Milwaukee Releases M12 Fuel Compact Hedge Trimmer for Detail Applications
When it comes to shaping smaller hedges or intricate topiaries, most hedge trimmers are simply too large for such detailed work. In response, several brands have introduced smaller versions. Most of them are from DIY and prosumer brands, but the Milwaukee M12 Fuel 8-inch Compact Hedge Trimmer is applying for a job with professional landscaping crews.
Pros
- Excellent balance
- Brushless motor
- Lower weight of a 12V battery
- Better cutting capacity and faster cutting than other options
Cons
- No bare tool options
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Hedge Trimmer Performance
The 8-inch hedge trimmer blade works great for detailing smaller shrubberies where you don’t need or want the reach of a long hedge trimmer blade. Its compact design provides excellent one-handed control, especially when trimming where space is limited. It can certainly help you keep that boxwood border looking pristine, as well.
Milwaukee intentionally created this compact hedge trimmer with the landscape Professional in mind, an important distinction from consumer models. Unlike some residential models, it doesn’t switch between a hedge trimmer head and grass clipper head the way many other compact models do.
Two of the big differences between the Milwaukee 2533 and other compact hedge trimmers are Milwaukee’s brushless motor and operating on the M12 system. Most others are on 18V/20V max platforms and use brushed motors.
The tool is capable of cutting branches up to 1/2 inch thick, which is impressive for a compact trimmer. Plus, its 2700 SPM stroke rate cuts more like a full-size hedge trimmer than the competition. When both precision and effieciency matter, Milwaukee’s design is clearly superior to homeowner-focused options.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Hedge Trimmer Design
Ergonomics
The trimmer has an excellent balance centering around the motor housing and that makes precise shaping easier. The grip is a bit on the longer side compared to some other M12 tools but that ultimately lends itself to maintaining better control of the tool.
Milwaukee also includes an ambidextrous thumb safety to accommodate right and left-handed users equally.
Size and Weight
From tip to tail this trimmer measure 22.5 inches and weighs only 3.69 pounds with the kitted M12 4.0Ah battery. The lower weight makes quite a difference compared to breaking out a full-sized model, especially if you only have a few areas to trim.
Additional Features
- Tip guard
- Molded key-hole wall mount in the base
- Integrated battery gauge
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact Hedge Trimmer Price
The Milwaukee 2533-21 retails for $249 as a kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. There’s no bare tool option at the time we’re writing. The hedge trimmer carries a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Compact hedge trimmer joins the M12 Fuel Hatchet as quick grab-and-go trimming tools for landscaping Pros. Its performance and design set it apart from other compact options, while the build is much more appropriate for professional use.
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 2533-21
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- Blade Length: 8 in.
- Max Speed: 2,700 SPM
- Weight: 2.75 lbs (bare), 3.69 lbs (with M12 XC 4.0Ah battery)
- Cut Capacity: 1/2 in.
- 3-year warranty
- Price: $249 (kit)
Check out Milwaukee’s entire OPE lineup here.
