Back in November of 2011 Milwaukee announced their new M18 Fuel system. Today Milwaukee announced their first tools to this system, the new M18 Fuel 1/2″ drill/driver (2603-20/22) and the M18 Fuel 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver (2604-20/22).
According to Milwaukee these tools integrate three ground-breaking cordless technologies to deliver up to 10X longer life, 25% more power and 50% more run-time for the professional tradesman. Sounds like a winner to us. Milwaukee has combined their exclusive POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM™ battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence to deliver drills that will outperform all other 18V drills on the market, while being over 1” shorter and lighter than leading competition.
Here is what impresses us. Both the drill/driver and the hammer drill have a whooping 725 in-lbs. of torque. That is a huge jump over existing 18V platforms. The new POWERSTATE™ brushless motor works harder, lives longer, and converts energy into power and torque more efficiently than leading competitors. The POWERSTATE™ motors also reduce noise and cools more rapidly, delivering years of maintenance-free performance.
Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide significantly more run-time, power and recharges than any other Lithium product on the market. REDLITHIUM™ also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ battery operates cooler and performs in climates as low as 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software is the world’s most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics that will maximize performance and protect the user’s investment. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence is a best-in-class system that integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger, and constantly monitors this internal network to maintain ideal conditions.
In addition, all M18™ FUEL products will include the new multi-voltage charger to allow users to charge all M12™ and M18™ batteries with one charger. The new drills also come with an all metal ratcheting locking chuck for maximum grip, bit retention and durability, as well as a new contoured soft grip that gives users the ultimate comfort during prolonged use.
OK here is the bad news. This system is not available until March of 2012. We know it is only a month away, but we are excited and want to see this in action now. Check out more about Milwaukee’s fuel system and other Milwaukee tools at milwaukeetool.com/fuel.
M18 Fuel Specifications
M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit (2603-22)
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 725 in-lbs
- Speed: 2 Speed
- RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
- Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
- Tool Length: 7.9”
- Tool Weight (w/ XC battery):4.9 lbs
2603 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ HIGH CAPACITY REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger
M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Drill/Driver Bare Tool (2603-22CT)
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 650 in-lbs
- Speed: 2 Speed
- RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
- Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
- Tool Length: 7.9”
- Tool Weight (w/ compact battery):4.4 lbs
2603 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ COMPACT REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger
M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver Kit (2604-22)
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 725 in-lbs
- Speed: 2 Speed
- RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
- BPM: 31,450 BPM
- Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
- Tool Length: 8.1”
- Tool Weight (w/ XC battery): 5.0 lbs
Includes 2604 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ HIGH CAPACITY REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger
M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver Bare Tool (2604-22CT)
- Volts: 18V
- Torque: 650 in-lbs
- Speed: 2 Speed
- RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
- BPM: 31,450 BPM
- Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
- Tool Length: 8.1”
- Tool Weight (w/ compact battery): 4.5 lbs
Includes 2604 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ COMPACT REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger
Looks cool. When are other coming out with their models? Looks like Milwaukee and Dewalt announced at the same time. Weird.
I am sure we will start to see more over the next year.
Has Milwaukee announced a brushless impact or has Dewalt announced a brushless drill? I’m just curious when the brushless head to head comparisons will start going down.
I haven’t heard when there coming out, but it will be interesting to see how they measure up against each other
Can’t you use your internet might to get a test model sooner?
I wonder if they’ve improved the batteries yet again, I see the Red Lithium batteries on the fuel tools have a new red line. In the past they have quietly upgraded the cells, maybe the Fuel tools get something a little better.
LOL, it would be nice. Milwaukee does a lot of field testing with all their tools, so they do get a nice workout. Looks like you do some nice work in Alaska. I like the custom work with the rail and case.
We put the word out!
The Red line batteries are basicly the same as the red lithium. No change. Not to impressed. A new Fuel demo at my local Home Depot failed after only a few days.