DeWalt 60V MAX 21 in. Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower Kit

First impressions and what stands out

A quiet motor, a steel deck, and a dual‑blade cutting system—on paper, the DeWalt 60V mower promises pro‑leaning build with homeowner‑friendly manners. After several weeks of mowing a mix of cool‑season turf and warm‑season patches, it’s clear this 21‑inch push mower is built for cut quality and durability first, runtime a close second, and nimbleness a distant third. If you value a clean, even cut and low noise over featherlight handling, it’s worth a serious look.

Setup and build quality

Out of the box, setup was straightforward: drop in the safety key, attach the bag if you’re bagging, and snap a battery into the sealed compartment. The one‑touch folding handle makes storage easy, and the telescoping mechanism locks with positive engagement. The deck is 15‑gauge steel, and it feels it—solid, confidence‑inspiring, and heavier than composite‑deck competitors. The overall weight (about 77 lbs) gives it a planted, “no chatter” feel over bumpy ground but also adds to the effort when turning or loading into a vehicle.

Fit and finish are generally very good. The height adjustment lever spans all four wheels and moves cleanly through six positions (1.5 to 4 inches). The battery door seals well, though it feels less robust than the deck and handle hardware; I’d avoid slamming it shut.

Power and cut quality

The dual‑blade setup is this mower’s secret sauce. With two blades spinning beneath a 21‑inch deck, it produces a fine, even clipping and a noticeably uniform cut line. On fescue at 3.5 inches, the turf looked barbered and stripe‑friendly, especially when mulching. Compared to single‑blade cordless mowers I’ve used, the clippings were finer and less visible, even when I pushed a slightly faster pace.

Power is ample for a push mower in this class. In typical weekly growth, the motor neither hunted nor surged; the LED dashboard gave helpful feedback when I started to outpace conditions—load indicators blinked, I throttled back, and the blades maintained speed. In taller or damp grass, I could bog it if I bulldozed ahead, but easing my walking pace a touch let the system keep up without scalping or leaving clumps. That’s the dance with any battery mower, and the DeWalt offers enough torque to reward a sensible pace.

Battery life and charging

The kit includes two 60V batteries and a 4‑amp charger. Mowing at 3–3.5 inches on mixed terrain, I consistently averaged a full suburban yard (~1/3 acre of mowable area) on one battery with energy to spare; switching to the second battery extended me into larger properties. With both packs in rotation, I saw about 70–85 minutes of combined cutting time, depending on how aggressively I mulched wet patches and how low I set the deck. That aligns with the claimed “up to ~80 minutes” in ideal conditions.

Charging is about three hours per battery on the included charger. If you routinely drain both, plan for roughly a half‑day to turn them around. I would have loved onboard storage for a spare battery—or better yet, a second slot that auto‑switches when the first is low—but the runtime is strong enough that I rarely missed it.

Handling and maneuverability

This is a push mower, not self‑propelled, and it’s heavy. On flat lawns the weight actually improves tracking—there’s no skittering when you hit a mole tunnel or soft patch. But around tight beds and frequent turns, it takes more upper‑body effort than lighter plastic‑deck models. Three‑point turns or a quick lift of the front end help, but expect a bit of a workout if your lawn has lots of islands, curves, and obstacles.

If you’re mowing hills, the chassis holds its line well, and the rear wheels grip predictably. The tradeoff is that long uphill passes require more push than with a self‑propelled unit. For small, intricate lawns, I’d call the handling “competent but not nimble.”

Bagging, mulching, and discharge

• Mulching: Excellent. The dual blades pulverize clippings into confetti, and I saw very few residual trails even when the bagger was off. In heavy growth, a slightly slower pace keeps the deck from packing up.
• Bagging: The large bag packs clippings densely and fills impressively before it needs emptying—great for efficiency, but remember a densely packed bag is heavier to lift. The airflow seems well‑balanced; I didn’t get leaf shreds blowing back at me.
• Rear discharge: It’s there for those who prefer it or for leaf cleanups. It works fine, though the mulching performance is strong enough that I rarely used it.

Noise and comfort

This mower is quiet. Not whisper‑quiet, but conversation‑level and far below any gas push mower I own. Early mornings or late evenings feel socially acceptable, and the tone is a steady hum rather than a harsh whine. Vibration through the handle is minimal. The handle height and grip angle suited me well (I’m 5'10"), and the safety interlocks are logical without being finicky. The push‑button start with a safety key is convenient and kid‑safe.

The LED dashboard is genuinely useful—it shows battery status clearly and signals when you’re over‑loading the cut. It’s bright enough to read in full sun.

Maintenance and durability

The steel deck inspires confidence and should outlast a plastic deck with far less flex. It does mean you’ll want to rinse or scrape under the deck to stay ahead of rust, especially if you mulch damp grass. The dual blades are standard service items; sharpening both periodically maintains that superior cut quality. Otherwise, maintenance is light: keep the housing clear, store batteries at moderate charge, and wipe the battery compartment gasket clean.

Most of the user‑touch components feel stout. The only piece that felt a step down from the rest of the build is the battery compartment lid—it’s functional, just not as overbuilt as the deck and handles.

Storage and transport

Vertical storage is excellent. The handle folds quickly and locks securely, and the mower stands stably on its stern. In a tight garage or shed, the small footprint is a big win. Transport is the weak spot: at roughly 77 pounds, lifting it into a vehicle is a two‑handed, plan‑ahead affair.

Value and who it’s for

As a push mower with a steel deck, dual blades, and a robust battery kit, the DeWalt 60V mower sits on the higher end of the cordless price curve. The value proposition is strongest if:
- You prioritize cut quality and mulching performance.
- You want a quieter, low‑maintenance alternative to gas without giving up a durable deck.
- You already use, or plan to use, other 60V tools and can share batteries.

If you need maximum agility around tight landscaping, want self‑propel for long hills, or are shopping strictly on price, there are lighter or less expensive options. But few match this combination of cut quality, runtime, and build.

What I’d improve

• Add a second battery slot with auto‑switching, or at least an onboard holster for a spare.
• Trim some weight or add optional front casters for tight spaces.
• Beef up the battery door hardware to match the rest of the mower’s stout feel.

The bottom line

The DeWalt 60V mower is a serious push mower that delivers a clean, consistent cut, excellent mulching, and genuinely useful runtime from its two‑battery kit—all while staying impressively quiet. Its steel deck and dual‑blade system set it apart in cut quality and durability, but they also contribute to a heavier, less nimble feel.

Recommendation: I recommend it for homeowners with small to mid‑size lawns (roughly 1/4 to 3/4 acre of mowable area) who value a premium cut, quiet operation, and sturdy construction, and who don’t need self‑propel. It’s especially compelling if you’re invested in, or planning to invest in, DeWalt’s 60V platform. If your yard is full of tight turns or steep hills, or if you prefer a lighter, more agile mower, consider a lighter deck or self‑propelled alternative instead.