Dewalt cordless platform
About 2 years ago, I started to look at replacing the drill/impact driver combo. They were still working but getting old. On top of just replacing the specific tools, I look at the tool manufacturer battery eco-system. What other tools could I base off the same batteries. The winner was Dewalt 20V lithium Ion platform.
One criteria was getting replacement for aloi ni-cad batteries that I had. At this point, anything went really from a brand perspective. Also limiting the number of platforms/chargers was something dear.
I was also looking for an edge trimmer that I basically had changed the batteries for the last 2 seasons so that brand was out of the question. Not that the trimmer was bad but well, replacing the batteries every year was not very good. So ideally, the selection of the brand would receive bonus point if it had outdoor tools that would operate on the same battery platform. Minimizing the number of platforms......
While at it, I looked at what the manufacturer would offer on the outdoor cordless platform and when looking out there, Dewalt was declared a winner. The first tools was the brushless combo for the drill and impact driver.
The drill and hammer drill
The bonus was that it was the brushless model. Not the XR Version but still brushless. Next step was the edge trimmer running on the same platform and ended up buying the 20v trimmer, operating on the same 20v platform as the drill and hammer.
The trimmer came with a 5amp 20v battery which has been pretty sufficient for the property that I own and with some juice to spare.
Dewalt Brushless drill
Dewalt Brushless Impact driver
The String Trimmer
The string trimmer was the next tool on the list and I pulled the trigger on the Dewalt 20v Trimmer. It came with a 5amp 20v Battery and suffices in the power for around the house trimming that needs to be done.
I chose the 20v platform again to minimise on the battery platforms I need to support and so far very happy with this trimmer. A small tap will allow the string to come out the proper amount and up we go to continue. Very happy customer with this tool.
The Mower
The next tool that I looked into was a lawn mower in the cordless catalog. My gas mower was starting to be tired somewhat and wanted to change. Using the same cordless platform to operate as many tools as possible and gain potentially extra batteries along the way is always in the back of my mind.
Early this summer, I pulled the trigger on the Dewalt Lawn Mower. It operates on the the flexvolt platform of batteries and comes with 2 - 5amp 20v batteries. After operating the mower for a full summer, I like the ergonomics of the mower but the power management sucks, as reported by many users.
I am not able to do the land in one shot with a fresh set of batteries full charge with the set that came with the mower. Still debating as to what I will do for next year to be able to do the mowing into one session instead of breaking into 2 sessions. I don't own enough batteries to pull a fresh set when the first dies.
Either I buy a second set of 5 amp or look into higher capacity of the flex volt system. Will see over the winter time period what will be the conclusion.
Dewalt Cordless Lawn Mower
Other articles on the platform : Tool vs Batteries - Upgrade dilema