If you’ve ever dealt with a loud gas mower on a hot summer day, you know how annoying it can be. I live in Fort Worth, Texas, where the grass grows fast and thick. I got tired of the noise, the fumes, and all the work it took to keep my old mower running.
That’s why I started looking for a better option. I wanted a cordless mower that was easy to use but still strong enough for tough grass.
I found the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. I’ve been using it for almost two years now. And here’s the surprise—I actually enjoy mowing now.
If you’re asking if this mower is worth it, the answer is yes. In this review, I’ll tell you why it’s different, what I like about it, and who it’s best for. I’ll share what I’ve learned from using it—just the facts, no fluff.
Table of Contents
Quick Look at the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Name: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- Type: Cordless, battery-powered, self-propelled push mower
- Best For: Homeowners who want a quiet mower that’s easy to care for. It’s strong enough for thick grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda.
- Price: About $900 to $1,000. Cost may change based on where you buy it and what batteries come with it.
Why I Picked This Mower
When I started looking for a cordless mower, I had a long list of needs. I didn’t want to lose power just to skip gas. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower stood out. It checked more boxes than I thought it would.
Strong Cutting Power
The blade is made of steel and stays sharp. After two years, I still haven’t replaced it. It cuts thick grass like Bermuda with no problem. I’ve even used it on wet grass. It doesn’t clog or stop like my old gas mower.
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Comfortable Handle
The handle has soft padding and adjusts to fit your height. I’m six feet tall and can stand up straight while mowing. My wife is shorter and can use it just fine too. Being able to adjust it is a big deal.
Good Battery Life
It uses Milwaukee’s M18 batteries—the same ones I use with my tools. That saved me money. I already had a few. One full charge is enough to mow both the front and back yard without hurrying.
Self-Propelled Help
This was a new feature for me. You can change the speed to match your pace. That helps a lot in the Texas heat when you don’t want to work too hard.
Easy to Store
It folds up and stands upright in the garage. It doesn’t take up much room. That’s great if your garage is full, like mine.
What Could Be Better
Even though I really like this mower, it’s not perfect. A few things could be improved.
Price Is High
Let’s be honest—this mower isn’t cheap. It runs around $900 to $1,000 depending on where you buy it and if batteries are included. That’s a big chunk of change for a homeowner. I already owned M18 batteries, so it made more sense for me. But if you’re starting from scratch, the full kit can feel pricey.
A Bit Heavy
At about 85 pounds with batteries, it’s not the lightest mower out there. The self-propel helps a lot, but if you’re lifting it into a truck bed or moving it up steps, you’ll feel the weight.
Takes Two Batteries
This mower needs two M18 batteries to run. If you only have one, it won’t work. For folks in the U.S. who already use Milwaukee tools, that might not be a problem. But if you’re new to the brand, buying extra batteries adds to the cost.
No Side Discharge
It only mulches or bags the clippings. There’s no side discharge chute, which some people might prefer—especially if you’re mowing larger yards and want to move fast without emptying a bag.
A Little Loud for Electric
It’s quieter than any gas mower I’ve owned, but don’t expect silence. For an electric mower, it’s still louder than I thought it would be. Not a dealbreaker, just something I noticed.
My Personal Gardening Experience
The first time I used the Milwaukee M18 Fuel mower, it was mid-June in Fort Worth. The grass was thick, wet, and tall after a week of rain. I thought it would be a hard job. But the mower handled it well. It cut through the Bermuda grass with no problem. I didn’t even need to go over the same spot twice.
One weekend, my in-laws came to visit. My father-in-law loves gas mowers. He asked to try this one. After a few minutes, he smiled and said, “This thing’s smooth.” He was surprised by how easy it was to push. He also liked that it didn’t smell like gas.
I also remember mowing early one morning before it got too hot. The neighborhood was quiet. I didn’t worry about the noise like I did with my old mower. It’s not silent, but it’s much quieter than gas. It wouldn’t wake a baby or bother the neighbors. That’s a big win in a quiet suburban area.
Who Should Buy This?
If mowing feels like a chore, this mower can help. It’s easy to use and works well, even in thick grass. If you already own Milwaukee tools, it’s an even better deal—you can use the same M18 batteries.
This mower is a great pick for:
- Homeowners with medium or large yards
- People who want to stop using gas mowers—no more fumes or oil
- Anyone with thick grass like St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia
- Folks who want less noise while mowing
- People with back or shoulder pain—the soft handle and self-propel help a lot
- DIYers who already have Milwaukee’s M18 batteries
It might not be the best fit for:
- People on a tight budget—it’s pricey if you’re starting from zero
- Those who like side-discharge mowing only
- People with very small yards—this mower may be too much
- First-time cordless users without Milwaukee tools
Bottom line: This mower gives you strong cutting power and an easier mowing job. If you live in a hot or humid place like Texas, Florida, or Georgia, you’ll feel the upgrade right away. It costs more up front, but it’s worth it if you want less work in the long run.
Another Choice: Ego vs. Milwaukee Mower
Before I bought the Milwaukee mower, I tried a few others. One of them was the Ego Power+ 21-inch. It’s a good mower too. If you’re looking for a backup option, here’s how they compare.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel vs. Ego Power+ 21-Inch
| Feature | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch | Ego Power+ 21-Inch (Select Cut) |
| Power Source | Two M18 batteries | One 56V ARC lithium battery |
| Cutting Power | Great for thick grass | Sharp blade with Select Cut tech |
| Run Time | Up to 60 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Self-Propelled | Yes, adjustable speed | Yes, smooth speed control |
| Weight | About 85 lbs with batteries | Around 62 lbs |
| Storage | Folds and stands upright | Folds and stands upright |
| Noise Level | Quieter than gas | Even quieter than most electric |
| Price | $900–$1,000 | $750–$850 |
| Battery Fit | Works with Milwaukee M18 tools | Works with other Ego tools |
| Discharge Options | Mulch and bag only | Mulch, bag, and side discharge |
What I Thought of the Ego
I used the Ego mower for a full spring. It was light and a little quieter than the Milwaukee. That was nice. But when I had to mow after a rain, it didn’t do well in thick grass. It had a hard time with tall Bermuda. That’s when I knew I needed more power. The Milwaukee handled that better and became my top pick.
Read More: Best Lawn Mower for Bermuda Grass
Final Thoughts
If you’re done fighting with loud, fume-filled gas mowers, this Milwaukee might be your upgrade. It’s not perfect, but it makes mowing easier, faster, and a lot more pleasant—especially if you live somewhere hot and humid like much of the southern U.S. I don’t dread mowing anymore, and that says a lot.
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FAQs: Milwaukee Lawn Mower Review
Can it cut thick grass like Bermuda or St. Augustine?
Yes! It handles thick grass well. It cuts clean, even when the grass is damp or dense.
How long does the battery last?
You get up to 60 minutes on one charge. That’s enough time to mow your yard without hurrying.
Is it noisy?
Not really. It’s quieter than gas mowers. You can use it without bothering your neighbors.
Can I use my M18 batteries from other Milwaukee tools?
Yes! If you have other Milwaukee tools, your M18 batteries will work with this mower too.
What are the downsides?
It’s a bit heavy. It needs two batteries. And it costs more than some others. But it’s strong, easy to use, and worth it.
