Key Features
Gas-Level PowerThe POWERSTATE brushless motor gives this string trimmer more power than a 31cc gas powerhead, so it keeps cutting in thick grass without the noise, fuel mixing, or pull starts. QUIK-LOK VersatilityThe split-boom setup lets one power head run the string trimmer attachment and up to 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments. That matters if you want one battery platform handling multiple outdoor jobs. Fast, Controlled CuttingFull throttle in under 1 second, three speed settings, and a variable speed trigger give you better control around fence lines, landscaping, and open trimming without wasting runtime.
Overview
Milwaukee 3016-20ST M18 FUEL String Trimmer w/ QUIK-LOK
The Milwaukee 3016-20ST M18 FUEL String Trimmer w/ QUIK-LOK is a cordless string trimmer built for landscape maintenance pros and property owners who want gas-style cutting performance on the M18 platform. This is a string trimmer designed for grass trimming, edge cleanup, and routine property maintenance. Model Number: 3016-20ST. If you want one tool that handles trimming now and can switch into other outdoor attachments later, this setup makes a lot of sense.
Milwaukee built this unit around its M18 FUEL power head and QUIK-LOK string trimmer attachment. The big story is power and response. The POWERSTATE brushless motor is rated to deliver more power than a 31cc gas powerhead, and it reaches full throttle in under one second. On the job, that means less waiting for the head to spin up and better momentum when you move from light touch-up work into heavier grass.
Control is one of the stronger parts of this trimmer. You get three speed settings plus a variable speed trigger, so you are not stuck running wide open all the time. Mode 1 can help stretch runtime for lighter trimming, while the higher setting is there when you need more clearing power and capacity. Milwaukee also gives you an adjustable cutting blade so you can run either a 14 inch or 16 inch cutting swath. The smaller swath favors runtime, while the larger swath covers more ground faster.
The cutting head is set up for real use, not just showroom specs. The Easy Load trimmer head can load up to 25 feet of line in under 30 seconds, and it accepts both 0.080 inch and 0.095 inch line. That matters if you want a quicker reload in the field and the option to run a heavier line for tougher grass. Maximum listed line diameter is 0.095 inch.
Milwaukee also paid attention to balance and durability. The rear motor layout helps the tool stay more balanced in hand, which matters on longer trimming sessions where a nose-heavy tool starts wearing on your forearms and shoulders. The brand also calls out a balanced design for better control and reduced fatigue, along with a robust build aimed at daily use by professional landscapers. The advanced air-cooling system is there to help the motor stay productive in demanding applications instead of heat-soaking early.
From a system standpoint, this is where the Milwaukee platform becomes a real advantage. The Milwaukee 3016-20ST M18 FUEL String Trimmer w/ QUIK-LOK runs on the M18 battery system and is compatible with all 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments. That gives you one power head that can be turned into a string trimmer, edger, blower, pole saw, hedge trimmer, cultivator, and more depending on what attachments you add. It is also part of the broader M18 system, which is compatible with more than 275 tools.
This bare tool configuration is a smart buy for anyone already invested in M18 batteries and chargers. Milwaukee specifically notes best-in-class performance when paired with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 battery, but the battery is not included here. If you are already on M18 and want to replace a gas trimmer with something quieter, faster to start, and easier to maintain, this is the kind of upgrade that pays off every week.
Who should buy it? Landscapers, grounds crews, large-property owners, and serious homeowners who want pro-level outdoor power without dealing with gas engine upkeep. If you only need a basic occasional-use trimmer, this may be more system and performance than you need. If you want one cordless outdoor power head that can do a lot more than trimming, this Milwaukee string trimmer earns its keep.
Built to Trim Fast and Stay Flexible
This setup gives you a full-size cordless string trimmer that is also the front end of a larger outdoor power system. If you want one tool platform that handles trimming today and other yard or landscape tasks later, that is the real value here.
- Rear motor design helps balance the tool for better control and less fatigue
- Compatible with all 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments on the same power head
- 16 inch or 14 inch cutting swath lets you choose between faster coverage or longer runtime
What’s in the Box
- (1) M18 FUEL Power Head w/ QUIK-LOK (3016-20)
- (1) M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK String Trimmer Attachment (49-16-2717)
Battery and charger are not included.
At a Glance
1.63 HPMaximum Horsepower 6,200Max RPM 16 inMax Cutting Swath 9.7 lbWeight
Key Specifications
| Battery System | M18 |
|---|---|
| Voltage (V) | 18V |
| Motor Type | POWERSTATE Brushless |
| Maximum Horsepower | 1.63 HP |
| Max Speed (RPM) | 6,200 RPM |
| Cutting Swath | 14 in / 16 in |
| Maximum Line Diameter | 0.095 in |
| Accepted Line Diameter | 0.080 in / 0.095 in |
| Head Style | Easy Load |
| Weight (lbs) | 9.7 lb |
| Length | 69.5 in |
| Power Source | Cordless |
Compatibility
Battery PlatformWorks on the Milwaukee M18 battery system. QUIK-LOK Attachment SystemThe power head is compatible with all 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments. Recommended Battery PairingMilwaukee lists best-in-class performance when paired with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 battery. Trimmer LineEasy Load head accepts 0.080 inch and 0.095 inch line.
Built For
Landscaping Grounds Maintenance Property Maintenance Grass Trimming Fence Line Cleanup Edging with Attachment System Large Yard Upkeep Professional Outdoor Power Equipment
Pro Tip
Run the 14 inch swath and lower speed mode when you are doing lighter maintenance and want to stretch battery runtime. Open it up to the 16 inch swath and higher speed when you need faster clearing in thicker growth.
Warranty & Support
3 Years (Tool), 3 Years (Battery).
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
One Power Head, A Lot Less Gas Hassle
The Milwaukee 3016-20ST M18 FUEL String Trimmer w/ QUIK-LOK is the kind of cordless outdoor tool that makes sense fast if you want real cutting power and room to expand into a full attachment system.
- Who it’s for: Landscapers, maintenance crews, and M18 users who want a pro-grade cordless string trimmer that can grow into more than just trimming.
- Why it stands out: It combines gas-comparable output, quick throttle response, adjustable 14 inch and 16 inch swath options, and compatibility with 13 QUIK-LOK attachments.
- Worth knowing: This is a bare tool setup, so plan on supplying your own M18 battery and charger. If you are already on M18, that is not a drawback. It is the reason this package is such a practical buy.
Common Questions
- Is this a gas or battery string trimmer? This is a cordless battery-powered string trimmer that runs on the Milwaukee M18 system.
- Can it use other QUIK-LOK attachments? Yes. The power head is compatible with all 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments.
- What trimmer line does it use? The Easy Load head accepts 0.080 inch and 0.095 inch line, with a maximum listed line diameter of 0.095 inch.
- Can you change the cutting width? Yes. The adjustable cutting blade allows either a 14 inch or 16 inch cutting swath.
- How fast does it reach full throttle? Milwaukee states it reaches full throttle in under 1 second.
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