New! Milwaukee top handle chainsaw REVIEW

[@keeleeevans9045]

Used the Milwaukee today to remove a big tree and it ate through 14+ inch logs it’s a beast, definitely adding it to my lineup! It’s the best battery saw I’ve used so far

[@Yielar1]

Nice review! I'm not sure why you didn't use the larger HD12 battery which I think would have been a better comparison vs the Husky. Think you should do an update to this review with the new Milwaukee Forge batteries. Crazy powerful and charge up to 80% in 15 minutes which is insane.

[@josephromasco4860]

I would love to see this saw run the forge battery

[@frankv84]

Power output is not only determined by the voltage. The output is W=V*A. Voltage is determined by the typical voltage of the cells used (3.6V for li-ion) times the number of cells connected in series, while the Amps you can draw is determined by the Amps you can draw from a single cell times the number of parallel strings of cells. So in theory 10 cells in series (to get 36V) may not be that different from a 5s2p configuration of a big 18V battery. But it also depends on the specifications of the cells used and apart from the theoretic output of the battery, the difference in voltage can also affect the efficiency of the motor translating similar electric output of the battery into higher effective output of 36V motor compared to 18V. Couple of nuisances with that Milwaukee, by the looks of it: with the lack of a captive nut on the cover, how you cannot spin the chain manually (makes field sharpening difficult) and that battery compartment filling up with dirt (similar issues with the Stihl top-handle design). At least the battery contacts are on the ceiling of that bay, where they are least likely to get dirty/wet.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and explain how it is possible

[@Stridertrees]

Having recently talked to the Product development manager at Milwaukee he also confirmed that the quality and potential Amp draw of the cells in the Milwaukee batteries is significantly higher than the cells used for the Husqvarna packs, and there is a gearbox which allows the motor to run at higher RPM while maintaining peak torque at the sprocket (with some cost to chainspeed). Those two advantages let the user bear down harder and in some cases cut faster with the Milwaukee

[@justsayin7937]

Yes, all these "higher voltage" batteries these other companies are using are simply a marketing tactic to those who aren't well versed in electricity or ohm's law.

[@mccurjm]

The chain does move when the brake is off. I can do it on mine (same 14" bar model) with two bare hands or one gloved hand easily enough. It works fine for sharpening. At first, I thought it wasn't as good as the usual free movement from my gas saws. After a few times sharpening it, I may actually be faster at sharpening moving the Milwaukee chain by hand and not having it move when I push with the file versus having to release and then move the chain and then reset the brake every time like usual. The Milwaukee has a ton of torque and I can push it hard. I can stall it, but it takes a lot of effort. I'm looking forward to the second version in the future. Hopefully it will have some more polished touches like slightly lighter weight, captive nut on the sprocket cover, narrower profile, and a dual or at least wider lanyard loop. It's a small change, but when I attached my lanyard to it, I pushed the straps out to the side to leave the middle of the loop open and that made it faster to get onto the hook on my saddle. All in all, I'm happy with mine. I already had other Milwaukee M18 tools so I already had batteries also. With a discount when I pre-ordered the Milwaukee top handle saw, I think it was $337 total counting tax and shipping to my door for the 14" bar version. It may not be the absolute best battery top handle saw out there, but it's apparently second best and for the price it's a ridiculously good value. It's head and shoulders above the Husqvarna T435 I was using before. I can't imagine going back to a gas top handle saw now.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Interesting that your chain spins by hand. You can see in the video I try to pull the chain back on the side of the bench and it doesn’t move. I look forward to them making the next version also. I imagine they will make a bunch of tweaks

[@mathieutalbot3561]

Same here, mine also move when the break is off.

[@4everwatchingalwayshere475]

Mine does too

[@joshuawolgamot8861]

It’s much more firm. Kinda feel like you are going to break it but it moves pretty easy when you know its movement

[@uncledeege]

I think the biggest thing is the price point, tool alone you’re only $350 for Milwaukee saw, or $700 for Husqvarna. Everyone has a drill set and battery powered tools, so Milwaukee wins for that reason, you probably already have the battery and chargers.

[@jasonsayre8102]

That was my thought also. Only thing is most people don't have the 8.0-12.0. Im not sure how the smaller 4's,5's and 6.0 would do. Feel like they would die really fast. But worth checking out. The kit with the 8.0 amd 12.0 and charger is as much as just the husky saw. Seems like a good deal!

[@ClimbingArborist]

I think for the long term of owning a top handle saw for daily use price shouldn’t be a deal breaker unles you already have like 7-8 Milwaukee batteries and not Husqvarna battery gear.

[@RBnPA]

From your video I get it! When it comes to using the saw to make a living I agree, the Husky is the better choice. Switch hats and turn into Joe Homeowner with 1-3 acres and using 2-3 days a week and not relying on it 52 weeks/yr.

