The short answer
The 2724-20 is a practical fit for an existing M18 owner who regularly clears driveways, sidewalks, patios, truck beds, shop approaches, and smaller lawns. It starts immediately, offers variable control, and avoids keeping mixed fuel or pulling an extension cord for a five-minute cleanup.
It is less compelling for large properties covered in wet leaves, long commercial routes, or heavy seasonal piles where a high-output backpack blower can move more material with less stopping. The best buyer is paying for convenience and platform compatibility—not assuming a handheld cordless tool replaces every gas blower.
What model 2724-20 includes
Milwaukee identifies 2724-20 as the tool-only M18 FUEL blower. The manufacturer lists a variable-speed trigger, high and low settings, a full-throttle lock, 450 cubic feet per minute of maximum air volume, and 120 MPH maximum air speed. Milwaukee also says the tool reaches full throttle in under one second.
A battery and charger are not included with the standard bare tool. Milwaukee uses an M18 HIGH OUTPUT XC8.0 pack for its published output discussion, and the Amazon listing likewise says the battery is sold separately. Seller bundles can differ, so read the exact included-items list rather than relying on photos.
CFM and MPH answer different questions
CFM describes how much air the blower moves; MPH describes the speed of that air. Broad piles of dry leaves benefit from air volume, while concentrated air speed helps loosen clippings or debris along an edge. No single number guarantees performance because nozzle shape, distance from the ground, debris weight, moisture, and operator technique all matter.
The published 450 CFM and 120 MPH figures are useful for comparing the general class of tool. They should not be read as simultaneous performance under every trigger position, battery condition, or nozzle arrangement.
Where the controls help
- Low setting: useful around flower beds, mulch, gravel, vehicles, and finished areas where full airflow can scatter more than it cleans.
- High setting: better for open pavement, grass clippings, and heavier dry leaves when maximum movement matters.
- Variable trigger: lets the operator feather airflow around corners and collect debris instead of blasting through the center of a pile.
- Lock-on: reduces the need to hold the trigger during longer passes, but the tool still requires deliberate control and a clear working path.
Good blower technique begins at the edges and moves debris toward one collection point. Full power everywhere wastes battery and often redistributes the pile.
Battery size affects runtime and balance
A high-output pack can better support sustained operation, but larger batteries add weight behind the grip. Homeowners doing short cleanup may prefer the balance of a smaller pack, while users tackling a full yard should plan for greater capacity or a spare battery. Actual runtime changes with speed setting, pack age, temperature, and how continuously the trigger is held.
If you do not already own M18 batteries and a charger, compare the total system cost with complete blower kits. A bare-tool price is not the full starting cost.
What it should—and should not—move
The blower is suited to ordinary outdoor debris such as dry leaves, grass clippings, and loose dirt on hard surfaces. Damp material, packed leaves, and gravel demand more care. Use lower airflow near mulch, decorative stone, windows, parked vehicles, pets, and freshly planted areas.
Do not use a leaf blower to disperse silica dust, lead paint debris, asbestos, mold, pesticides, fuels, hot ash, unknown powders, or combustible dust. Blowing hazardous material makes it airborne and can spread exposure far beyond the original area. It also is not a substitute for compressed air in cleaning machinery, clothing, or skin.
Plan for noise, visibility, and bystanders
Wear eye and hearing protection appropriate to the conditions, secure long hair and loose clothing, and keep the intake and nozzle away from hands and garments. Check for stones, wire, glass, fasteners, and other objects that could become projectiles. Keep people and animals out of the discharge path.
On driveways and roadsides, stay aware of traffic and never blow debris into the street, storm drains, neighboring property, or an occupied work area. Follow local rules on hours, noise, leaf disposal, and stormwater.
Who should choose something else
Choose a compact blower if you mainly clear a workbench, vehicle, or tiny patio. Choose a higher-output handheld or backpack unit for large lawns, deep leaf fall, and commercial routes. A vacuum or broom is often better indoors, around hazardous dust, or where material must be captured rather than relocated.
Before ordering
Confirm model 2724-20, seller identity, new or renewed condition, return terms, warranty eligibility, and package contents. Check whether a battery, charger, or specialty nozzle is actually included. Compare the older 2724-20 with current Milwaukee blower options if maximum airflow is your priority; established sales history alone does not make it the best model for every property.
Specifications and standard package checked September 14, 2026 against Milwaukee’s official 2724-20 product page. Model availability checked against the current Amazon listing for the bare tool.