Long time Milwaukee owner here. Although I do not own any electric chainsaws from them I did just buy their new electric pole saw. I love it. My climbing saw is the Echo 2511T. I love the sound of my Egan pipe screaming at full throttle!
Modded 2511t's absolutely slap. the milwaukee pairs with it well as the are on opposite sides of the performance spectrum. 16in bar works great. Gotta build your own doggs. Not sure if someone manufactured any.
@@christianedwards1823 I have taken tops from 10-14” down no problem with it. The pipe 100% alone gives it life. It’s a boring saw without it but having a 7 lb. saw over a 10 lb. is a huge difference
You should know: the Milwaukee batteries will not take a charge and require an involved fix that's beyond what most consumers are prepared to so own their own. I'll not detail the problem as the internet has an extensive records of the problem where users must open the batteries and charge, or balance, the internals so that they will take a charge. This kind of error is unacceptable, or course, and regardless of how well the tool works if the battery gives this much trouble it's wise to avoid Milwaukee entirely. Their customer service tells me I can print free shipping returns labels via their website, as long as the battery is within warranty (I think this was one or two years). BTW, my EGO batteries are doing really well, and as much as I like those Milwaukee tools, I'll never buy another one.
Great review. That thing looks like a true beast. Like some other people said maybe the 6.0 forge battery will be your saving grace and help with the weight. Thanks for putting out quality content.
Hi Josiah! I just wanted to put in a request for you to make more videos explaining how to prune all different types of trees- young, old, conifers, deciduous, for aesthetics, for health, specific tree species, etc. There’s not enough content on properly doing this and I feel like you have the perfect channel to do it.
That’s a good idea, it’s a bit tough because most every tree species has different recommendations so it ends up being one video per tree type, but I do have a video covering the generalized basics that is pretty consistent across most trees, and I could probably do another and it would be good idea !👍🏼
I used to run big saws when I was younger. Now I just use battery operated ones for a hobby. I'll buy this one or that one just to see how they perform. Something that might be fun for you, would be to try the Biusine top handle saw from Amazon. I bought one just to see how a top handle saw works out for me. I have never had a top handle saw. The smallest saw I had back in the day was a Stihl 020AVP with a 14" bar. Anyway; this Biusine is a beast! It comes with a 14" bar with non-safety full chisel chain. The motor is huge! 1800w! I'm still learning my way around a saw of this configuration. I think it is great fun. P.S.; the cost is around a hundred dollars. This includes two batteries and two chains.
Great review! Thanks! I was close to buying this saw when you did your first review and glad to hear it’s holding up. I ordered a ported 540 mk 3 a couple months ago and still waiting on that to come in… I’m thinking about ordering this saw too. My old 194T has taken a royal beating over the last several years! Haha
Glad I could help! If durability is what matters most to you, you can’t go wrong with thissaw but if you could be gentle with your equipment the T542LIXP has Excellent ergonomics and is much more refined when it comes to tree trimming. It’s really nice. I generally grab it first these days.
I bought a Milwaukee Top handle this last weekend,and Im absolutely impressed by it. I used it for limbing and pruning all weekend and it was flawless! The 6.0 batteries definitely balance out better,but like you mentioned the 12.0s seem to have more power etc. Would recommend this saw to anyone 👍😎
Great review! My favorite climbing saw is The Echo 2511t just because its so light but I do like the Milwaukee top handle saw. Westcoast Saw makes some great 3 point felling dogs for the M18 top handle thats a pretty nice upgrade from the ones that come on the saw. I've learned a lot from your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Enjoyed the review. I run an Echo 2500T & a Husky 540i....love the e-saws. Weight is a problem for me in the trees. Less is better (I'm 77). I'd buy a Milwaukee in a minute except for the weight and balance. The Echo DCS2500T is a joy to use for limbing....so light and well balanced. The 540i is heavier, but allows me to take some spar chunks after topping. Maybe the next version of the Milwaukee will be a little lighter and better balanced. Thanks for the review.
I have the 2500t and the Milwaukee top handle. Given a choice between the two saws I enjoy the Echo 2500t significantly more than the Milwaukee. It's significantly lighter, it's much better balanced, and it cuts a bit more like a chainsaw than the Milwaukee. The Milwaukee seems more like a circular saw made in to a chainsaw which might not be too far from the truth considering Milwaukee's other products. I do use the Milwaukee for larger wood but I have pushed the Echo into some bigger wood than I normally would because I didn't want to swap saws. It does ok as long as you know how to cut with an underpowered saw on stem wood and as long as the wood is green. But, for limbing and pruning it's a world of difference in favor of the 2500t.
loving what milwaukee has done with their range, i didnt know they did a chainsaw until i came across your video. the electric lawn lower that pulls itself is incredible tech, alot of batteries though :P
I have owned two and they leak chain oil? Appears to be common problem. Have you had this issue? If so, any tips to fix it? Saw is great just tired of it leaking oil while in my case!