[@57pad75]

Yes but the 2826 works best on a 12ah battery

[@wills099]

Yeah but cutting down trees is about doing it safe and fast. And if your worried about your saw dying that slow and unsafe

[@w8stral]

The overheating issues I have found are ALL on the 8Ah battery. The 12Ah battery has not done so to me even consequtivly cutting 10-->12" wood. The 8Ah battery IMO is only useful for pruning. One thing you did not mention that I have found is that the Milwaukee guard jams with leaf/twigs due to its design. I have also found that the oiler seems to be deficient and maybe some of the cause for overheating battery. Oiled my bar by hand and it operates much better and quieter. Need to open it up and check out if everything was greased properly.

[@M.TTT.]

yea, the 8ah also had issues with charging or having dead cells it seems.

[@dennisdavis3564]

Best milwaukee demo on the Tube, thanks

[@ClimbingArborist]

We really appreciate your kind words 🙏

[@zaccheus]

You're partially correct on you understanding of electric. It's more complex than I can explain in a comment but basically Amp hours is a rating for how long the battery will last under a given load. Amperage draw changes with load and therefore, battery life is consumed faster with higher load. Voltage is how the battery stores electricity and how many and how big the cells inside are. What it all really comes down to is how the electric motors are paired to their power supply. Different winding rates and such inside the motor will determine how it consumes electricity. The best and only appropriate way to compare electric tool specs is actually through wattage because amps times volts equals Watts. Watts are the metric measurement for horsepower. If you have an 18v set up with a motor that can consume up to 12 amps (216 watts) it will perform the same as a 36v tool set up with a motor that can consume 6 amps (216 watts). I'd be happy to talk more about it if you want to send me an email via the address in my channel description.

[@GreenCanopyTreeServices]

Love the review and how impressed you were by it. We've been using the Milwaukee for the past month and it blew our mind (for 1/2 the price of the Husky!). We've recently done a couple of big removals in downpours and the saw had no issues with the rain/moisture. Not being able to spin the chain is definitely a minus, but not a dealbreaker. We didn't have to unjam it yet. We're using it with a 12in bar and the battery lasted as long if not longer than the Husky. Overall a very capable saw that helped us well while the Husqvarna was sitting idle waiting for the plastic pieces that keep on breaking (we waited 3 months to receive a throttle lockout). Also very disappointed with the Husky battery housings that all broke without exception within 6 months. The Milwaukee batteries don't seem to have the same design flaw.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Have you found you can spin the chain on your Milwaukee? Good to hear about it working in the rain

[@TylerM-j1i]

I have had battery overheating issues on the M18 even with spacing out the cuts (trail maintenance). The Husky has no overheating issues, even with the bli300 battery cutting nonstop. This has to be due to the Husky having a fan cooling the battery whenever it is running.

[@Yielar1]

​@@TylerM-j1iMilwaukee has new Forge batteries that would be more of a true comparison with the Husky batteries

[@byroneckhardt4131]

I switched to using 6ah forge batteries and haven't had over heating problems since, I'm cant wait for the 12ah forge to be released.

[@RollingLogs21]

You CAN spin the chain on the bar, but it's relatively hard to do because you must overcome the magnetism that (I think) is the result of the windings in the stator/field being shorted together as part of the electrical motor braking system. Spin the blade on a brushless circular saw or angle grinder with a brake, and you will feel/hear/see it "click" in distinct segments like this saw motor does. It doesn't have a clutch because it doesn't need one, but it could be likened to turning over the engine on a gas saw by spinning the chain on the bar if it was directly coupled like an electric saw is (no clutch). I would rather it didn't do that for the reasons that you mentioned (being able to easily spin the chain on the bar), but it can be done. It takes a lot to get it turning, but once it starts, it seems to release the braking mechanism and really start spinning, so be careful. The dogs on this saw are very small, but they're big enough to hurt pretty good if you pull the chain toward the saw on the underside of the bar. It takes a lot of force to get it going, but once she goes, she sends it!

[@grantdeisig1360]

I don't think you can judge the power of a tool any more by sound. Because the circuitry is designed to apply less or more power to the motor depending on the load, so as to maximize battery life. I'm sure all the newer "Red link" boards do this.

[@KangarooSpotlight]

Thanks for that video. I am contractor and using Milwaukee as a platform for last 9 years almost, definitely happy with my Milwaukee chain saw for about 4 years already( with back handle) and honestly speaking was thinking to switch for more compact TOP handle design. It was quite funny when you was expecting it to be super slow but ended up with that its actually faster that Husky =)

[@jackwilliams7738]

Yeah, my dewalt flexvolt chainsaw was more powerful and cut 2-3 times faster than my brothers Stihl chainsaw. We couldn’t believe it.

