Milwaukee Quik-Lok Attachment System and M18 Fuel Power Head with Video
The new Milwaukee Quik-Lok attachment system is a multi-head solution that includes a power head, string trimmer, edger, pole saw, and articulating hedge trimmer. Sticking with the M18 9.0 Ah High Demand battery pack as the primary power source, it’s an all-in-one product to handle everything the mower can’t.
10-Second Summary
- 16″ string trimmer – $109 attachment (49-16-2717), $229 with power head (2825-20ST), $329 kit with 9.0 Ah battery (2825-21ST)
- 10″ pole saw – $164 attachment (49-16-2720), $399 kit with powerhead and 9.0 Ah battery (2825-21SP)
- 8″ edger – $109 attachment (49-16-2718)
- 20″ articulating hedge trimmer – $164 attachment (49-16-2719)
- 3′ extension – $54 (49-16-2721)
- Shoulder strap – $19.97 (49-16-2722)
- Replacement pole saw chain – $17.97 (49-16-2723)
Update: We’ve been using the system for a while now and our field notes are in each section
Milwaukee Quik-Lok Attachment System Details
Milwaukee Quik-Lok M18 Fuel Power Head
Like the other tools in Milwaukee’s OPE lineup, they go with an M18 Fuel brushless motor in the powerhead. Their High Demand 9.0 Ah battery serves as the primary power source and is what’s available in the kit options. However, you’re free to use any M18 battery from a 2.0 Ah compact pack to the 12.0 Ah High Output battery. Just be aware that the battery you use will have an effect on weight and balance.
To connect any of the attachments, just line up the arrow with the arrow on the powerhead’s shaft. It clicks solidly into place when it all lines up correctly and secures with a thumb screw on the side.
However, it’s not always a clean connection. The internal parts of the shaft have to line up correctly and sometimes you need to give it a little twist to help out.
Also, the connection is unique to Milwaukee so you can’t add any “universal” attachments.
The two-speed throttle control from the Gen 1 M18 Fuel String Trimmer is still here, giving you extended runtime when you don’t need full power. It’s best when you’re using the string trimmer or hedge trimmer attachments. Stick with full speed for the pole saw and edger.
Milwaukee Quik-Lok String Trimmer
One of the first things I checked for was the string trimmer vibration harmonics. The Gen 1 is plenty powerful enough for the string trimming tasks I have, but it has a gritty feel. There’s a definite improvement with Quik-Lok and I’m grateful for it. However, EGO still sits at the top when it comes to controlling vibration.
The throttle is incredibly responsive. Milwaukee claims it reaches full speed in under 1 second and I believe it.
You’ll get a choice between cutting 14″ and 16″ swaths with the Quik-Lok String Trimmer. Just remove the screws and flip the cutter to switch positions. Since I have multiple batteries and a rapid charger, I don’t worry about runtime and stick with the 16″ diameter.
Milwaukee is also pairing this attachment with their Easy Load Trimmer Head to make those $%#@! line changes easier and less time-consuming.
Key Highlights
- 14″ or 16″ cutting swath
- 0.080″ or 0.095″ line
- Easy Load Trimmer Head included
- 2-speed controls: 0 – 4900 RPM or 0 – 6200 RPM
- 73.6″ length
- 12.3 pounds
- 2825-21ST Kit: $329 with 9.0 Ah battery, Rapid Charger, powerhead, and attachment
- 2825-20ST Combo: $229 with attachment and power head
- 49-16-2717: $109 attachment only
Milwaukee Quik-Lok Pole Saw
The pole saw attachment goes with a 10″ Oregon bar and chain that ramps up to 4600 RPM in less than 1 second. With the full kit, you get a 3′ extension to give you 80″ of reach.
It’s amazing how many people came out of the woodwork when they found out I now have a battery-powered pole saw. It seems my entire family saved 5 years’ worth of tree trimming for this moment.
That said, I’m making the rounds trimming back oaks and Bradford pears mainly. It’s definitely effective, especially if you keep your chain sharp. The shaft and extension have some flex to them, so you can’t rely on adding the same kind of weight you do with a chainsaw.
