We saw these units briefly at the FLEXVOLT launch event last June, and think it is a smart move for all the power tool brands to expand their offerings to take advantage of their advanced battery platforms. This give the tool brands a big advantage over strictly OPE brands going cordless like Stihl, Oregon, EGO, etc because the batteries are already in the market place. This does cannibalize on their Dewalt 40V OPE line up (just launched last year), while their target is a bit different on paper we would not want to invest thousands into a 40v system when you know the big development moving forward is going to be on the FLEXVOLT platform. Why not keep it all together and just build a 120V FLEXVOLT backpack blower?
These tools will compete directly with Milwaukee’s new M18 outdoor equipment with a blower, string trimmer and hedge trimmer (but no M18 chainsaw) as well as Makita 18Vx2 new chainsaws, various blowers and trimmers. It will be interesting to see if Dewalt’s strategy to break their customers into different battery platforms pays off and if the brand loyalty carries over. For more details check out the full Dewalt press release below.
TOWSON, MD – DEWALT® expands the FLEXVOLT® System with Outdoor Power Equipment. Featuring the world’s first batteries that automatically change voltage when the user changes tools, the Outdoor Power Equipment lineup will include the new 60V MAX* Chainsaw, Handheld Blower, and String Trimmer, all featuring the new FLEXVOLT® 60V MAX* 3.0Ah battery (9.0Ah when used in 20V MAX* tools).
For residential and commercial construction professionals, the FLEXVOLT® System is backwards compatible with most of the existing DEWALT 20V MAX* system, which now includes over 100 products. This means that the FLEXVOLT® Batteries operate both the DEWALT 60V MAX* Outdoor Power Equipment as well as DEWALT 20V MAX* Power Tools.
The 60V MAX* Chainsaw (DCCS670X1) is equipped with a powerful brushless motor delivering gas performance. The low kickback 16” Oregon® bar and chain has auto-oiling for continuous lubrication and a tool-free tensioning system for quick bar and chain adjustments. The chainsaw delivers smooth cuts, long chain life, and does not have the engine maintenance that is required with gas-powered chainsaws. With no more cold starts and carburetor issues, this chainsaw starts easily with the pull of the trigger.
The 60V MAX* Handheld Blower (DCBL770X1) is also equipped with a brushless motor which generates gas performance to clear jobsite debris at up to 423 CFM & 129 MPH. The Handheld Blower also includes a flat concentrator nozzle to increase air speed to 175 MPH for heavy duty debris.A variable speed trigger and lock allow for full throttle control without having to constantly hold down the trigger.
The 60V MAX* String Trimmer (DCST970X1) features a15” cut swath accepting DEWALT 0.080” or 0.095” lines and a gear-drive transmission providing amplified torque that maintains cut speed under load. Optimal for construction cleanup and maintenance, the 60V MAX* Outdoor Power Equipment allows residential & commercial construction users to leave the gas tank behind and expand their DEWALT power tool and battery systems. The new 60V MAX* Chainsaw, Handheld Blower, and String Trimmer will be available where DEWALT products are sold in spring 2017.
For professional landscapers, the DEWALT 40V MAX* System offers a battery solution for day-long, heavy-duty outdoor use. All DEWALT Outdoor Power tools come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract, and 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.
***With respect to 20V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.
***With respect to 40V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 40 volts. Nominal voltage is 36.
***With respect to 60V MAX* – Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 60 volts. Nominal voltage is 54.