[@VowellVentures]

Great video! For what it's worth the way the chain is hard to pull, they may be using a gear reduction so they can stick to 18v batteries and maintain chain speed. The AH is your torque or, grunt the 8ah battery is lighter but will over heat quicker than the 12ah when cutting thicker stuff. The battery voltage x ah is the watt/hour or total power available. 12ah battery will give more run time and/or allow cutting thicker harder wood with less overheating. Milwaukee works magic with their M18 series tools! Definitely adding this one to my collection of 7 Stihls and the traditional Milwaukee saw.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Awesome, cheers for the insight 😄

[@trishaleaver3581]

You should also be testing the Milwaukee with the 12.0 Forge battery to give it the best comparison it stays cooler and recovers faster. It’s all about motor design. Milwaukee have been refining their tools for a very long time. They now have a dual battery 20 inch big boy.

[@Huzzunga]

I have Milwaukee tools and like them. I also have an Ego blower and Weed eater. I was so impressed with those two tools I opted for the Ego chainsaw. I’m pretty happy with it. Batteries from one work with the other. The chain adjustment is a thumb wheel, I’d prefer to use a standard tool, but it works and holds tension. I have found when cleaning branches off limbs you have to have the speed up or it just acts bound up. Cuts very nice, I have bucked some 8” logs just to try it. Better off using my Stihl or Echo for bucking and felling. But up in the tree or cutting down all the 3” or smaller trees and thickets it’s very handy. I’d put my Ego wedge eater up against the Stihl FS 324(?) I owned many years ago. The weed eater will get me around my 2 acres on the 5 amp battery and the line self loading is a cool feature.

[@paulraymondstamp4111]

Makita 36v or 40v top handle are great saws too , i have both , i fancy this Milwaukee but don't have the battery and charger platform.

[@AndrewLXiong]

That's a great point about the battery location and being exposed to rain when doing work outside. Hopefully their engineers will fixed this in future upgrade 🙏

[@Jeff-rk8hq]

I wanna make sure anyone operating one of these regularly knows that these saws require you to clean out the space around the chain brake with compressed air or the chain brake can malfunction and fail that’s why there’s a lil vent to blow air thru to make sure it doesn’t get gummed up from the excess oil n chips clogging from over oiling as this has a non adjustable bar oiler

[@Mechman0925]

I believe the Milwaukee has a gear box which lowers the RPM's but gives it more torque. It is less likely to bog down under pressure, you can hear the stress in the Husky. Both great saws.

[@krishampton7060]

I’m sensing this chap is a Husky man 😄

[@josephromasco4860]

Yeah you can tell he had to try not to be biased

[@treebarbers]

Milwaukee 18V stuff is generally good, I imagine they kept the same voltage for interchangeability, as have makita and some other competitors. They seem to have optimised the power output but with a reduced runtime. Husky is king but the price difference is considerable. I guess the safety lever has not snapped off yet, as was your concern in the beginning? Great review, thanks

[@joshjohnson3378]

Thanks Dan, as always appreciate your in depth and thoughtful analysis. I’m still running my E Husky from your original reviews but really liked seeing it stacked up against this new option

[@ClimbingArborist]

Compared to the T536i if that is what you have, both of these saw’s absolutely blow that out of the water. Productivity probably goes up by 30%

[@TobyRobb]

Was a good comparison. Voltage controls the speed of a motor (kv), amperage is the torque. Power is a combination of volts times amps. Amphour is the capacity of the battery. However, you can think about amp hours like this, a 1 amp hour battery could put out 1 amp for an hour but it could also put out two amps for half an hour or 4 amps for 15 minutes. Even though you might have a lower voltage, you can just draw more amps to get the same power. Watt hours is probably the better measure of battery capacity. Motors can be wound to do any RPM per volt and of course they could be geared. But an 18 volt battery that is 5 amp hour is only half the capacity of a 36 volt battery at 5 amp hours but each one can easily put out the equivalent power regardless of the voltage and amp hour capacity. The other thing that's not as relevant. Here is the C rating of a battery. This is how much current it can put out relative to the amp hour capacity . For example a 5 amp hour battery at one C puts out 5 amps but if it can do 10c it can actually push out 50 amps but it will only do it for 1/10 of the hour . Hope that made things clearer but probably not 😂 a lot of lithium can't go beyond about 10c except for things like radio controlled lipos which can reach sometimes even as high as 50+C

[@ClimbingArborist]

That all went straight over my head 😂 but appreciate you dropping some knowledge for us all 😄

[@pokemonrocks08]

@@ClimbingArborist Basically, he's saying the 36v is able to spin faster, but the cells on the 18v batteries might be able to put out more amps at a time to compensate for the lower speed of the 18v. This is also why the 18v batteries seem to be overheating when trying to cut the thicker wood because more amps are needed to cut it and more current produces more heat.

[@philodox7599]

Again awesome video. I was wondering if you used 8AH batteries for the Milwaukee the whole time?

