DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Cordless Backpack Blower Kit

I’ve been using the DeWalt 60V backpack blower across a mix of jobs—driveway cleanup, post-mow clippings, and a few heavier leaf sessions—and it’s clear DeWalt built this as a pro-leaning cordless alternative with real muscle. It has the features I want in a modern blower (digital controls, variable trigger, speed lock), plus a harness that actually supports the weight. The story here isn’t just power—it’s how well that power is managed.

Design, balance, and comfort

The blower’s backpack frame with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt makes a big difference. Tighten the belt so the load sits on your hips, then dial the shoulder straps so the pack hugs your back without pulling. With that setup, I could run it longer than typical handheld blowers before fatigue set in. That said, this is still a substantial rig. The battery setup is heavy, and although the harness distributes weight well, the wand is still a one-hand operation that can tire your forearm after longer sessions, especially when you’re keeping the nozzle low to the ground.

The LED dashboard sits where you can glance at it quickly. It shows battery status and which mode you’re in—handy when you’re toggling between ECO, Standard, and Turbo. I also like the variable-speed trigger paired with the lock; set your speed, lock it in, and you’re not white-knuckling a trigger for 20 minutes straight. The included concentrator nozzle narrows the stream when you need to lift matted debris or push heavier piles.

Build quality is what I expect from DeWalt: tight tolerances, sturdy plastics, and a base that lets the blower rest without tipping. I wouldn’t treat it like a rain-proof tool (the digital deck is electronics, after all), but for routine outdoor use it feels ready for work.

Controls and modes that matter

DeWalt’s digital control scheme is simple and effective:
- ECO for light-duty sweeping and longer runtime
- Standard for everyday yard cleanup
- Turbo for stubborn, packed, or damp material

The trigger lets you feather within each mode, and the lock lets you hold a precise output without fuss. One quirk: Turbo needs to be re-engaged when you want it, and you can’t “set and forget” Turbo across power cycles. Not a deal-breaker, but something I noticed when hopping between sections of the yard and repeatedly calling up max power.

Real-world performance

Airflow is strong and focused. On driveways and patios, Standard mode was my default—plenty of force to move gravelly dust and damp clippings without blasting everything into the flower beds. For leaf work on grass, I could usually stay in Standard if the leaves were dry and not layered. When I hit packed corners or wet patches, I’d pop on the concentrator and tap Turbo to break things loose, then drop back to Standard to keep the pile moving.

Noise is notably lower-pitched and less piercing than a gas backpack. I’ve used it early morning without feeling like I’m announcing it to the neighborhood. It’s not silent, but it’s much easier on the ears (and on anyone nearby).

Runtime and charging

This kit includes two 60V 15Ah packs and two DCB118 chargers, which is a huge advantage. My observed runtimes per battery:
- ECO: roughly 25–35 minutes of continuous work on light debris
- Standard: about 15–20 minutes on typical yard cleanup
- Turbo-heavy use: 8–12 minutes, depending on how much time you spend pegged at max

The swing here is big because your technique matters. If you treat Turbo like a spot tool and spend most of your time in Standard, you can cover a good amount of ground per pack. If you try to run Turbo end to end, plan on frequent swaps.

Charging a 15Ah pack on the DCB118 is not quick. Expect around 2.5–3 hours to get back to full. With two chargers, you can keep a rotation going, but the reality is you’ll drain a pack faster than you can recharge one. For longer sessions, the second battery is essential—and if you’re a pro tackling large properties, a third pack would make your workflow smoother.

Connectivity and pro touches

The blower is CHIP READY and compatible with Tool Connect (chip sold separately). If you manage a small fleet or you’re on jobsites with multiple crews, asset tracking is practical. It’s not going to change how the blower moves leaves, but knowing where your gear is—and when it was last seen—reduces friction and loss. The LED dashboard also gives quick, usable info without guessing how much battery you’ve got left.

Day-to-day usability

A few practical notes from use:
- Fit the harness like a backpacking pack—tight waist belt first, then shoulder straps. It reduces arm fatigue more than you’d expect.
- Use the concentrator nozzle for corners and heavy mats, then switch back for broader sweeping. Quick changes pay off in speed.
- Lock the trigger in Standard and throttle with the wand angle. It’s less tiring and preserves battery.
- Keep a pack on each charger as you work. The twin-charger kit is a smart inclusion—use it.

Durability, maintenance, and warranty

Brushless motor, minimal maintenance beyond keeping the intake clear and wiping dust from the vents and controls. The frame and tubes take knocks without drama. I wouldn’t pressure wash it or run it in a downpour; treat it like a power tool with sensitive electronics. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, which is strong coverage for a cordless blower in this class.

Trade-offs

• Weight: Even with the backpack harness, this isn’t light. It’s manageable and well-supported, but if you’re sensitive to weight, you’ll feel it.
• Turbo behavior: The need to re-engage Turbo and the inability to “lock Turbo” is a small but noticeable quirk.
• Runtime vs. gas: For continuous, hour-plus leaf clearing on large properties, battery turnover becomes the limiting factor. The kit’s two big packs help, but they don’t change physics—max power drains fast and charging is measured in hours, not minutes.

Who it’s for

• Great fit: Pros and serious homeowners who want high-output cordless performance without gas noise, smell, and maintenance. Ideal for routine yard cleanup, property management, jobsite debris clearing, and work in noise-sensitive areas.
• Think twice: Crews or homeowners who need sustained, uninterrupted max-power blowing for large-acre leaf seasons. If you’re routinely on Turbo for long stretches, you’ll either want more batteries or you may be happier with gas.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 60V backpack blower for users who value strong cordless performance, smart controls, and a well-designed harness, and who can live within the realities of battery runtime. It’s genuinely powerful, quieter than gas, and thoughtfully built, with the LED dashboard and trigger lock making day-to-day use easier. The two 15Ah batteries and twin chargers make it viable for medium-length sessions and professional touch-up work. If your workflow demands sustained Turbo for an hour or more, plan on additional batteries—or consider sticking with gas for those specific tasks. For most cleanup jobs, though, this is a capable, comfortable, and modern cordless blower that earns its place in the kit.