Buying guide for best DeWALT weed eaters. DeWALT 40v trimmer

DeWALT 40v trimmer vs gas trimmer

Here is my situation. Two years ago I got tired of dealing with my troybilt 4 stroke gas trimmer. Plus I’m left handed and it always threw everything at my legs. I gave the trimmer to a co-worker. So I bought the DeWALT 20v trimmer since I have DeWALT 20v tools. The 20v trimmer works great for grass trimming around the house. Plus it don’t throw grass at my legs. Now since I moved out in the country less than a year ago I need a more powerful trimmer for tall weeds in the ditch. I like the idea of going with battery tools so I don’t have to deal with all the extra maintenance with gas powered equipment. Since I moved out in the country I bought the DeWALT 40v chainsaw and 40v blower. I can get the DeWALT 40v trimmer without a battery for 199. But I’m worried about it still won’t be powerful enough power as a gas trimmer to handle tall weeds. I did a lot of research on gas trimmers. So if I decided to go that route it will be the Echo srm-225 two stroke.

H-D dealer dude

For doing the heavy stuff you might want to consider a metal blade. Any type of weeds that have bark will just laugh at the string. I went with the STIHL Combi system so I only have one engine to deal with. Don’t know if any battery systems can handle a blade.

2014 X540 with HDAP tires, 54″ deck, brush guard, arm rests and cargo bag. JD 48″ plow with angle from seat kit heavy duty skid shoes. 4 suitcase weights and chains. JD tow behind spreader. JD 42″ lawn sweeper. JD 10P cart. JD JS61 RWD walk behind mower. STIHL KM110 power head with pole saw, shaft extension, power scythe, curved shaft edger, 2 straight shaft cutters (string blade). STIHL MS180-CBE 16″ saw. STIHL SH86C hand held blower vac.

Littlegreenmachine

Agreed. Look into any type of blade add on. I have ryobi 20v. And I can do almost exactly what my gas one can. I have the ryobi with changeable shafts. I have string, big metals blade, and a 3 plastic blades head. All work great. So I’m sure the 40v DeWALT will be way stronger than my 20v ryobi.

Blades don’t cut near as much area as the string will so depending on what you cuttting I’d invest in more shafts like I have done. I switch to the metal blades in my ditch when it’s 3′ tall and then strings when it’s just grass. The plastic blades cut great for in between stuff. Batteries are my only issues for all day cutting.

LGM = Little Green Machine!! :greentractorride: :lovetongue: 2018 2025TLB

BB2048L Box blade. Imatch quick hitch AV20F grapple Artillian diverter kit 3pt tractor receiver hitch LR2060L Landscape Rake LP1060L Land Plane Homemade quick attach forks. http://www.greentractortalk.com/forums/metalworking-fabrication/115930-forklift-build-soon.html Please Lord give me the strength to add to this list when my wife isn’t paying attention :gizmo:

Robnik

I tried the DeWALT 40 v for a couple of months and took it back. In my opinion the DeWALT 60v/20v is balanced much better and does just as good a job. I can run it steady for over 2 hours on 2- 6ah batteries and it will cut through anything the 40 will.

2015 1025R TLB Kens bolt on hooks and clevis (3) and differential lock pedal JD phd with 6″ and 9″ augers 2048 box blade Titan 36″ forks Country Way 40 gallon 3 pt. Sprayer Piranha tooth bar 6 acres in Central Florida

H-D dealer dude

Didn’t know you could get different attachments for a battery power head.

I ended up getting 2 trimmer head attachments for my 2 stroke power head. This way it’s quick to switch between string or a metal blade. Basically one has a large deflector vs high visibility one. I put my string head on the large deflector because of the splatter. The blade is now on the high visibility shaft. It will cut lower too the ground. Plus the blade doesn’t sling like the string. Whatever I’m cutting just falls over. Don’t know why metal blades get such a bad rap?

I normally run either a 4 or 8 tooth STIHL metal grass blade. If anything sometimes they are not aggressive enough. Next one I want to get it the 3 blade brush knife.

Littlegreenmachine

I meant different shafts. It was cheaper for me to grab another weed eater by ryobi when on sale to get extra 100 batteries. So I have different heads on different shafts. I just grab the shaft I need for the job I need. Or just buy extra shafts. You can say I’m to lazy to be changing heads all the time lol

I also have the gas ryobi and they all are interchangeable. I just bought the pole saw kit the other day when I seen it on sale. Haven’t opened it up yet.

LGM = Little Green Machine!! :greentractorride: :lovetongue: 2018 2025TLB

BigJim55

we just bought the Milwaukee fuel 18 volt model weed eater. for what we have now.it does ehok. wife likes it a LOT. it isn’t any lighter than our old STIHL we had. but no cranking, no gas. etc.

why not check out Sthil’s easy 2 startit’s only 299u can go to the web site of STIHL and look around-ours was the model RC-56but the new ones have more letters or something like that.

that STIHL was a 100 cheaper-but it was the wife’s decision this time:laugh::munch:

2006 2520 mcut, 2004 x475, 1953 model 50, 1985 318-was my Dad’s, king kutter tiller-60″, frontier-stone rake, jd-4ft brush hog, frontier-6ft back-blade, frontier- 48 inch forks, 2-54 inch jd snow plows, jd-5ft-pull brush hog, Frontier 3 pt spreader-i-match ready 2018 835R gas model gator-“aka” the Cadillac i say!! 6ft jd snow plow- I pimped it out with everything i could get on it. hehe

RetiredDoc

Could anyone comment on vibration differences.

I use gas, both a 2 cycle and a 4 cycle to trim roughly a mile of fence line, and if an electric will do the job with less vibration it would be worth it to me.

1025R, H120 FEL, 60D MMM, Rhinohide canopy, iMatch, Frontier BB2060L, SS1067, RC2048, Heavy Hitch front weight carrier, subsoiler, trash bin carrier, rear hitch plate, Titan ballast box, 42 inch forks, Tarter chain harrow, Yard Tuff arena drag, DragnFly Arena Groomer, Newer Model 225 manure spreader, Ken’s bucket hooks, Piranha tooth bar, Fimco 40 gallon 3pt boom sprayer,

ultra7350

I tried my DeWALT 20v trimmer on the tall weeds that were 1/4″ thick. It took a long time to cut them down and some it couldn’t cut down. Having a DeWALT 40v chainsaw is nice not dealing with the problems that come with gas. But it is not as powerful as a gas chainsaw. It is good on branches and small trees. Won’t be able to cut down a big tree with it. I figured I would have the same problem with the DeWALT 40v trimmer with the big weeds. Since I have a 20v battery power trimmer for grass around the house I decided I needed a more powerful trimmer that can have a metal brush blade. I ended up getting the Echo PAS-225. This model you can change out attachments. Comes with the speed feed string head (I believe is the best on the market). I ordered a metal blade brush cutter attachment. You can get 11 different attachments. A pole saw attachment is something I’m going to need to get later. The benefits I realized that it has more power than any battery trimmer on the market, only takes a minute to change attachments and plus since it is a multi tool only one engine to take care of. I’m going to use the Echo 93 octane premix gas for 2-stokes that comes in a can. Even though it cost more but it supposed to be better for the engine.

Buying guide for best DeWALT weed eaters

A well-manicured lawn requires proper effort, planning, and the right tools for a job. Grass, roots, leaves, and flowers need to be tended to regularly so that they’re all growing — or not growing, in some cases — in their respective spaces.

A weed eater is a useful tool that can serve you throughout the season. Also known as a string trimmer, a weed eater eliminates weeds and helps you maintain boundaries throughout your lawn. You can use a weed eater to keep grass off your driveway, path, or sidewalk, as well as to prevent unwanted plants from encroaching on your beds and gardens.

DeWALT is one of the most popular names in home tools and hardware, and the company produces a selection of outdoor equipment, including weed eaters, that cater to most homeowner lifestyles. The products are light, efficient, and trustworthy. Our guide will take you through DeWALT’s weed eater offerings, explain how they differ from competitors, and show you why a DeWALT weed eater could be the best choice for you.

Register your product online with DeWALT upon purchase. You’ll be able to access the warranty and browse any necessary guides or instructions.

Key considerations

Weed eaters vs. string trimmers

Terminology matters when shopping for lawn care equipment because often, several names exist for the same or similar items. What’s more, not everyone uses the same term for the same thing.

Concerning DeWALT, and indeed most companies, the terms “weed eater” and “string trimmer” are used interchangeably. An alternative to the string trimmer is the bladed trimmer, which offers more power and durability but also requires more power and a higher degree of maintenance and energy to use. Bladed trimmers can also serve as edgers, which are designed to create boundaries. Some weed eaters can do this job, too, though they don’t have the same power or effectiveness on tough jobs.

Power

Weed eaters may be gas-powered, electric, or manual. DeWALT, however, only makes electric weed eaters powered by battery. These are better for the environment and create less air and noise pollution than gas-powered weed eaters. They are lighter, smaller, and easier to store and transport. However, they aren’t ideal for large plots and may struggle with tough, dense weeds.

Notably, you will need to invest in a DeWALT battery and charger. The lithium ion battery can be used across various DeWALT products, provided the charge is the same.

Usage

Weed eaters are designed to help maintain boundaries in certain areas of your lawn and garden. However, they are not necessarily designed to manufacture those boundaries. That’s the job of an edger, which can dig several inches into the soil to create a barrier. While some companies offer dual trimmer-edger tools, DeWALT currently does not. That said, there are some hacks you can use, which we touch on elsewhere in this buying guide.

DeWALT’s weed eaters are two-handed pieces of equipment that are best used to cut back weeds and grass from flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways. They are useful in areas where a bulky lawn mower may not be able to reach, such as around mailboxes and under bushes.

Spool

Weed eaters trim grass with a nylon string that is housed in a spool at the base of the device. You can toggle how much of the string is exposed in order to adjust how much grass is cut. The nylon string will wear down over time and require a replacement spool. DeWALT offers a Quickload replacement spool designed for fast, easy use. DeWALT spools also extend, or “bump” the feed line as necessary when in use.

Cutting swath

Most DeWALT string trimmers feature a cutting swath of 12 to 15 inches. While that may not seem like a big range, every inch makes a difference when it comes to tending your lawn. Shorter lengths offer a bit more control and precision. Longer lengths may offer more protection and distance from encroaching weeds.

Weight

One of the perks of DeWALT weed eaters is portability. Generally, these tools weigh under 10 pounds and are easy to hold and wield with two hands. Keep in mind that bigger jobs will require more energy and creating precision boundaries will call for steady handling of the machine.

Shaft

While some companies offer a choice of a straight or curved shaft, DeWALT’s weed eaters only feature a straight shaft. Straight shafts generally offer more flexibility on the job and the ability to access hard-to-reach places. Curved shafts generally offer more precision and control, but they may have difficulty accessing hard-to-reach places.

Battery power is an important consideration when evaluating DeWALT weed eaters. We find out how long it takes to fully charge batteries as well as how long the machines can work before batteries must be recharged.

When shortlisting products, we factor in the weight of the weed eater to determine how easy it is to maneuver while trimming.

The ease with which the nylon string feeds off the spool determines how effective each DeWALT weed eater is at trimming. We explore this performance in our research.

We consider whether a battery and charger are included with purchase. Some DeWALT models include both, whereas others require the consumer to buy them separately.

Battery voltage is a key factor we keep in mind when recommending DeWALT weed eaters. These tools are available in 20-, 40-, and 60-volt models. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the weed eater.

We look at the speed settings offered by the tool. Some DeWALT models have various speeds for different trimming needs

Features

Flexvolt

DeWALT offers 60-volt batteries that are backward compatible and can work on devices using 20-volt batteries. This is especially useful if you need a powerful weed eater but own other DeWALT items that only require 20-volt batteries.

Bundles

DeWALT weed eaters are battery operated, but not all units come with the battery. You may want to purchase a bundle that includes a battery and charger. Buying these items together should be cheaper than buying them separately. That said, you may want to forgo the bundle if you already have a battery and charger for another DeWALT device.

Folding shaft

Select models of DeWALT weed eaters feature a folding shaft. The shaft locks into place when in use without sacrificing durability, but it can also be folded for easy storage and transport.

“Consider the weather when you’re working outside. You may want to wear a hat, sunscreen, and UV-protective clothing. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.”

