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Milwaukee MX Fuel is unlike any other cordless platform today, featuring tools and light construction equipment that Milwaukee says are the first battery-powered solutions of their kind.

Get the idea out of your head that these are cordless power tools, because they’re not.


You and I might still think cordless power tools out of habit, but in reality this is a cordless machinery and equipment system. Milwaukee uses the term “light equipment,” which we will have to grow accustomed to. Cordless light construction equipment.

From a quick Google search, we see this as brand new terminology. Battery-powered light equipment is a class of tools and machinery that did not yet exist before MX Fuel.

Let’s put it this way. If you consider Milwaukee’s M12 cordless platform to be analogous to 2-door coupes and compact sedans, the M18 cordless system might be analogous to SUVs. MX Fuel would then be a Super Duty truck. You’re not going to call that truck a car, are you?

Get used to these words – cordless light equipment – as MX Fuel isn’t anything like the cordless power tools you’re used to seeing from Milwaukee.

Table of Contents

Intro

Milwaukee MX Fuel Batteries and Charger

Portable Power Supply

Breaker

Rocket Tower Light

Cut-off Saw

Core Drill

Sewer Drum Machine

Discussion

Milwaukee MX Fuel Intro

Milwaukee will be launching their new MX Fuel cordless light equipment system with 6 products. Each specific product is said to represent applications that have historically been challenging experiences for users due to stagnant equipment innovation.

Here are the six tools that will be included in the first wave of Milwaukee MX Fuel cordless lineup:

MX Fuel Breaker Lightest weight, can break up to 2 tons per charge

MX Fuel Carry-On 3600W/1800W Power Supply Compact, portable, efficient power

MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light/Charger 27,000 lumens, “withstands the storm”, new way to light the site

MX Fuel 14″ Cut-off Saw Full 14″ cut capacity, faster cuts from start to finish

MX Fuel Handheld Core Drill Power to core 6″ holes in reinforced concrete

MX Fuel Sewer Drum Machine with PowerTredz Power to clear roots at 200′, one-person transportation



Milwaukee Tool says that the new MX Fuel equipment system will be the platform that provides the technology and capability for Milwaukee to take a giant leap into the equipment space.

WHY? What’s the purpose of MX Fuel? Why now? How will this benefit users?

Milwaukee says that the light equipment industry has been stagnant when it comes to innovation. There has been an increasing emphasis on users’ exposure to emissions, vibration, and noise, with efforts taken to reduce the effects of these and other factors on users’ health.

Why might users be interested in this new battery-powered light equipment?

Milwaukee MX Fuel eliminates emissions.

Milwaukee MX Fuel reduces overall noise.

Milwaukee MX Fuel reduces vibration.

Milwaukee MX Fuel eliminates the need for gas engine maintenance and other frustrations.

Compared to AC-powered tools, MX Fuel eliminates trip hazards, voltage drops, and the need to walk over to electrical panels to reset tripped breakers.

Milwaukee has designed MX Fuel from the ground up, with new Li-ion batteries, new motors, and new electronics.

Milwaukee M12, M18, MX Fuel Coexistence

MX Fuel will be the cordless system that “provides best-in-class light equipment solutions.”

Milwaukee M18 will continue to “deliver power tool solutions that don’t compromise on power and performance.”

Milwaukee M12 will continue to see a focus on “portable power and transforming inefficient manual tools into advanced workhorses powered by cordless technology.”

In press materials, Milwaukee adds:

Milwaukee Tool will remain unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing jobsite safety and productivity. The future of the jobsite is cordless.

Milwaukee says that MX Fuel will “fundamentally change jobsites everywhere.”

These are some very big claims. Let’s take a look at the new MX Fuel battery-powered light equipment solutions, and please let us know in comments what you think about Milwaukee’s newest cordless platform.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Batteries and Charger

We had the opportunity to attend Milwaukee’s NPS19 media event where they showcased their new MX Fuel tools and technologies.

One thing was very clear – MX Fuel is not an 18V-class battery pack. It’s not a 10-cell hold-in-your-hand 36V battery. Forget about how far cordless power tool or outdoor power equipment batteries have come. MX Fuel delivers next-level power and capabilities.

