- Model 0970-20
- Brushless Motor
- 2.5 gal Capacity
- Wet/Dry Pickup
- HEPA Filter
- ETA Oct 2020
The new Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout-compatible cordless wet/dry vacuum is here! I mean this figuratively for you, but literally for me. We’ll have a hands-on post for you shortly.
Many of you have expressed interest in a Milwaukee cordless Packout vacuum, ever since their Packout line of modular tool boxes and organizers launched.
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Frankly, I didn’t think we’d see one, and I maintained this opinion for a long time. Surely a Packout-compatible vacuum would be too large and heavy to be practical and mobile, right?
Earlier this year, Milwaukee announced a new half-width Packout tool box, and at the end of my preview post, I wrote:
Is it me, or does this look like the perfect size and shape for a Milwaukee Packout cordless vacuum?
This is the perfect form factor for a compact M18 Fuel cordless vacuum!
Take a look:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout-Compatible Vacuum!
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The new vacuum (0970-20) will be sold as a bare tool.
With the new Milwaukee Packout vac on the right side of a Packout tool box stack, you have access to the power switch and hose.
Meaning, not only can new Milwaukee Packout vacuum connect to your tool box tower, it can still be operated without having to take anything down. Just be sure to insert a battery before attaching anything on top.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout vacuum comes with a crevice nozzle, wide nozzle, power tool adapter, and washable wet/dry filter, and all of these attachments can be stored in the lid compartment.
It has a large folding handle, for easy carrying.
Aside from the Packout tool box connectivity, which is a big deal for many, there are some compelling advantages for all users.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout Vacuum Benefits
Milwaukee boasts that it allows for UNMATCHED MOBILITY, for less downtime.
No longer will your kit look like this:
Read Also: Do You Want Milwaukee to Make a Packout-Compatible Cordless Vacuum?
I spotted this setup when shopping at a local retail store last year. There were technicians working on the front-end system, and their entire kit was neatly contained within Milwaukee Packout tool boxes, a half-width tool bag, and a slim organizer, except for a small corded wet/dry vac placed in a tote bin on top of everything.
This new Packout vacuum gives you options – you could hand-carry it to your destination, or connect it to other Packout system products.
It also boasts up to 60% MORE SUCTION. Sounds good to me.
Speaking of sound, the new Packout vacuum operates with an 87 dB(A) noise level, which is said to be quieter than corded competitors.
Less noise in a portable vacuum is always welcome.
A Closer Look at the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout Vacuum
We spoke with Milwaukee’s product managers about their new Packout vacuum, and they talked about what went into its design and how it will benefit users.
First, it is notable that the Packout is the product of everything Milwaukee’s cordless vacuum team has learned and developed over years. From a technology standpoint, this vac represents their best effort, with nothing held back.
For the M18 Fuel Packout vacuum, Milwaukee Tool listened to their users and their very many requests.
More Performance means faster cleanup. Compared to the popular 0880-20 cordless vacuum (which I own and love using), the new Packout vacuum delivers approximately 20-30% higher motor performance with respect to suction power.
Thanks to its more efficient brushless motor, the Packout vacuum delivers a boost in runtime and power.
Two Speed Settings means you can choose between maximum power and performance or a lower power mode for lower noise and longer runtime.
Optional Collection Bags means you can opt for less downtime and to keep your filter cleaner between washings.
Why Should You Care?
What surprises me is that the new Milwaukee Packout vac isn’t anywhere near the size I originally envisioned – it’s much more compact and very portable.
Here, shown next to my 0880-20 cordless vac (right), you can see that the Packout vacuum (left) is larger, but not significantly so. It’s as tall as 3 standard Milwaukee organizers.
Portability is important. I still see contractors who are running all cordless tools, but then they lug a small shop vacuum and extension cord from their truck. Or worse – they deem it too inconvenient to clean up after their work and leave a mess behind.
Even if you don’t care about the Packout connection options, this vac is comfortable to move by itself. I think it would be an excellent standalone vac, and the Packout mounting options might come in handy down the road.
Perhaps the best feature, in my opinion, is the 2-speed switch.
There are a lot of times when I don’t need maximum suction power. Whether it’s for the lower noise, longer runtime, or task-dependent, I really like having a lower speed and performance option.