Accessories

Lawn mower: Greenworks 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn MowerThe first step to creating a beautifully manicured lawn is cutting the grass. We like this environmentally friendly electric lawn mower from Greenworks.

Hedge trimmer: BLACKDECKER 40V Hedge TrimmerWhile string trimmers keep grass and weeds at bay, hedge trimmers maintain the shape and appearance of your bushes. We recommend his battery-powered option from BLACKDECKER.

Electric tiller: BLACKDECKER Bare Max Garden CultivatorFor those ready to garden, a tiller and cultivator will help create the proper soil condition for growth. This BLACKDECKER option is versatile while easy to use and store.

Leaf blower: Worx Corded Electric Leaf BlowerTaking care of your lawn in the fall will lead to a healthy spring season. Clear away leaves with this relatively quiet and lightweight blower from Worx.

DeWALT weed eater prices

Inexpensive: The least-expensive weed eaters from DeWALT start around 100. These tools have smaller cutting swaths and are best for small areas.

Mid-range: For between 100 and 150, you can find DeWALT weed eaters with more power. These tools are suitable for small and medium-size jobs.

Expensive: For 150 and up, you’ll be able to buy bundles or kits that include the DeWALT weed eater as well as a battery, charger, and even additional string spools.

Tips

If the soil is soft, you can turn the weed eater on its side and work it as an edger, digging straight down. Hold the device securely and make sure you’re not hitting anything hard or rocky under the surface.

FAQ

Q. How do I best maintain my weed eater?A. After using your weed eater, remove dirt, soil, and other debris from the head so it doesn’t harden and disrupt future use. Store the weed eater in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat. The battery and charger should be kept in a similar space. Over time, you will need to replace the spool, but otherwise, a DeWALT electric weed eater should require little to no maintenance.

Q. How safe are weed eaters to use?A. Like most outdoor tools, weed eaters are relatively safe provided you understand how they work and take proper precautions. Even with a guard on the head, however, they can still fling dirt, pebbles, and other debris. Protect your eyes, hands, wrists, feet, and ankles, as these are the most sensitive or vulnerable areas of the body. Gloves, in particular, can help prevent your hands from getting sore.

As DeWALT weed eaters are battery-powered, you needn’t worry about cords tangling up, but it’s best to keep pets and children away while you’re working.

Q. What are the best ways to prolong battery life?A. DeWALT advises you to avoid running the battery down completely. Turn off your device when you notice it weakening. You can leave the battery in the charger indefinitely, as the charger’s maintenance mode prevents damage from occurring. However, you should avoid charging the battery if it is warm or hot. Instead, leave it at room temperature for an hour or so first.

Prior to the off-season, fully charge your DeWALT weed eater battery before storing it. Once the battery is dead, it can be recycled.

DeWALT 20V vs 40V Hedge Trimmer (Updated)

DeWALT as a brand makes some of the best hedge trimmers in the market.

The brand’s hedge trimmers can handle tough applications, and thick hedge branches, and remain reliable. It might be the reason you get more people going for them right now.

With many hedge trimmers coming out of the brand’s lineup, sometimes it can be hard to settle for the right one. So, we will look at two models and review them in detail to help get the right one for the job.

The two models in question are the DeWALT DCHT820B hedge trimmer and the DeWALT DCHT860X1 hedge trimmer.

What to Look For

The first thing you have to look at should be the power type that you get with the hedge trimmer. This is because it determines how effective it would be to handle the hedge trimming process.

The cordless hedge trimmers can be a great choice for those who want something that is easy to use and does not need much maintenance.

These cordless hedge trimmers will start from around 90 to 260. It depends on several features that a user might need when trimming the hedges. Take the time to check out the various features before making up your mind.

The other option would be the corded hedge trimmers. Such trimmers are best suited for light applications because of their power output capacity. They are also the cheapest as they can go for around 70.

If you can have access to a power outlet and you need to handle small hedges, then go for the electric hedge trimmer.

You will also get the gas hedge trimmer on the market. These are good for tough applications since they are built to be heavy-duty. You would also find them to be the heaviest because of the engine size and additional fuel weight.

The Hedge Trimmer Manufacturer

The manufacturer can be a determining factor in some cases. This is because some manufacturers are known to make better hedge trimmers than others.

So, what are some of the top hedge trimmer manufacturers? The brands you should consider include Black Decker, Craftsman, DeWALT, Echo, Efco, Makita, Greenworks, Husqvarna, Kobalt, Ryobi, Remington, and Poulan.

Always look at the specific trimmer model in detail to see if it is something you would want.

When it comes to the blades, there are many elements that go into making it just right for your application.

The first thing you have to keep in mind is the cut or the thickness of the branches that the hedge trimmer can handle.

Most models would easily slice through the different hedge branches having a thickness of ½ inches. If you want more cutting capacity, go for a unit that can handle a thickness of ¾ inches.

Another factor under the blade is the length of the blade. Having a longer blade will give you the reach that you have always wanted to tackle even the higher hedges.

As much as having a longer blade is great, you always have to keep in mind the control and weight. Longer blades can be hefty and sometimes make it hard to control them. Always try to strike the balance between performance and control.

The weight varies a lot from one model to another. There are some that would be heavy while others are lightweight.

It is a brainer that many people would want to get a lightweight model. This is because it would help them work on a project for extended periods without too much fatigue.

It would be great to have a model that is around 7 pounds so that it does not feel too heavy in your hands.

You can never go wrong with a low-noise hedge trimmer.

The noise level will vary depending on the source of power. You should expect that the electric hedge trimmers will produce less noise compared to the gas-powered hedge trimmer.

As much as this guide is about battery-powered trimmers, it is good to learn more about the different types of trimmers too. Even under battery-powered trimmers, there are some that would be quieter.

Always look at the manufacturer’s specification sheet so that you can understand what amount of noise that it produces.

Where necessary, get yourself hearing protection. They are important for keeping your ears protected in case you have to trim the hedges for hours.

Comfort is also crucial especially for those who need trimmers for commercial use. You would want a model that delivers more power while at the same time remains comfortable in the hand.

To improve on comfort, manufacturers would consider using more ergonomics. This goes into the design of the unit to make it as comfortable as possible.

As part of making it comfortable, manufacturers would use rubber padding to enhance grip. Also, the handles can be shaped in a way that fits in your hand better.

So, these are some of the comfort features you should be looking at when buying the hedge trimmer.

The warranty that you get from a manufacturer is important. This is because it can help you understand more about the quality of the hedge trimmer before buying.

When it comes to warranty, make sure that you go for a model that has a warranty of at least two years. This can give you the peace of mind that you are buying a high-quality hedge trimmer.

Let’s Compare

DeWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer

DeWALT DCHT820B hedge trimmer is among the top options that many people would consider getting right now. This is because it stands out for its build quality, ease of use and much more.

To help you see if it would be a perfect fit for your trimming applications, we get to review it further below. Let us check it out.

Part of the 20V MAX Tools

Being part of the 20V MAX system of tools is important so that you can always get the parts that you need to keep the hedge trimmer working correctly.

With this type of system in place, you can always get the replacement battery to work in your hedge trimmer easily.

We also find that the battery can last you relatively longer than what other models can provide. With its average runtime, it is often good enough to cut through the different hedges efficiently.

We recommend that you can get a pair of batteries if you intend to cut a lot more hedges. This means that you can have one battery recharging while the other one is supplying you with the power.

Compact and Lightweight Design

The dimensions of this hedge trimmer are seen as compact. This is because they are 38.66 x 9.42 x 7.87 inches. As a result, you would end up with a unit that is easy to store and carry around if you have to do so.

Looking at the weight of 6.6 pounds, it stands out for being lightweight. Those who might have to use the hedge trimmer for longer will find it being an ideal option to get right away. You can now be sure that the hedge trimmer will not be too heavy on your hands.

Hooked-tooth Blade Design

This hedge trimmer comes with a hooked-tooth blade design. This type of tooth design is all about improving the cutting efficiency of the blade. You will now find that it is easy to cut the different branches faster.

Another thing you will like is the length of the blade. It is a 22” laser cut blade. For its length, it is able to cover wider areas faster and easily.

Using such a blade type makes your hedge trimming work a lot easier.

High Power Output

The motor used in this hedge trimmer delivers an impressive power output. Thanks to this type of power, it can easily handle the thick hedge branches.

Its rated capacity is ¾ inches, which should make it great for cutting even the established hedges with ease.

As for the speed, the unit delivers an impressive 2800SPM. This type of speed is good on overall for helping you cut through the hedges faster.

This high speed is also good for helping you achieve clean and precise cuts all the time. The last thing you need is a trimmed hedge that lacks clean edges.

If you are new to using hedge trimmers, this should be an ideal choice for you. This is because the unit is easy to use overall.

You will find that straight out of the packaging, it is ready to get to work. The manufacturer also gives you all the instructions that you need for getting started.

DeWALT DCHT860X1 Hedge Trimmer

It is interesting to see how a model from the same brand can perform. It is why we have to consider the DeWALT DCHT860X1 hedge trimmer. It has more battery performance than what you get with some models.

Other than having more battery performance, we also have to look at its features. Let us see more about them below.

Power Output

Looking at the overall power output, we find this model being one of the best to get. This is because of the amount of power that the unit delivers when trimming the hedges.

This impressive power is all because of the battery that comes with the unit. The battery is rated 40V meaning you get a lot more run time out of it. The best is when you have two batteries that can supplement you even better.

Cutting Capability

It is good to know that even with the high output power, you get more cutting capacity.

The capacity of this hedge trimmer is ¾-inches. This is enough capacity to handle even those established hedges. There is no doubt you would enjoy working with such a powerful trimmer to keep the hedges clean.

Ease of Maintenance

The removable gear case makes the overall maintenance even better. This allows you to exchange the blade faster than when you would do with other units.

Still, on maintenance, there is also the removable top cover. When you open the top cover, you get easy access to the brushes. You would now find the unit being easier to perform any maintenance while at home.

Since it is also battery-powered, you will find it has less maintenance needs compared to the other models that are gas-powered.

Looking at the blade design, it is the famous hooked-tooth design from DeWALT.

DeWALT has improved the blade design of their hedge trimmers over the years to arrive at this one. The result is that you now end up with a great design that will deliver on great performance than before.

The tooth design means that you can cut through the different branches faster and the hedge trimmer can accommodate the large branches.

The best part about this hedge trimmer is that it does not produce a lot of noise. This means that it will be easier on your ears. No one wants to be irritated by being exposed to a lot of noise all the time.

Because it does not produce a lot of noise, the unit will be than ideal for noise-sensitive properties. For this reason, you can find some companies using the same for commercial applications.

Starting this hedge trimmer is easy overall. You simply have to push a button and that is it.

Unlike the gas-powered hedge trimmers that might need pulling cords, this one is easier to get started. Even newbies would love using it knowing that it will get them down to working faster.

FAQs

What can an operator use for lubricating a hedge trimmer?

It is advisable to use light machine oil to lubricate the hedge trimmer. The best part is that this oil will be affordable so it should not be hard to maintain your hedge trimmer.

Can WD40 be used on a hedge trimmer blade?

No. It is not advisable to use WD40 on a hedge trimmer. This is because WD40 is a penetrating oil thus might not provide the best lubrication to your hedge trimmer blade.

How often should you sharpen the hedge trimmer blades?

It is recommended that you sharpen the hedge trimmer blades regularly whenever you notice it is not cutting efficiently. The best part is that you can do so by hand.

Sharpening can be done with a flat file, whetstone, and other devices. Just take your time to get it done correctly.

Is it hard to change a hedge trimmer blade?

The hedge trimmer blades can be worn out after some time so they would need replacing. The replacement process will vary. In some cases, it can be hard while others easy.

We recommend that you follow the manufacturer instructions when changing the blades. This is to ensure that you get to do it correctly.

What is the DeWALT DCHT860X1 model battery runtime?

The runtime is around 45 minutes. Because of such a runtime, it becomes a great trimmer for handling different hedge sizes. Some operators get two batteries to have even more runtime while working on multiple hedges.

Where can you buy the best hedge trimmer?

You can always visit the local hardware or power tools store to see what models are available.

Another option would be checking out the online stores to see what they might have too. The online stores would even have a lot more models for you to choose from than the conventional stores.

