long and weighs 6.0 pounds without batteries. Your operating weight depends on which batteries you decide to use. If you go with a pair of 8.0Ah High Output packs, you’re looking at 10.7 pounds total.
Additional Highlights
- Onboard fuel gauge that’s visible while working
- Secondary hand grip
- Includes tapered and flat nozzles
- Compatible with all M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower Price
Milwaukee is launching the 2824 as a bare tool only for $299.00. It’s backed with a 3-year warranty.
That’s more than residential models with similar performance. Just keep in mind that Milwaukee designs its OPE primarily for professional crews and longer days than homeowners ask of their blowers.
Milwaukee Battery-Powered Blower Comparison
| M18 Fuel 2724 | M18 Fuel 2824 | |
| Power Source | 1 x M18 Battery | 2 x M18 Batteries |
| Airspeed | 120 MPH | 145 MPH |
| Air Volume | 450 CFM | 600 CFM |
| Blowing Force | 11.2 Newtons | 17.7 Newtons |
| Bare Weight | 4.9 pounds | 6.0 pounds |
| Noise Level | 62 decibels | 64 decibels |
| Bare Price | $169 | $299 |
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery Leaf Blower is a big step up in performance compared to its earlier models, making it an easier sell as a gas replacement. The two-battery design puts more watt-hours worth of battery capacity onboard and improvements to the controls make it easier to use. For fans of Milwaukee’s lawn care lineup, the 2824 fills a big gap for professional crews.
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2824
- Power Source: 2 x M18 batteries
- Max Airspeed: 145 MPH
- Max Air Volume: 600 CFM
- Blowing Force: 17.7 Newtons
- Weight: 6.0 lbs bare
- Price: $299 bare
- Warranty: 3 years
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