Milwaukee M18 Quik-Lok Power Head String Trimmer: New 3016-21 ST vs the Older 2825-20

Introduction

Milwaukee Tool has released a new generation of its M18 Fuel line of Quik-Lok power heads. The new model arrives with a string trimmer attachment, sold bare as the 3016-20, or as the 3016-21 ST kit that includes the new Forge 8 amp battery. Set next to the previous generation 2825-20 power head, the differences are real but not dramatic, and knowing which one to buy depends heavily on what attachments you plan to run and how you value throttle response.

What Is the Same Between Generations

The string trimmer attachment itself is essentially unchanged. The 3016 keeps the same 14-inch swath, works with 0.080 and 0.095 line (0.080 is included), and still has a grease port for maintenance. All Quik-Lok compatible attachments from previous power heads will work with the new model, so there is no need to rebuy anything if you are upgrading.

The trimmer head is also the same counterclockwise-spinning design as before. In practice, the trimming experience is nearly identical to the last generation, which was already a strong performer.

What Changed in the New 3016 Power Head

The power head is where the differences live. The new 3016 has no black section at the bottom and a slightly more bulbous top, because there is a larger motor inside. You can feel the extra size when you pick it up without a battery. More air comes in through the bottom of the unit, where the motor now sits, with outlet vents at the top.

Milwaukee also brought back the grip on the housing, which gives better control in different working positions, and changed the safety to a round top button instead of the older square button. The trigger feel is almost identical to the old model, and there is a touch of vibration, though less than the previous Quik-Lok power head.

Three Speeds and a Better Handle

The most practical upgrade is the speed control. The old model had two speeds, fast and slow. The new one has three, and the added medium setting is genuinely useful. Rather than holding the tool at full speed and feathering the trigger, you can drop to medium, keep a tight grip on the handle, and bury the trigger while running attachments at a gentler pace.

The handle has been redesigned slightly with multiple adjustment holes and a rubber grip that feels better in hand, plus a thumb indentation at the front that is a bit more comfortable than the old knurling-style lines. None of this is revolutionary, but it adds up to a tool that is easier to live with.

The Older 2825-20 Power Head

The previous generation 2825-20 remains a solid option if you find it on sale. It was already a smooth-running, powerful power head, and it still works with the same Quik-Lok attachments and the same 14-inch trimmer head. The main shortfalls compared to the new model are the two-speed control, the slightly smaller motor, and the less refined grip and handle details.

Performance and Handling

With the Forge battery installed, the kit weighs 12.4 lb and balances well; the weight sits within inches of a comfortable handle position. Milwaukee claims roughly 1.75 horsepower and 0 to 6,200 rpm in half a second, and the throttle response backs that up. The extra power is most useful for heavier attachments like the edger or brooms rather than the string trimmer, which was already a ripper in the previous model.

Battery Choice Matters

The 3016 will accept any M18 battery, but power output and throttle response drop when you are not using the Forge pack. If you are buying this tool, the kit with the Forge 8 amp battery, charger, and included accessories is the way to go rather than the bare tool. Milwaukee’s future tools are being built around this platform, so investing in the battery now makes sense.

Conclusion

The new 3016-21 ST kit is a modest but worthwhile evolution of Milwaukee’s Quik-Lok power head system: more power from a larger motor, a genuinely useful third speed, a better handle, and less vibration. At around the $350 range with the Forge battery included, it is competitive for a Quik-Lok system, though less expensive models exist. If you already own a 2825-20, there is no urgent need to upgrade unless the three-speed control or extra power for heavier attachments appeals to you. If you are buying fresh, get the kit, not the bare tool.