Milwaukee Tool has added a larger PACKOUT vacuum to its M18 FUEL range: the M18 FUEL 4-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, model 0971-20. Milwaukee’s press release lists it at $299 in the US as a bare tool. Canadian pricing has not been announced in the sources we checked.

What is new

Two features set it apart, according to Milwaukee. First, VACLINK wireless dust control: an included remote lets you start the vacuum from the hose end instead of walking back to the unit. Second, the 4 gallon tank slides out, so you can empty it without lifting the vacuum out of a PACKOUT stack. ToolGuyd, which covered the tool in its Milwaukee Pipeline roundup, described the same sliding tank and wireless start.

Milwaukee’s listed specs:

  • 70 CFM of airflow and 60 in of suction
  • 4 gallon removable sliding tank
  • HEPA filter
  • 1-7/8 in. by 9 ft. expandable hose
  • POWERSTATE brushless motor with REDLINK PLUS electronics
  • 3 year warranty
Worker using the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-gallon vacuum near a furnace
Photo: Milwaukee Tool

Runtime depends on the mode

Milwaukee quotes runtime with its large M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 pack: up to 47 minutes in max run-time mode and up to 32 minutes in max power mode. Those are maker figures, and Milwaukee does not give numbers for smaller packs.

Bar chart of runtime in minutes: 47 in max run-time mode and 32 in max power mode

Milwaukee’s runtime figures with an M18 FORGE HD12.0 battery: the longer bar is max run-time mode, the shorter bar is max power mode.

The kit includes the vacuum, the VACLINK remote, the HEPA filter, the hose, a crevice tool, a utility nozzle and a dust extraction hose clip adapter. There is no battery or charger.

Sliding tank pulled out of the vacuum while it stays in a PACKOUT stack
Photo: Milwaukee Tool

Who it suits

  • Finish carpenters and installers on M18: the remote start is the feature to judge. Starting suction from the hose end saves steps when you clean as you go, and the HEPA filter matters for fine dust. Check whether your M18 tools need an adapter for the hose.
  • PACKOUT users who keep the vac in the stack: emptying the tank in place is the practical gain over pulling the whole unit out. Confirm the stack still fits your truck shelf with the 4 gallon body on it.
  • Crews cleaning large areas: plan for big batteries. The 47 minute figure needs an HD12.0 pack in the economy mode, so smaller packs will run shorter.
  • Homeowners and DIYers: at $299 US with no battery, a corded shop vacuum costs far less for garage cleanups. This makes sense mainly if you already own M18 packs and want cordless convenience.
  • Canadian buyers: watch Milwaukee Tool Canada and your local dealer for CAD pricing, since the sources do not list it yet.