The Milwaukee M18 Transfer Pump, model 2771-20, is a cordless water transfer pump built for faster setup and easier water movement on service calls and jobsite cleanup. This is a transfer pump designed for moving water from one location to another without relying on a corded power source. If you already run Milwaukee M18 batteries, this bare tool gives you a portable way to handle draining, transfer, and general water-moving tasks.

What matters here is speed and convenience. The pump moves water at up to 480 gallons per hour, generates up to 18 feet of lift, and delivers up to 75 feet of head height. In plain terms, that means it is built to help you move water quickly enough for common service and maintenance work, while still having the reach to push water where it needs to go. Milwaukee also calls out up to 240 gallons moved per charge on an XC5.0 battery pack, which is useful when you need cordless mobility and do not want to stop and hunt for power.

The big differentiator is setup. Milwaukee positions this as the industry's first cordless transfer pump, and the self-priming design is the reason that matters. You connect the hoses, power it up, and get moving faster than you would with a more involved pump setup. For plumbing, mechanical, and maintenance work, that time savings is real, especially when the job is more about clearing water and getting to the actual repair than standing around messing with equipment.

The pump uses 3/4 inch brass inlet and outlet connections, which is the kind of detail that matters in the field. Brass connections hold up better than cheap fittings and make more sense on a tool that is going to see repeated hose changes. The unit also uses a flexible impeller and a cast aluminum build, which points to a design focused on portability without feeling disposable.

Jobsite protection is another strong point. Milwaukee's onboard REDLINK Intelligence can detect when the tool stops moving water and automatically shut the pump off to avoid dry pumping. That is not just a nice feature on paper. It helps protect the tool in the kind of real-world situations where a hose slips, the source runs dry, or someone gets distracted during a service call. REDLINK also provides overload protection in abusive conditions, which makes more sense on a cordless jobsite tool than expecting the user to baby it.

As part of the Milwaukee M18 system, this transfer pump is compatible with all M18 REDLITHIUM battery packs. That makes it a straightforward add-on for users who already own M18 batteries and chargers. It is sold as a bare tool, so this version is best for people already invested in the platform. If you are not on M18 yet, factor in the cost of a battery and charger before you buy.

Who is this for? It makes the most sense for plumbers, HVAC techs, facility maintenance crews, and general contractors who run into standing water, system draining, or transfer work often enough to want a purpose-built cordless solution. It is also a smart fit for service techs who need something compact and portable rather than a larger pump setup. If your work involves repeated water transfer in places where extension cords are a hassle, this tool earns its keep quickly.

Milwaukee M18 Transfer Pump is the kind of niche tool that stops feeling niche once you own it

If you deal with water often enough to be annoyed by cords, slow setup, or makeshift solutions, this pump is a smart buy.

• Who it's for: Plumbers, HVAC techs, maintenance crews, and contractors who need a portable water transfer pump for service calls and quick draining jobs.
• Why it stands out: Cordless M18 power, self-priming setup, automatic shutoff to avoid dry pumping, and enough output to move water fast without hauling around a bigger pump.
• Worth knowing: This is the bare tool version, so it makes the most sense if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries and a charger.

• What battery platform does this pump use? It runs on the Milwaukee M18 battery system and is compatible with all M18 REDLITHIUM battery packs.
• How much water can it move? The pump moves up to 480 gallons per hour, which is also listed as 8 gallons per minute.
• How much lift and head height does it have? It delivers up to 18 feet of lift and up to 75 feet of head height.
• Does it have protection against dry pumping? Yes. Onboard REDLINK Intelligence can recognize when the tool stops moving water and automatically shut it off to help avoid dry pumping.
• Are battery and charger included? No. The 2771-20 is a bare tool.