We actually weren’t told about its operating voltage. Why? Because it doesn’t matter. If I told you that this was a 36V battery or a 60V Max battery, or even a 240V Max battery, would that make a difference? At this time, the number isn’t important.

There will be a compact MX Fuel battery pack, and a high capacity one. Milwaukee’s “everything fits” philosophy will apply – every MX Fuel battery will fit every MX Fuel tool.

MX Fuel CP203 Battery 3.0Ah Compact with (20) Li-ion cells Charges in 45 minutes 10.6″ long x 3.9″ wide x 4.1″ tall Weighs 5.9 lbs

MX Fuel XC406 Battery 6.0Ah Extended capacity with (40) Li-ion cells Charges in 90 minutes 10.6″ long x 7.1″ wide x 4.1″ tall Weighs 10.6 lbs



Both batteries have an integrated carry handle, battery fuel gauge, and are said to have 5X more protective rubber overmold for greater impact absorption and durability.

The charger, MXFC, features cell voltage monitoring, an on-board carry handle, and internal cooling fan.

It won’t be long before we know how many watt-hours these new Milwaukee MX Fuel Li-ion batteries are rated at. What really matters is that Milwaukee MX Fuel batteries were designed specifically for the new and future MX Fuel solutions and equipment.

From the renders, it looks like the CP (compact) battery has 20 cells, and the XC (extended capacity) battery 40 cells. This is unconfirmed.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Power Supply (MXF002-1XC)

I was particularly interested in the new Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On power supply, as that’s probably the only one of the new cordless products that I could see myself using.

The Carry-On power supply is described as compact, quiet, and portable.

3600/1800 means that the MX Fuel Carry-On power supply can deliver up to 1800W of continuous power, which translates to 15A of current to 120V devices, and it can sustain peaks of 3600W.

There are some products that you can just lift and get an immediate sense of its quality, and this is one such product. It makes competing products, at least those on the US market that we’ve had exposure to, feel like toys.

I found it very fitting that you could mount an M12/M18 multi-voltage charger on the side of the unit.

The Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On power supply can also fit one or two batteries. There are two outlets and battery fuel gauges for each battery.

Milwaukee One-Key provides for tracking and management.

Milwaukee says that the Carry-On can power a 55″ LCD television for more than 7 hours. I expect that we’ll get more runtime specs as we learn more about the Milwaukee MX Fuel system and the first wave of tools.

Oh, and it outputs a pure sinewave, and not a “modified sinewave.” This is important for some equipment, but not for others. Basically, a pure sinewave provides a more perfect AC voltage.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Breaker (MXF368-1XC)

Perhaps the most iconic new Milwaukee MX Fuel solution will be the breaker. A cordless breaker?! For concrete demolition? Yep.

Milwaukee says that the new MX Fuel breaker delivers a faster, safer, and easier concrete demolition experience, and that it is the most productive breaker, providing the lowest vibration, lightest weight, and it can break over 2 tons of concrete per charger.

Here you can see the size of the MX Fuel battery. You can’t power something this with a Li-ion cordless power tool battery.

You’ll still need dust collection or containment equipment, but there are no AC power cords or gas engine needs on the tool itself.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Breaker Specs

1-1/8″ hex chuck size

Soft start

Vibration: 4.9 m/s²

Impact Energy: 50 ft lbs

1300 BPM

32.2″ length, 25.1″ width, 11.6″ height

Weighs 63.9 lbs

LED lights

Front handle for easier transportation

One-Key compatible

Milwaukee MX Fuel Breaker Runtime with (1) XC Battery

40′ x 12″ wide trench x 6″ deep

2x sidewalk slabs 5′ x 4′ x 6″ deep

Milwaukee MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light (MXF041-1XC)

The new MX Fuel Rocket tower light was big. When deployed, it was too tall for me to get a good photo. The MX Fuel Rocket light literally towers over the other MX Fuel tools in a display.

But, it does collapse into a very portable package.

