DEWALT 20V String Trimmer

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DEWALT 20V String Trimmer DCST920P1 Review

DeWalt 20V String Trimmer

4/5
Manufacturer: DeWALT
Model number: DCST920P1
Price: $199
Power source: Lithium Ion 20V MAX* system
Weight: 8.5 lbs
 This review will detail the DEWALT 20V String Trimmer kit model #DCST920P1 which includes a 5.0 Ah battery and charger.  At the time of publishing this trimmer is a midpoint offering in the Dewalt OPE string trimmer line situated above the newly released DCST925M1 and the more powerful Flexvolt DCST970B.  Whether you call it a weed eater, whipper-snipper, weed-whacker, a weed-whip, or the more official sounding string trimmer the DCST920 is a great battery powered option for yard maintenance tasks that require the precision and brute force a string trimmer offers.

DEWALT 20V String Trimmer Specifications

  • Tool Weight: 8.5 lbs
  • Power Source: Lithium Ion 20V MAX* system
  • Amp Hour: 5.0 Ah
  • Line Diameter: .08 In
  • RPM:  Low 0-4600 RPM / High 0-6000 RPM
  • Cutting Swath:  13 In

Features

  • QuickLoad™ spool for fast and easy re-spooling
  • Variable trigger with HI/LO speed settings to balance power and runtime
  • 3-year Limited Warranty

Ergonomics

The “D” shaped handle allows a nice padded grip for horizontal and vertical cutting applications and is positioned at a point along the shaft of the tool that when in use the tool has a nose down balance.  This works well as the user is encouraged to rest the forearm on comfortable ripped pad located next to the battery housing.  This positioning allows for a nice neutral hand position to manipulate the barrel grip with two paddle switches, one serving as a safety and the other a variable on-off.  The Hi -Lo selector switch is positioned just below the thumb in this position and allows the user to easily select between the modes without setting the tool down.

Quiet and Low Vibration

Compared to traditional gas powered string trimmers this trimmer has two additional advantages.  It is very quiet and produces little vibration.  These two items may be minimized by some but can add up to very important factors with regards to safety and fatigue.

Runetime and Power

The DEWALT 20V String Trimmer is packaged with a 5.0Ah battery. At full charge this battery tested to deliver 26 minutes of continuous runtime on HI setting under no load.  Runtime during actual operation will vary depending on the resistance of what is being cut. The beauty of the battery platform is the ability to quickly swap out a new battery and continue on your way.

The trimmer has a 13″ diameter cutting area that is serviced by a dual line bump feed that performs very smoothly in light to medium vegetation.  I found myself running in Hi mode during almost all applications as the faster RPM performs better for all applications.  The Lo setting can be enabled for longer runtime if that is a concern.

Maintenance and Care

Aside from routine cleaning the only regular maintenance required for the DEWALT 20V string trimmer will be to re-feed the string once its has been used.   The DCST920 has a QuickLoad™ spool that allows the user to respool the trim line with relative ease.   Pop the cover off, feed 25′ of line halfway through and wind it up in place.  Gone are the days of requiring 4 hands for a simple task.  During cutting the QuickLoad™ spool performs as a traditional bump feed style head that worked well in testing.

Price and Purchase Information

The DEWALT 20V String Trimmer kit has traditionaly been priced at $199.   At the time of this articles publishing the DEWALT 20V Max* string trimmer can be found on sale at Amazon for $179. This kit includes the DCST920 String trimmer, (1) 5.0Ah 20V Max* Lithium Ion Battery, a Quickload™ spool preloaded with .080” line and a standard charger. The DeWalt 20V Max String Trimmer is a fantastic addition for homeowners looking to adopt a gas free OPE platform as well as the pros that currently work with the 20V Max platform.

For additional string trimmer reviews check out this page for more review by the Tool Box Buzz Crew.

DeWalt 20V String Trimmer
$199

 

About the author

Jeff Deitz

Jeff Deitz is a trained Mechanical and Systems Engineer but underwent a career change a decade ago to pursue a career in aviation. Jeff joined the Concord Carpenter team several years ago to assist with smart home automation and electronic integrations. After working with Rob on several projects, Jeff quickly gravitated to Tool Box Buzz’s Head 2 Head tests. Using his background as a systems test engineer he can frequently be found with a few other TBB crew members discussing the finer points of tool testing and designing the next Head 2 Head tool test.

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4 Comments

  1. Robert Rynes

    I see three different looking 20v models, o e silver motor, one with a yellow motor, and one with a black colored motor.
    What are the difference s , they all seem to have the same specs.

  2. Marlene Ernste

    Weed trimmer guard is too small. My pants are smothered with grass and weeds after using.
    A little heavy as well.
    Sure do miss my Craftsman!

  3. J Watts

    Bought one of these from Tractor Supply. My son used it once. Next day, with a full battery, it wouldn’t turn on. Took it back and exchanged it. Second unit worked for a couple weeks, then the same issue. Too bad Dewalt isnt made in the USA anymore…

  4. Jane

    I hate this trimmer. Its heavy and doesn’t do a good job of trimming the edges of my lawn. I wish for my black and decker back but the batteries are no longer available. I may sell it and get a different brand. Very unhappy with it

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