DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless String Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit

Why this combo caught my eye

Cordless yard tools live or die by convenience. I tried the DeWalt 20V trimmer and blower kit because I wanted fast, fuss‑free touchups without dragging cords or maintaining a gas engine. After a season of use across weekly trims, driveway cleanups, and a few heavier leaf days, I have a clear sense of where this kit shines—and where it doesn’t.

What’s in the box and setup

The kit includes the 13-inch string trimmer, the handheld axial blower with a concentrator nozzle, a 4.0Ah battery, a 2.0Ah battery, and a charger. Assembly is straightforward: attach the trimmer’s guard, fit the auxiliary handle, and click in a battery. The trimmer arrives pre-wound with 0.080-inch line, so you can get to work immediately.

Build quality is solid overall, with the familiar DeWalt yellow housing and clean molding. The trimmer’s split shaft makes it easier to ship and store, but there’s a touch of play at the joint that you can feel when swinging around obstacles. It never affected cutting or durability for me, but it does slightly detract from the premium feel. The blower’s fit and finish are excellent, with a firm, positive trigger and a reassuringly smooth throttle ramp.

My only notable omission is a shoulder strap. The trimmer’s balance is decent and the handle is adjustable, but on slopes or during longer sessions, a strap mount would help.

Trimmer performance: torque matters more than width

The trimmer uses a gear‑drive transmission and a variable‑speed trigger. That combo gives it good torque for a 20V tool, which shows up when you hit thick, lush patches along fences or around raised beds. With the 13-inch swath and 0.080-inch line, it’s tuned for residential maintenance, not clearing woody brush. It “zings” through green growth nicely; on scrubby, woody stems it will do the job, but you’ll slow down and use more line.

The bump feed works reliably and the head’s quick‑load design makes rethreading fast. You feed the line through and wind it by turning the head—no disassembly, no spring flying across the garage. It’s a simple, low‑friction system that encourages you to keep the line at optimal length.

I like that the guard is compact enough to see your cut, but large enough to keep debris off your shins. The motor’s variable speed lets you trim lightly around delicate plants at partial trigger, then pull full power for tall edges. There’s no dedicated edger mode—no flip‑down guide or pivoting head—so for crisp sidewalk lines I still prefer a dedicated stick edger. You can rotate the trimmer and edge freehand, but it’s not this tool’s strong suit.

Blower performance: controlled airflow over brute force

On paper, the blower delivers up to 450 CFM and 125 MPH. In practice, that translates to very useful airflow for hard surfaces and lighter lawn debris. It’s excellent for blowing out garage dust, pine needles on the porch, and dry leaves on driveways. The included concentrator nozzle focuses the stream, which helps roll leaves out from shrub beds without blasting mulch everywhere.

In grass, especially with damp or matted leaves, it’s workable but not a “pile mover.” You can clear a yard if you’re patient and strategic, but if your autumns produce knee‑deep drifts, a higher‑output blower (or a gas unit) is more efficient. For weekly maintenance, it’s the convenience and control that win here: the variable‑speed trigger is precise, and the speed‑lock lets you set a consistent output so you’re not white‑knuckling the trigger.

Noise is a high‑pitched whine at full throttle. It’s not the loudest cordless blower I’ve used, but it’s sharp enough that I wear ear protection.

Runtime and batteries

The kit’s two batteries are thoughtfully matched to the tools. I run the 4.0Ah pack on the trimmer and the 2.0Ah on the blower for quick jobs, swapping them if I have more ground to cover. On a typical quarter‑acre lot, I can trim fence lines, around beds, and along a small hillside on the 4Ah pack with a little to spare, assuming I’m not flooring it the entire time. The blower’s runtime depends heavily on speed; light cleanup with partial trigger stretches surprisingly far, while full blast drains in short order. For extended sessions or fall leaves, bigger packs from the 20V MAX lineup (5Ah or 8Ah) make a noticeable difference.

If you already own DeWalt 20V tools, the cross‑compatibility is a real advantage. If not, this kit is a good starting point—but I’d plan on at least one extra battery if your yard is larger than average or you like to work at full power.

Ergonomics and control

• Trimmer: The adjustable front handle is easy to position, and the trigger response is predictable. The head angle is comfortable for trimming contours, though the fixed guard limits edges into tight vertical spaces. Vibration is low for a battery trimmer—no buzzy hands afterward.
• Blower: Clean one‑hand operation with a nice trigger feel. The speed‑lock is perfectly placed for thumb control. Balance is slightly nose‑heavy, which actually helps keep the nozzle low without stressing your wrist.

Weight is manageable on both tools, but if you’re working terraces or slopes, a shoulder strap would reduce fatigue. Grip textures stay comfortable with gloves or bare hands.

Maintenance, line, and storage

DeWalt ships the trimmer with 0.080-inch line. It’s a good match for power and runtime; thicker line would add cut aggressiveness but costs you battery life. The quick‑load head is the star here—restringing takes minutes and doesn’t require tools. The bump feed stayed consistent for me, with even dual‑line lengths after each bump.

For the blower, keep the intake clear of clothing and debris; the axial design pulls air from the rear, and it will complain if you accidentally block it against your leg. I avoid using either tool in steady rain and wipe them down after dusty jobs to keep vents clear.

Storage is simple. The trimmer’s split shaft helps if you’re tight on wall space, though again, that joint has a hint of flex. I’d hang both tools to keep them off a concrete floor and away from moisture.

Durability and warranty

The blower uses a brushless motor, which reduces wear and improves efficiency. The trimmer’s gear‑drive head has held up well, and I’ve had no gearbox chatter or lash. As with most battery tools, electronics will shut the tool down if overheated; give it a breather and it recovers. The kit carries DeWalt’s 3‑year limited warranty with a year of free service and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee—reassuring coverage for a homeowner‑grade set.

Where it excels, and where it doesn’t

Pros
- Convenient, quick setup with two batteries and a charger included
- Trimmer has strong torque for a 13-inch, 20V platform; quick‑load head is excellent
- Blower has precise control with variable trigger and speed‑lock; concentrator is useful in beds
- Good ergonomics and low vibration for short to medium sessions
- Compatible with the broader 20V MAX battery ecosystem

Cons
- Not a heavy leaf mover; expect best results on hard surfaces and lighter debris
- No dedicated edger mode; freehand edging is possible but imprecise
- Slight play at the trimmer’s shaft joint
- No shoulder strap included
- Runtime at max power is limited; larger packs help but add cost and weight

The bottom line

This DeWalt 20V kit nails the convenience brief. For routine yard maintenance—weekly trims, fence lines, beds, driveway and patio cleanup—it’s fast, tidy, and easy to live with. The trimmer’s gear‑drive torque is the pleasant surprise, letting a modest 13‑inch head keep pace with thicker grass without bogging. The blower trades raw volume for control, which suits everyday cleanup and tight spaces but won’t replace a high‑output unit for heavy fall leaf work.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for homeowners who value cordless convenience and already own (or plan to build) a 20V MAX battery stable. It’s a dependable, easy‑to‑use pair for weekly maintenance, with smart controls and thoughtful accessories. If your fall leaves get serious or you want crisp, guided edging, you’ll still want a higher‑output blower and a dedicated edger. Otherwise, this combo covers the bulk of typical yard tasks with minimal hassle.