Unveiling Milwaukee's Epic Generator Carry-On Failure

Unveiling Milwaukee's Epic Generator Carry-On Failure

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Design and Portability
3. Power Output and Battery Capacity
4. Charging and Runtime
5. Quality of Power
6. Handling Surge Watts
7. Performance with Heavy-Duty Equipment
8. Limitations of Use
9. Cooling System and Protection
10. Charging Options and Information Display
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's video, we're going to take a close look at the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On. This portable power station or battery generator is designed to provide electricity wherever it is needed. When it was announced last year, it generated a lot of excitement since it was the first time a major company had created a battery power station specifically designed for heavy-duty use on job sites. However, after finally getting the chance to test it out, it became clear that the wait was not worth it. In this article, we will provide a detailed review of the unit and highlight the reasons why it fell short of expectations.

Design and Portability

The design of the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is one of its standout features. Resembling a commercial gas generator, the unit is encased in an all-steel cage, giving it a rugged and durable appearance. Weighing approximately 59 pounds with the batteries installed, it is designed with portability in mind. The central handle makes it easy to carry the unit with a single hand. Overall, the portability of the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is commendable.

Power Output and Battery Capacity

The Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is capable of providing 1800 watts of running power, with a surge capacity of 3600 watts. This power is generated by the MX Fuel batteries, which are included in the kit. The batteries themselves are well-built, featuring a heavy-duty rubber coating for durability. Notably, they can be charged using a regular extension cord, eliminating the need for an AC adapter. Each battery can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes. However, a peculiar feature of the unit is that both batteries cannot be charged simultaneously. The charging process involves charging one battery at a time, resulting in a total charging time of around three hours.

Charging and Runtime

One of the disappointing aspects of the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is the limitation it imposes on using the power outlets while recharging the unit. As soon as the recharging cable is plugged in, the outlets automatically switch off, rendering them unusable. This restriction is not common among other units on the market and could be an inconvenience for users. Additionally, the unit only provides 220-volt AC outlets, lacking any covers or tamper-resistant features. However, it does include a ground screw for use on commercial job sites.

Quality of Power

To assess the quality of power output, we conducted tests using a Tektronix power quality analyzer. The results were relatively satisfactory, with voltage showing a slight deviation from the ideal range. However, the total harmonic distortion was under one percent, indicating clean power output. The power sine wave analysis further confirmed the generation of a pure sine wave, which is desirable for powering sensitive electronics and equipment.

Handling Surge Watts

The Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On claims to be capable of handling surge watts, which are essential for starting up equipment with high power demands. To test this claim, we attempted to start a 5-horsepower motor air compressor using the unit. Historically, battery generators have struggled to start such equipment successfully. However, to our surprise, the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On was able to start the air compressor, which is a testament to its capabilities in handling surge watts.

Performance with Heavy-Duty Equipment

Although the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On demonstrated potential in handling high-demand equipment, its performance over an extended period was disappointing. During a runtime test, it could only provide a capacity of 754 watt-hours, which is significantly lower than other battery generators on the market. This limited runtime severely restricts the usability of the unit, especially for those needing power for an extended duration.

Limitations of Use

Another drawback of the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is its inability to handle power loads below 80 watts efficiently. In our testing, we connected a heater and an LED light, totaling approximately 50 watts of power. Surprisingly, the unit shut off precisely after one hour, rendering it impractical for scenarios where lower power loads are expected. This limitation, coupled with the fact that the unit cannot be configured to disable this feature, severely limits its overall usefulness.

Cooling System and Protection

The cooling fan inside the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is constantly running at full blast, which may appear to be an efficient design. However, upon closer inspection, there are exposed circuits and wires within the unit that appear to be inadequately protected. This raises concerns about long-term durability, particularly in rugged construction environments where the unit is likely to be used.

Charging Options and Information Display

One of the shortcomings of the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is the absence of alternative charging options. The unit can only be charged by plugging it into a wall outlet, with no provision for solar or car charging. This limitation may pose challenges, especially for users who rely on the unit in construction settings where charging opportunities may be limited. Furthermore, the unit lacks a display and provides minimal information to users. Battery gauges on the batteries and a few warning lights are the only indicators available. Users are unable to determine power usage or estimate the remaining runtime accurately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On falls short of expectations as a portable power station or battery generator. Despite its impressive design and portability, it disappoints in several areas. The limited runtime, inability to use outlets while recharging, and the restriction on power loads below 80 watts are major drawbacks. Additionally, the absence of alternative charging options, lack of an information display, and concerns regarding long-term durability undermine its overall value. While it may suit specific needs, such as powering high-demand equipment for short durations, alternatives on the market offer better performance and value for money.

Highlights

• Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On is a portable power station aimed at heavy-duty use on job sites.
• The unit features a rugged design with an all-steel cage and a central handle for easy carrying.
• It provides 1800 watts of running power and can handle surges up to 3600 watts.
• The MX Fuel batteries are well-built, rechargeable, and feature a heavy-duty rubber coating.
• Charging the batteries takes approximately 90 minutes each, with the unit being able to operate on a single battery.
• The quality of power output is characterized by slight voltage deviation and total harmonic distortion under one percent.
• The unit can successfully start equipment with higher power demands, such as a 5-horsepower motor air compressor.
• However, its limited runtime of 754 watt-hours severely restricts its usability for extended power needs.
• The Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On has limitations with power loads below 80 watts, shutting off after one hour.
• The unit lacks alternative charging options, information display, and features a constantly running cooling fan.
• Overall, the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On falls short of expectations, and alternatives offer better performance and value for money.

FAQ

Q: Can the Milwaukee MX Fuel Carry-On be charged using solar power or a car charger? A: No, the unit can only be charged by plugging it into a wall outlet.

Q: Can the power outlets be used while the unit is recharging? A: No, as soon as the recharging cable is plugged in, the outlets automatically switch off.

Q: Can the feature that shuts off the unit after one hour be disabled? A: No, the unit does not provide an option to disable this feature.

Q: Are there any alternative options available on the market that offer better performance and value for money? A: Yes, alternatives such as Jackery offer longer runtimes and more features at a lower price point.