Introduction
Milwaukee’s second-generation M18 Fuel blower, the 2724-20, builds on the success of its predecessor and delivers even more power. Designed to complement professional-grade gas equipment, this battery-powered blower offers improved performance and a range of convenient features. In this review, we’ll explore the advantages, shortcomings, and notable changes of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel blower Gen 2.
Advantages
The second-generation Milwaukee M18 Fuel blower comes with a host of improvements that make it stand out from its predecessors and competitors:
Improved Blowing Power
The M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 provides even greater blowing power compared to previous models. Its increased airspeed of 120 MPH allows for efficient clearing of debris and leaves.
Lightweight Design
Despite its enhanced performance, this blower remains lightweight, weighing in at only 4.9 pounds. It is lighter than many other blowers with higher voltage ratings, ensuring ease of handling and reduced user fatigue.
User-Friendly Features
The M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 features an inline design, resulting in a more compact and streamlined form factor. Its comfortable grip, wide handle, and large trigger size contribute to a pleasant user experience. Additionally, this blower is compatible with other Milwaukee M18 and M18 Fuel products, providing versatility and convenience for professionals.
Shortcomings
While the second-generation M18 Fuel blower offers significant improvements, it may not match the power of the latest battery-operated blowers on the market. Users seeking the highest performance levels may want to explore alternative options.
Still the Same: Efficient Design
Milwaukee has retained the tried-and-tested inline rear intake design for the Gen 2 blower. This design minimizes energy loss by allowing the air column to pass directly through the blower. The blower maintains the same air volume as its predecessor, delivering 450 CFM.
Notable Changes: Enhanced Performance and Functionality
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 showcases several notable changes that improve its overall performance and usability:
High/Low Dual-Speed Select and Lock Button
In place of the previous cruise control feature, the Gen 2 blower offers a high/low dual-speed select and lock button. This feature allows users to choose between low-speed operation for controlled cleaning in confined areas or high-speed operation for open spaces. While the transition between modes requires releasing the lock button and trigger, the versatility it provides outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Increased Airspeed
Thanks to a larger impeller and narrower tubes, the M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 achieves an airspeed of 120 MPH. This represents a significant improvement over its predecessor and contributes to more efficient clearing of debris.
Battery Compatibility and Comfortable Handling
As an M18 Fuel product, this blower is compatible with any M18 battery. The 2724-21HD kit includes a 9.0Ah high-demand battery and an 8.0Ah high-output battery pack, ensuring extended runtimes. The blower features a rubber overmolded handle that offers a comfortable grip, and the size of the trigger and the placement of the lock button make it suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower Performance
The M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 excels in typical post-mowing cleanup and leaf control tasks. Its powerful blowing capabilities make it an effective tool for clearing debris, particularly on hard surfaces. While it may not match the performance of the most potent battery-powered blowers on the market, it provides excellent results as a gas equipment supplement for lawn caregivers and homeowners.
Noise Level
In our tests, the Gen 2 blower produced 81 decibels (dB) at wide-open throttle (WOT) and slightly lower levels at low speeds. It is worth noting that ANSI standards require noise testing to be conducted from a distance of 50 feet, at which the blower recorded 67 dB. Considering the 20% increase in airspeed compared to its predecessor, the Gen 2 blower offers an impressive balance of power and noise reduction.
Vibration
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 effectively minimizes vibrations during operation. Testers reported minimal vibrations at WOT and only slight vibrations at low speeds, demonstrating the blower’s well-engineered construction.
Blowing Power
Using a dynamometer, we compared the blowing performance of the M18 Fuel blower Gen 2 to its predecessor and other blowers on the market. The Gen 2 blower demonstrated an improvement, with an impact of up to 11.2 Newtons (N) compared to the previous model’s 9 N. The brushless motor of the Gen 2 blower allows it to reach maximum power in less than a second. It is worth noting that this test did not incorporate Milwaukee’s high-output batteries, which could potentially increase the blower’s blowing force to approximately 12 N.
These results position the Gen 2 blower as a capable tool for clearing hard surfaces and assisting in leaf removal during the fall season. While it may not match the blowing force of the most powerful battery-operated blowers available today, it delivers impressive performance for its intended applications.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Blower Prices
The Gen 2 blower is available as a standalone unit for $149. For those seeking additional value, a kit including the blower, an 8.0Ah high-output battery, and a fast charger is available for $279. Additionally, Milwaukee offers a fall cleanup kit that includes the blower and an 18-inch chainsaw as bare tools, priced at $458.
The Bottom Line
Milwaukee’s upgrade to the second-generation M18 Fuel blower brings notable enhancements to its performance and functionality. While there are more powerful battery-operated blowers on the market, the Gen 2 blower offers a reliable gas equipment supplement for lawn caregivers and homeowners and provides an upgrade from lower-powered jobsite blowers commonly found on construction sites.
Feature Set:
- Power to clear from 15 feet
- Full speed forward in less than 1 second
- Up to 4 lbs lighter than high-pressure competition
- High/Low speed setting
- Lock button
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Gen II Leaf Blower Specifications:
- Power source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Airspeed: 120 MPH
- Air volume: 450 CFM
- Dimensions: 33.8 x 5.87 x 9.7 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Price: $149 bare, $279 kit