DeWalt DCM571 Flexvolt Brush Cutter

The DeWalt Flexvolt cordless system shook up the construction industry when it was announced in 2016. Since then, DeWalt have embellished the Flexvolt range with a selection of landscaping tools, including a chainsaw, leaf blower and two grass trimmers. Here we take a closer look at the DCM571 – a straight shaft brush cutter which is supplied with a brush cutter blade and grass trimming line.

DeWalt DCM571 brush cutter & line trimmer
The DCM571 is a powerful cordless brush cutter & grass trimmer.

For those that don’t know, Flexvolt was the first dual voltage cordless power tool platform to hit the market, and it’s still the only professional cordless platform to boast this feature (though Black & Decker, who own DeWalt, have subsequently introduced the same technology into their home & garden range of power tools). Flexvolt batteries were developed to power 54v cordless tools while retaining compatibility with DeWalt’s hugely popular 18v XR range. This means they operate at 54v when connected to a 54v tool but will automatically drop down to 18v when connected to an 18v tool. Because of the amount of energy needed to run the higher power tools, they are capable of providing substantial runtimes; for instance the DCB548 Flexvolt battery has a 12.0ah capacity when used with 18v tools, more than twice that of the 5.0ah batteries that have become standard issue for demanding applications over the last few years. This is great for running tools like grinders and circular saws which can be notoriously power-hungry, but perhaps more importantly it means Flexvolt users do not have money tied up in batteries and chargers that they only use a few times a year. The original Flexvolt product line consisted solely of construction tools, including a first-to-market cordless table saw, but DeWalt were quick to realise the potential for high powered garden machines with a flexible battery system and the Flexvolt landscaping range was announced shortly afterwards.

DeWalt brush cutter blades and trimming line
Accessories available for the DCM571 include three types of brush cutter blade and heavy duty trimming line.

The DCM571 is one of two trimmers in the Flexvolt line-up, the other model being the DCM5713. The difference is that the DCM5713 comes as a split shaft machine with trimming line only, while the DCM571 has a one-piece straight shaft and is supplied with both a blade and spool of line in the box. One of the first things that strikes you when you look at this box is just how big the DCM571 is. All of the cordless DeWalt grass trimmers we have seen have been on the large side and the DCM571 is no exception, though the fact that it is packed with a one-piece shaft makes it tower over most other machines in the warehouse or shop floor. However, once you get it out of the box it feels well balanced and easy to handle. The larger size will definitely appeal to taller users, especially those who have had to bend over to use smaller tools in the past, while the solid shaft should prove a durable and maintenance-free component, making it ideal for rough handling in working environments.

Thanks to the solid shaft there is not much assembly required once you’ve got the machine out of the box, but it includes a shoulder strap, guard and a choice of either a line spool or a brush cutter blade. The blade is a metal tri-arc design which is designed for clearing thick weeds or heavily overgrown grass, while the trimming line has a braided construction which really toughens it up, meaning you’ll hopefully spend more time trimming than feeding the line. DeWalt have also released a few additional accessories for the DCM571 – there are two alternative blade designs available, along with a heavy duty 2.5mm line which is intended for tackling tougher garden jobs (at the expense of battery charge, which will run down faster as a result). Speaking of batteries, there are currently three Flexvolt batteries available, all of which are compatible with the DCM571. These provide 2.0ah, 3.0ah and 4.0ah capacity @ 54v or 6.0ah, 9.0ah and 12.0ah capacity in 18v mode. The machine is available complete with batteries and charger, or as a body only kit for users who do not require them.

Feature-wise you get a variable speed machine with two speed settings, brushless motor, durable Xenoy™ battery compartment, loop handle, shoulder strap, metal motor housing and a cutting swath of 38cm in line trimmer mode or 25cm with the included tri-arc blade. According to DeWalt’s spec sheet, with a 3.0ah/9.0ah battery and 2mm trimming line installed you should get 54 mins of no load runtime on low speed or 44 mins at high speed, and the same battery can be fully recharged in 70 mins. The machine weighs in at 5.4kg by itself or 6.6kg when combined with the aforementioned battery. I found it quite comfortable to hold without the shoulder strap and no doubt this would help to minimize fatigue over longer periods of use.

DeWalt braided grass trimmer line
DeWalt’s braided trimming line is tough and durable.

