Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee Expands OPE Lineup With Attachment System

It was back in June of 2016 at NPS 16 when Milwuakee first introduced outdoor power equipment (OPE) to the M18 lineup. They started with just 3 tools, a hedge trimmer, blower, and string trimmer. A modest introduction that hasn’t seen any additions to the line until NPS 18 when the M18 chainsaw was introduced. Fast forward to 2019 and Milwaukee OPE is expanding with a whole new power head and attachment system.

Milwaukee QUIK-LOK

The new attachment system Milwaukee is calling it QUIK-LOK. It consists of an M18 power head similar in design to the current stand-alone string trimmer but with a more powerful motor. While an attachment system is a well established product in many brands, the only other construction power tool brand with a 18V battery-powered attachment system is Makita.

The electric motor is up in the powerhead with a half shaft down to the coupler. The attachment has the remainder of the shaft down to the implement. There is a spline and notch in the shaft ensuring a positive connection.

What makes this system great is that the same batteries a guy uses on the job site, are the same ones used to maintain the homestead as well. No special larger batteries, same batteries will work in all tools.

Attachments

With this announcement comes the introduction of a few core implements. Of course there is a string trimmer head but the edger, articulating hedge trimmer, and pole saw are welcome additions. The attachments are all available individually but the powerhead is only available with the string trimmer or pole saw.

String Trimmer

The string trimmer is available with either the power head or as a stand-alone attachment. It offers up to a 16″ cutting swath and a quick-loading head. Milwaukee says it can be reloaded in 30 seconds. That’s pretty darn fast.

•  Cutting Swath:     14” – 16”
• Line Diameter:     .080”/.095”
• RPM:             0-4,900/0-6,200
• Trigger:         Variable Speed
• Feed System:         Bump Feed
• Length:        73.6”
• Weight:        12.3 lbs
• Price: Kit (1 battery) – $329, Bare Tool – $229, Attachment Only – $109
• Available February 2019
  

10″ Pole Saw

The pole saw, like string trimmer, is available with either the power head or as a stand-alone attachment. It has a 10″ Oregon bar and R40 chain. It comes with a 3′ attachment extension for extended reach. Bar oil tank and chain adjustment are easily accessible.

• Bar Length:         10”
• Chain Gauge:        .043”
• Chain Pitch:        3/8” Low Profile
• RPM:             0-4,600
• Length:        80”
• Weight:        12.7 lbs
• Price: Kit (1 battery) – $399, Attachment Only – $164
• Available February 2019

Edger

The edger is available as attachment only. It has an 8″ blade and an adjustable guide wheel. A metal guard and mudflap keeps debris down.

• Blade Size:         8”
• RPM:            3,900
• Length:        38”
• Weight:        5.25 lbs
• Price: Attachment Only – $109
• Available February 2019

Articulating Hedge Trimmer

The hedge trimmer offers 270 degrees of articulation through 13 indexable positions. It has a 20″ double sided bar with the cut capacity of up to an 1″. It can also be used with the 3′ extension pole for extended reach.

• Blade Length:         20”
• Cut Capacity:        1”
• Operating Positions:    13
• SPM:            3,500
• Length:        60”
• Weight:        5.8 lbs
• Price: Attachment Only – $164
• Available February 2019

Photos/Videos

1 Comment

1. Tom H.

   January 14, 2019 at 12:47 am

   What an amazing article! I have to say that I am blown away by the level of passion you guys have for all things tools… very nice 🙂

   Reply

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