Conclusion

DeWALT is a top brand so we expected that its hedge trimmers would be great too just as you saw from the reviews above. It must be the reason you find the DeWALT hedge trimmers having more positive reviews showing how good they are at doing their job.

Looking at the two models, we find that the DeWALT DCHT860X1 is the best option between two. It comes with more power output, good battery performance, ease of use, and so much more. You will always feel it was worth spending your money on it.

DeWALT 40V Max Cordless Outdoor Power Tool System has Been Discontinued

I’m confused, concerned, and a little bit upset. It appears that DeWALT has discontinued nearly every single 40V Max cordless power tool they make. Over at DeWALT’s site, every tool and kit that I checked, except for their mower kit, is marked as being discontinued.

Although this comes as a complete surprise to me, some of you can rightfully say “see, I told you this would happen.”

In Комментарии и мнения владельцев to another post, Brian and Richard informed me that DeWALT has officially discontinued their line of 40V Max cordless outdoor power tools. Surely that’s not true, right? I didn’t believe it at first. But then I checked DeWALT’s website.

Update: It’s official, DeWALT is indeed discontinuing the entire 40V Max system.

Here are two more DeWALT.com screen captures of additional DeWALT 40V Max cordless power tools that are marked as being discontinued. I thought that maybe the kits were discontinued because new battery packs are coming out, but the bare tools are also discontinued.

I reached out to DeWALT asking for more information, and expect to hear back soon. However, prominent all-caps “This Product has Been Discontinued” notices are hard to misinterpret.

Navigating to DeWALT’s cordless power tool landing page, there are summaries and links for all of their current cordless platforms, even including 18V XRP. The link to the 40V Max cordless power tool lineup landing page leads to a 404 “Page Not Found” error.

Maybe this is a fluke error of some kind. With a website as large as DeWALT’s, mistakes or broken links here and there can happen. I fix broken links here on ToolGuyd every so often, and especially find them in older posts. It’s easy to change the URL of a page, but difficult to update all existing links. Still, the removed, broken, or non-existent 40V Max landing page doesn’t exactly bode well.

V Max Differentiation – the Pro Landscaper System

Readers have expressed concerns for the future of the DeWALT 40V Max cordless power system ever since the FlexVolt outdoor power tools launched.

Back in March of 2017, I had just posted about the then-new 40V Max backpack blower, and was having trouble answering a reader’s question about how DeWALT’s 40V Max and FlexVolt 60V Max cordless outdoor power tools compared against each other. 40V Max and FlexVolt 60V Max tools had similar specs, and so I asked DeWALT if they could offer words about how the 40V Max and FlexVolt 60V Max cordless outdoor power tools compared, and how they’re targeted towards different users.

At the time, DeWALT explained the differences between the systems and also shared a great chart about their different string trimmers.

The DeWALT 20V Max cordless string trimmer offered professional performance and was part of a professional power tool system. The FlexVolt trimmer offered gas performance and was part of a larger professional power tool system. The 40V Max trimmer was aimed at professional landscapers and was said to offer gas performance and landscaper runtime and durability. The 20V Max and FlexVolt 60V max trimmers were said to have a daily use duty cycle, and the 40V Max was rated for all day use. The FlexVolt and 40V Max trimmers both have 15″ cutting swath and the 20V Max has 13″.

Simplified, the 60V Max FlexVolt cordless outdoor power tools were designed for construction pros or other users in the 20V Max or 60V Max system, and offered similar performance to the 40V max tool and enough runtime for users who aren’t pro landscapers. The 40V Max lineup featured longer runtime and the tools were designed for all day use. DeWALT also pointed out that the 40V Max line included more landscaper-focused tools and accessories, such as a pole hedge trimmer, 6-pack charging station, and backpack blower.

At the time, the 40V Max system had a much larger battery – the 7.5Ah battery provided 300 watt hours of power. Even the largest current FlexVolt battery, 12.0Ah, delivers 240 watt hours of power. At the time, the then-largest battery, 9.0Ah, delivered 180 watt hours of power.

Our 40V MAX battery system offers bigger batteries that offer gas performance and longer, more continuous runtime. This means it can take a heavier load for a much longer period of time, which is important because landscapers might use a string trimmer for 2-3 hours of trigger time on a daily basis. Does that mean the 60V MAX batteries don’t offer long runtime and can’t handle a heavy, consistent load? Not the case at all. It’s just that 40V MAX just gets you to the next level and the voltage actually hits a nice ‘sweet spot’ for OPE.

All this is to say that the 40V Max cordless power tool system has (or had) a place in DeWALT’s cordless lineup.

The chargers and battery packs are NOT discontinued, and even if the tools are discontinued and become hard to find, DeWALT will likely ensure that current users are able to source replacement batteries and chargers for the foreseeable future. It’s worth pointing out that they still sell new 18V batteries.

I’ve told readers that DeWALT was intent on maintaining the 40V Max cordless platform alongside FlexVolt 60V Max offerings, because that’s what I was told and led to believe. After all, 40V Max was their “professional landscaper lineup.” This was their firm standing, that 60V Max were powerful tools, but that 40V Max tools offered not only gas-like performance but also gas-like runtime.

The 40V Max string trimmer, for example, was said to deliver 50 minutes of runtime when paired with a 7.5Ah battery and 40 minutes when paired with a 6.0Ah battery. The FlexVolt trimmer was said to deliver 30 minutes of runtime when paired with the then-largest 9.0Ah battery.

As a reminder, FlexVolt batteries have 1/3 the specified charge capacity in 60V Max mode. A 9.0Ah FlexVolt battery has 9.0Ah charge capacity when used in 20V Max mode and 3.0Ah charge capacity when in 60V Max mode. FlexVolt batteries shift between 20V Max and 60V Max operation automatically depending on the tool.

I’m still waiting to hear back from DeWALT as to whether all of the 40V Max cordless power tools are discontinued, or the entire 40V Max system. Maybe all of the 40V Max cordless power tools (except for the mower kit) are discontinued, but the 40V Max cordless platform will somehow continue? Maybe all new tools are coming out? There’s some hope that we’re reading this wrong, or the situation is different than it looks, but there’s not much to support that.

What Happens Now?

I suppose that it might be a good idea to ask why the 40V Max tools are being discontinued. Why would DeWALT discontinue the 40V Max platform (assuming that is what is happening here)? Lower sales? To consolidate their FOCUS and priorities?

A better question to ask is this – what happens now?

I’m Never Using Gas Again!. DeWalt DCM571 Review

For DeWALT 40V Max cordless power tool users, new product wishes might go unfulfilled, but they can continue to use their existing tools without issue. I checked a couple of retailers and some 40V Max tools are still in stock while others are not. Will sold-out stock be replenished?

Will DeWALT be shifting their FOCUS to another brand for their professional landscaper outdoor power tools platform? That seems unlikely, because there’s no good answer to the question of which brand?

As you might know, Stanley Black Decker now owns Craftsman. They also now own a 20% share of MTD, a maker of outdoor power tools, with the option to buy the remaining 80% beginning July 1st, 2021.

According to investor presentations, Stanley Black Decker aims to grow their lawn garden tool business towards a 15-20% share of their total revenue by 2022. This is discussed in our post: DeWALT, Craftsman, Stanley vs. Milwaukee, Ryobi, Empire: A Look at Stanley Black Decker and TTI Financials.

Thus, outdoor power tools is a big FOCUS of Stanley Black Decker right now. They’re pushing hard on the Craftsman side of things, with gas engine tools and cordless tool offerings.

What could DeWALT and Stanley Black Decker have planned that they would discontinue essentially all of their 40V Max cordless outdoor power tools, save one mower kit SKU? Is anything planned?

A new DeWALT 60V Max lineup? That seems unlikely, given the potential to confuse users. An 80V lineup? Nothing? Is DeWALT exiting the professional landscaper cordless outdoor power tool market?

Will DeWALT launch new FlexVolt 60V Max outdoor power tools? If so, how will they bridge the gap between FlexVolt runtime and 40V Max? Conversations with DeWALT made it clear that they saw 40V Max as the professional landscaper solution and that 60V Max wasn’t quite comparable. I don’t see how they can backtrack on that.

We’ve asked DeWALT if they are exiting the professional landscaper cordless outdoor power tool market and will follow up once we learn more.

DeWALT Response

Shortly after publishing this post we received official word that DeWALT is discontinuing their entire 40V Max cordless power tool system.

Current users will continue to have access to replacement batteries through online retailers and DeWALT service centers.

You are correct, DeWALT 40V MAX is being discontinued. System compatibility of our 20V and 60V lines makes them a favorite among users – we’re focused on delivering more comprehensive and innovative solutions on those platforms. DeWALT does remain committed to providing solutions for pro landscaping within the FLEXVOLT System.

Replacement 40V batteries will be available through various online retailers as well as through DeWALT service centers for the next few years.

100 Комментарии и мнения владельцев

I’m not very confident about that. Are homeowners going to pay DeWALT 40V Max pricing for Craftsman OPE tools? There’s a Craftsman V60 platform, but I don’t think I’ve seen any FlexVolt-Craftsman 60V Max tool resemblances yet. Craftsman V60 and DeWALT FlexVolt 60V Max cordless outdoor power tools will likely be positioned in a good-better-best comparative relationship.

I guess we will see what happens. I knew something was up at the beginning of the season, when all of the DeWALT outdoor/landscaping power tools were no longer available at my local Lowe’s. I was wanting a new DeWALT weed trimmer, but settled on a mostly similar Craftsman trimmer. It’s always a gamble, because you never know if you will be able to get parts, etc. when you need it.

I never say I’m confident about anything SBD will do, but I’m kind of with Mike here. DeWALT is a professional brand. For the most part, professional lawn guys do not use battery powered tools. DeWALT has not released any gas-powered OPE that I’m aware of. Craftsman is a brand with a long history of (15 years ago) great quality, reasonably priced products for all aspects of American home ownership, including mowers and other OPE. Despite the past 10-15 years of garbage, I think there’s still some brand equity there, if SBD treats it right going forward. SBD also recently bought a large share of MTD, which I believe had some sort of licensing component, and may now have a majority share (admittedly not sure on that — I know they had an option to buy more later). MTD is the home of Cub Cadet, and to a lesser extent, Troy-Bilt. I think their professional stuff will be released under those brands. When SBD released its DeWALT cordless mowers, it really didn’t have any brand with an established outdoor reputation, outside of maybe some old cheapo electric BD string trimmers (again, not the kind of reputation you’re trying to leverage). So at the time, trying to compete with 500 mowers from EGO, Husqvarna, STIHL, Echo, and others, the only brand that really made sense to release a premium cordless mower on was DeWALT. As far as I know, the DeWALT OPE never really took off. At this point, it makes a lot more sense to put resources behind new outdoor products from Craftsman, Cub Cadet, and others, than it does to continue to try to turn DeWALT into an outdoor power equipment company.

I agree that all makes sense. But at the same time, Milwaukee has a one-system-does-all FOCUS. Drills, chop saws, chainsaws, trimmers, mowers all in M18. I went DeWALT FlexVolt because it looked it it had a similar all-in-one lineup. If they go away from that, and I need another battery syatem for mower vs chop saw, why would I keep half of to DeWALT, when I could just go all-in on a system like M18. IMHO, DeWALT needs to keep being a jack of all trades with pro-level stuff on FlexVolt 60V, and homeowner or lower power gear on 20V.

Good thing you weren’t invested in M28 a few years ago, you would have been just as pissed at Milwaukee. https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m28-cordless-power-tools-2016/ They really have similar backgrounds and fates, DeWALT’s 40v and Milwaukee M28. Both came out when there was a need for a more powerful system, beyond the capabilities of standard 18v packs, based on 18650 cells. The lineups were limited, and while they were nice tools, they were not astoundingly better than standard 18v tools. As technology has improved drastically with better cells and brushless motors, companies are finding they can get the extra juice out of 18v packs (Milwaukee’s HO M18) or modify them slightly to be a 20v/60v (Flexvolt). And just as Milwaukee pulled the plug on M28, DeWALT pulled the plug on 40v. In the end they are aiming more towards giving users cross-compatibility, which makes sense for long term stability. It’s hardly a “bait and switch”. Also, as an impartial mixed brand user, I have to say I find it a little interesting that no DeWALT fanboys chimed in on the ending of the M28 lineup (see link above), but I have seen quite a few Milwaukee fanboys take this opportunity to take a jab at DeWALT. It is possible to use and like both brands.

