Compact electric chainsaws keep getting better, making big yard jobs easier for pros and homeowners alike. If you want a powerful pruner that’s easy to handle up in a tree or out in the garden, you’ve likely seen the buzz around the new STIHL GTA 40 and the well-known Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet . These two saws promise the reach and strength of a bigger chainsaw, but without the bulk or noise. We put both head-to-head in the field to see which one stands out for cutting speed, battery life, comfort, and build quality. If you’re on the fence about which tool should earn a spot in your gear shed, this detailed review will help you decide.

If you keep your trees trimmed or work as a landscaper, you know the pain of working with tools that are too heavy, awkward, or just not strong enough for the job. The STIHL GTA 40 is new for August 4, 2025, and comes after the popular GTA 26, which many pros loved for quick cuts and light pruning.

People have been waiting for STIHL to release a bigger version in the US for years. While Europe had one sooner, it wasn’t available here until now. The GTA 40 is finally on American shelves, and expectations are high.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet isn’t new to the scene. It’s known for reliability and has a loyal following. Both saws aim to deliver fast cutting in a size you won’t mind hauling up a ladder.

This showdown breaks down what really matters:

• Cutting speed and battery performance
• Grip and comfort for tough jobs
• Bang for your buck

Main Street Mower provided both products for this review. If you want to buy the STIHL GTA 40, you can snag it straight from their product page for quick shipping. Every sale supports their review channel and helps keep content flowing for folks like you.

• TIHL GTA 40: New, compact, lightweight, 6-inch bar, bundle includes case and two batteries
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet: Trusted brand, 8-inch bar for deeper cuts, batteries sold separately
• Both feature automatic oilers and ergonomic designs

First look matters, and the packaging and build tell a story well before you cut a single branch.

STIHL GTA 40

• Bundled with a sturdy hard case, much like a case for a high-end firearm
• Case stores charger, tool, and up to six batteries
• Charger handles two batteries at once
• At about half the weight of the Milwaukee, it’s a breeze for all-day use, climbing, or long reach
• Designed for both right- and left-handed work

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet

• Larger and heavier, making it beefier in the hand
• You purchase tool, battery, and charger separately (raising total cost)
• 8-inch bar reaches farther but adds bulk
• Chain tensioner stays on the tool with easy side access

Both saws look similar at a glance but differ where it matters.

• Bar Length: Milwaukee runs with an 8-inch bar, which at first glance feels like an edge. But as they say, bigger isn’t always better. STIHL’s 6-inch bar fits most arborist and landscape jobs while keeping weight down.
• Chain Style: Milwaukee’s chain sports large, aggressive teeth that chew through wood but create noticeable drag and vibration. Picture the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but for palm trees.
• STIHL’s chain is smoother, which makes for less vibration. It’s nimble and produces quicker, cleaner cuts with less drain on the battery.
• Automatic Oilers: Both saws boast oil tanks to keep the chain ready for work. Older models needed manual oiling—no more.
• Chain Tensioners: Onboard tensioner makes adjusting fast and easy, regardless of which saw you pick.

We brought the saws out to a thick tree nursery with around 100 overgrown palm and podocarpus trees. Tall grass and tight spaces meant the saws would need to fit between trunks, reach up and around, and keep going for hours.

• Fatigue Factor: The STIHL GTA 40’s light weight makes a big difference. Even after just two trees, the Milwaukee’s weight left our forearms burning, especially when extending or reaching. The STIHL stayed comfortable and didn't wear us out.
• Ambidextrous Use: Both tools handle left- or right-handed cuts, important for awkward angles or quick direction changes.
• Cutting Speed: The STIHL outpaced the Milwaukee—and even after several cuts, still had more juice left on the battery meter.

• The Milwaukee’s chain speed felt about half that of the STIHL—noticeably slower, even on light wood
• Noise and vibration were higher with the Milwaukee, making for a rougher experience
• STIHL’s cuts felt fast and clean

Both pruners easily tackled smaller limbs and leafy branches. The real story began when we turned to tougher tests.

Trying to cut through heavy timber shows a saw’s true mettle. The Milwaukee’s longer bar offered more reach, letting it power through wide lumber after flipping. Both tools handled it, but STIHL stood out with brisker, smoother cuts.

Now for “Florida granite.” Oak’s density challenged both saws. The STIHL delivered a much cleaner finish, while the Milwaukee’s chain left more jagged edges and shook more. For anyone needing a tidy final product with less noise and rattling, STIHL pulled ahead.

Not everyone using a compact chainsaw calls themselves a pro, but hands-on experience counts. Here’s what our crew found after a full day in the trees and on the ground:

• Comfort and Control: The STIHL’s lighter frame made it easy for long stretches and tight spaces. No surprise—fatigue builds quick with a heavy tool.
• Speed and Efficiency: STIHL’s rapid chain meant less battery drain and more accomplished per charge. That counts if you have hours of work ahead.
• Sound and Vibration: Cutting with Milwaukee felt louder, more jarring, and rougher on the hands and wrists.

• STIHL GTA 40: Made in Austria, with the fine finish and tight tolerances you expect from central European manufacturing. Clean, uncluttered design and a feeling of precision and balance.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet: Made in China, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, the finish didn’t match the STIHL side-by-side. The Milwaukee felt reliable, but less refined.

If the STIHL GTA 40 sounds right for you, order directly from the Main Street Mower GTA 40 product page . For other STIHL products or Milwaukee gear, browse their full range at Main Street Mower’s online shop .

Want more info before making your choice? Check out these helpful comparison videos and deep-dive reviews:

When you’re working overhead or high up on a ladder, every ounce counts. The STIHL GTA 40 combines power, light weight, and easy handling with a bundle that gives you everything you need to get to work. It’s ideal for climbing, bucket work, or anyone who wants fast cuts and smooth results without breaking the bank—or your back. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hatchet has muscle and reach, but the extra weight and cost will be felt after just a few hours.

If clean cuts, comfort, and true portability matter most, the STIHL GTA 40 is the saw you’ll want by your side. Ready to get pruning? Check out Main Street Mower’s site for the latest deals and more helpful reviews. Happy cutting!

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