I'd like to see a side by side cut demo between this and other top handle saws in your arsenal, gas or electric. I want this saw, it looks like a winner and I'd love to have a top handle. Does it perform ok with smaller batteries? I have one 6ah high output but most of mine are the 5ah standard batteries.
It won’t run well with the 5 ah and it’ll probably run ok with the 6 ah but it won’t want to make multiple big cuts in quick succession. It will go into overheat protection mode. There are fewer cells in the smaller batteries to provide the current this saw can draw under max capacity, so each cell has to provide more energy therefore they heat up more quickly.
The performance is very impressive; but the price is breathtaking! And I've spent 650.00 on a battery operated saw! I suppose I find the price of admission to be a little excessive; because I don't have any use for a saw in this configuration. But I can see where a climbing arborist would look the other way due to the unparalleled performance.
Heavy, awkward and had trouble making cuts without going into protection mode unless opeating a 12 amp hour. Feel and weight are two very important factors for someone using a saw daily. If you are throwing your shoulder out pull starting a small gas saw then perhaps change the plug and clean out the air filter. I was interested in this but it sounds as blocky as the two handled saw they have which I tried and sold.
@@NorthernExposureATV No kidding, But many of those grown men lose hands and fingers "doing as they see fit" That is why I say what I say. Also I have never seen someone like you who is upset by common sense and concern for others. Interesting choice of personality
Long time Milwaukee owner here. Although I do not own any electric chainsaws from them I did just buy their new electric pole saw. I love it. My climbing saw is the Echo 2511T. I love the sound of my Egan pipe screaming at full throttle!
Yeah their pole saw is phenomenal!!
Modded 2511t's absolutely slap. the milwaukee pairs with it well as the are on opposite sides of the performance spectrum. 16in bar works great. Gotta build your own doggs. Not sure if someone manufactured any.
@@christianedwards1823 I have taken tops from 10-14” down no problem with it. The pipe 100% alone gives it life. It’s a boring saw without it but having a 7 lb. saw over a 10 lb. is a huge difference
You should know: the Milwaukee batteries will not take a charge and require an involved fix that's beyond what most consumers are prepared to so own their own. I'll not detail the problem as the internet has an extensive records of the problem where users must open the batteries and charge, or balance, the internals so that they will take a charge. This kind of error is unacceptable, or course, and regardless of how well the tool works if the battery gives this much trouble it's wise to avoid Milwaukee entirely. Their customer service tells me I can print free shipping returns labels via their website, as long as the battery is within warranty (I think this was one or two years). BTW, my EGO batteries are doing really well, and as much as I like those Milwaukee tools, I'll never buy another one.
Great review. That thing looks like a true beast. Like some other people said maybe the 6.0 forge battery will be your saving grace and help with the weight. Thanks for putting out quality content.
Hi Josiah!
I just wanted to put in a request for you to make more videos explaining how to prune all different types of trees- young, old, conifers, deciduous, for aesthetics, for health, specific tree species, etc. There’s not enough content on properly doing this and I feel like you have the perfect channel to do it.
That’s a good idea, it’s a bit tough because most every tree species has different recommendations so it ends up being one video per tree type, but I do have a video covering the generalized basics that is pretty consistent across most trees, and I could probably do another and it would be good idea !👍🏼
I used to run big saws when I was younger. Now I just use battery operated ones for a hobby.
I'll buy this one or that one just to see how they perform.
Something that might be fun for you, would be to try the Biusine top handle saw from Amazon. I bought one just to see how a top handle saw works out for me.
I have never had a top handle saw. The smallest saw I had back in the day was a Stihl 020AVP with a 14" bar.
Anyway; this Biusine is a beast! It comes with a 14" bar with non-safety full chisel chain. The motor is huge! 1800w!
I'm still learning my way around a saw of this configuration. I think it is great fun.
P.S.; the cost is around a hundred dollars. This includes two batteries and two chains.
Thanks for the information. I've been thinking about one
Do you recommend the Milwaukee over the new husqvarna 542 electric with the clutch
Great review! Thanks! I was close to buying this saw when you did your first review and glad to hear it’s holding up. I ordered a ported 540 mk 3 a couple months ago and still waiting on that to come in… I’m thinking about ordering this saw too. My old 194T has taken a royal beating over the last several years! Haha
Glad I could help! If durability is what matters most to you, you can’t go wrong with thissaw but if you could be gentle with your equipment the T542LIXP has Excellent ergonomics and is much more refined when it comes to tree trimming. It’s really nice. I generally grab it first these days.
Try the new 6.0 Forge batteries. Lighter and about same power as 12
I have heard good things about those I will have to give them a try.
How’s the runtime tho the 6 forge vs the 12
The 8 amp forge is equal the the 12 hd and is the same size and a 6 amp hd but lighter
The 12s have balance issues and perform like a 6ah once a cell goes bad, im more interested in the longevity of the forge batteries@prestonluscher776
I bought a Milwaukee Top handle this last weekend,and Im absolutely impressed by it. I used it for limbing and pruning all weekend and it was flawless! The 6.0 batteries definitely balance out better,but like you mentioned the 12.0s seem to have more power etc.