This isn’t a “light up a dim attic” tool, it’s a “light up the entire jobsite” kind of area light. It’s the kind of light you see hooked up to generators at worksites, but this one is battery-powered.

Milwaukee describes the new MX Fuel Rocket Tower light as being the most portable 10-foot light for both indoor and outdoor use, and that it provides up to 27,000 lumens of task and area lighting. They also say that the new light can withstand the harshest jobsite environments.

The MX Fuel Rocket tower light deploys fast and each unit is self-contained, powered by an MX Fuel battery. No gas engine power generators required.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Rocket Light Specs

27,000 max lumens

High/med/low outputs

Four adjustable light heads

44″ tall x 20.75″ wide x 24.75″ long

10′ extended height

Weighs 108 lbs

Motorized mast – sets up in seconds

8″ all-terrain wheels

Sealed battery box

One-Key compatible

Milwaukee MX Fuel Cut-Off Saw (MXF314-1XC)

I don’t use large cut-off saws, but even I recognize this new MX Fuel saw to be a beauty. It’s a 14″ saw that Milwaukee says provides “true 14″ cutting capacity.” They boast it provides the fastest cuts from start to finish. It provides “the best 14″ cut-off saw experience” thanks to less vibration, no emissions, quiet operation, and no gas headaches.

Could you cut large diameter pipes with smaller cordless cut-off saws? Maybe, but it’ll take a while, with smaller tools likely starved for power.

It can be used to cut block.

Or guide it through a long cut into concrete slab. Milwaukee says it delivers the power to cut through 5″ thick concrete. The cut-off saw cart will be available separately.

MX Fuel Cut-off Saw Specs

14″ blade diameter

5350 RPM

Universal quick connect hose for water connection

Wheels on the front aid with straight cuts

Push-button activation starts with 97% less effort

31.73″ length, 13.83″ height

Weighs 32 lbs

5″ depth of cut

1″/20 mm blade arbor size

One-Key compatible

MX Fuel Cut-off Saw Runtime with (2) XC Batteries:

5″ concrete depth of cut: 14′

8″ ductile iron pipe: 8 cuts

8″ PVC pipe: 52 cuts

Corrugated metal deck: 106′

8″ cinder block: 22 cuts

8″ cast iron pipe: 10 cuts

The kit comes with (1) XC406 battery.

Milwaukee MX Fuel Core Drill (MXF301)

The new MX Fuel core drill gives users control and enhanced safety with AutoStop technology.

AutoStop technology means that the core drill will shut down if it binds or jams, helping to protect users from kickback and counter-rotation forces.

It comes with a versatile support system and can bore holes of up to 6″ diameter in reinforced concrete.

You can mount the carrier system to a wall, or use it to drill into the floor.

The MX Fuel core drill can also be used separate from the guiding rail accessory.

The core drill will be available in a kit (MXF301-1CP), and in a kit with the stand (MXF301-2CXS).

MX Fuel Core Drill Specs

6″ max core bit capacity

Spindle sizes: 1-1/4″-7 and 5/8″-11 adapter

Speed: 790/1550 low/high RPM

21.58″ long x 4.80″ wide x 9.29″ high

Weighs 21.58 lbs

Clutch and AutoStop technology prevents over-rotation

Pressure gauge and LED level

Push-button activation

On-board water connection

Can be used for wet or dry drilling

One-Key compatible

MX Fuel Core Drill Runtime

(9) 3″ diameter holes in block with CP (compact) battery

(5) 3″ holes in 6″ concrete with CP battery

(18) 3″ holes in block with XC battery

Milwaukee MX Fuel Sewer Drum Machine (MXF501-1CP)

At NPS19, Milwaukee described how the new MX Fuel sewer drum machine with PowerTredz lift assist can simplify service calls by only requiring one person to transport it from a service van to where it’s needed, even if that’s up or down stairs.

It can clear roots out to 200 feet, and also has an enclosed drum to help contain a cleared mess. The last thing you want is to slosh any debris into the client’s space as you walk the machine back to a service van or truck.

The MX Fuel drum machine can power-climb up and down stairs!

There are other hand trucks on the market with “stair climbing” belts, but powered ones?