[@StrongmanLovesAnimals]

You gotta go with the Makita XGT :)

[@TimberTrainer]

Thanks for the review, Dan. I'll stick with my 2500 for the best battery saw for pruning and small removals. Bigger wood is best tackled with a gas saw in my professional opinion. That Milwaukee has a surprising amount of torque, but the battery overheating is a concern.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Ultimately it comes down to what work the user is predominantly doing, and it seems like you have found the perfect saw for the majority of your work, or maybe just the perfect saw for the way you like to work. Thanks for the comment buddy, climb safe 👍

[@Yielar1]

He wasn't even using the HD12 batteries not to mention the new Forge batteries that just came out which I think would be a much better comparison vs the more expensive Husky

[@Laubz]

Ive found its best to only use the 12ah battery. Handles the power pull better, so it doesn't overheat from my experience

[@dustyprochazka3971]

The new 6.0 Forge battery should be the best

[@Jasonpmc78-wm3xu]

Use the 6.0 forge battery on the milwaukee. Less weight but the power of a 12.0. Now for run time use the 12.0. Can't wait till the 12.0 forge battery comes out ! Game changer ! Try it then and report back if you have time ! Thank you very much !

[@ClimbingArborist]

We’ve yet to get our hands on the 6.0 forge

[@philodox7599]

Awesome video. This was so well done

[@1975dbryant]

I wonder If we could install August Hunickes 1/4”pitch panther bar and chain on that little Milwaukee🤔

[@ClimbingArborist]

I'm sure someone will design a conversion kit soon enough

[@takenusername]

The only reason to go up on volts is to come down on amps. For example: 10 amps at 36v is 20 amps at 18v. Eventually, if your volts are too low, the needed amps get too high. 100 amps is a lot of amps, so a 56v battery let's the tool run at 1/3 the amps. Milwaukee has gotten really good at pushing the limits of 18v technology.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thanks for putting that into layman’s terms. Do you think this could be the reason for the battery overheating and flashing red on a couple of occasions?

[@takenusername]

@@ClimbingArborist that’s probably what it was. The Milwaukee saw likely draws twice the amps as the Husqvarna given that it has half the voltage and likely similar power. Watts are the equalizer. You may think that 18v is weaker than 36v, and if we’re talking generalizations, it could be. But realize that watts=ampsXvolts. For all we know, both motors are 500 watts. Milwaukee batteries need to supply 28 amps whereas the Husqvarna only needs 14 amps. Neither is more powerful, but the 36v system is more stable. Husqvarna could have made their motor 1000 watts. This would likely be impossible for Milwaukee to do with just a single 18v battery. What I don’t know is how many amps these batteries can safely output.

[@sam-ww1wk]

Just like the first gen Echo batt saws, they're trying to push more power out of it that the battery can handle. Milwaukee is getting lots of complaints on this saw for doing that. This is where you get what you pay for with Husq and Stihl. They're not going to push they're saws into an overheat situation, and both have air filters/cooling systems.

[@JohnPhillips-qw4db]

I went Milwaukee. The versatility of M18 is tough to beat. On sale in April. Chainsaw, Weedeater, 8.0 battery, charger, and case for under $500 delivered! Hard to go wrong.

[@ClimbingArborist]

That’s a great deal

[@joshuawolgamot8861]

Where did you get that deal ?!?

[@jjoworld]

I just got it with 8.0 high output free battery for 347$ added m18 fuel leave blower for 527

[@tomintexas817]

I run the 12" bar like my stihl top handles

[@ClimbingArborist]

👍

[@dwcheshire]

If you're impressed with how the 18v compares get a hold of the 12v 3/8" stubby impact! I doubt you would be impressed with the 12v chain trimmer though, it's just too small.

[@marknichols3307]

as the chain will not rotate on the bar like the hussky, this would mean the chain can not be sharpened on the saw. this could be a deal breaker for many

[@pproh608]

I have the Milwaukee saw. The chain does move around the bar when its "off". There is no clutch so the sprocket is direct drive to the motor. This means when you go to move the chain by hand like you would to advance it when sharpening, there is some resistance until you overcome the motor. It will certainly move, just have gloves on when you do it. When I sharpen with the saw in a bench vise, I use both hands to advance the chain. Pull on the top of the bar at the same time I push on the bottom of the bar. That symmetry allows for a smooth chain rotation for sharpening.

[@mikethomas9544]

It has a rare earth magnetic motor, It will turn, you are fighting against the magnets in the motor. You get use to it. No problem

[@peanutbutterisfu]

Even if it didn’t rotate freely u can still sharpen it and if u can’t figure out how to then u have no business using a saw.

[@netwt449]

What is interesting to me is that the new FORGE battery was not used in this comparo... How would that pair perform!

[@Yielar1]

​@@netwt449I'd like to see that comparison!

[@billybm0]

You should do an RPM stop test comparison between the Milwaukee and a Husky saw. Like you mentioned it’s harder to move the chain on the Milwaukee so maybe the Milwaukee motor kind of brakes the chain faster after letting go of the throttle?

[@ClimbingArborist]

Great idea

[@backwoodsbrooksknives4625]

Dewalt has their 60v tophandle saw out now. That might be a better saw. The Milwaukee being 20v, the Husqvarna being 40v/36v, and the Dewalt being 60v might have an interesting outcome.

