Up to now, the Milwaukee Quik-Lok system was the only pole saw working on the M18 battery platform. That’s changing with the announcement of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw (model 3013). After putting it to the test, we can confidently say there are some compelling reasons to get your hands on one.
Pros
- Outstanding cutting power and speed
- Well-built, durable design
- 13-foot maximum length (~16-foot reach)
- Excellent sightline to the cut
- Beefy branch hook
- Full high-end gas replacement
- Inline design fits inside a 6-inch diameter conduit carrier
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Editor’s Note: Check out our best pole saws article to see our top picks.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw Performance
My Bride and I took the opportunity to use this pole saw to clear some of the horse trails we use up in Georgia. While chainsaws are the go-to for everything at ground level, we use a pole saw to clear out some of the higher branches that can get in the way of a rider on a horse along with general tree maintenance.
The Milwaukee PowerState brushless motor uses a single M18 High Output battery. It produces 2.4 horsepower with 1.9Nm of peak torque and claims to outperform competing gas models. According to Milwaukee’s data, between the power and the 25m/s chain speed running on a 10-inch bar, you can cut up to 50% faster than you can with leading gas models. Plus, it cranks up to full speed in less than 1 second. Based on our experience, those claims are most certainly valid.
Once you make your cut, there’s a good, strong metal branch hook to help you pull it down if it gets hung up.
For reach, the saw telescopes from 9 feet on the short end to 13 feet on the long end. Depending on your height, that’s a working reach of roughly 12 to 16 feet. The adjustment collar may seem large compared to other models, but its size makes it easier to grasp and twist than most models we’ve used.
When you first grab hold of the pole saw, you’ll notice that the shaft feels different. That’s because it’s not round like most models. The overall shape is triangular with rounded corners. It makes for a more comfortable hold and improves control.
Thanks to an inline profile, you have an excellent sightline to your cut, and the saw can fit inside a 6-inch diameter conduit or PVC pipe for transport.
Like all tools on the M18 and M18 Fuel lines, you can use any M18 RedLithium battery for power. However, the pole saw is designed to work best with High Output packs. The 12.0Ah battery is the best bet for heavy-duty cutting jobs.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw Design Notes
With some of Milwaukee’s new lawn care and landscaping tools coming out in a dual-battery design, there was some question as to what the pole saw would use. It’s a single battery, which saves some weight.
That said, it’s still a pole saw with a fully extended length of 13 feet and a 16-pound weight before you add the battery. Going with magnesium for the cutting head helps keep the weight on the end manageable more balanced, though.
While the weight may seem like it’s heavy compared to some of the other battery-powered models you’ve seen, keep in mind the Pro target user. The working weight of this saw is right on par with what you get from models such as the Stihl HT 135 gas model or the HTA 135 on the battery side.
Additionally, Milwaukee includes a shoulder strap to help manage the additional strain of working with this long of a tool. We found that by adjusting it so that the trigger is at your hip, it takes significant weight out of your hands while still allowing you to control the throttle and manage the cut well.
Chain adjustments follow a standard Pro-level design. There’s a single bar stud with a captured nut (thank you!) to secure it. Slightly loosen that nut with scrench and then flip it around to use the slotted screwdriver side to adjust the tension up or down. The scrench stores securely on board in the battery bay.
As you would expect from a Pro-grade pole saw, there’s an automatic chain oiler with a translucent reservoir to help you keep an eye on your oil levels.
Finally, there’s a protective extension under the battery port. Even with a 12.0Ah battery, it extends beyond the pack’s housing, offering some additional durability if you set the pole saw down or happen to drop it.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw Price
You can get the Milwaukee 3013 as a kit with a 12.0Ah battery and charger for $799. There’s also a bare tool option for $599. Milwaukee backs the saw with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Prior to this model, your only option for cutting at height with a Milwaukee pole saw was to use the Quik-Lok model with an extension or two. That’s fine for folks who only have occasional pole sawing jobs to take care of. For those of you who use them more frequently, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping Pole Saw’s outstanding cutting performance and ability to quickly adjust lengths to fit the job makes owning the dedicated model a better option to keep your productivity high and frustration low.
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