DeWalt DCM571 Review

What DeWalt and UK retailers specify

• Motor: 54V XR FlexVolt, brushless, with two speed ranges (0–5,100 and 0–5,600 rpm).
• Cutting: 38 cm swath with 2 mm line; an auxiliary handle for two-handed control.
• Blade: UK DCM571X1 kits include a brush-cutter adaptor and blade; the DT20654 brush blade is listed as the accessory for the bare DCM571N.
• Weight: 4.6 kg for the bare tool according to UK retailers; the kit figure with battery is higher.
• Runtime: about 54 min (low) / 44 min (high) with the 3.0 Ah battery, at no load.

Where the DCM571 earns its keep

This is not a lightweight cordless strimmer wearing a brush cutter’s badge. Built on DeWalt’s 54V FlexVolt platform, the brushless motor has the torque to keep a wide 38 cm swath turning through rough grass and nettles where many battery trimmers bog down, and the option of a blade takes it into light scrub.

For anyone who already has FlexVolt batteries from other DeWalt tools, this is where the DCM571 makes sense. There’s no fuel to mix, no choke on a cold morning, and none of the exhaust or two-stroke vibration of a petrol machine. Charge a battery, clip it in, and go.

Where it comes up short

Cost and runtime. A battery won’t match a full tank of petrol for sustained heavy clearing, so a spare is worth having on big jobs. Starting from scratch, the FlexVolt battery and charger add a lot to the price, and at about 4.6 kg before the battery it’s heavier than a basic trimmer over a long session.

With the blade fitted, wear the full kit — visor, boots, gloves and hearing protection (see safety gear for brush cutting).

Who should actually buy this

People who already own DeWalt FlexVolt batteries, or trade users who value cordless convenience enough to accept the up-front cost. If you only trim lawn edges, a cheaper trimmer does the job — DeWalt’s own 18V DCM561PBS is one. For genuine land clearing, compare petrol vs battery before buying.