Don’t overlook the bottom hook – it’s fantastic for grabbing cut branches that catch in the canopy of our oak trees. With all of the yellow pollen finally giving way to brilliant green leaves, it’s a shame to have a few dead pieces browning the look.
The translucent oil tank is easy to quickly check the level on and refill without overfilling. My unit isn’t leaking any oil at the moment. We’ll wait and see if that’s still the case in another few months.
Key Highlights
- 10″ Oregon bar and chain: 0.43″ gauge, 3/8″ low profile pitch
- 0 – 4600 RPM
- 80″ reach with the extension
- 12.7 pounds
- 2825-21PS Kit: $399 with 9.0 Ah battery, Rapid Charger, powerhead, and attachment
- 49-16-2720: $164 attachment only
Milwaukee Quik-Lok Edger
Using a standard 8″ blade, the edger attachment defines the edges of your hardscape with up to 3900 RPM of speed. Gearing specific for this attachment allows the motor to keep the speed up while a metal alloy guard and skid plate offer resistance to the hard surface you’re working against.
You adjust the height with a simple tool-free thumb screw.
The edger attachment is probably the biggest surprise so far. Even at its deepest setting in Georgia clay, it’s able to keep its RPMs high. It doesn’t quite have the power of a Pro-level gas edger, but it’s really impressive for an 18V battery source.
Key Highlights
- 8″ edger blade
- 0 – 3900 RPM
- 38″ length (attachment only)
- 5.25 pounds (attachment only)
- Alloy guard and skid plate
- 49-16-2718: $109 attachment only
Milwaukee Quik-Lok Articulating Hedge Trimmer
Some multi-head systems like Quik-Lok have a hedge trimmer attachment, but Milwaukee takes it to the next level with an articulating model. It’s great for high shrubs or trimming hedge undersides.
You’ll be able to rotate the 20″ head up to 270º and cut branches up to 1″ in diameter. With most cordless hedge trimmers maxing out around 3/4″, that’s a significant power upgrade.
This is by far my favorite attachment for the line. There are very few times when a standard hedge trimmer puts me in a natural standing position while I cut. Between the extensions and the articulating head, I can trim multiple heights and shape much more easily. One of the biggest benefits is that I am able to trim back the intruding brush on our lakefront, making it that much less snake-friendly.
Key Highlights
- 1″ cutting capacity
- 270º articulation with 13 locking positions
- 3500 SPM
- Add a 3′ extension for more reach
- 60″ (attachment only)
- 5.8 pounds (attachment only)
- 49-16-2719: $164 attachment only
Milwaukee Quik-Lok Accessories
The hedge trimmer comes with a shoulder strap and I leave it on to use with every attachment. Whether I’m using the extension or not, working with any shaft-based tool like this can work on your back on longer days and the strap lets me work pain-free longer.
You install the clip between the trigger and the guide handle wherever it’s the most comfortable for you and attach the stout single point clip to it. The strap itself has plenty of adjustable length to fit a wide variety of heights. Once you find the best length for you, slide the pad around to your shoulder and you’re ready to go.
- 3′ extension for pole saw and articulating hedge trimmer: $54 (49-16-2721)
- Shoulder strap: $19.97 (49-16-2722)
- 10″ pole saw chain: $17.97 (49-16-2723)
Final Thoughts
From the beginning of the M18 Fuel OPE launch, Milwaukee has said they’re targeting Pros who need battery-powered options to supplement their gas equipment in noise and emission restricted areas. While we don’t see a lot a Pros use a multi-head system, this might just be the ticket as a supplemental tool.
The bigger appeal is for homeowners. Each of these tools is very effective at what it does and it really is a fine all-in-one system to cover the jobs in between mowing and blowing.
More Milwaukee OPE Reviews
M18 Fuel String Trimmer
M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer
Gen 2 M18 Fuel Blower
Do the Quik Lok accessories use a unique connector (like Stihl, for example) or are they compatible with the Trimmer Plus/multibrand attachments?
Blaize Holland