Would recommend this saw to anyone 👍😎
Great review! My favorite climbing saw is The Echo 2511t just because its so light but I do like the Milwaukee top handle saw. Westcoast Saw makes some great 3 point felling dogs for the M18 top handle thats a pretty nice upgrade from the ones that come on the saw. I've learned a lot from your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I like a Review like this after 1 year in a Real Working Environment!
Enjoyed the review. I run an Echo 2500T & a Husky 540i....love the e-saws. Weight is a problem for me in the trees. Less is better (I'm 77). I'd buy a Milwaukee in a minute except for the weight and balance. The Echo DCS2500T is a joy to use for limbing....so light and well balanced. The 540i is heavier, but allows me to take some spar chunks after topping. Maybe the next version of the Milwaukee will be a little lighter and better balanced. Thanks for the review.
I have the 2500t and the Milwaukee top handle. Given a choice between the two saws I enjoy the Echo 2500t significantly more than the Milwaukee. It's significantly lighter, it's much better balanced, and it cuts a bit more like a chainsaw than the Milwaukee. The Milwaukee seems more like a circular saw made in to a chainsaw which might not be too far from the truth considering Milwaukee's other products. I do use the Milwaukee for larger wood but I have pushed the Echo into some bigger wood than I normally would because I didn't want to swap saws. It does ok as long as you know how to cut with an underpowered saw on stem wood and as long as the wood is green. But, for limbing and pruning it's a world of difference in favor of the 2500t.
Yep, it really makes sense to have something super light as much as possible up in the tree !
Have you tried the new FORGE batteries? Supposed to be the same power delivery as the 12s without the weight
You need the 6 ah forge it has the power of the 12a h high output
I just got a couple of the new forge batteries and I’m excited to see how they run
Have you tried it with the Forge batteries? The 8.0 forge will give the same or better performance then the old 12.0 high output.
loving what milwaukee has done with their range, i didnt know they did a chainsaw until i came across your video. the electric lawn lower that pulls itself is incredible tech, alot of batteries though :P
no doubt, lots of batteries used in these higher power devices. That can get pricy.
Great review. Thanks for putting it together.
I have owned two and they leak chain oil? Appears to be common problem. Have you had this issue? If so, any tips to fix it? Saw is great just tired of it leaking oil while in my case!
I haven't noticed mine having that problem yet, but most of my saws leak a little oil so that wouldn't be unusual in my experience.
Leaking bar oil is fairly common. My Stihl leaks.
Could you do a video comparing the miluakee vs makita top handle saws?
Thanks again..! helpful review.
Glad it was helpful!
Did you just sharpen that saw with a battery in it and the brake released?
I've noticed the 'choppiness' with a couple of MY saws that have a slower chain speed. The faster the saw; the smoother the cut.
Have you tried the Milwaukee 16 inch battery saw?
Wheres that 542i comparison video?
I'd like to see a side by side cut demo between this and other top handle saws in your arsenal, gas or electric. I want this saw, it looks like a winner and I'd love to have a top handle. Does it perform ok with smaller batteries? I have one 6ah high output but most of mine are the 5ah standard batteries.
It won’t run well with the 5 ah and it’ll probably run ok with the 6 ah but it won’t want to make multiple big cuts in quick succession. It will go into overheat protection mode. There are fewer cells in the smaller batteries to provide the current this saw can draw under max capacity, so each cell has to provide more energy therefore they heat up more quickly.
The performance is very impressive; but the price is breathtaking! And I've spent 650.00 on a battery operated saw!
I suppose I find the price of admission to be a little excessive; because I don't have any use for a saw in this configuration. But I can see where a climbing arborist would look the other way due to the unparalleled performance.
Just got one today 👌
What ya pay?
Think it was like $329 no batteries
Heavier than the new Stihl?
RUN The FORGE BATTERY
It has less capacity than a 12 though
A 12ah forge has less capacity then a 12ah HD? Is that what you meant?
@@philodox7599 nope the 12amp FORGE is like a 15 amp DeWalt Flexvolt
Heavy, awkward and had trouble making cuts without going into protection mode unless opeating a 12 amp hour. Feel and weight are two very important factors for someone using a saw daily. If you are throwing your shoulder out pull starting a small gas saw then perhaps change the plug and clean out the air filter. I was interested in this but it sounds as blocky as the two handled saw they have which I tried and sold.
You're missing out 14in dewalt way better
please take the battery out before putting your hands near the chain. You are ALWAYS 1 small short away from that saw turning on by it self
Settle down Karen, a grown man. He will do as he sees fit, not as you see fit.
@@NorthernExposureATV No kidding, But many of those grown men lose hands and fingers "doing as they see fit" That is why I say what I say. Also I have never seen someone like you who is upset by common sense and concern for others. Interesting choice of personality
@@philodox7599I’m amazed people like you exist.
I own 2 of these saws. Do yourself a favor and tape the safety switch down. Try it.. you won't go back.