DeWalt DCM561PBS Review
A well-built 18V XR brushless line trimmer with a 33 cm cut, variable speed and a hi/lo switch — trade-grade lawn edging for DeWalt XR owners.
In short:The DeWalt DCM561PBS is an 18V XR brushless cordless string trimmer with a 33 cm cut, 2 mm twisted line, bump feed, a variable-speed trigger and a hi/lo speed switch, listed at 6,000 rpm. It is sold as a bare tool: battery and charger are extra. Amazon.co.uk gives an item weight of 3.6 kg. It suits lawn edges, borders and site grass for people already on DeWalt's 18V XR batteries; it is line-only.
You'll be sent to Amazon in your country. Indicative price — live, localised pricing coming soon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- Brushless motor, variable-speed trigger and a hi/lo switch to balance power and runtime
- Shares batteries with the wider DeWalt 18V XR range
- 2 mm twisted line for thicker grass
- Overmoulded, contoured grip for long sessions
- No fuel, mixing or fumes
Cons
- Line only; it cannot take a metal blade
- Sold as a bare tool — battery and charger cost extra
- Bump feed rather than automatic
- Runtime depends on the XR battery you fit
What the listing confirms
The Amazon.co.uk listing this page links to is the DCM561PBS (tool only): a 33 cm cutting swath, an 18V XR brushless motor, 2 mm twisted line, a bump-feed head, a variable-speed trigger plus a hi/lo speed setting, and an overmoulded handle. It gives a listed 6,000 rpm and an item weight of 3.6 kg. When we checked in October 2026 it was sold by Amazon.
Where it earns its keep
The brushless motor runs efficiently, and the two speed controls let you drop the power on light grass to stretch a battery, then turn it up for thicker growth. The build is aimed at site maintenance rather than the odd weekend tidy-up.
For anyone who already owns DeWalt 18V XR batteries, this is where it makes sense: no fuel to mix, no pull cord, and a battery charged from another tool has you cutting in seconds. The 33 cm swath is a practical size for edging lawns and borders.
Where it comes up short
It’s line-only. Brambles, thick weed stems and woody growth will overwhelm the line, so anyone picturing a do-it-all brush cutter should look at a blade-capable machine — the difference is explained in brush cutter vs strimmer.
It’s also sold bare, so the advertised price isn’t what it costs to get cutting from a standing start, and the bump feed means tapping the head to release line.
Who should actually buy this
Anyone with DeWalt 18V XR batteries on the shelf who wants a trimmer from the same pool. If you don’t already own DeWalt batteries, compare the all-in cost with trimmers sold as complete kits in the best cordless brush cutters.
A dependable, well-built cordless line trimmer that makes most sense for people already invested in DeWalt's 18V XR batteries.
DeWalt DCM561PBS — frequently asked questions
Is this the DCMAST561?
Our page was first published under that name, but the Amazon.co.uk listing it links to is the DCM561PBS — DeWalt's 18V XR brushless string trimmer with a 33 cm swath. DeWalt's split-shaft 18V model is a different tool, the DCMST561, with a 36 cm cut.
Can the DCM561PBS take a metal blade for brambles or scrub?
No. It's designed for nylon line only, so it's built for grass, weeds and borders. For scrub or brambles look at a blade-capable machine such as DeWalt's 54V DCM571.
Do I need to buy a battery and charger separately?
Yes — the listing is for the tool only. If you already own DeWalt 18V XR batteries, it's a cost-effective add-on; starting from scratch, add the cost of a battery and charger.
Our score
7.9/ 10
A dependable, well-built cordless line trimmer that makes most sense for people already invested in DeWalt's 18V XR batteries.
Who this one is for
DeWalt 18V XR battery owners wanting a dependable cordless trimmer for lawn edges and borders
Price and availability
A reference exists on these Amazon stores: United Kingdom, United States. Listed is not the same as in stock — availability changes daily.
Details checked on October 26, 2026.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer sheet and Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. No product on this site has been physically tested.
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