DeWalt 60V MAX* Brushless Cordless Backpack Blower Kit

First impressions and setup

The first time I strapped on the DeWalt 60V blower, I noticed two things immediately: its build feels jobsite-tough, and the power is a notch above the typical homeowner-grade cordless units. The kit is generous—two 60V 12Ah packs, two fast chargers, a concentrator nozzle, and a harness with padded straps and a waist belt—so I was able to get into a charge-and-rotate workflow from day one. Assembly is straightforward: click the tube on, choose your nozzle, and you’re ready to work. The blower stands solidly on its base, which sounds minor, but it’s handy when you’re swapping batteries or taking breaks without babying the tool.

Controls and the LED dashboard

DeWalt’s digital interface is a highlight. The LED dashboard gives immediate feedback on battery status and which mode you’re in (ECO, standard, or Turbo), and the variable-speed trigger plus lock-on “cruise” control makes it easy to dial in a comfortable, consistent output. The trigger is smooth and responsive—feathering the airflow to corral debris rather than scatter it is easy, and locking the speed lets you settle into longer cleanup sessions without constantly squeezing the trigger.

One quirk: Turbo needs to be engaged manually each time you want that burst of maximum output. It’s a sensible safety/energy choice, but if you bounce between regular and Turbo often, it adds an extra tap here and there.

Power and real-world performance

Power is this blower’s calling card. With the standard round tube, it moves a lot of air and maintains velocity well enough to peel off matted leaves from turf and push gravelly debris out of seams in sidewalks and pavers. The concentrator nozzle is worth keeping on hand for stubborn edges or compacted debris; it trades a bit of volume for higher velocity, which helps dig out what the round tube can’t.

On turf, I found the 60V blower strong enough to handle regular weekly cleanup after mowing, even with damp clippings. On hard surfaces, it clears driveways and patios quickly without the whine or fumes of gas. It’s particularly effective for construction or maintenance tasks where compressed air would be overkill—blowing out air filters, radiators, or dusty equipment housings is fast, controlled, and quiet enough to do near occupied spaces.

Will it dethrone a top-tier gas backpack on wet, knee-deep leaf piles? No—and that’s not really the point. It shines when you need serious cordless power with minimal setup, especially where noise and emissions are concerns.

Runtime, charging, and working rhythm

Cordless blowers live and die by runtime. With the included 12Ah FLEXVOLT packs, I saw roughly:
- ECO mode: about 20–30 minutes of continuous work per pack
- Standard mode: around 15–20 minutes, depending on how frequently I feather the trigger
- Turbo bursts: sustained Turbo drains a pack in the neighborhood of 10–12 minutes

The key is to use modes intentionally. ECO is excellent for general clearing and keeps fatigue down. Standard gives you the headroom you need for most jobs. Turbo is best as a momentary assist for compacted patches or wet clumps rather than a default setting.

Charging the 12Ah packs on the included DCB118 chargers isn’t instant—plan on a couple of hours per pack—so the fact that the kit includes two batteries and two chargers matters. I kept both chargers running and rotated packs through lunch or between tasks, which made it easy to keep working through a day of intermittent cleanup.

Ergonomics and weight

This is a powerful, high-voltage blower, and the size and weight reflect that. The tool itself is just under 11 lbs on my scale, and the large 12Ah battery adds enough mass that you feel it after a while. Balance is decent with the tube attached, but the weight bias at the rear can make the nose want to rise slightly. The harness helps a lot: padded shoulder straps and the waist belt take pressure off your wrist and forearm and let you steer the nozzle with smaller movements. I used the harness any time I expected more than a few minutes of work.

If you prefer truly one-handed use for extended periods, be honest about your tolerance for weight. This blower isn’t unwieldy, but it’s not featherlight. The payoff is the performance—it clears faster, so I spent less total time with it running compared to lighter-duty units.

Noise and neighborhood friendliness

Compared to gas, the 60V blower is much easier on the ears and the environment around you. It’s not silent—you’ll still want hearing protection for long sessions—but the tone is lower and less piercing than a gas backpack’s shriek. I was comfortable using it during early morning cleanup without bothering neighbors, a practical advantage if you’re working in noise-sensitive areas or on mixed-use job sites.

Digital features and fleet value

The digital dashboard isn’t a gimmick. Seeing battery status and mode at a glance prevents the “why is power dropping?” guessing game, and the electronic control of modes and lock-on speed keeps performance consistent. It’s also Tool Connect/Chip Ready, which means you can pop in a DeWalt tracking chip (sold separately) and manage it in the Site Manager app. For crews and facilities teams, asset tracking and assignment are real benefits—knowing where your blowers are and which battery sets are paired to which unit saves time and reduces loss.

Durability and maintenance

Construction is solid: thick plastics, good fit and finish, and a base that doesn’t topple easily when set down. The brushless motor keeps maintenance simple—no belts, plugs, or fuel system to fuss with. Keep the intake clear, avoid packing debris into the nozzle, and it should run reliably. The included warranty structure (3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction guarantee) is in line with pro-focused tools and gives some peace of mind if you’re building out a cordless fleet.

Tips to get the most from it

• Use ECO as your default. It keeps debris under control and extends runtime.
• Treat Turbo as a “spot” tool. Short bursts move stubborn patches without torching your battery.
• Wear the harness, even for medium jobs. It pays off in less wrist fatigue and better control.
• Keep both chargers working. If you burn through one pack, you’re already halfway to a fresh one.
• Swap to the concentrator for cracks, seams, and compacted debris; use the round tube for broad cleanup.

The bottom line and recommendation

The DeWalt 60V blower earns its keep with high-output performance, smart digital controls, and a kit that’s truly job-ready thanks to the two-battery, two-charger setup. It’s quieter than gas, faster than homeowner-grade cordless models, and genuinely capable on turf and hardscape. The trade-offs are real: weight that demands the harness for comfort, and runtimes that reward smart mode use and pack rotation. If you need hours-long continuous clearing or routinely tackle soaked, ankle-deep leaf piles, a gas backpack still has the edge in endurance. For everything else—especially where cords and fumes are a hassle—this cordless unit is a compelling solution.

I recommend it for pros and serious DIYers who value cordless convenience without giving up meaningful power: property managers, maintenance crews, remodelers, and homeowners with medium to large lots who want to work early or late without upsetting the neighborhood. If your workflows allow for rotating packs and you’re willing to use the harness, you’ll get fast, clean results with less noise and zero fuel fuss. If you need uninterrupted, multi-hour output on maximum power, look to gas or plan on additional batteries.