DeWalt 60V MAX FLEXVOLT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

Why I reached for a 60V trimmer in the first place

I’ve been steadily replacing small gas tools with battery gear, and for trimming, I need two things: real torque for overgrowth and predictable runtime. The 60V trimmer promised both with a gear‑drive head and a high-efficiency brushless motor. Over the past season, I used it on routine lawn edges, around fences, and on a couple of rough cleanups with thick weeds and damp grass. It’s a capable cutter that feels built for real work—but it’s not without quirks, and setup and technique matter.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, the trimmer feels substantial. At 14.8 pounds as a bare tool, it’s not featherlight once you add a 60V FLEXVOLT pack. The shaft is a full-length 52 inches with an adjustable auxiliary handle. Assembly is straightforward: mount the guard, position the handle, and load the pre-wound 0.080-inch line. It’s sold bare, so plan for a high-capacity FLEXVOLT battery and charger—if you want longer runtime without swapping, a 9Ah pack is the sweet spot.

Build quality is solid. The head and gearbox feel robust, the guard is adequately sized, and the trigger offers a smooth pull. The overall look and feel communicate “pro-sumer”—rugged enough for tough yard work without being overbuilt for the sake of it.

Power and cutting performance

The gear-drive is the star. In dense grass, creeping Charlie, and stalky weeds, the trimmer holds speed far better than typical homeowner cordless models. With a 15-inch cutting swath, it moves quickly along fences and wide edges. I ran both 0.080 and 0.095 line:

• 0.080 in: Best for neat edges and weekly maintenance; cuts fast and maximizes runtime.
• 0.095 in: Preferable for rough areas and tall weeds; reduces bogging, but expect a small runtime hit.

The two-speed system (with variable trigger control) feels thoughtfully spaced. Low keeps noise and battery consumption manageable for standard trimming and precise edging. High spins up for anything thicker. On high, the motor gets loud in a turbine-whine way, but it’s still far quieter than a 2-stroke.

Handling, balance, and ergonomics

This is where your setup matters. The motor is at the cutting head, and the battery sits at the back. The layout gives you stability during aggressive cuts, but it can feel head-heavy, especially with extended use. If you’re used to featherweight homeowner models, this will feel like a step up in heft.

What helped me:
- Position the auxiliary handle farther forward than you think; it reduces wrist strain and helps leverage the head.
- Add a shoulder strap. It’s not included, but a universal strap hooks on easily and transforms the experience during longer sessions.
- Slightly shorten the cutting swath by bumping line only as needed; it reduces rotational inertia, which lessens fatigue and makes edging more stable.

Accuracy is generally good, though the long shaft does mean you’ll need to re-train your muscle memory for close work around beds and posts.

Head, line management, and the Quick Load design

The bump-feed head works reliably, and the Quick Load system is genuinely useful. You feed line through the eyelets, balance the lengths, and twist the head to wind; no disassembly required. It’s a real time-saver if you trim often.

A couple of practical notes:
- Keep a spare pre-cut line segment in your pocket; you’ll reload faster than walking back to the shop.
- If you switch to 0.095 line, wind carefully to avoid stacking or jamming; keep tension on the line while twisting.
- The guard’s line cutter is accurate, but after a few bumps, check length to avoid over-feeding—too much line drags performance and can stress the head.

Runtime and battery choices

Runtime will depend on how hard you push it and which line you run. With a healthy 9Ah FLEXVOLT battery, I see roughly:
- 40–45 minutes in low speed doing routine maintenance with 0.080 in line.
- 25–30 minutes in high speed with 0.095 in line in heavier growth.

That’s enough for most residential yards in one go. For acreage or repeated heavy trimming, plan on at least one spare battery. The brushless motor is efficient, but this is still a powerful tool—runtime is the trade-off.

Heat management and cutting in wet grass

There’s a practical limit to how long you can push the head in heavy, damp material. Because the motor is at the cutting end, it draws air through vents that can clog with wet clippings. In sustained, high-load work, I triggered thermal protection a couple of times; the trimmer cut power and needed several minutes to cool.

Tips to minimize heat issues:
- Avoid wet grass when possible. If you have to cut damp patches, take shorter passes and occasionally clear the head.
- Carry a stiff brush; every battery change, sweep clippings off the head and vents.
- Use low speed when you can; reserve high for thick clumps and brush. It’s better for both runtime and heat.

This is more of a consideration for extended trimming or large properties than for weekly yard edges.

Noise, vibration, and comfort

The 60V trimmer is significantly quieter than a comparable gas unit. There’s a high-pitched electric whine and the usual cutting noise from the line, but overall it’s neighborhood-friendly. Vibration is well-controlled; the brushless motor and gear-drive feel smooth. With 0.095 line, you’ll feel a bit more buzz at high speed, but not enough to be fatiguing with gloves.

Durability and maintenance

Over a season, nothing worked loose, and the gearbox and head have handled bumps against fences and stone without drama. As with all trimmers, a few maintenance habits pay off:
- Keep the head vents clear, especially after damp cuts.
- Check the guard screws and handle clamp periodically.
- Inspect the bump cap for wear if you frequently run high speed with thicker line.
- Store the tool clean and dry; it’s a long, non-folding shaft, so plan wall space or hooks.

What I’d change

• Include a shoulder strap. It’s not strictly required, but it makes all-day trimming much more manageable.
• Improve debris management around the head vents or add a more forgiving vent grille. Wet clippings are this trimmer’s Achilles’ heel on longer jobs.
• Offer an optional smaller guard for edging visibility and a larger guard for heavy clearing; the stock guard is a compromise.

Who it’s best for

• Homeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-like cutting performance without gas headaches.
• Users tackling periodic overgrowth, tall grass, or ditch lines where torque matters.
• Anyone already invested in the FLEXVOLT ecosystem who can leverage the higher-capacity packs.

Who should consider alternatives:
- Those doing marathon trimming sessions on large properties, especially in damp conditions. Thermal limits and vent clogging will slow you down.
- Users prioritizing ultralight handling over power. There are lighter, less muscular trimmers better suited for minimal maintenance.

Practical setup tips

• Start with 0.080 in line for everyday use; switch to 0.095 only for heavy work.
• Set the auxiliary handle forward and use a shoulder strap for balance.
• Keep a nylon brush and a spare line pre-cut to 20-foot lengths in your pocket.
• Run low speed for edges; toggle to high only as needed. You’ll noticeably extend runtime.

Final recommendation

I recommend the 60V trimmer for homeowners and property managers who need real cutting torque and are willing to manage a bit of extra weight and some heat considerations. It cuts fast, handles thick, weedy patches with confidence, and the Quick Load head is one of the best convenience features in this category. You’ll want a high-capacity FLEXVOLT battery (or two) and, ideally, an aftermarket shoulder strap. If your typical day involves hours of trimming in wet grass, look for a model with better debris isolation around the motor or plan on frequent clearing breaks. For most residential and light acreage use, though, this trimmer strikes a strong balance of power, runtime, and build quality.