[@ClimbingArborist]

👍

[@LukePighetti]

OK so you're on the right track with voltage and amp-hours but like most things there's a bit of nuance. Battery cells have a discharge rate depending on the chemistry. We can say for argument sake that most tool batteries have a "2C" discharge, which means if it's 10 amp-hours * 2C = 20 amps worth of current output. Now you multiply that by voltage, so 18v * 20A = 360 watts. Watts are your actual power. To make things more confusing, you have more line losses with higher current, which means that high voltage has less line losses, and lower voltage has more line losses, for a given power. HOWEVER, line loss is usually apparent in longer runs, and since the wires in a cordless tool are all very short (6"-12") you don't typically see enough line losses to matter, and a lower voltage platform (like Milwaukee) can increase the diameter of their wires to combat these losses. That all said, Milwaukee is *definitely* making a calculated choice to keep running 18v battery system as long as possible because it gives them an edge. While other manufacturers are upgrading their battery packs they are being forced to create entire new lines of products, and forcing their customers to buy new sets of tools to continue using the brand. Milwaukee has NOT given their customers access to this jumping off point, so that has kept tool migration among consumers into a one-way road bringing people into Milwaukee more than away from Milwaukee. Now back to the question of power... How can Milwaukee maintain an edge here? Well, since they aren't investing in new battery platforms, they have a few dials they can turn to stay competitive 1. invest in upgrading their tools to brushless motors 2. invest in higher diameter wires to reduce power losses 3. invest in higher performance chemistry (if you can bring that 1C to a 2C, you've doubled the power output without changing anything else) 4. investing in electronic systems that provide surge capacity (a 1C constant discharge battery can provide up to 5C of pulse discharge, clever use of electronic systems can make this available seamlessly to the user) 5. invest in higher performance cooling systems Their latest upgrade in battery chemistry is being sold as "Milwaukee Forge" Hope this helps. Engineering is fun!

[@michaelchen5354]

Engineering is fun indeed !! Your comment reads like an action novel. I'm both thrilled and enlightened.

[@ssu7653]

Think of it like having a corded 230V electric motor, a 5A motor (1150W) is less power than a 20A motor (4600W). Volt and Amp are just part of the equation. How high Amp can you draw from the battery before overheating? How effective is the motor?

[@jamiesessford6599]

What bar mount system is it using? Or is it a specific Milwaukee mount?

[@MrEnginears]

Does the Milwaukee come with an Oregon chain? I've used small huskys all my life, and recently got a 540ixp, and love it, but don't love the husqvarna chain at all. I'll be swapping out for oregon nano once these ones are done. Different chain might explain the time difference?

[@Southpaw226]

I think it’s the oregom nano speedcut line on the Milwaukee

[@Brian..........]

I have the rear handle Milwaukee...overheating batteries seems to be done easily enough. Husqvarna ever have the same problem ? Oh and so you can't sharpen the Milwaukee without taking the bar off then? Since it won't spin?

[@ВячеславВладимирович-в3л]

why didn't you consider buying stihl 220t?

[@1BrianFantana1]

Relating to the overheating, i dont have this tool but have many other mileaukee tools, the batteries will likely overheat when the saw is under consistent heavy load, so chogging is likely to overheat the batteries. I find the higher amp batteries can handle more heavy load and punishment. I personally wouldnt bother getting this tool with anything less than the 12amp battery

[@ClimbingArborist]

Overheating battery and down time for the worker is not good

[@1BrianFantana1]

@@ClimbingArborist it's pointless, it's a real pain in the ass when it happens with other tools, so if it happened to me in the tree it would've been tossed 🙈

[@vladimirlopez7840]

You need the 12 AH high output battery for this to be fair. Not the 8.0 xc

[@TranTek]

Those 8Ah and 12Ah uses the same cell Samsung 40T 21700 they have uniform coating all over the cells Usually over heat are bms instead of cells Most powerful are the 6Ah, it can discharge at rate of 50amp per cells two stacks 100Amp easily 8Ah can barely discharge 30Amp per cells

[@RollingLogs21]

Very interesting, I've never heard that before. Why is it that the cells in the 6Ah can discharge faster than the 21700s in the 8Ah? I assume they are different cells with smaller capacity, but I don't understand how they could discharge faster. Thanks for sharing!

[@TranTek]

@@RollingLogs21 even Samsung agreed this info is from Torque test channel

[@RollingLogs21]

I'd like to watch that episode. Do you know which one it was so I can search for it? Thanks!

[@RollingLogs21]

@@TranTek I found it, thanks. Very interesting, nice to see the testing behind this.

[@connor123139]

Any news on when this saw will be released in the UK ? Ive been waiting to get my hands on this since the pipeline announcement

[@callumrushton3934]

Local Milwaukee dealer told me around autumn

[@connor123139]

Understood. Looks like il have to go with another brand

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thanks for the info 🤙

[@benhatcher6138]

M18 high output batteries are so good. 50%more power than equivalent amp batteries

[@ClimbingArborist]

👍

[@dalebrownhill2540]

How do you sharpen the chain if you can't spin it by hand

[@kiyamanus3723]

They’re pretty handy but you still gotta have a gas saw at the job site.

