Boosted Performance and Upgraded Features Address Pro Landscaper Demands
Milwaukee has steadily developed its hedge trimmer line over the years, but the top end has lagged behind other Pro brands. That changes this year with several new models hitting the shelves. I’m going to walk you through how the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 24 and 30-inch hedge trimmers are bridging this performance gap so you can decide if they’re right for your landscaping crew.
Pros
- Rotating handle
- Removable sweep
- Large cut capacity
- Low vibration
- Quiet operation
- Double-sided dual sharpened blades
Cons
- Premium price point
- Handle adjustment could be more robust
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer Performance
- Model: Milwaukee 3033 / 3034
- Blade length: 24 inches / 30 inches
- Max speed: 3200 SPM
- Cutting capacity: 1 1/4-inch
- Dual-sided blade
Milwaukee has had several new hedge trimmers joining the M18 Fuel platform in recent months. At Milwaukee Pipeline 2024, we got a firsthand look at some of the newest outdoor power equipment from Milwaukee, including pole and extended-pole hedge trimmers, articulating hedge trimmers, and more.
However, if your needs lie more with the standard hedge trimmer design, then the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 3033 and 3034 hedge trimmers may be more your speed.
Sporting 24-inch and 30-inch knife lengths, respectively, these tools make a good case for professional landscapers looking to upgrade or offset their gas equipment.
Both trimmers feature brushless motors that bring top speeds of up to 3200 SPM to make quick work of shrubs and bushes. They can slice through branches up to 1 1/4 inches thick, and their dual-sided blades ensure you get a quality cut in any direction.
The 3034 (30-inch) model is Milwaukee’s largest M18 hedge trimmer to date. Since both models have the same performance specs, you have the choice to upgrade to a larger model without sacrificing speed, or opt for the smaller 24-inch model while keeping the same cutting capacity.
During our testing, this trimmer performed like a Pro-grade tool. It’s much quieter than many of the battery-powered trimmers I’ve used, and the vibration level is extremely low. The overall power level is perfect and allowed us to glide through some overgrown hedges like a hot knife in butter. If you’re thinking about replacing your old corded or gas trimmer, this is a solid upgrade.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hedge Trimmer Design Notes
Size and Weight
The Milwaukee M18 24-inch 3033 hedge trimmer weighs 9.3 pounds as a bare tool, and the 30-inch 3034 weighs 8 ounces more, at 9.8 pounds. The only real difference between the two models is the length of the knives, so that’s where the weight difference comes from.
Both come kitted with a Milwaukee Forge 8.0Ah battery, bringing their total weights up to 11.7 pounds and 12.2 pounds, respectively. These trimmers are slightly heavier than the comparable models from Makita, Stihl, and Husqvarna, but the difference is negligible.
Rotating Handle
Both tools feature a 5-position rotating handle that lets you comfortably trim at multiple angles. This is a genuinely helpful feature we’ve seen before in battery-powered hedge trimmers, so I’m glad Milwaukee incorporated it in the design here.
My only concern about Milwaukee’s design is that the adjustment lever flexed more than we expected while we were rotating the handle. That may be an intentional design choice, but it’s something to keep an eye on over the long haul.
Bar and Knife
One design element that we’re glad Milwaukee carried over to this generation is the blade tip guard. It prevents damage to property, like fences and home facades that run close to hedges and bushes. It also protects the blades from damage if the tip comes in contact with something other than shrubs.
Both of these hedge trimmers include a clipping sweep attachment to help you clear your clippings as you work. We’re starting to see this becoming more widespread in the professional landscaping market because it just makes life a little easier. Of course, the attachment is also removable if you prefer not to use it.
Milwaukee also includes a sturdy plastic scabbard to increase safety and keep your knives from getting damaged during transport.
Quick Model Comparison
| 2726 (Old) | 3033 (New) | 3034 (New) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Length | 24 in. | 24 in. | 30 in. |
| Stroke Rate | 3,400 SPM | 3,200 SPM | 3,200 SPM |
| Cut Capacity | 3/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. | 1-1/4 in. |
| Adjustable Handle | No | Yes | Yes |
Pricing
The 24-inch 3033 hedge trimmer retails for $279 as a bare tool and $479 as a kit with an 8.0Ah Forge battery and rapid charger. For the 30-inch 3034 hedge trimmer, you can find it for $329 bare and $529 as a kit, also with an 8.0Ah Forge battery and rapid charger.
Both tools are available at your favorite Milwaukee retailer. Milwaukee backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
The 3033 and 3034 are Milwaukee’s highest-performing hedge trimmers and include meaningful feature upgrades to improve your workflow. If you’ve been looking for a cordless hedge trimmer that can compete against top models from brands like Stihl and Husqvarna, Milwaukee is now in a much better position to meet that need.
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