Best Milwaukee M18 Brushless String Trimmer
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Is this the best Milwaukee M18 brushless string trimmer for your yard? It is a good fit if you already own M18 batteries, because the listing sells the trimmer as a tool only and says the battery is sold separately. The Milwaukee product page for model 2828-20E states that the trimmer is compatible with any M18 battery. The Amazon record gives a 16-inch cutting width and a speed of 6200 rpm, but it gives no runtime and no warranty, so this post takes those two points from the manufacturer. This post covers only this one product.
Quick answer
- Buy it if you already own M18 batteries and a charger. The listing says the battery is sold separately.
- The scanner record gives a 16-inch cutting width and a speed of 6200 rpm. The manufacturer says up to 6,200 RPM.
- Do not assume a battery or charger is in the box. The title says tool only, but the manufacturer FAQ lists a kit that includes both.
- Check the weight before you compare. The record gives 7 pounds in one field and 9.1 pounds in a bullet.
The product at a glance
The product data in this post comes from a Playwright scanner record checked on 2026-10-28. The manufacturer figures come from the Milwaukee product page opened on 2026-10-29, and each one is labeled. “Not stated” means neither source gives the detail.
| Item | What the listing or manufacturer page states |
|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee (listing) |
| Model number | 2828-20 (listing); 2828-20E (manufacturer page) |
| Type | Cordless string trimmer, sold as tool only |
| Power source | Battery powered (listing) |
| Battery platform | M18 System, 18V (listing); compatible with any M18 battery (manufacturer) |
| Battery included | No, the listing says it is sold separately |
| Charger included | Not stated in the listing; the manufacturer kit FAQ lists one (see below) |
| Speed | 6200 rpm (listing); up to 6,200 RPM (manufacturer) |
| Speed settings | High and low, with a variable speed trigger (manufacturer) |
| Cutting width | 16 inches (listing); adjustable from 14 to 16 inches (manufacturer) |
| Line | .080 or .095 trimmer line; 25 feet of .080 or 20 feet of .095 (manufacturer) |
| Item weight | 7 pounds (listing item weight field); 9.1 pounds (listing size bullet) |
| Size | 71.0 inches height, 10.5 inches width, 13.0 inches depth (listing bullet) |
| Runtime | Up to 20 minutes of constant grass trimming (manufacturer); battery for that figure not stated |
| Warranty | 3 years for the tool (manufacturer) |
Cutting width is the width the line covers in one pass. The Milwaukee page says the 16-inch swath “trims more grass in a single pass,” and it describes the swath as adjustable from 14 to 16 inches. The page also gives two speed settings. High speed is for demanding applications, and low speed is for maximizing run-time. Neither source says how much runtime each setting gives.
Power, speed and attachments
The manufacturer says the trimmer “delivers up to 1.39 peak HP,” and it describes a brushless motor that provides up to 6,200 RPM to maintain cutting performance in dense grass. The page also describes a variable speed trigger that allows “trigger feathering for ultimate user control.” Those are the manufacturer’s statements. This post has no independent figure to check them against.
Attachments are the main limit to plan around. The manufacturer’s FAQ answers the question directly: “No, the QUIK-LOK™ attachment system is only compatible with the 3016-20 M18™ FUEL Power Head.” The same FAQ says that head “delivers more power than the M18™ Brushless String Trimmer” and can power “the ability to power 13 different attachments.” If attachments are part of your plan, compare that head instead. The listing for this model does not mention attachments at all.
The trimmer belongs to the M18 System. The page says the system is “fully compatible with over 300+ solutions,” and it notes that REDLINK™ Intelligence “constantly monitors and controls the power delivery from battery to motor.” Those points matter if you already own M18 tools, because the battery and charger you own are part of the same platform. They do not show how long a battery lasts on this trimmer.
Who it suits
- Owners who already run the Milwaukee M18 system. The manufacturer page says the trimmer is compatible with any M18 battery, so a battery you already own is the simplest route to running it.
- Buyers who want a single 16-inch string head for grass. The manufacturer says the head can be loaded with line in under 30 seconds, which matters if you change line often.
- Homeowners who want a lightweight string trimmer for standard trimming. The manufacturer calls it a lightweight, dedicated string trimmer for standard trimming applications.
Skip it if
- You need a battery and charger in the box. The listing says the battery is sold separately, and it says nothing about a charger.
- You do not own any M18 batteries. Then the battery and charger are a separate purchase on top of the tool. If you are comparing other battery platforms, see Greenworks vs EGO Power+ string trimmers compared.
- You want a step up for demanding work. The Milwaukee FAQ places a higher-powered M18 FUEL trimmer above this model, which it says offers a premium step up with higher power for more demanding string trimming applications.
- You plan to use QUIK-LOK attachments. The manufacturer says this model is not compatible with that attachment system.
What the listing does not say
The listing does not say whether a charger comes with the trimmer. It also gives no warranty and no runtime. The title says Tool-Only, and a bullet says the battery is sold separately, so the battery is not included.
The manufacturer page conflicts with itself on the kit. Its product overview says the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 battery is “(battery not included).” Its FAQ, under “What is included in the kit?”, lists the trimmer, a 6.0Ah battery with model number 48-11-1865, and a charger with model number 48-59-1812. This post does not choose between those two statements. Check the seller’s order page for the exact contents before you buy.
