Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Dewalt recently announced an upgraded 20V Max cordless string trimmer and also added a new pole-mounted hedge trimmer to the lineup.
They also recently debuted a new and more powerful 20V Max brushless blower, which I posted about earlier.
Dewalt DCST922 20V MAX 14″ String Trimmer
Dewalt’s new DCST922 20v Max Brushless string trimmer is an upgrade to their DCST920, which was introduced almost 5-years ago.
The new model features the same 14″ swath, which is the width of the cutting area. The trimmer has two speed settings – it can operate at either 0-4600 or 0-6000 RPM. The previous model had a 13″ cutting swath.
Press materials indicate that the new trimmer will work with Dewalt’s 0.080″ line.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The new trimmer features a hinged design that allows the trimmer to be collapsed in half, for more convenient storage.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
It also features what appears to be a heavier-duty all-metal head. At the same time the weight (with no battery), has been reduced from 8.5lbs to to 7.9lbs.
Lastly, the QuickLoad spool allows for fast and easy line replacement.
- 14″ cutting swath
- Hinged shaft design for compact storage
- 0.080″ line
- Variable speed trigger
- 4600/6000 RPM settings
- Weighs 7.9 lbs without battery
Pricing: $199 for the kit (DCST922P1 with 5.0Ah battery), $129 for the bare tool (DCST922B)
ETA: Spring 2020
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Tool Nut
Dewalt DCPH820 20V Max Pole Hedge Trimmer
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Dewalt has also expanded their 20V Max cordless outdoor power tool lineup with a new pole-mounted hedge trimmer. It features a 22″ cutting head and can cut branches up to 1″ thick.
If you recall, Dewalt came out with a new cordless pole chainsaw in mid-2019.
The new pole-mounted trimmer can extend to 7-feet long, giving users a reach of up to 12-feet. The trimmer features a 7-position 180° articulating head to suit different needs and cutting angles.
Pricing: $219 for the kit (DCPH820P1 with 4.0Ah battery), $149 for the bare tool (DCPH820B)
ETA: Spring 2020
Buy Now: Bare Tool via Tool Nut
Buy Now: Kit via Tool Nut
Discussion
I’m pleased Dewalt is expanding the 20v line. Whilst I’m not currently in the market for either trimmer, if I was I would immediately jump on these and make use of my investment in Dewalt 20V Max & FlexVolt 60V Max batteries.
I like how the string trimmer can folded in half, as this will make storing it easier. It does make me wonder why the hedge trimmer doesn’t feature the same hinged designed. Storing a ~3.5 foot tool is a lot easier than a 7-foot one, and especially a seasonal tool that might only be used a couple of times each year.
Note: Press materials say that the pole saw measures 7ft long, but I assume that this is the maximum extended length. We’re checking with Dewalt to be certain.
What’s interesting is that some brands offer split-shaft and straight-shaft versions of their trimmers, others one or the other, with split-shaft trimmers usually being better suited for retail stores and online ordering since they fit neatly into much smaller boxes. Most of the time – from what we’ve seen – split-shaft string trimmers are designed to be assembled and then kept that way.
Dewalt designed the new 20V Max string trimmer with a hinge mechanism, and not a one-time assembly fitment, and this might give it an advantage over some other split-shaft string trimmers in its class, at least in terms of storage convenience and perhaps durability.
The 14″ swath is smaller when compared to Ryobi, Ego, and Milwaukee cordless string trimmers, but also keep in mind that some of those trimmers aren’t in the same class. The Ego, for instance, is powered by a 56V battery. Trimmers from those brands feature 15″ to 16″ cutting swaths, and some (such as the Ego) can handle thicker cutting line.
The Ego and Milwaukee trimmers also cost more – they’re priced $30 and $100 higher, respectively. The Ego comes with a 56V battery, and the Milwaukee includes an 18V/20V Max-class 9.0Ah battery.
Despite the smaller cutting swath, I find the Dewalt design to be rather appealing, given that its folding handle is designed with storage convenience in mind.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Dewalt launched their first 20V Max outdoor power tools back in 2015, starting with the string trimmer and blower. Since then they have added quite a few tools to the range, including a chain saw, pole chain saw and a 2x 20V Max lawnmower. It’s good to see the range continuing to expand.
One thing to keep in mind is that Dewalt does have two lines of cordless outdoor power tools, this 20V Max lineup and their FlexVolt 60V Max lineup. (Their 40V Max line was discontinued last year.) Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless outdoor power tools are not as powerful as their FlexVolt models, but the tradeoff is that they’re smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
So what are your thoughts on Dewalt’s 20V outdoor power tools?