Milwaukee’s 0880 cordless vac can deliver 18 minutes of runtime on an XC 5.0Ah battery. The new Packout vacuum can deliver 19 minutes of runtime at high power mode using the same battery.
With an HD 9.0Ah battery, the 0880 will deliver 32 minutes of runtime. With an XC 8.0Ah High Output battery – and keep in mind the difference in battery charge capacity – the Packout vacuum will deliver ~31 minutes of runtime. At the lower power setting, the Packout vac will run for up to 50 minutes.
These are early specs and are subject to change, with the point being that the new Packout vacuum is more powerful than the 0880 vac – as well as competing cordless and corded options – but without sacrificing runtime in the least.
I should also note that the photos here are of a pre-production sample, and so the final appearance might be a little different – mainly the surface texture of the plastic and things like that.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout Vacuum Specs
- 50 CFM air volume
- 47″ sealed suction in water
- 87 dB(A) sound power level
- 2.5 gallons canister capacity
- 1-1/4″ inlet diameter
- 12.8″ height x 17.1″ length x 10.5″ width
- Weighs 11.3 lbs
- 5-year tool warranty
The bare tool (0970-20) includes: M18 FUEL PACKOUT 2.5 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum, Flexible Hose, HEPA Filter, Crevice Tool, Utility Nozzle, Vacuum Power Tool Adapter.
Batteries are sold separately.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Packout Vacuum Accessories
- Replacement wet/dry HEPA filter: 49-90-1900
- 3pc fleece dust bags: 49-90-2016
- Foam wet filter: 49-90-2015
- Round brush tool: 49-90-2017
- Vacuum power tool adapter (included): 49-90-2018
The nice thing about the filter, if you ask me, is that it’s shared between different Milwaukee cordless vacuums, and so you’re assured wide availability. I never liked having to play the “which filter fit my vac??”game with other brands’ products.
Where to Buy?
The following retailers have set up Pipeline landing pages where you can view all of the new tools after they’re announced, and preorder when available.
Buy Now via CPO Tools
Buy Now via Tool Nut
Buy Now via Acme Tools
The Packout vacuum will start shipping 10/15/2020, pricing TBA.
Robert
Just finished watching the pipeline demo of the vacs. It will be interesting to see the real world reviews and how it stacks up.
Dave
I’ll save that $200 for something else, I bought Packout feet and mounted to bottom of my Milwaukee vacuum. Now vac stays put when wheeling Packout stack around.
Jim
Dave where did you get the feet? I love my vac.
Jim
Rob
Does this mean no lawn mower? If this is the “highly anticipated” product you were teasing about earlier today.
Rob
And it just ended, so I guess that answers that. 🙂
Benjamen
There are 3 more Pipeline Events. The next one is Packout related and I don’t know what the other one is. I have no idea what we’ll see in the last one.
Stuart
Here’s the schedule for the next 3 shows: https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-pipeline-new-tools-show-2020/
Episode 2: Milwaukee Packout Modular Tool Storage
Episode 3: Milwaukee Trade-Specific Cordless Power Tools, Hand Tools, Accessories
Episode 4: New Milwaukee Jobsite Lighting Systems and Protective Gear
You can’t rule out anything, there could be more to any of the episodes than these specific topics.
Rob
I undersrand, I was just hoping to ditch the gas. I swapped to the M18 string trimmer plus addons, the standalone hedge trimmer, chainsaw, and blower and haven’t looked back. I would love to have a push mower option.
I get that everyone would love to have some specific thing. It just seems like redesigning vacuums or impact wrenches eventually becomes a null point until the next breakthrough. I think an M18 push mower makes a lot of sense. I guess a riding mower would have to use their new big MX line of batteries.
Anyway, neat reveals today, and I feel obligated to work in a “vacuum news sucks” pun. So there it is.
Clayton
Agreed, if they dont come out with a mower their r&d deptartment Must be dumb as rocks. Look at all the posts in all of these types of forums , people want a mower , I would bet it’s the most wanted tool maybe tied with requests for a track saw
Big Richard
If it makes you feel any better, DeWalt is coming out with 2 new 21.5″ mowers (push and self-propelled models) powered by 2x of their also new 10Ah 20v batteries.
https://www.homedepot.com/s/DCMWSP233U2?NCNI-5
They are Cub Cadet deck/frames with a DeWalt brushless motor on them, should be pretty nice. They claim a 70 minute runtime on the push, 50 min runtime on the self-propelled.
