Milwaukee M12 Tool Line

[Wagtail]

and the Makita LXT 18V

My Makita pole saw is the double battery type. It came with an extension 'section', which can make it somewhat unwieldy, but it works very well.

A bonus is that Makita sells a whipper-snipper attachment that fits the operator section. I bought that separately and it works fine.

 

[camshawn]

We already had a Stihl combi so it made sense to me to plan for a battery Stihl power head. We purchased a Stihl lawnmower a few yrs ago ( before Milwaukee or Mikita) and picked up the combi power head last fall when they were on sale fore a good price with 2 batteries. 3 batteries lets me trim, blow, and cut the lawn. The first battery is charged before I am finished.

 

[kenmbz]

I am considering upgrading to an expensive better-made pole saw. The M18 Milwaukee is one I am considering. That, and the Makita LXT 18V, a Husky, and an Echo. No M12 pole saws made, which makes sense. Stihl, just too expensive.

I am on my 2nd 40V Greenworks pole saw, after blowing up the first one. 40V power is just too much for it. I also used an 18V B&D NiCad for years before that.

Is yours the single-battery pole saw, or the dual (36V)?

Single battery quick lock head pole saw.
I really like it with the 8AH battery.
I have the middle extension which I use sparingly, but I have bucked a lot of small ash trees and branches.
It came in real handy when a Maple branch came down across one of my new apple trees, able to place the saw into the various branches and cut them one by one and save the little tree.

 

[dfkrug]

Single battery quick lock head pole saw.
I really like it with the 8AH battery.
I have the middle extension which I use sparingly, but I have bucked a lot of small ash trees and branches.

I like the telescoping (vs. sectional) polesaws, which seem to be increasing in popularity. If the M18 pole saw is as well-made as the M12 tools, I will be happy.

 

[kenmbz]

I like having the sectional, much lighter than the telescoping ones I tried out.
It has an oregon bar/chain and a decent oiler.
Slower than a gas one, but I have used it on some big branches, just need patience.

 

[rScotty]

I wonder how many others still use Milwaukess M28/V28 cordless power tools?
We bought a full set of M28 tools about 2004, and still use them.
Reliable & powerful, but sure are heavy.

 

[dfkrug]

I wonder how many others still use Milwaukess M28/V28 cordless power tools?
We bought a full set of M28 tools about 2002, and still use them.
Reliable & powerful, but sure are heavy.

That is a good experience. Are the M28 tools NiMH?

The sad truth is that tho I love the M12 tools, how long will it be before newer technology will essentially obsolete them? Or at least seduce us into moving to a newer system?

I have many 120VAC corded tools that are truly lifetime tools. Some from the 70s.

 

[rScotty]

That is a good experience. Are the M28 tools NiMH?

The sad truth is that tho I love the M12 tools, how long will it be before newer technology will essentially obsolete them? Or at least seduce us into moving to a newer system?

I have many 120VAC corded tools that are truly lifetime tools. Some from the 70s.

Yes, we also still have corded Milwaukees from the 70's, too. Nice old tools; they hardly ever get much use now that the cordless are so convenient. A couple of corded Craftsman tools do get a lot of use. Nobody else has yet made such a clever scrolling variable speed jig saw or really good sheet metal nibbler as those old 1970's Craftsman.

All the M28 and V28 Milwaukee batteries are Lithium ion type. They may have been the first of Milwaukee's lithium ion line. Originally the line was V28, and them became M28. As far as I can tell, there is no difference. Same battery & same everything.
They have seriously more torque than the M18 & double the runtime. You can still find some of the M28 tools new with a google search, but be aware they are large and heavy in spite of most having magnesium alloy cases.

None have ever needed any parts. Even the M28 batteries still work.

The standard M28 hammer drill is still my favorite go to drill. Not too large and has full torque at a very controllable low speed - which makes it especially good for drilling stainless or thick carbon steel. Has a reliable hand tightened carbide faced chuck that doesn't bugger bits.

The M28 circular saw is a real oddball saw. It is "left handed" compared with other circular saws. I rarely use it for that reason.

The big right angle drill is a monster. It has a big keyed chuck and when equipped with a "winch bit" adapter that drill was popular for use to power sail boat winches and anchor winches. I can't imagine what use that size tool would have for drilling holes. It takes two hands just to lift one.
Nice for powering big winches though....

The M28 impact driver weighs an astonishing 20 lbs without the battery. That weight means it doesn't kick back much and will loosen the lug nuts on most tractors....not on the JD310 rears though. Those need an air impact.

More recently, we also have a little M18 drill and M18 work light. Both get a lot of use when I don't want to lug an M28 monster. And I'm looking forward to getting some M12 tools.

rScotty