It is too confusing to have these tools and systems next to one another. So is it possible, to simplify, they are getting rid of one line in the mid range and keeping their lower level and highest line of tools?

well this sucks. I was going to get a few more 40v as they are super powerful. already have the chainsaw and hedge trimmer. wanted the pole saw and extendable trimmer plus the backpack and mower someday.

I certainly interpret “…we’re focused on delivering more comprehensive and innovative solutions on those [20 60v] platforms” as implying that DeWALT sees flexvolt as the 40v replacement. It always sucks for the users when a manufacturer discontinues a line, but honestly that seems to make sense. Even if 40v was markedly different, I don’t think it was perceived that way. I would guess that most people contemplating the 40v line would be thinking: “do I want to commit to a small line of OPE marketed towards professional landscapers, OR should I just get the Flexvolt and had access to pretty much the same tools as well as the rest of DeWALT’s portfolio? I think the longevity of the 40v line depended on users understanding the superiority of that line for it’s intended application (my perception was that the difference was slight). Plus, I was chatting with someone who uses power tools regularly for work the other day who confidently asserted that his DeWALT grease gun just had a little more oomph because it was 20v versus the other brands’ 18v… Certainly seems the naive perception of the greater voltage meaning more power persists.

There’s the possibility of a new system being planned for the 2020 season, but I haven’t heard, learned, or guessed anything enough for anything but vague theorizing. Would a pro landscaper be interested in the 20V Max and FlexVolt cordless systems? There are incentives for individual users to buy into FlexVolt OPE, but for landscapers, the battery capacities and charger accessories available in the 40V Max system makes more sense. What if 40V Max is discontinued to allow for a new system based on 21700-sized Li-ion cells that offer even greater runtime?

DeWALT has screwed me twice now, once when I bought their 350, lithium-ion 18 volt drill kit, only to release their 20-volt lineup a year later, and now after I bought their 40 volt mower last year (Makita hadn’t released their most current mower at that time). I was actually more bitter when DeWALT had said that they couldn’t make an 20 volt battery adapter to work with their 18 volt tools after I had made significant investment with the 18-volt lineup. Four or five years later, DeWALT made a miracle happen, by releasing that same type of adapter, but it was too little, too late for me, I had already switched to Makita and Milwaukee. When a professional invests invests in a power tool battery platform, they expect to use the batteries for other tools, because that’s where the real expense comes in. SBD have clueless management as they clearly don’t understand the financial consequences when they drop a power tool lineup. After the first time that they screwed me, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on Milwaukee and Makita Tools. Oh, and not to mention, that I had a direct influence in getting my Utility to switch from DeWALT to Milwaukee. Mind you, they spend like 45,000 in power tools a year. Further, this action has like a snowball effect, because many of the guys that I work with end up personally buying into the same brand of tools that they use at work. In essence, because DeWALT screwed me years ago, I’ve been incredibly successful in redirecting their customer base to Makita and Milwaukee tools. What can I say, my passion for tools has a direct impact on the people that I interact with on a daily basis.

Alex. Your commentary is fantastic. It captures the “ Scorched Earth “ Mentality of this problem. It makes me think of DeWALT as the clueless Husband that brings his Girlfriend home to live with Him and his Wife. Then claims being surprised that things didn’t work out. Absurd I know, but not an unreasonable comparison to us Faithful “ Wives” ?

Tell you buddy that who ‘says’ he uses power tools for work all the time, that there is an astrix next to the 20v on all the DeWALT packaging. If you can find the unfindable “Where’s Waldo” footnote, it will tell you the tool is only 18v. All the 18v tools have the same potential for power as the DeWALT 20v, all depending on what cells are actually used inside. It’s why you can use a 20v battery no problem in an older 18v tool with an adapter, not converter.

Everyone complains about DeWALT marketing 18v as 20v, yet all the other manufacturers do it on difference voltage platforms and no one says anything. M12 tools aren’t really 12v, they are 10.8v. This is more obvious in higher voltage outdoor platforms. Many companies market voltage based on 4v/cell. I don’t really get the hate on DeWALT for this in the 18/20v space. They are doing what others are doing.

DeWALT is the ONLY pro tool brand doing it in the 18v space, and since they started doing it many consumer grade tool companies started doing the same. It’s despicable if you ask me. And so is advertising FV batteries as 60v or 6Ah when it’s really a 60v 2Ah battery. Believe me this is marketing genius, but marketing all the same, and in a market with no regulation.

I think you’re being a bit ridiculous. If you charge the battery pack fully and check the voltage it’s more than 20v. I’m not sure what else needs to be said. So it’s ok that Milwaukee does it on 12v (pro brand), but not ok that DeWALT does it on 18v? Why? What’s the logic here? Just because other companies haven’t followed? In the outdoor space it’s even more mixed up. You have brands claiming everything from 54-60v. All are presumably the same 15s configuration. Ryobi has a 40v line which is just 36v. Greenworks and Kobalt have 80v which is really only 72v. Even EGO at 56v is a little weird. I think it’s only 54v nomial or potentially 55.5v? Either way, it’s likely not 56v based on standard 3.6v/cell. You want to hate DeWALT, be my guest. But don’t pretend like they are the only ones doing this. I do agree that the capacity on FV packs is a bit misleading, though not false. It’s just clever marketing. I don’t see anything wrong with that.

It’s just that batteries should be rated at their nominal (average over the discharge) voltage, not their peak, since they always have been. DeWALT can be forgiven about this. Where they really stretch the truth though is in the watt-hour ratings. They are taking the max voltage and the capacity and multiplying them. It doesn’t work that way. There is no way to get 80 watt hours out of their 4.0 battery unless it actually has bigger than 4.0 cells inside.

I have the entire 40 volt landscaping line for my home use. I’m a retired contractor and appreciate the heavy duty construction of the line. In fact, I got better deals after discontinuation was announced, and filled in the gaps of my line. Having said that, I also have the entire line of 36 volt DeWALT, all barely used white elephants because of their giant size. My 18 and 20 volt DeWALT tools get the most use.

They did. And that’s pretty much where I’ve always seen it. You can’t plug an 18Volt XRP battery into a 20Volt Max/XR/FlexVOLT tool, and they already had 18V batteries before the XRP’s… So where are they going to go from there? In Europe, yes, they’re Smart enough to recognize the battery difference, and not try it. But the North American audience is quite famous for living in conditions where the education standards are at the bottom of the list, and that puts “Common Sense Understanding” at risk in marketing a new line. Yes, they’re 20 Volt MAX tools, aka 20 Volts NOMINAL… And yes, SO WERE THE XRP’s… But there’s enough of a risk in North America (and apparently the Комментарии и мнения владельцев above as an example) that North Americans will get very angry if you change things, and don’t make it ABSOLUTELY clear that they aren’t compatible. With so many more buyers in North America, can you risk it? No. So few in Europe? Sure, because it’s not likely to be confusing. Personally, I’m glad they called it something different. It made it easier to point to a display and say “That one” when the Home Depot person tried to help me find it among the huge masses of DeWALT boxes with line drawings of the tools. But, I suppose that’s me. Go in knowing the one you want, being a bit on the short side, and unable to see the precise box containing the thing I want. Probably not everyone’s experience.

Yes I’d agree, they kept there 18v lineup while others usually discontinue there’s. So with the 18v being extremely popular they had little choice.

Also Europe has much stronger consumer electronic laws favoring the consumer,so DeWALT had no choice to name the 18v as 20v. It’s the same with all voltages,as 10.8 is 10.8 and not 12 same with 7.2 not being 9v.

As one who has both 18v and 10v DeWALT, here is my spin on it. Sure, the 18v tools are still completely usable. BUT, DeWALT never increased the 18v pack size current output anywhere near what you can get in the 20v series now. Plus the 20v packs are more ergonomic compared to the 18v packs with the long mounting dong coming out of them. If you were on the tail end of 18v, you could get the Li-ion packs (2.3ah?), but you could only charge them on the newer yellow chargers not the older black chargers. Plus the 18v line never converted to brushless tools which are so much better in many areas. My newer brushless 20v 899’s impact kicks my old 18v 64’s impacts ass. So i think its not so much about 20v really being 18v, its the whole big picture on the platform issue with having brush-less, compact tools, and more user friendly sized battery’s. I keep a bag of my old 18v tools (grinders, saws, drills and such) for my junk yard tool bag so if i lose one or it dies, i wont feel so bad…. for those who like to keep things going forever, how long have you had your home PC? those have about a 3 year life span anymore for most users. Cell Phone? about the same. Just imagine if Apple made a “I-Tool” line. you would all be buying new tools every 2 years and standing in line to do it!

Americans have a mania for replacing everything with new. I’ve only had one PC in my life, which I’ve used for over 10 years. Of course, my home is 115 years old, I’ve lived there over 40 of those years (bought it from the second owner, who lived here from 1920 to 1980) and have driven the same car for 25 years. As mentioned in another post, my parents bought quality items and used them their entire lives. My grandfather was a Chevrolet mechanic in the 1930’s and he still had all his Snap-on tools up until he died a few years ago.

Your friend needs to understand that the tool will operate normally on 18 volt, but have a peak of 20 volts, but not operate in the 20 volt range constantly.

Another useless line is discontinued, they can make a bit of modification on 40V tools to make them 60V Flexvolt tools, also if Craftsman has 7.5Ah 60V battery DeWALT can have the same and it would be 50% better runtime than 7.5Ah 40V battery. Congratulations!

Keep in mind that the marketed Ah figures on DeWALT batteries for their flexvolt batteries are when the tool is operated at 20V… They will be 1/3 the listed Ah capacity when run at 60V. I believe that the 40V Ah figures are for 40V operation, as they do not have a 20V tool that runs on their 40V batteries. Based off your statement above, if those Ah values are the ‘sticker values’, a 7.5Ah 40V battery is actually double the capacity of a 7.5Ah 60V battery, not vice versa, as you would expect.

Thank you for bringing that up! I already added a note about FlexVolt battery capacity specs in the post, but I don’t believe that’s what Altan is referring to. Craftsman’s V60 platform has 2.5Ah, 5.0Ah (here’s an example), and 7.5Ah batteries. I believe that his comment about FlexVolt is referring to the several FlexVolt 60V Max cordless outdoor power tools that are comparable to similar 40V Max tools, and that the remaining tools exclusive to the 40V Max line could potentially be converted to FlexVolt tools. I don’t think that his comment about FlexVolt is tied to his comment about runtime, but was blended into a separate comment about Craftsman V60 battery tech. On paper, a Craftsman 60V Max 7.5Ah battery would have 450 watt-hours of power, compared to the 300 watt-hours of a 40V Max 7.5Ah battery. In theory, if DeWALT launches an all-new 60V Max outdoor power tool line, they could achieve 450 watt-hours of power/capacity as well, or go even higher. OR, you might be right, and he (mistakenly) thought that you can have a FlexVolt battery with 60V Max x 7.5Ah for 450 watt-hours of charge capacity. A FlexVolt 12.0Ah battery operates at 4.0Ah charge capacity when used with 60V Max tools, for 240 watt-hours capacity. If those same cells were used in a new and larger 40V Max battery pack, then 480 watt-hours would be achievable. But, the 40V Max cordless power tools and batteries are based on 18650-sized Li-ion technology. I don’t think that DeWALT would replace their 40V Max lineup with another 40V Max lineup, although it’s possible. A 60V Max OPE lineup might cause confusion with FlexVolt 60V Max tools. Going to higher voltages would mean much larger battery pack sizes and weights. But, a parallel battery adapter for existing FlexVolt tools, to meet or exceed the runtime of 40V Max tools, would make them heavier and bulkier. There’s the potential for a backpack battery power adapter, but the FlexVolt tools aren’t designed around battery weight being off-tool. I digressed; I really don’t have a good idea as to where DeWALT is going from here. I’m not convinced that FlexVolt OPE tools as they currently exist are the replacement solution for professional landscapers looking to place gas engine tools with cordless equipment.