Big Richard
That link doesn’t work anymore, here’s a different one:
https://www.homedepot.com/b/DEWALT/21-inches/N-5yc1vZ4j2Z1z0kpa5/Ntk-semanticsearch/Ntt-dewalt%2B21.5%2Bin.%2Bmower?NCNI-5&experienceName=default
David
I look forward to hearing from you how good is suction power is. I used the DeWalt 20v max thinking it would be wonderfuly convenient but it couldn’t pick up anything heavier than drywall dust and even that it struggled with.
The fact that the house is always connected and you don’t need to unpack to use is a huge plus though
Robert
I had the 20v DeWalt vacuum and the M18 is a little more powerful. It seems noticeable side by side, but in reality, the hose being on the outside of the DeWalt was much more convenient than the Milwaukee’s cooler, but more annoying, hose on the inside. I would say it wasn’t enough of a difference in power. However, with this new Packout vac they made the smart move and put the hose on the outside, so it’s more powerful and has a good feature.
Big Richard
DeWalt’s 20v is wonderfully convenient, but it is due for an upgrade. I mainly use it as a dust collector, attached to their random orbital sander, planer, miter saw, etc. and for that purpose it has plenty of suction. But I would like to see more for general purpose tasks. A new brushless motor should give it increased suction and longer runtime. I would think Milwaukee releasing this will prompt DeWalt to upgrade it.
Rufus
What about the Track Saw?????
Bonson
That’s all I wanted too.
If this vacuum had an automatic filter cleaner then I’d be interested. But packout compatibility is like, eh.
Jon
I guess we can hold out hope that Milwaukee is considering a track saw “trade specific.”
Sergey Grunskiy
Finally! The first cordless vac with bags that (I hope) you can actually buy in USA!
I know Metabo has a cordless vac with optional bags, but they were not available until now. And even know you can’t easily find them. Dewalt dust extractor with promised optional bags? Forget about it, bags are not for sale anywhere.
Stuart
I know!!
The bags will be the same SKU for the M12 1.6 gal vac and M18 Packout 2.5 gal vac.
Tim E.
That’s awesome actually, very pleased they are giving the M12 bag compatibility as well. If they can keep them in stock / available, that should help a good bit with runtime on both vacs since the filter wouldn’t get clogged as much and as quickly as on the 0880.
HectorP
Have had the Metabo vac for over a year now (cost was ~ $160 w/o battery). In comparison to the Milwaukee, at least on published specs, both have two power levels, on board hose/attachment storage, similar in size/config (w/ Metabo in the systainer world), use high cap 8 ah battery, has bags (which was a req for me)
Metabo pro: slightly quieter (3dB), greater cfm (74), filter cleaning mode, shoulder strap, detachable hose (can use longer or shorter), optional wheeled cart.
Metabo cons: capacity (-0.5cf), no wet mode, heavier, probably more fragile
In use, I find the hose storage a bit of a pain, but that is more than made up for by the on/off foot switch, which is FANTASTIC. It is almost as good as having autostart. Every vacuum should have this feature.
That said, glad there is another bagged cordless vac. Choice is good.
Mike
Cool seeing the vac on the pack out in use. But really how long is the hose to actually be working with a tower next to you. How many times will someone knock it over to get that extra inch, unless it has connections that prevent it(like if you pulled to hard it releases etc). Cool tho for the better specs. Just caught me funny the first picture I see is someone sanding at the perfect height to have just enough visible hose.
Corey Moore
Super cool about the packout vac, wish like hell DeWalt would make a toughsystem one. Planning the tstak with the cart base, maybe plus organizer on top as a permanent 3stak thing, but Milwaukee nailed it here. 2.5 in a half stack, to boot. Very cool.
Frank D
So, not “ hybrid “ 18v / 110v? 🙁
Would have likely ( cost dependent ) purchased this if it could run on 110.
Mark Hatcher
Agreed! 110v option would push me over the edge to buy it even though I just bought the original model.
