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Milwaukee M18 Inflator: A Game Changer in the World of Portable Inflators

When Milwaukee Tool released their new M18 inflator, they changed the game. Not only is it rated from zero to 150 psi, like all the other inflators out there, but it actually performs and holds up to what it says it’s going to do without creating a lot of heat. The impressive duty cycle allows it to be used in a commercial market where you’re working on medium-duty trucks and larger tires need to be filled up fairly quickly. In this article, we will go through the Milwaukee M18 inflator, top to bottom.

Test 1: Speed and Efficiency

The first test conducted was connecting the M18 inflator to a jeep with a 35×12.5-inch tire. The tire only needed to go up by two psi, and the inflator accomplished that in seconds. The speed and ease of use were astonishing compared to other inflators on the market.

Test 2: Comparing the M18 and M12 Inflators

To further illustrate the difference between the M18 and M12 inflators, another test was performed. The inflators were connected to two trailer tires, with the M12 given a head start. The results spoke volumes: the M18 increased tire pressure by six psi in just 15 seconds, while the M12 took 44 seconds to do the same.

Test 3: Medium-duty Truck Tire Test

Given the impressive performance at lower psi, it was time to test the inflator on a medium-duty truck tire. The front tires of an F450 were chosen, going from 71 psi to 80 psi. The M18 accomplished this in 40 seconds, while the M12 would have taken the full duration of its duty cycle to do the same.

Duty Cycle Comparison

The M12 inflator has a duty cycle of approximately five minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest. In comparison, the M18 has a duty cycle of 20 minutes, after which it needs to rest for 40 minutes.

Test 4: Heavy-duty Trailer Test

To put the inflator to an even more challenging test, all the tires on a heavy-duty trailer were taken down to 50 psi. The M18 was then tasked with inflating them to 75 psi. It took around three minutes and 23 seconds for the first tire, which is impressive considering the size and fill range. The inflator did slow down as the battery drained and more tires were filled, but it remained impressive throughout.

Temperature Management

The M18 inflator features a built-in fan to keep the unit cool, preventing overheating that could damage the inflator. It is an essential feature, as heat can cause significant damage to the unit.

Features and Functionality

The Milwaukee M18 inflator offers both speed and functionality, with onboard storage for all necessary attachments, including a Presta valve connection, a ball inflating attachment, and a standard inflating attachment for inflatable toys. Users can also save preset pressure settings, ensuring accuracy and ease of use.

Price and Value

At a retail price of $169 for the bare tool, the M18 inflator may seem expensive, but for those with a multitude of tires to maintain or professionals in the commercial market, it is worth every penny. Its performance, accuracy, and convenience make it a valuable addition to any workshop or home.

The Verdict

Milwaukee truly raised the bar with this product. The M18 inflator outperforms its competitors and even the smaller M12 inflator with ease, making it a must-have for anyone in need of a reliable, portable, and efficient inflator. It is perfect for commercial use and medium-duty applications, and its temperature management ensures that it will last for years to come. So if you’re in the market for a new inflator, the Milwaukee M18 inflator is the investment to make.

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