First Look at the new Milwaukee MX Fuel System

Launching in 2020 the brand new Milwaukee MX FUEL range is like nothing you have ever seen. Not available to buy online, but if you are interested in pricing and more info please contact us at [email protected] 

Milwaukee has long settled on a trade-focused approach to power tools. They also maintained a ton of consistency and backward-compatibility with their M18 FUEL tools. But what about light equipment? This includes tools that need more power and runtime than M18 currently delivers. Power cutters. Core drills. Bigger tools. To address this type of trade tool, the Milwaukee MX FUEL line of equipment emerged alongside new MX FUEL batteries.

The new MX FUEL platform operates a variety of light equipment using a system-wide battery platform. Milwaukee designed the MX FUEL system to deliver the performance, run-time, and durability needed for tradesmen operating these larger tools. At the same time, they reduced or removed several hazards, including emissions, noise, and vibration. Plus, since this equipment operates on MX FUEL RedLithium batteries, you eliminate many of the hassles associated with the maintenance of gas and pneumatic tools.

Why a New Battery System?

Milwaukee Tool spent over 10,000 hours with contractors and tradesmen across thousands of job sites around the world. They saw a lot of safety issues and generally-accepted workflow issues that no one seemed able (or willing) to fix. Particular product categories in gas-powered and corded equipment just seemed to lack innovation.

Problems range from “gas headaches” to excessive vibration. Workers also commonly deal with tripping breakers, voltage drops, and power cords that present tripping hazards. In short—Milwaukee saw an opportunity to innovate select light equipment using battery technology. To do that, they needed a new and different approach geared specifically for this market.

Milwaukee MX FUEL Batteries

MX FUEL batteries represent the powerplant behind the new cordless light equipment system. Milwaukee currently has two MX FUEL RedLithium battery packs:

• MX FUEL CP203 Battery – This “compact” MX FUEL pack features twenty (20) 3.6V 21700 lithium-ion cells arranged (more or less) in two layers. You effectively get a 3Ah pack to operate MX FUEL tools and equipment.
• MX FUEL XC406 Battery – This MX FUEL extended-run battery pack contains forty (40) 3.6V 21700 lithium-ion cells arranged in two parallel double stacks. This pack comes rated at 6Ah for operating MX FUEL tools and equipment at maximum power and run-time.

The new batteries clearly contain more power than practically possible with existing M18 battery packs. Even the largest pack, the M18 FUEL HD 12.0 pack contains only 15 cells.

So what kinds of tools can you operate with MX FUEL? We’re glad you asked.

Milwaukee MX FUEL 14-inch Cut-off Saw – Model MXF314-XC

The Milwaukee MX FUEL 14-inch Cut-off Saw has the same cutting capacity of a 14-inch gas cut-off saw. Since it uses the new CP203 or XC406 MX FUEL battery packs, you get no starting hassles. You also set aside any maintenance issues that typically accompany a 14″ gas saw. Having a 14″ blade lets you cut 6-, 8-, or even 10-inch pipe straight—possibly without having to rotate the pipe.

The tool starts up quickly with the push of a button. Interviewed Pros commented they liked the power and capacity for cutting through steel, concrete, and cast iron. The Pros we heard from communicated it was as fast as a gas power cutter and the speed of cut was at least identical.

Specifically, with regard to power, they liked that it could tackle thicker steel and cast iron a lot more quickly. Add to that the fact that you don’t need to buy gas or premix fuel, and the tool simply became easier to use on the job site.

They also revealed that the tool weighs less than at least some comparable gas cutters they’ve used in this class. The tool proves easier to use indoors since you don’t need to worry about fumes. Since the cutting action—and not a gasoline engine—produce the majority of audible sound, the MX FUEL 14-inch Cut-off saw makes a lot less noise.

Milwaukee MX FUEL Breaker Demo Hammer – Model MXF368-1XC

The Milwaukee MX FUEL Breaker Demo Hammer focuses on three key things. It reduces vibration to the user, drops weight to be the lightest breaker in its class, and demos up to two tons of concrete per charge. The MX FUEL breaker shocked Pros with respect to its power and how long the battery lasts.

One worker used the new MX FUEL breaker to cut an 80-foot long 10-inch wide trench in 6-inch concrete. When he finished, the battery still showed half of its life remaining.

Professional construction workers compared its power to traditional air-powered breakers. Compared to those, it weighs less and doesn’t vibrate as much as a pneumatic tool. Overall, the response was that it provides much more control over corded or hosed tools. With the side handle, the tool can be carried one-handed from the mid-position—even with the battery installed. It balances perfectly from the mid-point.

The tool also operates with less noise than air hammers currently used by so many construction workers. Overall, this new breaker looks poised to change expectations regarding what a cordless power tool can accomplish.

Milwaukee MX FUEL Core Drill – MXF301-1CP

The Milwaukee MX FUEL Core Drill focuses on safer handheld coring. It tackles up to 6-inch holes in reinforced concrete. Because it includes a brushless motor and Redlink Plus technology, Milwaukee could include some important safety features. For example, an integrated clutch all but eliminates kickback events.

You can really observe the significance of this feature when you get up on an 8-foot ladder to drill a hole. We saw this first-hand at the 2019 Milwaukee NPS Media Event. Typically, this would represent a potential safety issue. With the electronic clutch, however, the tool never presents a potential kickback. Additionally, the clutch and Autostop protect the bits as well as the user.

We also like the integrated digital level feature. Four directional LED arrows tell you if you’ve got the tool oriented perfectly along the axis while drilling. This takes the hassle out of making an accurate core in walls. It’s particularly helpful when you’re standing on a ladder.

Similarly, a 5-LED performance gauge lets you know how hard the tool is working. If you light up too many LEDs (crossing the visible threshold) you can back off the pressure, allowing the tool and core bit to work smarter and conserving valuable battery run-time.

Pros used the tool, among other things, to drill 6-inch holes in 14-inch thick concrete. That represents an entirely new territory for cordless equipment technology. Several tradesmen commented that they felt it had as much power as any similarly-classed corded core drill on the market.

The system also has an optional wall and floor mount that lets you anchor the tool when drilling larger holes that require a precise and level path. The mount includes depth controls as well as level vials for accurately setting the core drill. Combined with the Milwaukee Switch Tank, you can get this tool up and running on the job site in far less time than dragging cords and/or hoses.