Milwaukee’s $299 M18 Vacuum Empties Without Leaving the PACKOUT Stack
Milwaukee announced a $299 M18 FUEL four-gallon wet-dry vacuum with a sliding tank, PACKOUT mounting, VACLINK remote control, and coming-soon status.
Milwaukee’s new 0971-20 is a $299 M18 FUEL four-gallon wet-dry vacuum with top, bottom, and back PACKOUT mounting, a sliding tank, and VACLINK remote control. Milwaukee claims 70 CFM, 60 inches of suction, and up to 47 minutes of runtime. The product page still says coming soon; The Crafty Catsman has not tested it.
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The sliding tank fixes the awkward part of cleaning from a PACKOUT stack
Milwaukee’s August 13 announcement prices the 0971-20 M18 FUEL four-gallon wet-dry vacuum at $299. The tank slides out so debris can be emptied without removing the vacuum from a PACKOUT stack, while mounting points on the top, bottom, and back preserve stack options. Milwaukee states 70 CFM, 60 inches of suction, and runtime of up to 47 minutes in maximum-runtime mode or 32 minutes in maximum-power mode on a FORGE HD12.0 battery. VACLINK can start the vacuum from a compatible tool or the included hose-end remote. The official product page still says coming soon. Those are manufacturer claims, and The Crafty Catsman has not tested the vacuum.
This is a workflow upgrade for someone already using PACKOUT and M18, especially when dust collection needs to stay stacked and mobile. The $299 price covers the bare vacuum and accessories, not a battery. Compare the four-gallon capacity and 1-7/8-inch hose with the size of your debris and dust-producing tools, then wait for a live authorized-seller listing if timing matters.
Buy the workflow only if four gallons is enough
Model 0971-20 has a four-gallon tank, 70 CFM rating, 60-inch suction rating, 1-7/8-inch by nine-foot hose, HEPA filter, and three-year warranty. The box includes the vacuum, VACLINK remote, filter, hose, crevice tool, utility nozzle, and dust-extraction hose clip adapter. Milwaukee says an HD12.0 battery provides up to 47 minutes in maximum-runtime mode and 32 minutes in maximum-power mode; no battery appears in the included-items list.
Stack access is the differentiator: PACKOUT mounting is not new by itself, but the sliding tank and externally accessible controls reduce the need to dismantle a stack during cleanup. Buyers handling larger debris volumes should compare four gallons with Milwaukee’s larger vacuum systems. The price is official; live stock and independent suction, runtime, noise, and dust-control results remain open.
- When will authorized sellers have 0971-20 inventory?
- How do suction, runtime, noise, and filter loading compare under shop use?
Wait for live stock if:You need the vacuum immediately, require more than four gallons, or want independent dust-control and runtime proof.
Shortlist it if:You already use M18 and PACKOUT and value emptying the tank without dismantling the stack.
Milwaukee 0971-20 — announced specifications
| Spec | Milwaukee Tool 0971-20 |
|---|---|
| Announcement price | $299 |
| Tank | 4 gal. sliding tank |
| Stated airflow | 70 CFM |
| Stated suction | 60 in. |
| Stated HD12.0 runtime | 47 min. runtime mode / 32 min. power mode |
| Hose and filter | 1-7/8 in. × 9 ft.; HEPA |
| Availability | Product page says coming soon |
Sources: Milwaukee Tool official specs
Primary pages and records used for this report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Milwaukee’s 0971-20 vacuum?▼
Milwaukee’s announcement lists the four-gallon 0971-20 at $299. The official product page still says coming soon, so confirm live stock before ordering.
Can the tank be emptied while the vacuum stays on PACKOUT?▼
Yes. Milwaukee says the four-gallon tank slides out without removing the vacuum from the stack, and the controls remain accessible from outside.
Does the 0971-20 include a battery?▼
Milwaukee’s included-items list does not name a battery or charger. It includes the vacuum, VACLINK remote, HEPA filter, hose, two nozzles, and a dust-extraction adapter.
Are the suction and runtime claims independently verified?▼
No. The 70 CFM, 60-inch suction, and 47- or 32-minute runtime figures are Milwaukee’s claims.
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