I know that already, I tried to keep the comment short but it made confusion it seems, I know a 12Ah Flexvolt battery is going to be a 4Ah battery when used with 60V tools, I was the first one who started to talk about 6Ah Flexvolt battery here on toolguyd mentioning that it is actually a 2Ah battery with 60V tools with Stuart answer to my unwanted comment kind of why I try to put that platform and battery down :)) My aim was not that actually, my aim is to push brands to advertise clearly, the way they were advertising in the beginning sounded like 6Ah with 60V tools which was not the case! If you check Craftsman tools you will see their 60V batteries are not compatible with their 20V tools like DeWALT 60V Flexvolt batteries, so that means a Craftsman 60V 7.5Ah battery is a real 7.5Ah battery when used with 60V tools and if that battery was branded as DeWALT which is practically very easily possible for huge brands like SBD/DeWALT, then hat battery would be a 22.5Ah battery with 20V Max tools! I know what I say as you can see

Ah, I see. Sorry about that! I did not realize that Craftsmen 60V batteries have their capacity actually rated at 60V. I (ignorantly) assumed that they were similar to the DeWALT batteries.

Stuart, repeat that two years from now to someone heavily invested when replacement batteries and parts are no longer available. DeWALT has, once again, screwed over their customers by discontinuing a popular li-ion battery platform.

Not even just 18v I can buy 24v and 36v (or whatever) batteries a mile away from me at a local tool store.

Yes there still are some sales of 18v XRP NiCd batteries, but better yet there is an upgrade path with an adapter that these people can use the Lion 20V max battery. No one should complain about that. DeWALT has canceled other lines in the past and I have heard owners of Milwaukee M28 tools (cancelled too) complaining as well. Gonna happen get over it.

Thank you lol this was all I could think, reading all this griping. You can legit, still buy 18v stem packs at home Depot.

Spare parts and batteries for discontinued items can be expensive sometimes, here in the UK I have seen DeWALT 36V batteries for huge prices.

Dewalt string trimmer line replacement SUPER Easy you can do it 20V or 40V

C’mon, you know that his comment wasn’t as a 40V Max tool user. I see similar sentiments a lot, where tools not applicable to one’s needs are “gimmicks,” “useless junk,” or similar.

I don’t use 40V tools, one reason might be that they are not available in the UK, another reason is that they are landscaping tools which does not suit my needs, at least for now but as I said before I did not call 40V tools useless, I called the 40V line useless.

I did not call it useless because it was not useful to me, there are a lot of tools that brands do make and I don’t use them, but I don’t call them useless. If something does make sense and is good planned I always have appreciating Комментарии и мнения владельцев on. If 40V Max batteries were Flexvolt 40V batteries which could be used with 20V tools also I would definitely not call it useless, also if there is a 60V platform which uses compatible batteries with 20V tools what is the necessity of keeping 40V line alive?! They can just simply upgrade the same tools to 60V platform with the same specifications. I also know 40V tools are better than 60V tools if you consider runtime and durability and etc. that is why I did not call 40V tools useless, I called 40V line useless, these are two different things!

For those not already invested in the 40v MAX line, it’s actually a good excuse to pick up a few tools for much less. I bought the DCCS690X1 chainsaw kit for 281 at HD (it’s now 293). That’s the 7.5Ah kit. The battery alone is almost worth that price. I already own the Flexvolt DCCS670, but I outfitted that with the optional 18″ bar and.050 chain for slightly larger jobs, so naturally I had to get the 40V to be my 16″ for more limbing types of jobs. By discontinuing the line, it just means there won’t be any new tools, doesn’t mean the current tools are junk by any means. Buy them now and just run them into the ground. By that time you will want the next gen line, whatever it may be, anyways.

I never understood why these companies with “40”v tools (36 actual working volts) refuse to make adapters so that their tools can be run on 2 of their 18/20v batteries. I know it would be slightly unweildy. But in this specific instance it would make it so their existing customers dont feel abandoned(just like they did with their old post style 18v battery tools). I know if I was bought into DeWALT 40v and they did this I would never buy another DeWALT cordless tool again.

My guess is that it’s because there would be users complaining about performance and runtime when such tools and adapters are equipped with the 1.3Ah batteries bundled with value-priced drills or some combo kits.

Adapters are nice, but they aren’t really a solution. of a temporary bridge between platforms. Eventually, you will have to upgrade, that’s just how technology works. Ask those of us with shelves full of vinyl records, VHS tapes, Atari cartridges, etc. All of which still work, I just can’t get new ones, which is really not a big deal. And it’s not just DeWALT, I know some people who are still griping about the M28 line (they also swore they’d never buy Milwaukee again, but they have). I don’t think it’s reason to completely jump ship on a brand because they are evolving towards more cross compatibility.

I bought, and thankfully returned, a DeWALT impact wrench 10 years ago. It was part of their first lithium ion powered tool lineup, which was discontinued after only a few years on the market. Milwaukee did the same with their V18 lineup. Man am I glad I bought into Makita’s line way back then! There have been a few upgrades along the way that led to some incompatibilities, but that’s nothing compared to discontinuing an entire battery platform.

If more people would have bought it, they wouldn’t have discontinued it. It’s unreasonable to think a company would continue making something that people don’t like.

Makita discontinued the 12v system I had and loved … I actually still have it, with one functioning battery of the two rebuilt batteries I purchased.

Who could not have seen that coming? Sure it is a main brand, but are these things selling at all? Having experienced Ridgid discontinuing their 24v platform, and owning a couple other high tech products where the mfr decided to change battery form factors; … has prompted me to sit on the side line for the entire higher voltage outdoor market. Every mfr is testing the waters with these products, that I don’t see flying off the shelves. Everybody I know is still on gas power for outdoors. I’m the first with a few 18v Ryobi outdoor products, since my wife wanted some lighter weight products for her to use. Any brand that is not using 18v x1 or x2 with standard product batteries is a skip for me.

This whole thing seems like a non-issue. It’s a discontinued line that was meant as a trial run for something better in the future. That’s what happens to first-generation products regardless of brand. In construction/electrical, I replace my entire cordless platform every 5 years, need it or not, because by that time the tools and batteries are worn, and I want something better. I read the Комментарии и мнения владельцев and it seems like people are just looking for problems when there really isn’t one. Accept things as they are, and not how you’d like them to be and life will be better. Cheers!

I’m somewhat disappointed, seeing as I own almost every 40V product and very happily use them, and 60V wouldn’t be a good replacement, but on the other hand I have the products I need and want and am happy with them and will just use them until they’re dead. 5 years from now, something better will be around, anyway.

I guess I was one of the I told you so’s. From the engineering point of view it made sense for the 40V pro OPE to eventually go away. While they are discontinued doesn’t mean they aren’t supported. And it doesn’t mean there won’t be new flexvolt pro OPE. It makes alot of sense – especially if they can prove the flexvolt battery pack is rugged enough – and I bet a lot of construction workers will say they are. So far so good. Now you can save on unit battery costs across your product board. And that 40V string trimmer they made – which is a great device – can now be made to run 60V Flexvolt with potentially better battery packaging. Now with more potential on tap you can re-optimize the motor and maybe use the same motors from other products. again capitalizing on costs of scale. Now have you looked at pro level cordless OPE. Now that Echo is slowly killing their 58V system (I give it another 2 years) – the big games STIHL and Husquvarna are on a 36V system. But they also make a backpack battery. Yep read that again. Now DeWALT already has the Flexvolt AC adapter. SO you take that adapter head – and a new cord – to a backpack flexvolt battery. And you can market that to your contstruction crews too. Only real applcation I can see for that is something like a jackhammer – but I’m sure it could come in handy. And more importantly the guy that buys DeWALT Flexvolt OPE – has a battery support for any construction tools that are yellow. Likewise the guy that has DeWALT Flexvolt Construction tools – has battery support for any pro level OPE that is yellow. Meanwhile the other competitors in the pro OPE going cordless are either using the STIHL/Husqvarna 36V battery systems (made by ?) or they are using 60 and 82 volt systems marketed by Greenworks and Snapper. One thing that kept me away from DeWALT OPE was the different battery. Had the Flexvolt OPE been tangible when I was shopping I might not have Bought into the Echo58V system. It’s been great mostly. OH and DeWALT needs to get up into the string trimmer with attachments system. Everyone else has one. Yes your powerful string trimmer with rear motor – can easily turn an edge or other attachments. (again check out STIHL/greenworks commercial/snapper/) OH and Milwaukee. Can’t wait to buy a flexvolt X 2 battery wide area self propelled mower. Or a Flexvolt split boom string trimmer with edger attachment. Followed by a hose end Flexvolt pressure washer – ala worx pressure washer.

Agreed, Nathan. Flexvolt/worx type pressure washer with optional carry on water tank, handheld and wheeled. Been wanting a power shot, but I’m into the DeWALT platform, also I want my mtd attachment weed eater too. Good job on the new 60v axial blower DeWALT. Are you hearing us DeWALT.

I’ve got friends with 3d printers and I’m thinking hard about making a worx to DeWALT battery adapter. intheory it should be easy.

I did professional landscaping for a while never once saw a battery powered, mower, blower, trimmer, ext. on our crew or anywhere else. I cant imagine any crew that does anything of any real size would opt for battery over gas in this case. I would be curious to see how these sold. This coming from somebody who is slowly transitioning my personal equipment for my smallish yard to battery.

Ego tools have a new range of 56V “commercial” grade equipment with big backpack batteries. It seems to be doing well in trials with contractors.

I saw my first commercial crew running a cordless STIHL on my neighbors lawn earlier this year before that I hadn’t seen it either. Then early this month the professional power equipment dealer near my house started advertising and stocking green works pro and STIHL cordless tools, so I assume there is some demand.

Fair point. My assumption is those crews doing mostly residential. Commercial lawns that take 4-8 hours to mow by themselves probably would have a problem with batteries.

For large commercial lawns I would imagine the ride on mower would essentially have to be a Tesla Model 3 or such with a mower attachment. Lol.

I kinda expect the drop of the 40 Volt line, but I also vaguely remember a 60 Volt line that was its… “Sibling”… of sorts? I saw HUGE batteries on them both. The weight must have been crazy for those tools. I would imagine the gas motors on the tools they were trying to replace were no picnic either, but still… If they want to compete with the Landscaping business standards, they definitely need LIGHTER systems with more power. The physical dimensions of the battery could stay the same, even be called “FlexVOLT” something-or-other. But the sheer weight of the batteries they were using before FlexVOLT came out were not acceptable, especially to those who bought the 40 Volt system tools. They already came out with the Oil-Resistant batteries for FlexVOLT tools, and I imagine the drop of the 40 Volt system is a prelude to an upgraded lineup. Of what? I can’t even guess anymore. All I can do is offer a hopeful “Welcome to the Max family” for the 40 Volt and 60 Volt users who are SOL right now. Maybe your tools will get a new lease on life, using some imminent upgrade DeWALT has coming down the pipe? I don’t know, and I do send my sympathies to you. Doing things THIS sudden is not okay, and for me to not acknowledge that would make me a horrible person. Even if DeWALT DOES have an imminent release coming, what they did was downright despicable.

Can’t beat EGO for outdoor tools so it really doesn’t matter to me. Don’t let the door hit you as they say.

Maybe for you, but DeWALT definitely beat the pants off of EGO in my yard. The runtime and sheer power can’t be compared to the EGO system. I have an acre and a half and will burn through an entire 40V battery in the line trimmer every weekend in July/August, then usually another in the mower taking care of the edges of the lawn, before I hit the main lawn with the JD tractor, and both have similar power output to gasoline ones. The blowers and chainsaws are just icing on the cake.

Are you says DeWALT 40v tools have more power/runtime than EGO tools? That just doesn’t even make sense.

It would seem that Stanley BD are up to their old tricks again. This is a prime example as to why i only buy stanley hand tools and leave the power tools to companies that have a clear view of their customers needs and wants.

Well, at least they officially say that replacement 40V batteries will be available for the next few years. No idea whether that means they will just keep supplying existing stock they have in the warehouse until it’s gone, or they will keep producing new ones until they run out of existing materials. This is definitely one of the downsides of there being an industry behemoth like SBD – they can constantly come out with a new tool line and then discontinue it shortly thereafter, without much concern for the company or the consumers who buy their products.

Seems to me the FOCUS would now be 60v tools x 2 or even x4 batteries. Makita has decided on this … even when it makes the hand tool a lot less ergonomic. Now DeWALT seems positioned to do it on larger tools where it makes more sense. Wheel barrel snow blower. It already works well on the mower… plus we no 15 amp hour battery is on it’s way this year.

