Milwaukee Tool has launched a new modular vacuum system called NEXUS.
Milwaukee Nexus was designed to deliver a customizable cleanup experience to suit many different pro vacuuming needs.
And yes, as shown above it is Packout-compatible, with a top plate that can fit your tool boxes, organizers, and most other Packout products.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum System Modularity
The Milwaukee Nexus vacuum system will allow users to choose from several cordless and AC-powered vacuum heads, optional add-ons such as a dust separator and filter cleaner, different sizes of debris collection containers, and mobile bases.
There is the potential for further expansion in the future. They break down the vertical stack as follows:There is the potential for further expansion in the future. They break down the vertical stack as follows:
- Power – vacuum motor head units
- Add-ons for optional features
- Capacity – debris collection containers
- Mobility – wheeled bases
At launch, there will be 3 Nexus modular vacuum heads:
- M18 Fuel 6-gallon vacuum with mobile base
- M18 Fuel 6-gallon vacuum with mobile base and VacLink
- M18 Fuel Dual Battery with VacLink
An existing AC vacuum head unit is already available. The new Nexus M18 Fuel vacuum heads are Packout-compatible, the AC head is not.
Most of Milwaukee’s example images show the vacuum being used with a 4-wheel base.
The vacuum can be also used without any mobile base, if that’s what you want.
The M18 Fuel and M18 Fuel dual battery vacuum motor heads both have Packout-compatible top plates.
The vacuums are capable of wet/dry pickup.
While none of the product images show a drain port, Milwaukee is using the same collection drums as their earlier M18 Fuel cordless vacuums, which do have drain ports on the left side.
Milwaukee Nexus Compatibility
Looking deeper, Milwaukee has rebranded their earlier M18 Fuel 6-gallon cordless vacuum, bringing it into the Nexus line. This suggests backwards compatibility between the different head units, collection drums, and mobile bases.
Milwaukee’s earlier vacuum system featured multiple M18 and AC power units, collection drums, and mobile bases. The new Nexus system seems to be a reimagining while maintaining compatibility.
Milwaukee’s add-ons are said to be fully compatible with existing [Milwaukee] medium capacity wet/dry vacuums, models 0910, 0914, 0915, 0920, 0930.
We’re checking with Milwaukee about whether there are any exceptions or incompatibilities to be aware of.
Update: It looks like the entire system is backwards compatible with the interchangeable vacuum products Milwaukee launched in 2022.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum Add-on: Dust Separator
The dust separator add-on, described as the first of its kind, directs debris away from the vacuum filter, separating up to 99% of jobsite debris before it reaches the filter. This should result in less clogging and longer sustained airflow.
Both add-ons fit in between the vacuum motor unit and the collection container.
From cut-away diagrams, it looks like the dust separator is completely inline and makes use of the main collection container.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum Add-on: Filter Cleaner
The manual filter cleaner add-on also fits in between the vacuum head and collection container.
You have to choose one add-on or the other – or none – as multiple add-ons will not work together.
The filter cleaner is said to bridge the gap between wet/dry vacuums and dust extractors.
It comes with 2x HEPA filters and is said to allow for Table 1 OSHA compliance in light concrete applications.
The design allows for quick filter cleaning that helps to remove fine dust from the filter, improving airflow in certain applications.
Milwaukee VacLink
VacLink compatibility allows for remote activation via a hose-end remote or select tools. From Milwaukee’s product images, it seems more VacLink-compatible tools are on the way.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum Performance and Runtime
M18 Fuel Single Battery Vacuum
- 3.5 HP peak
- Wet/dry pickup
- 63″ suction power
- 95 CFM
- 2 modes – max power, max runtime
- Blower port
M18 Fuel Single Battery Runtime: up to 44 minutes of continuous cleaning time per M18 FORGE 12Ah battery, up to 31 minutes at max power.
M18 Fuel Dual Battery Vacuum
- 4.25 HP peak
- Wet/dry pickup
- 80″ suction power
- 115 CFM
- 2 modes – max power, max runtime
- Blower port
M18 Fuel Dual Battery Runtime: up to 49 minutes of continuous cleaning time per 2x M18 FORGE 12Ah batteries, up to 35 minutes at max power.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum Package Options
At this time there will be 2 starter packages – 6-gallon with and without a VacLink remote.
M18 FUEL NEXUS 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum w/ PACKOUT Compatibility & VACLINK
M18 FUEL NEXUS 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum w/ PACKOUT Compatibility
M18 FUEL NEXUS Dual Battery Wet/Dry Vacuum Motor Head w/ PACKOUT Compatibility & VACLINK (0926-20)
The M18 Fuel dual battery vacuum head does NOT come with a collection container or mobile base. It can be used with Milwaukee Nexus 6, 9, and 12 gallon wet/dry vacuum tanks, models 0912, 0922, 0932.
Milwaukee Nexus Vacuum Component Pricing
Milwaukee Nexus M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Vacuum w/ VacLink (0914-20, $299) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Milwaukee Nexus M18 Fuel 6-Gallon Vacuum (0915-20, $249) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Milwaukee Nexus M18 Dual Battery Vacuum Head (0926-20, $299) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Milwaukee Nexus Dust Separator Add-on (0990-20, $99) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Milwaukee Nexus Filter Cleaner Add-on w/ 2 HEPA Filters (0991-20, $149) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Milwaukee VacLink Remote (0952-20, $49) – Buy it at Acme Tools
Wet/Dry Vacuum Cart Mobile Base (0943-20, $79) – Buy it at Acme Tools
