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Milwaukee M18 String Trimmer, Blower and FORGE Battery Review

A review of Milwaukee’s M18 outdoor power equipment, with a closer look at why the FORGE batteries are the real star of the system.

Milwaukee has been building out its M18 lineup for years, and the company has gotten to the point where you can realistically handle a lot of the work around your house without pulling a gas engine out of the garage.

I recently spent some time with Milwaukee's M18 string trimmer, blower and newer FORGE batteries. The short version is simple: the tools are excellent, but the FORGE batteries are what really impressed me.

The trimmer has plenty of power, the blower is more than capable of handling normal yard cleanup, and both are noticeably easier to live with than their gas-powered counterparts. But once you pair them with the FORGE batteries, the whole setup feels like a different class of equipment.

Milwaukee's String Trimmer Has Plenty of Power

String trimmers are one of those tools where battery power can sometimes leave you wondering if you are giving something up compared with gas. That is not really an issue here.

The Milwaukee M18 string trimmer has more than enough power for normal residential work. It handles grass, weeds and heavier growth without feeling like you are constantly waiting for the motor to catch up.

There is also something to be said for the simplicity. Pull the battery out of the charger, slide it into the tool and go. There is no gas to mix, no carburetor to deal with and no engine to warm up.

The Blower Is Just as Good

The M18 blower is another tool that makes a lot of sense in a battery-powered setup. It has enough power to clear grass clippings from sidewalks and driveways, move leaves around the yard and handle normal cleanup.

The biggest advantage is not necessarily that it completely outclasses every gas blower. It is that you do not have to deal with a gas blower.

Then You Put a FORGE Battery in It

This is where things get interesting.

The tools themselves are good. The FORGE batteries are what really changed my opinion of Milwaukee's outdoor power equipment.

Milwaukee's FORGE batteries use newer cell and thermal-management technology designed to deliver higher output and better performance under demanding loads than older M18 packs. In practical terms, that means the tools can maintain stronger performance for longer when you are really leaning on them.

The biggest difference is that the battery does not feel like the limiting factor anymore.

Runtime Is Where FORGE Really Shines

Anyone who has used cordless outdoor equipment knows the tradeoff. Battery-powered tools are convenient, but you have to keep an eye on runtime.

That is less of a concern with the FORGE packs. The newer technology gives these batteries higher output and better performance under heavy loads, while also improving how they handle heat.

The Downsides

The biggest downside is cost. Milwaukee's outdoor power equipment is not the cheapest option, and the FORGE batteries are not cheap either. If you are starting from scratch and need the tool, charger and battery, the initial investment can add up quickly.

Batteries also still need to be charged. If you are used to filling a gas can and running equipment for hours, battery management is still something you have to think about.

For most homeowners, though, I think the convenience outweighs those drawbacks, especially if you are already invested in the M18 system.

Category	Rating
String Trimmer	9/10
Blower	9/10
FORGE Batteries	9.5/10
Power	9.5/10
Runtime	9/10
Convenience	10/10
Value	8/10
Overall	9.5/10