Milwaukee Four-Bay Super Charger Powers M18 and M12 Batteries Simultaneously

Milwaukee Super Charger Lets You Charge M18 and M12 Batteries At the Same Time

Keeping batteries charged is a constant part of life on the jobsite, and Milwaukee is looking to make that process a little easier with its latest charging solution. The Milwaukee M18 & M12 Four-Bay Super Charger takes aim at crews juggling multiple batteries and platforms throughout the workday, letting you charge both M18 and M12 packs at the same time. Let’s take a closer look at what this charger brings to the table and how it could benefit your jobsite.

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Milwaukee M18 & M12 Four-Bay Super Charger: Overview

Milwaukee has tons of charging solutions for both the M18 and M12 platforms. This even includes several models that are compatible with both battery systems. However, the new four-bay Super Charger (48-59-1818) allows you to charge both M18 and M12 batteries simultaneously on the same charger.

It features a total of two M18-only battery charging bays and two M18/M12 hybrid charging bays. This means that you can choose to charge up to four M18 batteries at the same time, or up to two M12 and two M18 batteries simultaneously. Milwaukee claims this charger leverages Charge Adapt Adaptive Charge Distribution to disperse power between all active bays for maximum charging productivity.

While the hybrid bay design isn’t a brand-new concept for Milwaukee, this model brings the M18/M12 bay configuration to its highest-capacity simultaneous charger yet.

Previously, Milwaukee’s only fully-simultaneous chargers were dual-bay models, with four- and six-bay chargers that utilized sequential charging instead. This includes models like the M18 Six-Bay Rapid Charger and Six Bay Daisy-Chain Rapid Charger, which charge up to two batteries at the same time, but move sequentially to the next two ports once those packs are full.

As for this new model, you get the benefits of full simultaneous charging capabilities, as well as compatibility with both battery platforms in one charging location. It’s also designated as a Super Charger, Milwaukee’s fastest class of chargers in its roster.

Taking notes from the previous-generation simultaneous Super Charger (the dual-bay 48-59-1816), it’s outfitted with Cool-Cycle compitability that works with Cool-Cycle-capable batteries. While the charger is compatible with all M18 and M12 packs, the Cool-Cycle function is limited to 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah Forge batteries, which feature vents in their housing that allow the charger to push air throughout the batteries to keep them cooler.

For design, this charger boasts Packout capability, letting you carry it on and off the jobsite with the rest of your Packout build. A carrying handle at the top also makes it easy to move between working areas and power sources.

Recharge Time

On the jobsite, you might be cycling through packs pretty quickly, especially for tools that draw more power for demanding tasks. Recharge time is an important consideration to make sure you minimize downtime for your cordless tools.

Here are some recharge time estimates Milwaukee provides for the Four Bay Super Charger:

(4) M18 Forge HD12.0: 90 minutes
(4) M18 Forge XC8.0: 70 minutes
(4) M18 XC5.0: 45 minutes
(2) M12 High Output XC5.0: 45 minutes

Milwaukee also claims that M18 Forge 8.0Ah and Forge 12.0Ah batteries recharge to 80% in as little as 35 minutes.

Milwaukee M18 & M12 Four-Bay Super Charger Price

This charger retails for $499, and you can find it at your favorite Milwaukee retailer. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.

Should You Buy It?

If your jobsite routinely has both M18 and M12 power tools in rotation, Milwaukee’s newest Super Charger makes a strong case for itself. It’s particularly suited for larger crews that utilize demanding M18 power tools and compact M12 solutions, who can take advantage of the dual-platform simultaneous charging capabilities. As a Super Charger, it’s also among the fastest charging solutions Milwaukee has to offer, fully charging a 4-battery suite in as little as 45 minutes.

At $499, the price makes sense for existing Milwaukee crews, but it’s harder to justify for occasional M18 and M12 users, especially if standard chargers already keep you powered up throughout the day. However, for Team Red workers who constantly find themselves waiting on batteries to charge up, the productivity benefits could make the investment worthwhile.

Buy at Home Depot

Buy at Acme Tools