Milwaukee Lawn Mower Review: Worth the Price?

If you’re on the hunt for a robust push mower and are debating between battery-powered and gas models, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll be sharing my experience with the brand new Milwaukee M18 Fuel Lawn Mower. Running on two powerful M18 batteries, we’ll dive into its features and performance. Let’s get started!

Features and Specifications

This mower comes with impressive features that enhance its usability and performance.

Batteries and Charging

• Dual M18 Batteries: This mower uses two M18 12 amp-hour high output batteries and includes a dual bay rapid charger. Both batteries are needed to operate the mower, and I found the charging to be quick and simple. The dual bay charger is a fantastic addition, ensuring I never run out of power halfway through mowing.
• Battery Indicator: A bright battery level indicator on the back lets you know your charge status at a glance. This feature is super handy, giving me peace of mind knowing how much juice is left.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – Quick charging and a handy battery indicator give peace of mind.

Design and Build

• Deck and Blade: The 21-inch steel deck is sturdy and durable. The true 21-inch blade cuts cleanly and efficiently. The first time I used it, I was impressed by the build quality compared to other mowers I’ve used. The steel deck felt solid and reliable.
• Wheels: Premium rubber wheels (8 inches front, 10 inches rear) provide excellent traction. Mowing my slightly hilly lawn was smooth and easy with these wheels. They gripped well and made turning a breeze.
• Adjustable Handle: There are three height adjustments to fit users of different heights comfortably. At 6’2″, I found the middle position perfect for me. The handle adjustments are quick and simple, making it easy to find the right fit.

My Personal Rating: 4.5/5 – The strong steel deck, comfy handle, and good wheel grip make mowing easy.

Cutting Performance

• Height Adjustment: Single point height adjustment with seven positions ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. Adjusting the height was a snap. I could easily switch between cutting my front lawn and the thicker backyard grass.
• Speed Control: Variable speed dial (1 to 5) for adjusting mowing speed. The Active Speed Management panel allows for fine-tuning while mowing. This feature was a game-changer for me, allowing me to adjust my pace to suit different areas of my yard.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – Easy height adjustment and speed control make mowing efficient and flexible.

Additional Features

• High Lift Mode: Boosts blade speed for superior airflow and increased lift, perfect for mulching and tackling thick grass. I used this mode for mulching leaves in the fall, and it worked wonders.
• LED Lights: Four LEDs provide 180-degree visibility, ideal for low-light conditions. I once had to mow in the late evening, and these lights made it easy to see and avoid obstacles.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – High lift mode and LED lights make it easy to use in any condition.

Performance and Usability

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Mower excels in both performance and ease of use.

Ease of Use

• Self-Propelled Drive: The self-propelled feature makes it easy to maneuver, even on slopes. I was particularly impressed with how effortlessly it handled my lawn’s steepest hill. It felt like the mower was doing most of the work for me.
• Comfortable Grip: The recessed bail bar design and ergonomic handle make for a comfortable mowing experience, even during extended use. After mowing my large yard, my hands didn’t feel strained at all.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – Self-propelled drive and comfortable grip make mowing easy and strain-free, even on slopes.

Cut Quality

• Excellent Mulching and Bagging: The mower’s standard blades did a great job, but the high lift blades took it up a notch, especially for mulching leaves in the fall. I was amazed at how finely it chopped up leaves, reducing the need for extra cleanup.
• Storage: Easily folds and stores vertically, saving space in your garage or shed. This feature was a lifesaver for me, as it freed up a lot of space in my crowded garage.

My Personal Rating: 5/5 – Great mulching and bagging with high lift blades for fine chopping.

Runtime

• Up to 60 Minutes: On a full charge, you can expect up to 60 minutes of runtime, sufficient for about half an acre. During my test, it comfortably managed my lawn, even with overgrown, thick grass. I didn’t have to stop and recharge, which made the job faster and easier.

My Personal Rating: 4.5/5 – Runs for 60 minutes, handling half an acre without recharging, though heavy use may shorten this.

What I Like

• Quiet Operation: The first time I used it, I was amazed at how quietly it operated compared to my old gas mower. I could mow early in the morning without disturbing my neighbors.
• Variable Speed Control: This feature was a game-changer. I could easily adjust my pace, making mowing more comfortable.
• LED Lights: One rainy afternoon, I tackled my overgrown lawn, and the LED lights were a lifesaver, helping me see clearly in low light.
• Foldable Design: Storing the mower was a breeze. Its foldable design meant it fit perfectly in my crowded garage.

Read More: Greenworks 80V Mower Review

What Could Be Better

• Weight: The mower is a bit heavy, which can be a downside if you need to lift it frequently. Though it’s sturdy, a lighter model would be easier to handle. I noticed this when I had to lift it over a small fence to get to my backyard.
• Thumb Bar Fatigue: After a long mowing session, I noticed my thumbs feeling a bit fatigued from the thumb bar control. It would be nice if the grip could be adjusted for different hand positions.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Lawn Mower is great for home or work use. Its strong performance, great cut, and easy features make it worth the price. If you want a reliable mower, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a top pick.

Read More: Luba vs Husqvarna

FAQ