N.W.
Agreed this vacuum should have been made with a 120v option
bryce
yeah same here, dewalts latest shop vac has it. I’ve been holding out for this exact reason
OldDominionDIYer
Me likey. I think it’s an excellent form and if the performance is as good as they claim it will find a home in my tool inventory!
Jim Felt
Brilliant looking integration for the multitudes that use the Packout system. And this may well tip some into that system.
Is a Packout Fuel cooler far behind? Take that Yeti!
Bryce Graeser
how about a peltier driven cooler that runs on m18 batteries?
Odan Urr
Nice. They would have made bank of they had made the bottoms swappable and sold them separately, or even made a kit. I just wish they would compartmentalized the filter somehow as it gets plugged easily. But it’s a great little vac.
Lance
Hyped! but… I feel like every year now (almost) they are updating these tools ? not like the days of buy 1 saw lasts 10+ years. my 1.5 yo flexvolt slider just “blew up” & im thinking damn 1 year Dewalt service warrenty ? They need to keep the quality up as a whole w/o yearly updates (red) I have the red cordless vac but that thing absolutely SCREAMS 1 year later!? Super loud for some reason? I need to wear earplugs. I was hoping they were gunna drop a defuser like on my big orange 2 at least dampen the sound? I’m about to Macgyver something. Wasn’t that loud when I got it. Now they say 87 db what’s mine 110? I’m happy about OEM fleece bags! Those r helpful 4 my MDF ventures. I would luv a longer less springy cord. More options red, I want all the attachments ur orange brother has!
John
50CFM and 87dB, that’s all the stats needed, both are terrible. I have the small Makita cordless at 54CFM, it’s awful.
I gladly find an outlet for my Fein vacs which are around 62dB, plenty of suction, bought 4 of them years ago that should last me a long time for work and shop.
Tim E.
Cordless vacs just seem to not be suited to your needs, doesn’t necessarily make them terrible. Corded vacs do definitely have more suction power, and being generally bigger and rolling, they can afford a bit more material for acoustic damping to make them quieter. But cordless vacs do have their place for some people.
John Blair
I love my Fein vac and it is powerful (it routinely collapsed my Dust Deputy 5 gallon bucket) and quiet. I will say that in spite of the low power I use my Dewalt 20v Vac all of the time for quick cleanups. So as a usage model, the Milwaukee Packout Vac is most likely to make me add another battery platform to my already too big charging rack.
chip hershberger
Should be a large improvement in capacity, just by moving the hose to the exterior!
Ryan
Hey Stuart I’ve heard these are made in the USA, have you gotten any confirmation on that? I’ve been wondering how the new manufacturing process was going to work, with most of the power tools being made in China and packout boxes made in Israel, I’m hoping they’re at least assembled in the US?
Stuart
I’m sorry but I have not heard anything about this. Thanks for the tip, I’ll see what I can find out!
Brian C.
Does this not have a 2-stage/debris-separating/suction-sustaining system like the one touted on the coming M18 Fuel compact vacuum?
Stuart
It does not.
Bob
I get the pack out compatability for transportation but im not seeing it being used connected to the “tower” unless there is a longer hose accessory. And even then your going to loose suction.
Throw away bags are a nice touch tho. Cleaning vac filters is just nasty and dangerous with that fine dust particles. Wonder if its still heppa rated with the bags.
My gripe with stacking organizers like pack out, systainers, whatever rigid calls theirs is the middle boxes are not accessable. Only DeWalt (if you buy the extra dolly/cart with the stick out brackets) lets you grab the middle box with out disassembling everything. DeWalt must have a pattent on that because they are the only ones I know of doing it. Those brackets can be bought separate (or make your own with some angle brackets) and makes it handy to store the boxes securely in your van, trailer or shop at the end of the day.
C&M Building LLC
Literally just bought the M18 2 gallon wet/dry Vac last week and then the packout version comes out. If putting FUEL on the side means its stronger and lasts longer than the standard M18 version then it will almost be a necessity for self employed professionals.
Mike
If a vaccum doesn’t have at least a 100 CFM it’s useless
Rob
Agreed
Rob
As a long time Festool customer, I like how Milwaukee constantly delivers what Festool customers constantly ask for but never receive. ?