The tracks on the MX Fuel sewer drum machine look leaps and bounds more effective than what was showed off as the competing model, which looks to me like a Ridgid K-7500.

The demonstration of the new MX Fuel drum machine was impressive, making it look almost effortless to transport up and down stairs.

MX Fuel Drum Machine Specs

200′ drain line capacity

Drum capacity: 100 ft of 5/8″ or 3/4″ cable

Recommended for use on 3″ to 6″ pipes

8″ max pipe size

Manual or automatic feed

200 RPM cable spin speed

22″ wide x 32/5″ long x 47″ tall

Weighs 125 lbs

Powers through multiple jobs on a single charge

One-Key compatible

Discussion

Did Milwaukee really need to come out with a new cordless platform? Yes.

Benjamen also attended NPS19, and so I let myself separate from some of the MX Fuel rotations to chat with Paul Fry, Milwaukee’s VP of Cordless Product Management.

Almost immediately, there were two main questions I had to ask. Why not use M18 cordless power tool batteries for tools and equipment like this? Does the emergence of a new cordless battery system alter Milwaukee’s “M18 – everything fits!” philosophy?

The fact of the matter, Fry argued, is that cordless power tool batteries were simply not designed for the demands of heavier tools and equipment of this nature.

To effectively provide new solutions that eases users’ frustration and meets their needs, a new system was necessary.

To truly replace gas engine equipment or heavier AC tools, a new system needed to be designed and engineered from the ground up.

Milwaukee press materials describe how the MX Fuel cordless system has three main components, similar to their most advanced M18 cordless power tools – Powerstate brushless motors, RedLink Plus intelligence, and RedLithium battery technology.

There will be detractors I’m sure. But to do what Milwaukee is doing, for there to be cordless tools and equipment of this nature, would you rather have a distinct and separate system designed specifically for light construction equipment and related applications and demands, or compromises and sacrifices?

No, these tools could never be powered by M18 Li-ion battery packs.

The demands for these tools called for an all-new battery system. It’s not just the electrical power requirements, but the punishment the tools will be put through, and the environments in which they’ll be used.

The MX FUEL System was designed to withstand the size and mass of these products, as well as future equipment categories, and to power not only this application but the capability for us to continue driving forward into larger pieces of Light Construction Equipment.

I’m curious to learn more about the voltage, charge capacity, and power potential of the new Milwaukee MX Fuel battery packs. But, at least for the time being, there’s no competition. There doesn’t seem to be any battery-powered tools or equipment like this on the market, and there probably won’t be any others for quite a while.

Milwaukee designed the MX Fuel battery packs to power their new 14″ cut-off saw, concrete demo hammer breaker, drum machine, 10 ft tower light, robust portable power supply, 6″ max core drill, and likely a slew of additional MX Fuel products on their R&D roadmap.

How are Milwaukee’s closest cordless power tool competitors going to respond? Are we going to see multi-battery breakers, core drills, and 14″ cut-off saws? Or has Milwaukee just started a new cordless power equipment tech race?

It looks to me that Milwaukee Tool has changed the game, or rather they just created an entirely new one.

Milwaukee has broken into a new market for them, and it’s going to put competitors and other light equipment makers on notice. Are gas engine and AC tool and equipment makers prepared to develop the cordless technologies necessary to stave off this new competition from Milwaukee? Are cordless tool competitors working on their own light equipment systems? Even if the answer is “yes” to both, Milwaukee looks to have a lengthy head start.

With this new MX Fuel cordless tool and equipment system, there is almost no limit as to what we might see next. Such is often the case with breakthrough technologies.

Yes, there is still room for Milwaukee’s M18 cordless power tool system to extend further into higher-powered equipment. But with MX Fuel, the floor is much higher than M18’s ceiling. Heck, judging from the nature of these tools, MX Fuel looks to be capable of significantly higher power than anything Milwaukee’s cordless competitors have on the market.

This is just the launch of Milwaukee’s MX Fuel line, and we don’t have full specs and details for the individual tools yet, but I am very excited to see what comes next.

What are your thoughts on the new Milwaukee MX Fuel system and new tools?