Milwaukee M12 Fuel 6” HATCHET Review
As part of The Home Depot’s ProSpective program this quarter, I got to check out the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 6” HATCHET Pruning Saw Kit, model # 2527-21
More info on the M12 HATCHET here at Home Depot:
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1258473/8154
Quick Overview
Model # 2527-21 (kit), 2527-20 (bare tool)
Price: $269 (kit), $189 (bare tool)
M12 Battery Platform
Powerstate Brushless Motor
Bar Length: 6 inches
Weight with 4ah battery: 4.85lbs
Dimensions(LxHxW): 18.5 x 9.1 x 3.8 in.
Chain: 0.043 gauge, 3/8 in. pitch
Automatic chain oiler
3 year warranty
Let me just start by saying I don’t think I’ve ever been more wrong about a tool. We all have initial thoughts and feelings about a tool before we ever even pick it up and use it. Sometimes, like in my case with this Milwaukee Hatchet, those thoughts were a bit negative. When I saw this get announced as a new tool offering, not going to lie, I thought it might be “gimmicky”. I thought it would be weak, not last very long battery-wise, and overall just wasn’t very interested in it. But, I was wrong, very wrong.
I am SO glad I actually got my hands on this 6” Hatchet so I could form a real opinion on it. It has surprised me and exceeded every expectation I had for it, by far.
Mind you, this review is coming from someone with a large plot of land that is completely surrounded with hundreds, probably even thousands of trees. Being an old, established plot, there’s always clean up to do of just fallen dead limbs. Then in my area when you add in the damage from ice, snow, and regular wind storms, it is literally a never ending battle. This Hatchet was the missing piece to my arsenal and I had been missing out big-time.
It has the power to quickly and easily cut 3” hardwoods. I’ve never once had the saw cut-out from over working it when cutting material that it’s recommended for. Of course I’ve cut material larger than 3” and it handled it great as well.
My favorite thing is just how ergonomic and easy to use it is. It’s really lightweight at under 5 pounds, and that’s including a 4ah battery. Being able to hold it one-handed and comfortably at different angles is game-changing. It allows you to reach or access areas where it’d be really hard to with a regular chainsaw. Although I primarily use it one-handed and that’s one of the things I really love about it, there is a nice hand guard on the front and a comfortable grip to add a second hand where necessary.
I had been using a cordless reciprocating saw with a pruning blade for a lot of this smaller cutting, but it’s really no comparison. The Hatchet is much lighter and comfortable to use, cuts way faster, and nowhere near the vibration like you get with a recip saw.
The kit comes with one 4ah battery and an M12 charger. Milwaukee claims up to 120 cuts in 2” oak on the single 4ah battery and I definitely think that claim is right in line. I’ve used the saw for hours at a time making a ton of cuts and typically only use a bar or 2 on the gauge. Speaking of the battery gauge, I do wish it was on the left side of the saw though. Being right handed like most people, I think it’d be a lot easier to check the reading while you’re using it since you have to squeeze the trigger for the lights to illuminate.
The runtime has definitely surprised me. Being able to just pop in a battery and get to cutting without worrying about mixing and refilling gas is amazing. Can make a cut, set the saw down, and then pick it back up to make another cut without having to leave a gas saw running or pull start it again. It’s also an instant response with the variable speed trigger as well. No slight lag like you get with gas.
The Hatchet has an automatic oiler and translucent tank to easily check the level. Also, I haven’t experienced the bar oil leaking out no matter which way I store the saw. That can be super annoying and a common problem with other chainsaws.
It was really nice to see the Hatchet has metal bucking spikes. Other pruning or smaller chainsaws I’ve used either have no spikes, or are plastic.
The Hatchet doesn’t have a tool-free chain tensioner, but I actually prefer this style with the single stud and scrench. I like how secure of a hold it has on the bar so you don’t have to worry about continually losing tension throughout the day. The scrench stores really nicely right on the saw as well.
A benefit for me writing this and taking pictures is noticing things I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Seeing this nice key hole on the back as a way to hang the saw and store it was a nice surprise.
In Summary
It’s rare to have a tool that I’d happily recommend to literally anyone. Whether you’re an arborist, landscaper, or just a normal homeowner, I really think this Milwaukee Hatchet is worth picking up. Even with my property, this little beast is capable and I now prefer it for probably 90% of what I need to do. The performance and build quality is top of the line.
Check the M12 HATCHET out here at Home Depot!
https://homedepot.sjv.io/c/1285960/1258473/8154
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