[@1478ricky]

Liked your review but Note you used the smaller battery in all your tests, larger battery would also fill the compartment better and has almost twice the capacity, the amp hour measurement is the power derived from the battery, 10 a/hr should supply 1 amp for 10 hours continuous, voltage could be 50v but still only supply 2 a/hr and conversely a 24v battery 6 a/hr roughly 3 times the running time of 50v battery.

[@ClimbingArborist]

We used the smaller battery as this gave the saw a similar weight to the Husqvarna T540iXP with the 200 battery. We never use the Husqy with the larger battery as it is to heavy for what we want from a top handle, as is the larger 12HD battery from Milwaukee. We just would never use that battery day to day so that is reflected is our testing.

[@1478ricky]

@@ClimbingArborist My mistake, still a great video.

[@David-mv1bf]

Does it still overheat the same way when using the larger battery?

[@thegreatoutdoors2000]

Thanks. Enjoyed that. What about price comparison, is it like for like I guess that factor into choice.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Milwaukee is about $$370 for tool only and Husqy $650 tool only. That is a factor, but not sure if it should make or brake a decision.

[@rkwjunior2298]

​@ClimbingArborist .Well for majority of people, they already own Milwakee m18 products. There's a deal in my region for the Milwaukee saw plus 8xp battery for 350$? If i Buy the husky im buying everything. Thats a deal breaker. But....if the Husky was World's better then you'd have to spend the money on the husky.

[@julianalderson3938]

Like the 540. But price on the milwalkee good seems bita power. For there first effort look alright. Had stilh 161 sold it no good for me. Great vid thanx

[@ClimbingArborist]

Can’t beat the 540

[@bryanbahling2877]

That Milwaukee got ahead and never looked back!

[@riceball777]

you will get much better performance if you run the 12.0ah battery instead of the 8.0ah.

[@ClimbingArborist]

That may or may not be true, but if you are used to the weight of the Husqvarna with the 200x battery and want a similar weight saw you have to use the 8.0XC battery. The 12 is noticeably heavier and makes the saw a less attractive option.

[@barney1941]

they should make a battery belt pack with 1/4 turn quick disconnect DC voltage cord, no battery weight on saw. this may be better for the rear handle larger battery saws. i think echo is top dog according to project farm??

[@ClimbingArborist]

Which Echo are you saying is top dog and what is project farm?

[@chrisjmiller6]

​@@ClimbingArboristit's a very popular KZbin channel where he does comprehensive testing on all kinds of tools and household items

[@itstime3723]

funny thing you don't even have the Milwaukee 12hr forge batt which is stronger still and it doesn;t over heat like the 8hr can

[@geekay4703]

8:00 Haven't watched the whole vid yet and it might be the greatest top handle saw ever but the side cover nut coming completely off is a deal breaker. No way I am fumbling away a nut 70 feet in the air that makes the saw useless.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Stihl have this design also

[@dab.]

@@ClimbingArborist Stihl MSA300 and MSA220 both have captive bar nuts, as does the Echo 2500T and even the Makita 2x18v top handle saw. The Milwaukee falls short here for a climbing saw. Surely it couldn't be expensive to offer.captive nuts?

[@gavinhowell1330]

Surly, its all down to the battery??

[@ClimbingArborist]

Many factors to making the saw good for day to day work. We had a couple of battery issues with the Milwaukee

[@jackwilliams7738]

Half of its battery and half of its having a strong motor. But having a large battery and a rapid charger is great because you can constantly cut all day.

[@arcadiaoutlaw]

On another channel the husky stopped a lot easier when pressure was put on it

[@Surmoka]

You kan get the same power output at half the voltage with double the current. The Milfuckee has dual connectors in parallel on the battery, so the tool is sipping angry pixies on 2 parallel lines simultaneously.

[@schwartztekllc]

Best solution to the Milwaukee 18V saw is to swap to Makita 36V or 40V. I haven't tried a high end battery saw but the Makita 36V works well and is relatively cheap. Higher voltage is good for avoiding current draw issues. My 2511t is much lighter but that's about it.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Not sure Makita will stand up to the professional grade chainsaws for daily use

[@boomupengineering]

@ClimbingArborist No it may not but it's better than the 18V Milwaukee's which have current issues unless you have their huge and hugely expensive batteries. More volts = less amps so more possible current on same size wires. I haven't run both red and blue saws so I can't say the Makita is better, I just know it cuts well and is relatively cheap.

[@boomupengineering]

@ClimbingArborist Battery attachment is probably the weakest link when comparing these saws. I don't know which one is best but I do know my Makita fell about 20ft to the ground. The housing is cracked at the batteries. So, I need to get a $30 housing ordered and see if I can replace it OK. Worth a try.