Now that that’s settled; FLEXVOLT needs to be pushed beyond what it currently is. SBD has been holding way back trying to balance the many brands they acquired. It’s nice that they have now realized what they have created with 20/60, but I have yet to feel the need to go into the 60V lineup. I have the batteries, but don’t need duplicates of tools I already have in the 20V line. Since they keep talking about runtime; why haven’t they just went with 15Ahr packs? Why not push it to 18-21Ahr packs? Even the original 60V/6Ahr grey battery needs updating. If they can offer the power of gas, why not some of the weight of gas too? What happened to 120V? Will it be limited to just ONE tool? They just went back into the 12V line. Is that going to be just as shaky (flaky)? I mean, it’s duplicates of tools people already have. Namely, drill, impact, multitool. Do people really say “yay” over a screwdriver? No many will need a laser level either. SBD needs to give people valid reasons to go into three lines. One would be ways to compliment the other. 20/60 is a start. They already have chargers that can do 12/20 (and in extent 60). Another is like a 12V universal hammer vac that attached onto SDS or hammer drills. (Gee I wonder where I’ve seen that before…) Even a nice bright light. (Even that sounds familiar)

I agree. DeWALT realizes the bigger and bigger toys need the user to already have some big bats… and when a big tool is released weather with bats or bare… the user has a professional level of bats to keep the work site going. Flexvolt can then match the duty cycle of the 40 v.

It has nothing to do with education or intelligence levels of the masses in North America. Its simple: Europe has more overreaching protectionist regulation. My opinion: they don’t think or don’t want the consumer to think for themselves. Over there manufacturers can’t legally call a 10.8v battery a 12v like milwaukee does here or 18v a 20v like DeWALT does here. In reallity who cares? In my opinion our government has enough to do like solving the opioid crisis, imigration crisis, net nutrality, more absorbent bathroom tissue, non toxic shellac to keep your Cheerio’s from going soggy in milk, insert problem here xxx, etc without regulating what voltage class we call battery packs. And really we don’t need them to. A quick goggle search will show you how to calculate hypothetical maximum Watt/hr vs median or even expected “real world” Watt/hr. Or even that the 18v and 20v DeWALT batteries are physicaly different connection types. If one is competent enough to operate a circular saw shouldn’t one be competent enough to figure out what battery goes where? And really shouldn’t the guy or gal at the big box store push you in the right direction if you need help? Better yet read ToolGuyd and be way ahead of the curve. All that being said I do feel bad for the guys heavily invested in 40v. But judging from the 18v battery availability, 40v batteries will like be available for the next 10-15 years. I do hope to see 60v batteries capable of the same or more watt/hr rating as the 40v packs. Now that the 40’s are gone I could see that being a definite possibility.

Milwaukee made the decision to stretch M18 all the way into their bigger tools and outdoor power equipment, now it sounds like DeWALT wants to do the same with Flexvolt. I think it’s a stupid decision as the power requirements are just insanely different between hand tools and outdoor power tools. It would be like Tesla having a AA battery holder that you could drop a AA battery into and drive an extra 7 inches or something. An impact driver battery maybe 18v 2ah (36 Wh). My Echo mower holds 2 56v 4ah batteries for a total of 448 Wh (10 times larger) and even that feels like the bare minimum. Pros would probably want more capacity. So my point is that you will probably never want to put an outdoor power battery onto a drill, even if you can, because it will probably double or triple the weight and size of your drill. It makes sense to have a separate higher voltage higher capacity battery system. Ego, Echo, etc are on the right track.

They had a good run, but now it’s time to move on. The reason why is because they wanted to and that’s good enough for me. Make no mistake, these tools aren’t used by professional landscapers despite the marketing claims of battery and gas power comparisons that many battery powered ope manufacturers advertise. Even if they were comparable landscapers aren’t going to invest in battery powered tools because it’s cheaper to fill up a gas can than it is to keep buying batteries to meet the demands of equipment. So let’s not kid ourselves and pretend that professional landscaping companies are using anything but gas powered commercial grade tools which of course these are not. Thus far gas powered ope cannot be beaten. DeWALT made the right call and it makes perfect sense for customers who own 20v and 60v DeWALT power tools. The 40v platform was the odd man out and being that everything they make is either 12v,20v or 60v, it keeps customers from having to invest into a different battery platform under the same brand which is a good thing. Who wants to spend more money on something made by the same brand but isn’t compatible with 99% of the products they manufacture? And why was the 40v platform only available for ope? Keep it simple and convenient. I bought the string trimmer and blower a little while ago and had they not been 20v or 60v, I wouldn’t have bought them. I would have bought gas powered equipment if they were only available under the 40v platform. Now as for craftsman replacing DeWALT ope, that’s likely not the case because sbd doesn’t make gas powered tools except for a DeWALT pressure washer and generator. Sears craftsman made some decent ope, but it was all gas powered. Sears didn’t make battery powered ope. And I doubt that sbd is going to take the same approach to expanding craftsman or any of their brands the way that sears did with craftsman.

SBD bought a stake in the gas OPE manufacture/supplier for the Craftsman OPE brand w/ a chance to buy the rest of the Company in 2021 or 2022. I predict SBD will purchase the Company and you will see DW gas branded OPE once this transaction closes.

I used to have a DeWALT 18v collection, and when they went to 20, 40, FlexVolt and more I bought Milwaulkee. I never quite trusted DeWALT after they had so many systems. I guess my gut reaction was correct.

I get your frustration, and I prefer Milwaukee to DeWALT as well, but that’s not entirely fair. Milwaukee switched from the old 18V NiCad platform to the M18 Lithium Ion stuff in about 2008, if I recall correctly. Just like DeWALT, the new batteries were not compatible with the old tools. Your timing was bad, which does suck, but every pro-tool grade manufacturer had to do something like this to make the transition to Li-Ion. Makita did the same thing. Ryobi is the only brand I know of that retained compatibility between their NiCad and Lithium Ion battery platforms. My gut says that this was possible because when they transitioned to Li-Ion, their homeowner grade tools existing at the time did not demand the same amount of current that the pro-grade stuff from Milwaukee and DeWALT did. If you look at Ryobi’s new brushless stuff, they have batteries that are specifically made with additional contacts that allow those tools to work at full capacity.

Great news De Walt fans they still advertise the 40v MAX 6 Pack charging station, no, it won’t charge your six pack of beverage. You can get it for only 501.99 List on this baby is 678.28. Tell’em Stewey sent cha… https://www.DeWALT.com/products/accessories/batteries-and-chargers/chargers/40v-max-6pack-charging-station/dcb116

Well I expect them to go to a 80v flat form to stronger compete with other brands like Greenworks, Ego and Kobalt. Everyone I know is mostly into flexvolt which is my favorite. Love my new DeWALT 60v axial bower, it flat out moves lawn clipping fast, better than the last gas blower I owned. I’m waiting for a new Flexvolt weed eater, one that uses mtd attachments and a Flexvolt chainsaw more like Milwaukee’s. Plus Wished they would make a Flexvolt power washer just to name a few.

It probably isn’t a coincidence that DeWALT (SBD) continue to “change” their battery platforms since it keeps their loyal customers coming back to buy new equipment that isn’t compatible with the old stuff. While I can see the benefit to the corporate bottom line I fail to see the usefulness or advantage for the consumer. Because DeWALT is a fine brand with excellent tools and a loyal following, consumers seem to tolerate this ever changing bait and switch, but if they were to try it with a less popular brand it would die out because the average consumer wouldn’t be willing to keep reinvesting every 4-5 years. Now about the flowery statements DeWALT makes in trying to compare their dead 40V system to the newer FlexVolt, by their own standard they are killing off their top OPE system and offering what they consider a lesser product line all in the name of compatibility rather than offering the best product to the consumer, it seems a bit strange from where I sit but then again I’m not invested in DeWALT so it has no impact on me, but I can’t help but wonder how this may influence future buyers decisions to invest or not in a DeWALT system that is likely to be obsolete in a few short years.

I would love for DeWALT to partner with whomever STIHL/husquvarna/Echo uses for attachements. little better quality product than the “trimmer plus/MTD attachments. Course MTD might make the others too. AL stafts – better bearings – better parts. IE compare the Echo/STIHL attachment edger to the trimmer plus model. Metal shroud – larger wheel – gear drive – lubeable – and a thicker blade option with a larger arbor. yes it’s a 130 dollar edger attachment vs 80. It would be more in line with the Pro – OPE marketing. Meanwhile I’m still wondering if they envision a backpack flexvolt battery setup. NOw yes for the trimmer and other OPE – great idea. But I got to thinking what about the other flexvolt tools. OK so mitre saw – runs on 2 batteries or the AC adapter. NOw I don’t know if on a normal construction site if the 2 batteries run one for a full day’s work – maybe it does. But what if you could park the backpack next to it – jack in – and not have to worry about site power? Same for a table saw or a hepa vac and your SDS rotary hammer. What if that backpack battery has 2 stingers off of it to accommodate X2 tools. By the way if something like this comes out I expect some royalties.

Stuart, you might want to investigate this from a legal standpoint. I haven’t looked at it too much but I know Milwaukee won an almost 28 million lawsuit against Snap-On less than 2 years ago for infringing on their lithium-ion battery patents. I know they are going after other manufacturers as well, perhaps this is related?

I wouldn’t think it’s related, but will try to look into it. The pro power tool brands tend to place nicely with each other, and I would also assume that if there was a legality issue it would have come up earlier. The 40V Max lineup has been around since the start of 2015, so ~4-1/2 years ago. I can think of 2 possibilities for this move – 1) low sales compared to 20V Max and FlexVolt OPE tools, 2) the development of a new system with more modern Li-ion battery tech. I’d say that 40V Max battery tech utilizes close to the maximum potential of 18650 cells. 20700 or 21700 cells used in the higher capacity DeWALT 20V Max and FlexVolt batteries would give a new cordless OPE platform much more room to grow.

The 40V Max outdoor line didn’t make any sense, especially for landscaping professionals — the purported target market. The one positive was that the DeWALT mower was SUPER powerful, particularly for a cordless mower, but runtime was lousy as a result. Typical runtimes I saw in reviews were less than 30 minutes, even for the largest battery. Battery recharge times were 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on capacity. That just demands way too large of a battery/charger bank to be feasible to use repeatedly throughout a day of work. I think the “pro landscaper” targeting in the ad campaigns was more of a marketing tool to go after the prosumer market, as I’ve never seen a pro landscaper whose regular set of tools included a 20 inch push mower. For the home prosumer guy though, the 2x20v line made a lot more sense, as he could use his existing DeWALT power tool battery selection with it. Will be interesting to see what DeWALT/SBD does here. My bet is that within 2 years, all SBD OPE stuff is Craftsman branded (as well as some of the MTD brands they bought (TroyBilt, Bolens, Cub Cadet, etc.) primarily for gas stuff and to comply with their exclusivity deals) as they’re much more established in the yardcare market.

If you’re already invested into the line, likely you’ll be able to get some of the old tools and maybe batteries for reduced prices. Not sure how long they will support the line, it’s not like XRP where it was EVERYWHERE so support will probably be minimal by comparison. BTW, supposedly some reps have been saying this since around Feb/March of this year. Maybe an adapter for Flexvolt will be available, but we know that will take YEARS to come out if it ever does…but then will the HD Flexvolt deal still be in place or will the adapter be immune to the deal and could be sold at Lowe’s? Again, I seriously would not recommend anyone buying into any power tool system from SBD that’s not 20V DeWALT (or BD) or Flexvolt right now. Even with the new 12V drill and impact, they need far more tools to make that brand viable and to prove they’re serious about that line.

I’d like to see DeWALT make more stuff. They are way to slow with coming out with new tools and equipment. But I personally do not like Dewalts 12v battery. I like the 12v stick in battery everyone else uses and I went with Milwaukee m12. I’ll stay with DeWALT 20v and Flexvolt as long as they keep making them, hopfully long long term.

This kind of surprises me because this was dewalts go to OPE line. I have the string trimmer and telescoping pole trimmer and both have worked flawlessly for a few years now. There’s really nothing else in the line that I considered so as long as these few tools last another 4-5 years that’s fine with me. I’ll just keep using them until they die.

