DeWalt 21” 60V MAX* Single-Stage Snow

Winter is upon us, and that means it's time to break out the snow removal tools. This season, I had the opportunity to put the DeWalt 21” 60V MAX* Single-Stage Snow Blower to the test. As someone who has used both gas and electric snow blowers in the past, I was intrigued by the promise of a quieter, lighter, and more efficient snow blower. Here’s my detailed take on how it performed.

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the DeWalt snow blower impressed me with its minimal assembly requirements. Attaching the chute and handle sensor was straightforward, and within about 15 minutes, I was ready to go. The unit comes with two hefty 60V FLEXVOLT batteries and two chargers, which took around three hours to fully charge. The batteries are robust and feature charge meters, which is a handy feature to ensure they are ready for action.

Design and Build Quality

The snow blower is predominantly made of thick, sturdy plastic. While some may be skeptical about the durability of plastic, it feels solid and well-constructed. The design is user-friendly, with an easy-to-read LED dashboard that displays battery state-of-charge and operational indicators. The handle folds down quickly for convenient storage, a feature I particularly appreciated given my limited garage space.

The machine is also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. At 25% lighter than comparable gas models, it’s a breeze to push around, even for extended periods. The dual-LED headlights are a thoughtful addition, providing ample illumination for early morning or late evening snow removal.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the DeWalt snow blower does not disappoint. It’s equipped with a 7-inch steel auger designed to handle heavy, wet snow, and it does this quite effectively. The snow blower can clear up to 16 parking spaces on a single charge and operates for about 45 minutes in tough conditions. This was sufficient for my medium-sized driveway and sidewalks.

The machine offers three operational modes: Eco, Standard, and Max. Eco mode is perfect for light, fluffy snow, while Max mode provides the extra power needed for deeper, heavier snow. I found that Standard mode handled most of my needs, but switching to Max mode made quick work of the compacted snow at the end of the driveway left by the street plow.

One of the standout features is the two-way electric chute rotation, which allows you to control the direction of the snow discharge easily. This is a significant upgrade from manual chutes, saving time and effort. The snow blower throws snow up to 40 feet, although in practice, I found it to be closer to 25-30 feet, which is still quite impressive.

Usability

Starting the DeWalt snow blower is a breeze—no more yanking on a starter cord. Simply pull back the auger impeller bar and press the power button. The machine is also much quieter than gas-powered models, operating at about 80% less noise. This makes it possible to have a conversation while clearing snow, a feature my neighbors and I both appreciated.

The controls are intuitive and glove-friendly, with large buttons and paddles that are easy to manipulate. The chute control paddles are conveniently located on the handle, allowing for quick adjustments without stopping. However, I did notice that it’s easy to accidentally bump the chute paddles, causing the chute to move unintentionally.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern with cordless tools, but the DeWalt snow blower performs admirably in this regard. The two 60V FLEXVOLT batteries provided enough power to clear my driveway and sidewalks without needing a recharge. For those with larger areas to clear, having an extra set of batteries on hand would be advisable. Charging the batteries from empty took around three hours, which is reasonable but could be improved.

Limitations

While the DeWalt snow blower excels in many areas, it does have its limitations. It struggles with extremely wet, heavy snow, which can clog the chute. This is a common issue with single-stage snow blowers, so it’s not unique to this model. Additionally, the machine is not self-propelled, which could be a drawback for some users, especially those with larger driveways or more challenging terrain.

The plastic ground scraper, while effective, will eventually need to be replaced. A metal scraper would have been a more durable choice. Also, the wheels are small and lack grip, making it difficult to navigate icy surfaces or gravel driveways.

Reliability Concerns

I encountered some reliability issues during my testing. On one occasion, the machine displayed an error message and refused to start. This required a reset, which was inconvenient. While this only happened once, it raises concerns about long-term reliability, especially given the higher price point of the unit.

Conclusion

Overall, the DeWalt 21” 60V MAX* Single-Stage Snow Blower is a solid performer for residential use. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and offers a range of features that make snow removal less of a chore. The quiet operation and lack of gas fumes are significant advantages, and the battery life is sufficient for most residential applications.

However, it’s not without its flaws. The machine struggles with very wet, heavy snow, and the plastic components may not hold up under commercial use. Reliability issues also give me pause, especially considering the investment required.

Would I recommend the DeWalt snow blower? Yes, but with reservations. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use snow blower for typical residential snow removal and you already own other DeWalt cordless tools, this is a great addition to your arsenal. However, if you frequently deal with heavy, wet snow or have a large area to clear, you might want to consider a more robust, two-stage model.