The weight is also unsettled. The record gives an item weight of 7 pounds and a size bullet that ends with 9.1 pounds. The first two bullets in the record also end mid-sentence, so their full wording is not available here.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the battery and charger line on the order page. The listing says the battery is sold separately, and it does not state a charger.
- Match the battery to the M18 system. The manufacturer says the trimmer is compatible with any M18 battery, and it adds that the HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE batteries will deliver the best performance for this tool.
- Check the line size you need. The head takes .080 or .095 trimmer line, and the manufacturer lists 25 feet of .080 or 20 feet of .095.
- Decide on the cutting width. The listing says 16 inches, and the manufacturer says the swath adjusts from 14 to 16 inches.
- Check the weight on the order page, since the record gives two different figures.
- Check your attachment plan before you order. The manufacturer says the QUIK-LOK attachment system needs the 3016-20 M18 FUEL Power Head, so this trimmer will not take those attachments.
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a battery is in the box. The listing says the battery is sold separately, so plan for that purchase.
- Using the 7-pound figure without checking it. Its size bullet gives 9.1 pounds, so the two figures need checking before you compare weights.
- Treating the 20-minute runtime as a promise for any battery. The manufacturer states up to 20 minutes in constant grass trimming, and the page does not say which battery that figure uses.
- Ordering the wrong line size. The head takes .080 or .095 line, so check the spool you buy against the head before you load it.
Safe use before you start
The main safety source for this post is the Ohio State University Extension factsheet on handheld trimmers. It says that contact from rotating cutters and flying debris can cause serious injury, including cuts and lacerations. It also notes that the tool can throw objects because of its spinning action, which is why bystanders are at risk.
Before you start, the factsheet advises you to inspect the area and remove visible stones, sticks, wires and other debris. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts and cutting blades, and work only on stable ground with good balance. Do not run the trimmer when you are fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from cuts and flying debris.
The factsheet also says to “Wear sturdy leather work boots or hard-soled shoes to protect the ankles and feet from the rotating cutter head and flying debris.” For eyes, it advises safety glasses with side shields or goggles, and a face shield over them when cutting attachments are in use.
The factsheet also says that cutting edges need upkeep on blades but not on string lines. That is relevant here, because this trimmer uses line. Allow a safe distance from bystanders, which the factsheet puts at no less than 50 feet. For a battery platform comparison in a different brand, see the Best Dewalt Flexvolt 60v Max String Trimmer post.
How we chose
This post covers one product, ASIN B09THC6LZG, the Milwaukee M18 brushless string trimmer model 2828-20. We did not compare it with other trimmers, so this is not a ranking. The keyword names this product, so the post answers for this model only. The product data was read from the scanner record checked on 2026-10-28. The manufacturer page was opened on 2026-10-29, and the Ohio State factsheet was opened the same day.
We used three criteria: the figures the listing states, the figures the manufacturer states and labels as its own, and safety points from a university extension source. We left out all commercial details from the listing.
What we could not verify
- Whether a charger is included. The listing does not state one, and the manufacturer page both says the battery is not included and lists a kit with a charger.
- The weight. The record gives 7 pounds and 9.1 pounds, and no source explains the difference.
- The 20-minute runtime figure. The manufacturer states it, and we found no independent source that confirms it.
- The full warranty terms. The manufacturer gives a 3-year tool warranty, and this post does not confirm the terms behind that figure.
- Any detail on this exact model from the Ohio State factsheet. That factsheet is dated 2015 and covers handheld trimmers in general.
FAQ
Does the Milwaukee M18 brushless string trimmer come with a battery?
No. The listing says the battery is sold separately, and the title says Tool-Only. The manufacturer kit answer does list a battery, so check the order page before you buy.
Does the trimmer work with any M18 battery?
The manufacturer says it is compatible with any M18 battery. It adds that the HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE batteries will deliver the best performance for this tool.
How long does the trimmer run on one charge?
The manufacturer states up to 20 minutes of runtime in constant grass trimming applications. The page does not say which battery that figure uses, so treat it as a manufacturer figure.
Can I use attachments with this trimmer?
No, according to the manufacturer. Its FAQ says the QUIK-LOK attachment system is only compatible with the 3016-20 M18 FUEL Power Head. The listing does not mention attachments.
How long is the warranty?
The manufacturer’s warranty answer gives 3 years for the tool. The Amazon record does not state a warranty.
Is it safe to use near people and pets?
Ohio State University Extension says bystanders are at risk from thrown objects, and it advises allowing a safe distance of at least 50 feet. Keep children and pets away from the work area while you trim.
Bottom line
Buy this trimmer only if you already own an M18 battery and charger. If you need the battery and charger in the box, choose a listing that states what is included.
Sources
- Amazon listing for model 2828-20 (opened 2026-10-28): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09THC6LZG
- Milwaukee Tool, M18 Brushless String Trimmer (Tool-Only), product page (opened 2026-10-29): https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/m18-brushless-string-trimmer-tool-only/2828-20
- Ohioline, Handheld Trimmers and Brush Cutters, AEX-790.37 (opened 2026-10-29): https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79037