To be honest I’m glad I’m invested into Milwaukee for the M12 line, DeWALT only for a few Flexvolt tools that have made my life easier (the top of the line 12″ dual bevel miter saw, the flexvolt air compressor that I use for air brushing, and the table saw I use for occasional use that rolling out a normal job site saw would be a pita), and Makita for everything else including OPE. I was on the fence about OPE from STIHL / Echo since they know a thing or two about OPE, DeWALT 40v Max, or Makita 36v. I settled on Makita since they have been dedicated to the 18v batteries for way longer than anyone else and decided two is better than one for more power. Plus with their purchase of Dolmar they also know a thing or two about OPE now.

I own a movie theater and use leaf blowers to clean the popcorn and debris out. My DeWALT leaf blower has a faulty battery connection and has to be duct taped down to work. I have four dcb 406 batteries. Is there any other manufacturer of leaf blowers that will use these that I can get my existing batteries? I got a new one from DeWALT and the slot is half the size. Thanks for any advice.

Have you checked with DeWALT about repairing it? Maybe there’s a part you can order for quick on-site repair?

Yes I did. I took every screw on the device out and it still would not come apart so I could swap out the control module.

Not happy with DeWALT, have 40 volt string trimmer, blower and chain saw most likely will not purchase DeWALT tools in the future.

gardening tool manufacturers are opting for battery power over fuel or electric, and today’s string trimmers are a case in point. We tested these eco-friendly yard maintenance devices to help consumers make the right purchase for their property.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Handy outdoor power tools make quick work of tackling overgrown weeds and grass, giving the yard a tidy look and trimming hedges and shrubs. We put battery-powered trimmers through their paces on several grass or weed types to see how well they ran and cut, ultimately arriving at this list of the best battery trimmers.

For ensuring a polished look to a lawn, the best string trimmer is a great investment. These yard-care tools spin a cutting head loaded with nylon string (instead of a fixed blade) to cleanly trim the grass at the edge of a lawn or mow down weedy areas. Though gas and electric models once dominated, new and improved battery-powered versions don’t require mixing fuel or storing gasoline like gas string trimmers do, nor are they limited by the length of an extension cord, like corded electric string trimmers are.

Some battery trimmers are better suited to different-size yards, users, and budgets. So we could help consumers make the right choice, we tested some of the most popular string trimmers to find out how they perform under real-world conditions. To qualify as a top pick, a string trimmer should be durable, powerful, and easy to operate. The string line should exit the reel easily with no need for the user to constantly remove the reel cover and untangle the line.

The following battery-powered string trimmers are at the top of their class. Anyone looking to invest in a trimmer is likely to find one here to fit their landscaping needs.

BEST OVERALL:STIHL FSA 60 R 36V Battery Trimmer
RUNNER-UP:Ego ST1511T Power 15-Inch Powerload String Trimmer
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:BlackDecker LST300 LBXR2020-OPE 20V String Trimmer
UPGRADE PICK:Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
BEST HEAVY-DUTY:DeWALT DCST972X1 60V MAX 17-Inch String Trimmer Kit
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:BlackDecker LSTE525 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger
BEST FOR LARGE YARDS:Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE 56V 16-Inch Battery Trimmer
BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:Worx WG163 20V Power Share GT 3.0 String Trimmer
BEST DUAL DIRECTION:Husqvarna 320iL 40V Battery String Trimmer
BEST TRIMMER/EDGER COMBO:Worx WG170 20V Power Share Revolution String Trimmer
MOST VERSATILE:Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers

To truly test these battery-powered string trimmers, we started by assembling the tools and charging the batteries. Most trimmers arrived with the batteries about 25 percent charged right out of the box, but a full charge allowed us to gauge runtime at full power. Although some of the trimmers offer lower power settings that could extend runtime, we found that the lower settings simply made them less capable when it came to coarse weeds, so we ran them at full power for testing.

We put each trimmer through its paces in a variety of real-world scenarios: “clean” lawn grass, weedy grass, and natural areas featuring coarse, weedy seedlings and vines. To earn a spot in our lineup, the lightweight 20-volt (V) trimmers had to deliver a clean, crisp cut in both clean and weedy grass sections. In addition to trimming the grass zones, we used the 36V, 56V, and 80V models to cut through woody, viny growth in natural areas. Along with cutting power, we tested for battery runtime, maneuverability, and operator comfort and determined the best battery trimmer by category.

Our Top Picks

These reviews describe the key features of each cordless string trimmer and how the models performed in our backyard tests.

STIHL FSA 60 R 36V Battery Trimmer

It makes sense that the STIHL FSA 60 R would be a top performer in this test group. It comes from a brand with a long history of industry-leading outdoor power equipment. This string trimmer measures just over 66 inches long, weighs less than 10 pounds with the battery installed, and works for about 25 minutes per charge. The 36V 3.9 amp hours (Ah) battery charges in a little more than 2 hours.

The tough polymer material used for the motor housing and debris shield help keep the weight down. A few other standout features include a variable-speed throttle trigger, trigger interlock, battery retainer latch, EasySpool cutting head, bump guard, and hang loop. The trigger interlock and battery retainer latch prevent accidental startup. The variable trigger and EasySpool head improve operating efficiency by saving battery life and minimizing the time it takes to reload, respectively. The bump guard protects sensitive surfaces during close trimming, and the hang loop offers a convenient way to store the tool when not in use.

This is a great all-around pick for quarter- to a half-acre yards. The relatively short runtime of the STIHL FSA 60 R belies a very capable trimmer. In our tests it easily and cleanly sliced through all kinds of grass and weeds, including tough tree saplings up to about ¼ inch thick. The shorter runtime actually mattered less because the trimmer cut so well, and we moved at a faster pace than with some of the other trimmers with longer runtimes.

The other thing we noted here was the amazing level of operating comfort. The trimmer was fairly lightweight to begin with, but the weight was so well balanced—with just enough weight forward of the front handle to keep the head near ground level—that using it required significantly less effort than what was required of some of the other trimmers that weighed about the same. Also, vibration was minimal, so after trimming we had plenty of energy to keep working.

Weighs less than 10 pounds but easily powers through tough weeds
25-minute runtime per charge for about 5,000 linear feet of trimming
Excellent balance to keep the head at ground level
EasySpool head, bump guard, variable-speed throttle, and accidental start protection
Smallish 13.8-inch cutting swath is on the small side for open spaces
2-hour recharge time for battery is longer than that of some competitors

Get the STIHL battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Blain’s Farm Fleet.

Ego ST1511T Power 15-Inch Powerload String Trimmer

Ego Power has made a name for itself in the outdoor power-equipment category by building an affordable battery-powered tool line that competes favorably against old-fashioned 2-cycle gas-powered equipment. The ST1511T 15-inch string trimmer proved to be powerful, clean, and quiet in testing. The 56V 2.5Ah lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, with a recharging time of just 50 minutes. The bump-feed trimmer head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line for more cutting force and less noise. Taller users will appreciate the straight shaft design, and the unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds.

In our tests, the Ego trimmer showed ample power to cut through everything in its path, including overgrown, weedy grass; privet seedlings; and honeysuckle vines. Its well-balanced design, with the heavy battery in back offset by the long, straight shaft, made it comfortable to work with and more agile than others we tested. Our only caveat: For seasonal yard cleanup or maintaining larger landscapes, the 45-minute maximum runtime may not be quite enough.

Auto-loading trimmer head reduces downtime while working
Adjustable telescoping straight shaft provides a custom fit for different users
Excellent power and runtime value at a moderate price point
Heavier than some with less forward weight to keep head down
Battery is bulkier than others, making the tool tiring to use over an extended period

Get the Ego Power battery trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.

BlackDecker LST300 LBXR2020-OPE 20V String Trimmer

To give the yard a polished look without breaking the bank, consider the BlackDecker cordless string trimmer. It features a 12-inch cutting swath to cut down the corners and clean up the edges of small- to medium-size yards. An automatic feed spool means no more stopping to bump the tool when new string is needed. Two 20V lithium-ion batteries are included.

In our tests, this trimmer performed very well in weed-free grass and in weedy lawn areas. With a light weight of just 5.7 pounds, this trimmer is easy to handle without causing arm and shoulder fatigue. The short, straight shaft design is most comfortable for users under 5 feet 9 inches tall. We also liked that with a quick adjustment to the head, the trimmer becomes an edger to neaten up the grass along sidewalks and driveways. In all, we found this affordable tool a solid pick for small obstacle-free landscapes.

Pack includes 2 batteries for more runtime, less downtime
Automatic feed spool
Money- and space-saving design that both trims and edges
Battery recharges in just 45 minutes

Get the BlackDecker battery string trimmer at Amazon (with extra battery) or The Home Depot.

Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit

The Makita XRU15PT1 string trimmer is a premium option to keep the lawn and garden under control. It can handle large yards with enough power to tackle dense weed growth. This cordless string trimmer comes with four 18V 5.0Ah batteries so you’ll never run out of power. Shoppers can purchase this model as a kit that includes a dual battery charger and two sets of batteries, or as a “tool only” for those who already have items from the Makita 18V tool platform.

With a long, straight shaft and high-power cutting head, this 10.4-pound trimmer feels like a pro-quality tool. It was well balanced and articulate while trimming around shrubs and between obstacles. It had plenty of power to cut through tough vegetation. In our tests, it made nice clean cuts and crisp edges in the grassy areas and tore through weedy privet seedlings and honeysuckle vines without hesitation. It’s an excellent candidate to replace gas equipment for medium to large landscapes, though the price may be high for budget-minded shoppers.

Runtime is longer than charge time for ready-to-go fresh batteries
Includes a second set of batteries for extended work
Gas-like power and performance for tough trimming jobs
Expensive trimmer due to the high cost of batteries
Small debris guard allows some material close to operator
Stiff bump head required a hard strike to let out line

Get the Makita battery trimmer at Amazon or Mowers Direct.

DeWALT DCST972X1 60V MAX 17-Inch String Trimmer Kit

When an established leader in pro-grade cordless hand tools enters the lawn-care category, shoppers will want to take note. The DeWALT 60V battery trimmer packs a heavy-duty brushless motor powered by a 60V 3Ah FlexVolt lithium battery that lets it tear through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge.

This attachment-capable trimmer comes equipped with a straight shaft and Rapid- loading adjustable spool. It uses.080-inch trimmer line to cut either a 15-inch or 17-inch swath. A safety switch in the grip prevents accidental starts. Users can select high or low power, depending on the project, and control the trimming RPM with a variable-speed trigger. The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer attachment with a variety of other tool heads, including an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and more.

The DeWALT battery trimmer was one of the heaviest we tested, but also the most powerful. With the standard.080-inch trimmer line that came pre-spooled, this tool had no trouble cutting anything from grass to thin tree seedlings and even tough blackberry canes. In low-power mode it offered more cutting force than the high- power setting of most others we tested. In high range it beat all but the STIHL, which was about an even match in terms of pure power. To be honest, high power was too much for many of our applications, so we also tested thoroughly in low range. It ran about 40 minutes on high, and about 60 on low.

Other than the heavy weight, the only negative point we have to offer is the noise. The trimmer is loud to begin with, and when initially triggering or feathering the trigger it makes an even louder whine/whistle sound. Still, it’s a very impressive tool at a fair price for the power and runtime and a good choice for large properties or cleaning up overgrown areas.

Battery type: 60V 3Ah FlexVolt lithium ion
Runtime: 40 minutes
Weight: 12.95 pounds
Outstanding power for clearing overgrown weeds and brush
Works with.080-inch or.095-inch trimmer line for normal or heavy trimming
Excellent runtime of up to an hour for average grass trimming
Power head can run other landscaping tool attachments
Heavy weight of just under 13 pounds, but no shoulder strap
Longer battery charge time at 135 minutes
Noisy operation, especially when initially triggering

Get the DeWALT battery trimmer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

BlackDecker LSTE525 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger

Weighing just 8.8 pounds, this string trimmer is easy to carry, maneuver, and control with an adjustable handle and a safety trigger switch to prevent accidental starts. The 12-inch trimming radius is suitable for keeping the lawn properly maintained without damaging fencing, decks, trees, or other common yard obstacles.

