Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Battery Chainsaws

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i vs Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.0 vs 4.9). The gap is mostly about Professional arborists seeking maximum power — read the strengths below before deciding.

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
Ranked #4 in Best Battery Chainsaws
Husqvarna Power Axe 350i
$479.99as of Jul 5

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i delivers top-tier performance for a battery-powered chainsaw, cutting even faster with its boost mode feature. TechGearLab praised its tool-free tensioning system and straightforward controls, while Reddit users noted it's lighter than gas models but struggles with face cuts due to slower chain speed. The main drawbacks include lengthy charging times and inadequate oiling during use, though users appreciate the ease of starting compared to pull-start gas saws. This model suits users seeking cordless convenience over raw power, but those needing maximum cutting performance may want to consider gas alternatives.

Strengths
  • Exceptional sawing performance with fast cutting speeds in regular mode
  • Boost mode increases power delivery for stubborn cuts, reducing cut time to 5 seconds
  • Tool-free chain tensioning system is simple and intuitive
Watch-outs
  • Battery takes a long time to charge (3 hours for complete discharge)
  • Slower chain speed makes face cuts difficult
  • Doesn't oil chain as well as desired and accumulates chips and dust during use
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Battery Chainsaws
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013
$779as of Jul 5

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Telescoping Pole Saw delivers industry-leading power with 2.35HP peak output and 25m/s chain speed, making it the most powerful telescoping pole saw on the market. Reviewers praised its ease of use, instant-on operation, and professional-grade features like the onboard scrench and compact storage design that fits in ladder boxes or 6-inch conduit tubes. While it eliminates gas engine hassles like pull starts and maintenance, some users noted the need for regular bar oil checks and occasional sprocket cleaning due to lower operating temperatures. This tool is ideal for professional arborists and utility linemen seeking a powerful, reliable battery-powered alternative to gas models.

Strengths
  • 2.35HP peak power delivering fastest cutting in its class
  • Brushless motor reaches full throttle 25m/s chain speed in under 1 second
  • Telescoping shaft provides 9 feet to 13 feet adjustable length
Watch-outs
  • Requires regular bar oil checks due to lack of gas engine warm-up
  • Sprocket area tends to get clogged with grime and debris faster than gas saws

How they stack up

Husqvarna Power Axe 350i

The Husqvarna Power Axe 350i offers a boost mode for stubborn cuts and tool-free chain tensioning, features that the Milwaukee M18 Fuel lacks, but it's slower in regular mode compared to the EGO CS2005 and lacks the high peak power of the DeWalt DCCS677Z1. While it's lighter than gas models, it's less efficient than the EGO CS1613 in terms of cutting performance and doesn't match the cutting speed of the EGO CS2005, though it's more comfortable to handle than the heavier DeWalt model.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013 stands out as the most powerful telescoping pole saw on the market with 2.35HP peak output and 25m/s chain speed, outperforming the EGO CS2005 and DeWalt DCCS677Z1 in raw cutting performance. Unlike the EGO CS1613, it features a telescoping shaft for adjustable length, making it ideal for reaching high branches without a ladder, though it lacks the tool-free chain tensioning system found in the EGO models and requires more maintenance than the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHusqvarna Power Axe 350iMilwaukee M18 Fuel Telescoping 3013
Bar Length18 inches10.0 inches
Chain Speed11.8 m/s (38.7 fps) max chain speed25 m/s
Weight14 lb16 lb
Motor40-volt brushless motor2.35HP peak power
Voltage40V batteryM18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ battery
Battery Capacity7.5-amp-hour (Ah)
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