Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger Leaves No Doubt of its Professional Pedigree

As Milwaukee continues to expand its Pro-focused OPE lineup, we’re seeing some classic tools join the M18 battery system. Among the newcomers is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger, which aims to exceed gas-powered performance without all the hassle and maintenance. Today, I’m in digging in to see what this edger has to offer so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trailer!

Pros

Strong high-torque performance
Feels like using a gas edger
Kit includes a 12.0Ah Forge battery
5-year warranty

Cons

No significant drawbacks

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Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger Performance

Max No-Load Speed: 5200 RPM
Gas Equivalent: 31cc
Max Torque: 4.75 Nm
Blade Diameter: 8 in.
Noise Rating: 78 decibels

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger is powered by a brushless motor that spins the blade up to 5,200 RPMs in less than a second and exceeds the power of a 31cc gas-equivalent model. Unlike some battery-powered edgers, you won’t find a speed selector switch, so all of the control is literally at the tip of your fingers.

The blade speed is about 25% slower than what we saw with the Greenworks 60V 2700103VT and Toro 60V 51833 edgers, which both top out at 7,000 RPMs. But those are residential models, and Milwaukee is for Pros, so what gives?

It’s what doesn’t give—torque. And it makes all the difference.

The 3011 boasts a max torque of 4.75 Nm, which can outpace leading gas competitors. Most edgers don’t report their torque, so making a direct comparison is difficult. However, Milwaukee’s performance is going to match up against high-torque edgers like Stihl’s FC 111.

In fact, using the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger feels exactly like using a high-torque gas model without the noise and vibration. Pull the trigger and walk as fast as you want—there’s no bogging it down!

During our testing, I easily powered through some thick grass encroaching on our driveway and sidewalks around the office in a single pass. Granted, you may still need to make an additional pass or two if you’re reestablishing neglected edges, but you’d have to do the same thing with a high-end gas model.

In fact, using the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger feels exactly like using a high-torque gas model without the noise and vibration. Pull the trigger and walk as fast as you want—there’s no bogging it down!
Josh McGaffigan, Pro Tool Reviews

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger Design Notes

Model: Milwaukee 3011
Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
Weight: 11.3 lbs (bare tool), 14.6 lbs (with kitted Forge 12.0Ah battery)
Tool Length: 67 in.

Size and Weight

The Milwaukee 3011 weighs 11.3 pounds as a bare tool, 14.6 pounds with the kitted Forge 12.0Ah battery, and the tool body measures 67 inches from tip to tail.

Shaft

Milwaukee opted for a straight shaft design rather than an offset curved shaft. I know there are some Pro models out there with a curved shaft, but the entire PTR crew prefers a straight shaft design on our lawn care handhelds.

Cutting Head

Looking down at the trimmer head, there aren’t any major differences between the 3011 and the Milwaukee Quik-Lo k edger. The heavy-duty blade guard helps block flying debris and features a sightline indicator and a blade wear indicator to let you know when it’s time for a replacement. There’s also a steel skid plate to protect the gear housing from scraping.

Additional Features

Adjustable blade depth
Rubber overmold grip
Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Edger Price

The Milwaukee 3011 retails for $349 as a bare tool and $549 as a kit that includes an M18 Forge 12.0Ah battery. Milwaukee backs this edger with a 3-year warranty.

Stihl also has a model that’s in a similar performance vein. However, the FC 140 is currently $860 with a battery and charger, and that’s $300 off its regular price. You could buy two of the Milwaukee kits for just one of Stihl’s at its regular price. Even on sale, Milwaukee is still hundreds less.

The Bottom Line

Milwaukee designed the 3011 to be exactly what it needs to be without going overboard with unnecessary features. Because of that, it’s an easy transition that gives you a high-torque gas edger’s performance benefits and none of the headaches. If you’ve been waiting for a battery-powered edger that legitimately performs like a high-end gas model, then upgrade your trailer with Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Edger and kick the gas habit without regret!