[@boomupengineering]

@ClimbingArborist I recall watching Strider Trees - he has recently run both Makita and Husqvarna. He liked the Makita function at half the cost. Milwaukee is between the two cost-wise? I recall those big batteries being costly and not on sale like the smaller ones.

[@JoshuaCollins]

The thing I don't like about the Makita is that gimmicky plastic piece of junk they use to hold the bar on. Seems like it's going to break over time. I would much rather they implement a captive nut instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. Definitely spend some time in that aisle of Home Depot this weekend. The price point does make them tempting.

[@WombleUK]

Battery technology is much more complicated than just 18v vs 36v or 54v there is videos on KZbin explaining this. But the 8ah & 12ah Milwaukee batteries are more than a match for DeWalt 54v flexvolt. One question, can you fit non Milwaukee bars to this saw? Also Milwaukee now do a Super Charger which is much faster than the Rapid Charger & designed for the high output 8ah & 12ah batteries.

[@ClimbingArborist]

All great info, thanks for taking the time to comment and give a little more insight on this topic. Glad to hear about the quicker Super charger. The rapid charger isn’t that rapid 😆

[@WombleUK]

@@ClimbingArborist To be fair to Milwaukee the Rapid Chargers came out when 5ah was the largest batteries they did. I did hwv th dual charger (it was stolen a couple of months ago along with 2 X 5ah batteries 🤬) but it's pretty noisy with the fans & is about £130 here in the UK & I can get genuine Rapid Chargers for £24 & they are silent. If you got a few 12ah batteries it might worth looking at the new 6 bay Packout Charger but I am not sure about the charge times with it. But thanks for the honest review, I usually avoid reviews where the tool has been supplied for free as the reviewer is often locked into an agreement where they are not allowed to give a negative review.

[@matiascamprubi-soms7719]

The inability to sharpen that thing in the field is a total non starter for me, which sucks because I want to be able to use one, as I happened to have gone with Milwaukee for my drills and stuff, so I do have a lot of batteries. How the heck do you sharpen that thing? I only know how to do it by moving the chain along as I work.

[@666Beard]

You can move the chain with the break off he’s really not picking about nothing I have the original m18 chain saw easily move chain with file

[@SugarrAyO]

why didnt you put a bigger battery in the Milwaukee. the big battery will fill the gap u were talking about

[@lukeg4806]

If the chain doesn’t spin freely when the brake is off that’s a complete no go and major design flaw in my opinion

[@shanepipkin4041]

how about the hedge trimmer husqvarna vs?

[@ClimbingArborist]

Husqvarna all day

[@GreatDataVideos]

Great review!

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@hipolitozamorano2214]

Had to subscribe to keep watching you use it in real world hard use good 👍 video

[@ClimbingArborist]

Thanks 🙏 glad you enjoyed the video

[@richie1593]

You didn’t mention anything about cost comparisons ?

[@ClimbingArborist]

Apologies if that isn’t in the video, it was filmed but maybe missed the final edit. For the saw body no battery the Milwaukee is close to half the cost of the Husqvarna

[@lobotreecare]

Sounds like pain in the back those battery operated Saws are... Don't get me wrong nice to start, no pulling cord and much quieter than ordinary however you need at least 3 batteries to be safe for a day Plus charger and access to electricity. Expensive... I am very happy with £450 echo 2511 10" bar Very good light And well balanced saw. Very good for pruning, reduction up to 10 inch diameter. Prefer it over sthil Ms 201 .

[@wolverinebear5357]

What you think of that Makita battery top handle?

[@biglog987]

Swap it to 1/4 pitch and its a real contender

[@wolverinebear5357]

@@biglog987 for under $400 it definitely is lol I'd love that husky 540 but at $1000 with the batteries i gotta make some more money lol

[@biglog987]

That was my thoughts, im running the smaller makita 1 battery 10 in 1/4 stihl conversion greeat for pruning !

[@ClimbingArborist]

I imagine it is much more underpowered than the Milwaukee, is this right?

[@wolverinebear5357]

@@ClimbingArborist it has a 2x18v battery system not sure if that runs at 36v or just longer run time at 18v

[@julianalderson3938]

Love ya vids bro thanks

[@ClimbingArborist]

🤙

[@PhillipDrumz]

Never mentions how much faster Milwaukee cut in those 5 cuts cookie tests- it smoked the Husq !

[@ernestjean7483]

I'd try again with HD 12 batteries.

[@hubertdrabarek8188]

Dzięki za fajny film😎✌️

[@CriticalDynamicsSTG]

The Milwaukee doesn’t bog down like the Husqvarna…

[@martylucas8557]

Your Husky got spanked! That’s with an 8 amp High Output battery against the Husqvarna 200XC battery. Try the Milwaukee 12 amp against it! The amperage of the Milwaukee battery doesn’t necessarily mean more torque, as the 6 amp HO battery out performs the 8 amp. Wait till you pair the chainsaw with the brand new 6 amp Forge Battery!! It’ll have the size of the 6 amp HO, with the performance of a 12 amp HO battery.

