DeWalt 21-1/2 in Brushless Cordless FWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Mowing the lawn can be a chore, but with the right equipment, it doesn't have to be a hassle. I recently had the opportunity to use the DeWalt 21-1/2 in Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, and I wanted to share my experience with this tool.

Performance and Power

The first thing I noticed about this mower was its brushless motor, which promises efficient cutting. In practice, the motor delivered a solid performance, cutting through grass with relative ease. The mower's auto-sensing technology is particularly noteworthy, as it adjusts the RPMs when encountering thicker grass. This feature is especially useful for maintaining a consistent cut without the engine bogging down.

However, the mower does have its limitations. While it handles well on shorter, well-maintained lawns, it struggles with taller, denser grass. I found that it occasionally left patches uncut, necessitating multiple passes to achieve a uniform look. This could be frustrating for anyone with a larger or less manicured lawn.

Battery Life and Charging

The mower operates on two DEWALT 20V MAX DCB210 10.0Ah batteries, offering up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge. In my experience, this claim held up reasonably well under light to moderate conditions. However, when using the self-propelled feature extensively or dealing with thicker grass, the battery life diminished noticeably.

Charging the batteries is where things get tricky. The supplied chargers are quite slow, taking up to 8 hours for a full charge. This long charging time significantly impacts productivity, especially if you have a larger lawn that can't be completed in one go. For those serious about maintaining their lawns, investing in a faster charger might be necessary, albeit an additional expense.

Build Quality and Design

One of the standout features of this mower is its compact design, which allows for 70% less space usage in vertical storage. This is a huge plus for those with limited storage space. The fold-over handle and convenient lift handles make it easy to transport and store.

That said, the build quality leaves something to be desired. The mower feels somewhat flimsy, particularly in the handle and drive levers. These components give off a sense of fragility, making me cautious about applying too much force. For a tool that's supposed to handle the rigors of lawn maintenance, this is a significant drawback.

Cutting Options and Ease of Use

The DeWalt mower offers 3-in-1 options for mulching, bagging, and side discharge, providing flexibility based on your lawn care needs. The dual-lever height adjustment allows you to cut grass from 1-1/2 inches to 4 inches tall, which is fairly standard.

I found the mower easy to set up and use. The controls are intuitive, and the self-propelled feature reduces the effort required, especially on inclines. However, the mower's ability to bag grass leaves something to be desired. The bag fills up quickly and doesn't compact the grass well, requiring frequent emptying. Additionally, it doesn't pick up grass clippings as effectively as some higher-end gas mowers.

Maintenance and Longevity

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. The brushless motor eliminates the need for some routine maintenance tasks associated with gas engines, such as oil changes and spark plug replacements. However, the mower's longevity is questionable. Several users have reported issues with the mower failing after a couple of seasons, often related to battery performance. This aligns with my concern about the mower's build quality and overall durability.

Quiet Operation

One of the pleasant surprises was how quiet the mower is compared to traditional gas mowers. This makes it much more neighborhood-friendly, allowing you to mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing the peace.

Recommendations

Would I recommend the DeWalt 21-1/2 in Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower? It's a mixed bag. If you have a smaller, well-maintained lawn and are looking for a quiet, easy-to-store mower, this could be a good fit for you. Its compact design and easy maneuverability are definite advantages.

However, if you have a larger lawn or one with thicker grass, you might want to consider other options. The issues with battery life, charging time, and build quality are significant drawbacks that could impact your mowing experience. Additionally, the mower's inability to handle taller grass and its poor bagging performance are concerns that can't be overlooked.

In conclusion, while the DeWalt mower has some commendable features, it falls short in several critical areas. For those with specific needs that align with its strengths, it could be a worthwhile investment. For others, particularly those with larger or more demanding lawns, exploring other options might be the better route.