CM BatteryStar vs. Milwaukee M18 Hoist (Comparison Guide)

Both the CM BatteryStar and the Milwaukee M18 Hoist are designed for portable, battery-powered lifting when corded power isn’t available, making them a fit for industrial and commercial material handling and temporary jobsite lifts. However, the BatteryStar is positioned more for scenarios like construction sites and outdoor events where fast setup and mobility matter, while the Milwaukee M18 hoist is framed as a general-purpose overhead hoist used within its rated capacity.

Both hoists are rated for 1 metric ton (1000 kg / 2204 lb), so they’re directly comparable at the capacity level. In practice, selection comes down less to “can it lift it” and more to how you want to control, deploy, and manage the hoist in the field.

Both the CM BatteryStar and the Milwaukee M18 hoist provide true variable speed up to 8 ft/min, letting operators creep into position or move quickly when alignment isn’t critical. They’re described as having proportional control, press further for faster movement rather than fixed two-speed steps.

Both the BatteryStar and the Milwaukee M18 hoist offer a 20 ft standard lift and can be ordered with optional lifts up to 60 ft. That said, not every distributor of these products offer these customizations. Start customizing your BatteryStar hoist here.

Both the Milwaukee M18 hoist and the CM BatteryStar hoist are available with a swivel hook to properly and safely position loads. However, the BatteryStar also comes with a rigid hook option, while the Milwaukee M18 hoist does not.

Both hoists use a wireless remote control with proportional variable-speed input, where button travel controls hoist speed for precise placement. Each brand emphasizes keeping the operator out of the load path and notes remote operation from over 60 ft away.

One of the main distinguishing traits between these two hoists isn’t any specific feature, but rather the branding and color of the hoist body. The red body of the Milwaukee M18 hoist give it more visibility in a workplace setting, while the sleek black body of the CM BatteryStar hoist make it ideal for outdoor venues.

Both hoists come standard with a fabric mesh chain container, which options to suit the standard lift of 20-ft, as well as lifts up to 60-ft. If you’re interested in controlling the chain fall and extending the life of your hoists chain, then this is a great common standard accessory.

Both the Milwaukee M18 hoist and the CM BatteryStar hoist are third-party certified to UL and CSA requirements and lists FEM 1Cm classification. These specs gives users comfort in knowing that these hoists were designed and built with safety and resilience in mind.

Both hoists include core hoist safety systems like a load limiter, upper/lower limit switches, and remote indicators/alerts for overcapacity, low/dead battery, and operating/temperature or electronics faults. Both also have dual overload protection (electronic clutch + secondary mechanical clutch), IP55-rated electronics, and a stop button on the remote.

Both hoists are manufactured in the United State by Columbus McKinnon. However, the Milwaukee M18 batteries that power both hoists are manufactured outside of the United States.

Both the BatteryStar and the Milwaukee M18 hoist come with a 5-year hoist warranty from each respective brand and a 3-year battery warranty from Milwaukee Tool. Both tool brands explain that proof-of-purchase and manufacture information are necessary for registering the warranty.