[@jpoorr9973]

Dewalt will spank both 😂

[@jerg7942]

A price comparison Could be a factor for your viewers

[@HenrikochIvar]

It has the same power because it draws a higher current from the battery.

[@ClimbingArborist]

From what we’ve read it is a touch more complex than that, and depends on how the battery has been designed and built

[@freethinker5039]

Milwaukee 11 lbs echo 2511 6 lbs way too heavy

[@philodox7599]

Aww you got little baby arms? Just kidding I totally agree with you, it is like double the weight! But I will say, I did buy a Milwaukee lol. I found a great deal on one. I am. Not a pro tree guy though so for ME it’s not to annoying.

[@Aardvark-gt3qj]

P = I * V. So half the voltage just means twice the amps for given power.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Cheers

[@TheodoreM-wp6cs]

Love bat tree powered chainsaws

[@wayward-saint]

Makita makes some nice arborist chain saws

[@ClimbingArborist]

Really? Professional grade?

[@frankv84]

@@ClimbingArborist I’m no pro and haven’t used anything else than Makita top handles, but to me the 18Vx2 and the new 40V saws certainly don’t disappoint. In this recent roundup they’re also included: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJPSmXyQarJoj8k&feature=sharec

[@wayward-saint]

@@ClimbingArborist test out the new 40v top handle model, I think it would smoke both of the saws you tested in this video.

[@marccadec6978]

Very good review,but I have never liked Milwaukee build quality since atlas copco sold them off. I am sticking to my husky.

[@ClimbingArborist]

👍

[@justinlassiter7671]

but if you have a use for a much wider range of tools than Husqy makes, then the Milwaukee is the best choice. You can use the same battery for so many different tools way beyond arboriculture. Husqy is very limited in that regard. If Milwaukee refines it just a bit, then it's a no-brainer that Milwaukee will be the better choice objectively.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Very true

[@anthonyiodice]

Never bet against Milwaukee when they say they’re doing somthing

[@jpoorr9973]

That saw is trash. DEWALT👊

[@piraats008]

You forgot about STIHL MSA 220 T- CO

[@ClimbingArborist]

Not tried it

[@nathanielpeterson3222]

Volts times Amps equals wattage

[@craigbray4953]

Put a new forge battery in it and you’ll get even more power

[@ClimbingArborist]

🤙

[@nickngaopraseut7599]

I own M18 tools but this saw was a disappointment. Urganomics really suck on this. I was excited when they were first launched, but when I got one in my hands I was like this is garbage. Cons- brake handle is far and high, only a 2 step safety that sucks due to having to use your thumb. The wrap handle is god awful. Pros- has a decent motor.

[@waltermaldonado5927]

Activale los subtítulos broo

[@HIFATZ]

what about ego chainsaws?

[@ClimbingArborist]

What about them?

[@sachtv5779]

Try makita XGT

[@ClimbingArborist]

Is it any good?

[@julianalderson3938]

Ive got a stihl 220 n it sucks the battery fast. To fast after usin a 540 or that milwalkee.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Is the Stihl any good?

[@danielreynolds6498]

Whenever makita come out with high output 4ah 40 volt battery there top hand 40 volt saw will be light as !!!!

[@ClimbingArborist]

Look forward to that day

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

It isn't the battery that makes the tool as good as it is. Husqvarna is using ancient technology at this point compared to Milwaukee or Dewalt. If they used a similar battery as Husky they would blow the Swedes out of the water.

[@alotl1kevegas860]

Personally, I think the Husqvarna 540i xp is the better saw out of all the electric saws.

[@readifer]

I agree entirely but the milwaukee with it's entry cost is so much more enticing. the stihl msa 220tc however seems like a complete dog in terms of electric chainsaws.

[@ClimbingArborist]

Agreed

[@alotl1kevegas860]

@@readifer I also agree. The Stihl is an absolute dog in the wood. And I'm a 100% Stihl guy lol. I also agree about the price for entry level. It might be good for a home owner. But I think professionally, the Husqvarna is miles ahead of the competition. When I finally decide to get an electric saw, it will be the 540i xp.

[@readifer]

@@alotl1kevegas860 I too am an absolute stihl guy, we all run exclusively stihl saws at my company but I can't in good conscious defend the msa 220tc. I feel all these electric top handle saws are so close to really giving gas powered stuff a run for it's money. The big trade off for me is sparring out the top of a log when i'm spiked in. my 201tc with a 16" bar can do a lot of work before I need to switch to something bigger and for me that's one thing that's kept me away from the electric saws. I've really been considering getting either the husky or the Milwaukee at least as a trim saw.

[@torypiche7108]

That Milwaukee smoked the Husky in cut times and doesn't bog down in cuts as easily as the Husky. Now add up the slower cut times on a 1-3 day job, time is money. Milwaukee outperforms and is more efficient for jobs.

[@beno555ful]

Echo forever

[@ClimbingArborist]

You should get that tattoo