TechGearLab called the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw (2727) a strong-performing battery saw that winds up instantly, and Milwaukee rates its brushless motor as matching a gas engine up to 40cc, a comparison Woodbrew and Handmade Haven echoed. It runs on a single M18 battery shared with Milwaukee's wider tool line. TechGearLab measured it at 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test, though it found the weight often helps cutting. This model fits users already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, while buyers who don't want to keep lifting extra pounds should consider a lighter saw.
Full review
40cc Gas-Engine Equivalence
Milwaukee rates the M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw's POWERSTATE brushless motor as delivering the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc, and both Woodbrew and Handmade Haven repeated that 40cc comparison after cutting with it.
In practice, TechGearLab named it the champion of its dimensional wood-cutting time trials, and an Amazon reviewer quoted by SlashGear said it cuts through 10-12-inch pine like a champ. Woodbrew, which had only used gas chainsaws before, used it to cut up limbs from felled trees and take down overhanging branches, and said it performs extremely well.
Runtime Holds Up but Drains on Big Cuts
Woodbrew reported roughly an hour and a half of cutting from an M18 12Ah pack that was not even fully charged. TechGearLab measured 33 minutes of runtime and a 1.3-hour battery charge time in its testing.
Owner complaints compiled by SlashGear note that battery drain becomes noticeable on cuts bigger than about 6 inches that need sustained runtime rather than short bursts, and some users report packs overheating. Milwaukee recommends its M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT or FORGE packs for the best power and runtime.
Heavier Than Most Battery Saws
Milwaukee lists the 2727-20 bare tool at 10.7 pounds and the 2727-21HD kit at 13.9 pounds with its HD12.0 battery. TechGearLab measured its 2727-21HD test unit at 14 lbs, 4 oz, making it one of the heavier saws in its review.
TechGearLab found that the extra mass often helps by letting gravity do some of the work, and Woodbrew saw the heft as a sign of quality rather than a drawback. Still, TechGearLab advises buyers who don't want to keep lifting a few extra pounds to consider a lighter model.
Runs on a Single M18 Battery
The saw needs only one M18 battery and, per Milwaukee, works with all M18 packs. The battery compartment sits on top of the saw body, which TechGearLab considered the most practical place for it.
The 2727-20 is sold as a bare tool without a battery or charger, so buyers without existing M18 packs need to buy them separately or choose the 2727-21HD kit, which Milwaukee ships with an M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 battery and a rapid charger.
Zero Wind-Up Time Eliminates Gas Engine Hassles
One of the most praised features is the instant start-up capability. TechGearLab recorded zero wind-up time, meaning there is no need to pull a starter cord or adjust a choke. Users simply engage the safety and pull the trigger to reach full chain speed within a second.
This immediate response eliminates the frustration of struggling with a cold gas engine. An Amazon reviewer quoted by SlashGear said what they appreciated most was not having to mix gas, mess with a choke or yank a cord.
Owner-Reported Reliability Complaints
SlashGear's roundup of owner complaints lists starting failures, which users attribute variously to compromised internal wiring connections, a faulty chain brake, or overtightened bar nuts on older units with molded plastics.
Owners also mention the chain coming off and having to top off the bar oil more often than expected. Milwaukee states that the automatic oiler has a factory-set flow rate that cannot be adjusted.
Metal Bucking Spikes Aid in Ground Cutting
The saw features metal bucking spikes. These spikes allow users to press the tool firmly against logs, ensuring a stable and controlled cut when bucking wood on the ground.
TechGearLab said the metal bucking spikes, combined with the saw's long body, add leverage so you can really lean into the saw. This feature is particularly useful for professionals who spend significant time processing firewood or lumber.
Chain Tensioning Requires Integrated Scrench
Adjusting chain tension on the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch chainsaw is not tool-free. Users tension the chain with the onboard scrench, a screwdriver/wrench combination included with the saw.
While this adds a minor step compared to tool-free systems, TechGearLab called it its favorite type of chain tensioning system because it makes precise tension easier to achieve. Woodbrew used the scrench to remove the two bolts and front plate and reset a chain that came off, calling the process super simple.
M18 Battery Ecosystem Offers Extensive Compatibility
A significant advantage for existing Milwaukee users is the compatibility with the M18 battery system. TechGearLab noted that the batteries work with a massive list of other tools, from impact wrenches to circular saws.
This interoperability means that purchasing this chainsaw does not require investing in a new battery platform. Users can utilize their existing high-capacity Forge or High Output packs, ensuring consistent performance across their entire tool fleet. For those without Milwaukee tools, however, the cost of entering the ecosystem is higher compared to single-brand outdoor power equipment lines.
Strengths
- +Milwaukee rates its POWERSTATE brushless motor as delivering the power and performance of a gas engine up to 40cc
- +Onboard scrench tensioning that TechGearLab found gives more precise chain tension than tool-free systems
- +Offers instant start-up with zero wind-up time, eliminating pull-cords or choke adjustments
Watch-outs
- −Weighs 10.7 lbs bare per Milwaukee, and TechGearLab measured 14 lbs, 4 oz, one of the heavier saws in its test
- −Owners report noticeable battery drain on cuts bigger than about 6 inches, and some report packs overheating
- −Some owners report starting failures, the chain coming off, and higher-than-expected bar oil use
How it compares
Like the Dewalt 12-Inch Cordless Chainsaw, this model runs on a single battery, unlike the two-pack Milwaukee M18 FUEL 20" Dual Battery Chainsaw. It is heavier at 10.7 lbs bare compared to the Dewalt’s 9 lbs, making it less suitable for one-handed use.
Rating sources
“This chainsaw performs extremely well... This definitely has the professional landscaper performance and durability.”
“The Milwaukee's great cutting performance in combination with it being a member of the M18 FUEL family has made it one of our favorites.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 3 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