This cordless string trimmer operates with a 20V battery that can last for up to 20 minutes, and a spare battery is included. For edging, simply turn the head and use the built-in wheel to balance as the trimmer string handles the task.

When we used the tool to trim weedy lawn grass patches and edge the curb and driveway, it made nice clean cuts and tracked well to make good straight edges. The shaft and handle adjusted to comfortably fit our 6-foot user. The tool is amazingly lightweight for the amount of power it offers, but the weight is mostly balanced to the front of the handle, and having to manually counterbalance it while working fatigued our tester. Though not built for heavily weed-infested yards, it has ample power and runtime to clean up curb lines, driveway edges, and otherwise maintain a smaller landscape.

Very lightweight and easy to carry
Handle is customizable to fit the size of user
Trimmer doubles as an edger with a simple turn of the head
Battery provides limited runtime, although a spare is included
Not enough power to tackle coarse, woody weeds
Weighted toward the front, which may cause user fatigue

Get the BlackDecker MAX battery trimmer/edger at The Home Depot or Tractor Supply Co.

Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE 56V 16-Inch Battery Trimmer

A wide cutting swath, extended runtime, and powerful trimming ability make the Echo DSRM-2100 eFORCE battery trimmer an excellent choice for large yards. The straight-shaft trimmer is powered by a brushless motor and 56V 2.5Ah lithium battery for up to 56 minutes of powerful performance that rivals traditional 2-cycle trimmers. It cuts a 16-inch-wide swath to get the job done efficiently.

This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight choice at this level of capability. It features battery-saving low/high power settings for different cutting conditions, a variable-speed trigger, and a cushioned handle grip for comfort. The Speed-Feed cutting head comes preloaded with.095 trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly.

The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an excellent value for large-property maintenance. In our tests, the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWALT and STIHL trimmers, but it was still very capable. In high-power mode we trimmed for about 40 minutes. But the better-than-average power and wider swath meant that in 40 minutes with the Echo, we were able to complete work that other trimmers would need an hour to accomplish. The noise level was good, and reloading was fast and easy.

This trimmer could have scored higher with improved balance. Although it is a lightweight trimmer overall, most of the weight is in the working end. The heavy cutting head forces the operator to compensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downward on the rear handle while working. We tested with the 2.5Ah battery that comes standard. Working with the available 5Ah battery (sold separately) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling runtime and increasing overall weight.

Excellent price for this combination of power and runtime
Wide cutting swath and power performance for large properties
Rapid charging system charges the battery in less than 40 minutes

Get the Echo battery trimmer at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.

Worx WG163 20V Power Share GT 3.0 String Trimmer

Owners of small yards may find this lightweight string trimmer an excellent option. It weighs just 5.5 pounds and easily converts from a trimmer to an edging tool; a built-in wheel helps balance the tool while edging. A push-button feed system gives the ability to extend the trimmer string without bumping the 12-inch trimmer head or manually pulling additional string from the trimmer. It comes with two 20V batteries and a charger, and the battery lasts for up to 20 minutes on a full charge.

This Worx string trimmer tackled our grassy areas with ease, both the weedy and weed-free zones, but it wasn’t as capable on rough areas. We were particularly impressed by the edger function, which we found comfortable and well balanced thanks to the 90-degree shaft-rotation capability. The adjustable trimmer head and upper handle let us customize the working angle, but the process of doing so proved clunky. We had to reach down and turn a rather stiff knob at the connection point between the shaft and cutting head to unlock and relock the angle for each adjustment.

Battery provides limited runtime, although a second battery is included
Head-tilt adjustment is somewhat awkward and clunky
Relatively long 60-minute charging time for 20 minutes of runtime

Husqvarna 320iL 40V Battery String Trimmer

One limiting factor of most string trimmers is the cutting head’s direction of rotation; it matters more than one might think. The direction of rotation determines where the clippings will go, and in some situations, how the user should grip the trimmer. The Husqvarna 320iL 40V battery trimmer offers a solution, thanks to its dual-direction cutting head. At the touch of a button, we could change from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation and back, without changing grip on the handles.

This straight-shaft trimmer is powered by an efficient brushless motor and 40V 4Ah battery that drives about 45 minutes of runtime per charge. It features a Rapid-load cutting head that comes prespooled with.080 trimmer line and cuts a 16-inch swath. Low-vibration technology improves operator comfort, and the machine weighs in at just over 10 pounds with the battery.

The Husqvarna 320iL ranked near the top of the test group in terms of user comfort and quiet operation, but its power was somewhat underwhelming after the big showing from the STIHL and DeWALT trimmers. We were super impressed with the dual-direction feature. It allowed us to use the trimmer right- or left-handed, and we could safely trim curb lines from either direction without standing in the street. On high-power mode the trimmer performed lawn-trimming duty superbly, but in heavy weeds and natural areas it could not keep up with the more powerful trimmers.

Anyone not interested in going off the beaten path might still do well to consider this trimmer. Its balance is impeccable, rivaling the STIHL in comfort even though it’s a fraction of a pound heavier. And for quiet operation, this one takes the gold medal. The only real question regarding comfort and control was, why so many buttons? Its four thumb-operated buttons control on/off, high/low power, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation.

Dual-direction trimmer head leaves clippings where desired
Excellent balance for comfortable extended use and less fatigue
Among the quietest of the trimmers we tested

Get the Husqvarna battery trimmer at Lowe’s.

Worx WG170 20V Power Share Revolution String Trimmer

While plenty of string trimmers also function as edgers, we found this model to have the best dual-function design. At the push of a button, the trimming head on the Worx WG170 Revolution trimmer converts to an edger that rolls easily along the edge of a sidewalk or driveway. The head tilts up to 90 degrees, so it is easy to reach weeds on slopes while standing comfortably.

The trimmer comes with two batteries plus a charger and three extra spools of trimmer line. The string trimmer also boasts a handy spacer guard that keeps it from bumping into plants, and the shaft adjusts to suit taller or shorter users. It cuts a 12-inch swath and operates on a 20V lithium-ion battery. We tested the tool with the 2Ah battery, but it also comes with a 4Ah battery at some retailers.

In our yard, this trimmer cut through and created a crisp edge on both weedless and weedy lawn areas. We really liked the easy adjustable feature on the trimmer head: A twist lock holds it in just the right position, up to 90 degrees, for a customized working angle for users of different heights. Also, the batteries are interchangeable with those of many other Worx 20V cordless tools.

Adjustable upper handle to accommodate users of different sizes
Trimmer head converts to an edger for use along sidewalks or driveways
Comes with 2 batteries to make up for shorter runtime
Requires a relatively long charging time
Trimmer feels underpowered for tackling coarse, heavy weeds
Only 20 minutes of runtime per charge

Get the Worx WG170 GT battery trimmer at Amazon or Target.

Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

The Greenworks Pro 80V trimmer is a quality tool that adapts to a variety of other functions with attachments such as a brush cutter. (However, attachments are sold separately.) The 2Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime and recharges in just 30 minutes. The brushless electric motor is efficient and quiet, providing plenty of torque to cut through heavy weeds without the noise and smell of a gas-powered unit.

In our test areas, the Greenworks Pro trimmer was powerful enough to cut through the toughest weeds and vines with ease. The heavy battery weighs the machine down toward the rear, but the included adjustable shoulder strap makes operation more comfortable. The battery is compatible with other Greenworks 80V tools. Just don’t get too excited about the variable-speed trigger: Although it’s intended to allow a gradual increase from “off” to “high” speed, we found the range of movement between the two to be minuscule; in effect, the trimmer is either “off” or “on.”

Battery type: 80V 2Ah lithium ion
Runtime: 45 minutes
Weight: 10.6 pounds without battery
Trimmer has a quiet, efficient brushless motor
The recharging time is only 30 minutes; runtime is 45 minutes
Gas-like power and performance without the noise and smell
Slight lag time between triggering and full power
The trimmer’s adjustable speed feature is difficult to use
Weight is balanced toward the rear, but shoulder strap helps

Get the Greenworks Pro battery trimmer at Amazon.

What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Trimmer

When shopping for string trimmers, also known as weed eaters, keep in mind yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. The following key considerations will help in selection.

Trim Width

Trim width, also called swath width, indicates how wide a path the trimmer will cut through weeds in a single pass. Many models on the market today feature swath widths of 10 to 18 inches. The wider the width, the more power the trimmer must have, which often means the tool will be heavier because it will require a larger, more powerful battery.

Battery Type

Running a string trimmer requires a hefty dose of power. Though most of today’s trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, a few accept nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries. Li-ion batteries are more powerful, but NiCad batteries are less expensive (an average of 70 to 125 less). Li-ion batteries also are smaller, hold a charge longer, and provide full power throughout the discharge cycle.

NiCad batteries suffer from “memory effect,” meaning if the battery is used before it has fully charged—or if it’s recharged before its power depletes—it will “remember” the earlier charge level and won’t hold a longer charge in the future. If choosing a trimmer that has a NiCad battery, let it charge fully before use and drain completely before charging. For most users, a string trimmer with a Li-ion battery will be the best choice.

Voltage

Along with battery type, consider how much operating power the battery has, which is measured in volts. Today’s rechargeable string trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to an average of 60 volts of power. powerful batteries at the high end often are intended for commercial use and can cost 200 or more per battery.

Some string trimmers in this category sell without a battery (or battery charger), which the user must purchase separately. This could be a cost-saving benefit for those who are adding to a same-brand, battery-compatible cordless tool collection, since the same battery will power multiple tools. However, it can be more convenient to purchase a kit with multiple batteries to have one on the charger while the other is in use.

Feed Type

The “feed” of a string trimmer indicates how the trimmer head releases additional trimmer line as it becomes frayed and broken during use. The standby is a bump feed where the user bumps the bottom of the trimmer (the area where the spool attaches) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh line.

Some newer models feature an auto-feed sensor that gauges the length of the strings and releases more when needed. Still others have a push button to release more line. Auto and button feeds eliminate the need to bump the spool, which can reduce the risk of damage if bumped too hard, but many commercial-type trimmers still use bump feed because it’s quick and easy.

Curved vs. Straight Shaft

Some string trimmers feature a straight shaft that runs from the handle to the cutting head, while other models feature a distinct curve in the lower shaft about two-thirds of the way down. Some users find curved-shaft trimmers to be easier to operate since the spool end already rests at a handy angle for weed whacking.

Straight-shaft trimmers often accommodate interchangeable tools, such as a tree trimmer head, which can be swapped out depending on the task at hand. In general, straight-shaft trimmers work better for users at least 6 feet tall, while shorter users will appreciate curved-shaft trimmers.

Noise

Battery-powered string trimmers have a distinct advantage over gas-powered trimmers when it comes to noise pollution. Gas-powered trimmers are moderately loud, emitting an average of 90 decibels (about as loud as a motorcycle passing by from 25 feet away). By contrast, a cordless string trimmer emits approximately 77 decibels, which is comparable to casual conversation.

FAQs

Those who are still unsure about how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful.

Q. Can a string trimmer cut weeds?

A string trimmer is used to cut and control weed growth around the home and garden. However, light-duty trimmers may have issues with very dense weed growth.

Q. Can you use a string trimmer to cut grass?

A string trimmer can be used to cut grass, though you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to keep the trimmer balanced. It isn’t the easiest way to cut the grass, but it is possible.

Q. Can you edge with a string trimmer?

Yes, a string trimmer can be used for edging the garden, driveway, walkway, or sidewalk. If you have a large yard, it may be better to invest in a separate edging tool.

Q. How many volts should be in a trimmer?

String trimmer batteries average from 18 volts up to 80 volts. Typically, the higher the voltage, the longer the battery life.

Q. How do you edge a lawn with a string trimmer?

Hold the string trimmer perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. Position the head about 4 inches off the soil so the string has space to rotate. The string should rotate and cut through the grass and dirt. As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even. Clean up the cut grass and dirt to finish the job.

Why Trust Bob Vila

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

Sources:

https://www.greentractortalk.com/threads/DeWALT-40v-trimmer-vs-gas-trimmer.127322/
https://bestreviews.com/lawn-garden/fertilizers/best-DeWALT-weed-eaters
https://www.drillanddriver.com/DeWALT-20v-vs-40v-hedge-trimmer/
https://toolguyd.com/DeWALT-40v-max-cordless-outdoor-power-tools-discontinued/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-battery-trimmer/

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