DeWalt 60V MAX 17 in. Brushless Cordless Attachment‑Capable String Trimmer Kit

Two laps around my fence line were enough to tell me the DeWalt 60V trimmer isn’t just a battery-powered stand-in for a gas unit. It feels like a purpose-built tool with real torque, a broad cutting swath, and a head that rewards you for loading it properly. It also feels like a tool designed by people who use this stuff all day: the switchgear is intuitive, the handle adjusts quickly, and the attachment interface is robust. It’s not perfect, but it’s legitimately capable.

Setup, build, and first squeeze of the trigger

Assembly is straightforward: slide on the guard and auxiliary handle, click in the battery, and you’re live. The safety lockout and variable trigger are positioned well, and the two‑speed rocker is easy to flick with a thumb. My unit’s fit and finish were solid—no rattles, a tight coupler for attachments, and a rigid straight shaft. The included 60V FLEXVOLT battery is the 3.0 Ah (in 60V mode) pack; it’s not featherweight, but the tool balances well with it.

At 12.95 lb for the kit, it’s on the heavier side for a battery trimmer, though the mass sits close to your hands so it feels more planted than ponderous. I would still love a shoulder strap in the box; the threaded anchor for one is there, so it’s an easy add-on.

Ergonomics and control

The auxiliary handle adjusts with a single clamp, and the grip shape works in both forearm positions. The head is moderately compact, and the guard is sized to keep most debris off your shins without being overly intrusive. Noise is much lower than a 2‑stroke—more whir than scream—and vibration is minimal thanks to the brushless motor.

The variable trigger is genuinely useful. On low, feathering through delicate lawn edges is easy. On high, the trimmer spools up quickly with no surge, and the motor doesn’t bog unless you bury the head in stubborn stalks.

Cutting performance

With the cutting swath set to 15 inches, I handled weekly lawn edges, around posts, and along chain link at low speed most of the time. Bumping up to the 17‑inch setting lets you clear a lot of ground fast, but it does draw more power and throws debris farther—good for large open areas, not ideal near cars or windows.

Power is the standout. This trimmer has strong torque for a battery unit. In tall fescue and late‑season crabgrass, low speed was fine unless I let things get truly overgrown. On high, I cut through waist‑high weeds and some light, woody stems without stalling. It’s not a brush cutter and won’t replace a blade for saplings, but for “light to medium” overgrowth, it’s more than adequate.

Line choice matters. The prewound 0.080‑inch line is fine for regular yard work, with good cutting speed and less drag. For thicker, fibrous weeds, I swapped to 0.095‑inch round line and found it held up much better while still feeding reliably. Going bigger than 0.095 isn’t worth it; it saps runtime and can make the head bind.

Head, spool, and feeding

DeWalt’s quick‑load head is easy to live with once you treat it right. Cut two equal lengths of line, feed them through, and crank them in with the outer knob—no disassembly needed. Here’s what helped me:
- Don’t overfill. Keep to the recommended length; overstuffing is the fastest way to cause internal tangles or feeding issues.
- Watch the winding direction. Follow the arrow on the head. Reverse winding will jam the first time you bump.
- Keep the ends even. Lopsided line lengths throw off balance and feed inconsistently.

The bump feed has been consistent for me. If you’re accustomed to fixed‑line heads, this one will feel different at first, but the reload speed pays off once you get the hang of it.

Battery life and charging

Runtime depends on speed, line size, and how hard you push. With 0.080 line, low speed, and normal trimming around landscaping and fencing, I averaged about 25–30 minutes per charge. In high speed, cutting thick grass and weeds, I was closer to 12–18 minutes. Swapping to 0.095 shaved a few minutes off both figures but reduced reloads because the line lasted longer.

The included standard charger isn’t a rocket; expect roughly 90–120 minutes to bring the pack from empty to full. If you’re trimming large properties, a second battery or a faster charger is the way to go. For typical suburban yards, one pack is enough for a weekly tidy—especially if you spend most of your time in low.

Attachments and versatility

The universal attachment capability is more than marketing. I ran a compatible edger attachment and a cultivator through the coupler without any play or chatter. The trimmer’s torque works well with both, though expect runtime to drop when you bolt on heavier or higher-drag tools. The latch is positive, and swapping attachments takes seconds. If you’re consolidating tools or already have a few universal attachments, this flexibility is a real perk.

Maintenance, durability, and storage

There’s not much to do beyond keeping the head clean, checking the guard screws, and inspecting the coupler. I recommend:
- Blowing grass out of the battery compartment before storage. There’s no port cap, so keep it clean.
- Snugging the head occasionally; it hasn’t loosened on me, but it’s a good habit.
- Greasing attachment splines lightly if you swap often.

After a few months, my head shows normal scuffs, the shaft is straight, and the coupler is still tight. The decals on my unit were slightly askew—a non-issue functionally, but notable on a premium tool. The warranty support is reassuring: 3 years limited, a year of free service, and 90 days to decide if it’s for you.

What could be better

• Weight without a strap: Balanced, yes, but a shoulder strap should be standard at this price and size.
• Charger speed: The included charger is slow if you’re doing big properties. A fast charger or a second battery transforms the experience.
• Guard coverage and debris: Like most powerful trimmers, it will fling. Plan on long pants and eye protection, especially at 17 inches on high.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who want gas-like performance without mixing fuel or dealing with carb cleanouts.
• Anyone already in the FLEXVOLT or 20V MAX ecosystem who can share chargers and add batteries over time.
• Light commercial or property maintenance where attachment capability matters and the work is done in intervals with charging opportunities.

If you run a trimmer all day, every day, a gas unit or a larger battery fleet will still make more sense. But for most yards, this is a very capable primary tool.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 60V trimmer. It has the torque to handle real work, the finesse for detailed trimming, and a head that’s quick to reload once you learn the routine. The adjustable swath and two-speed control let you balance speed and runtime, and the universal attachment interface adds genuine utility. The downsides—a bit of heft without a strap and a slow included charger—are easy to plan around. With a second battery or a faster charger, this trimmer becomes a reliable, low-maintenance replacement for gas on most properties.