Milwaukee M18 2828 Brushless String Trimmer Review: A Strong Value Entry Into Milwaukee OPE

Introduction

If you are shopping in the Milwaukee ecosystem for a dedicated battery-powered string trimmer, the M18 brushless 2828 deserves a place on your shortlist. It is not part of the M18 FUEL line, but it is brushless, it works with every M18 battery ever made, and it is priced in a range that makes it one of the better value kits in the cordless string trimmer market.

This review covers what it is like to use, where it excels, and the trade-offs to weigh before buying.

Who This Trimmer Is For

The 2828 is aimed at homeowners and tradespeople who want pro-oriented battery-powered lawn care tools without paying flagship prices. Its brushless motor was designed specifically for string trimming work, delivering up to a maximum 6,200 RPM, and the two-speed switch lets you prioritize either cutting power or maximum run time.

With the variable speed trigger paired to those two speed modes, you get direct control over both how much power you are cutting with and how long the battery will last. For anyone clearing more than a token patch of grass, that flexibility matters.

It is also a sensible entry point if you already own Milwaukee M18 tools. Instead of buying into a new battery platform for yard work, you can reuse what you have.

Main Strengths

The headline spec is the cutting capacity. The 2828 carries a larger max cutting swath for a cordless model at 16 inches, which means you cover more ground per pass than most battery trimmers in its class.

The Easy Load trimming head is another practical win. You can wind up to 25 feet of 0.080 line or 20 feet of 0.095 line in under 30 seconds, so a spent spool becomes a minor interruption rather than a session-ending hassle.

Power delivery is solid too. The motor offers adequate rotational speed and torque for its class, giving users more clearing power when they want pro-level performance from yard tools.

Milwaukee built it with an aluminum shaft and kept the weight on the lighter end compared to the previous generation, at just 9.1 pounds. Balance is a real strong point of this trimmer; it feels controlled in the hand rather than nose-heavy.

Things to Consider Before Buying

A few factors are worth weighing before you commit. The trimmer debuted in January 2021, and Milwaukee has been deliberately expanding its line of pro-worthy outdoor power equipment, so it may not be the only dedicated brushless trimmer in the lineup for long.

Versatility is another angle to consider. The 2828 itself is a dedicated trimmer, but Milwaukee’s Quick Lock system supports a string trimmer, pole saw, edger, hedge trimmer, and other attachments. If you want one powerhead that does several jobs, that path may serve you better.

One ergonomic note: we really like the balance of this trimmer, but if you plan to run a larger battery or trim for long stretches, a shoulder strap is a worthwhile addition.

Buying Advice

On price, this is not the cheapest trimmer on the market, but compared to super-value models it stands out as one of the best value string trimmers you can get. You can find the kit for less than $200 at Acme Tools and Home Depot, and that kit includes a 6.0Ah High Output battery that retails for $179 on its own.

That makes the math easy to like. If you are a Milwaukee fan, the kit is a great entry point into the brand’s outdoor power equipment line, and it is not a bad way to pick up a High Output battery in the process.

The rise of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL lawn mower as one of the most powerful cordless mowers available has made the whole ecosystem more viable for lawn care pros and tradesmen looking for specific battery-powered solutions, and the 2828 fits neatly into that picture.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M18 2828 brushless string trimmer combines a wide 16-inch cutting swath, a quick-load head, two-speed control, and light 9.1 pound balance with kit pricing that undercuts much of the competition. It is not the cheapest or the most feature-packed trimmer you can buy, but as a value proposition inside the M18 platform it is easy to recommend.