So who would benefit from the DCM571? DeWalt market it as a professional landscaping tool but I wouldn’t be surprised if a large part of its appeal will be to homeowners who have already invested in a DeWalt battery platform, whether for work or for DIY use around the home. Any gardener who has struggled with tangled power leads or the inconvenience of petrol will have probably entertained the notion of a powerful cordless trimmer at some point; the only downside is that most comparable alternatives require a considerable outlay on batteries which can be used for very little else. If you already use DeWalt cordless tools on a regular basis, then a Flexvolt battery will slot right into your tool kit rather than being relegated to doorstop duties for half of the year. Additionally, the cost of replacing any chargers and batteries further down the line will be much less of a pain if they can be used for multiple tools. Even if you don’t already own any DeWalt cordless tools, the DCM571 is more than worthy of consideration. The higher end battery powered brush cutters and grass trimmers available today have begun to really match petrol tools in terms of power, while far surpassing both petrol and corded machines in terms of convenience and mobility. If you’re thinking about making the switch to cordless power and want something that can tackle heavier duty clearing jobs as well as general grass trimming duties then the DCM571 may well be the ideal machine for your requirements.

It is available from Tooled-Up now, with a choice of either one or two Flexvolt batteries, or as a body only tool (without battery and charger). Visit the DCM571 product page for more info.


Categories discussed in this article:

Grass Trimmers

Brush Cutters

DeWalt Flexvolt Cordless Garden Tools

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18 thoughts on “DeWalt DCM571 Flexvolt Brush Cutter

  1. Keep up the good work as the blog is beyond the imagination. Every reader will sure understand cordless system of a brush cutter.

    Modern Dairy Machines - 13th November 2018 10:47 am
  2. Where can I purchase the adapter so I can attach the blade?
    My strimmer never came with one or a strap?!?!
    I’ve looked everywhere!

    Olafur mason - 24th May 2019 7:03 am
    1. Hi Olafur,
      I’d suggest the first port of call would be the retailer you purchased it from, assuming you bought it new. You should also be able to get spares and replacements through your local Dewalt service agent – I’m not sure whereabouts you are in the world but in the UK you just go here to put in your details and find the closest one: http://service.dewalt.co.uk/DEWALT/GB/en-GB/AgentLocator/SearchAgentLocators

      Blog Admin - 24th May 2019 11:48 am
  3. Does anyone know if this is sold in the United States? I find incredibly infuriating that this product isn’t sold here in the states. I’m stuck with the flexvolt string trimmer and no way to attach a blade to it…unless I get creative.

    Richard Mulcahy - 13th July 2019 3:53 am
    1. Hi Richard,

      I don’t know the reason behind it but DeWalt don’t list the DCM571 (or any other type of brush cutter) on their US website, though it is freely available across Europe, Australia and New Zealand…?

      Blog Admin - 15th July 2019 9:38 am
  4. I’ve just taken delivery of a DeWalt Brush cutter and the trimmer pole (item 8 in the diagram) is curved. Is this correct or do I need to send it back?

    John Watson - 24th July 2019 3:43 pm
    1. Hi John,
      was it the DCM571 you’ve been sent? I’m not aware that Dewalt even manufacture a brush cutter or grass trimmer with a curved shaft so sounds a bit strange to me. I take it’s been manufactured like that and not some kind of damage or defect?

      Blog Admin - 26th July 2019 3:33 pm
  5. My DCM 5713 54v unit arrived but missing was the blade attachment. Really is ridiculous I spent £600 bought 2 blades and 2 heads.. evidently and not the first person to be missing the blade fitting parts. Helpful if De Walt could actually show us what we need to attach the blade ??.
    If not sorted De walt can have it back and I will buy a Husqvarna.

    Don Fowler - 23rd June 2021 7:45 pm
  6. Same just happened to me. No blade or fitting. Rediculous

    MR NADIR RAJPAL - 15th August 2021 2:43 pm
  7. Help!!
    I purchased a DCM5713N as I already had a charger and batteries for my Chainsaw.
    I purchased the thicker main support and tr-blade plus clamp and nut as separate items but can’t seem to use them as the motor spindle is too short.
    It says in the manusl that you can add accessories but I haven’t been able to use my machine yet.
    Any advice would be greatfully received.

    Douglas Cutt - 5th September 2021 8:20 pm
    1. Unfortunately DeWalt have got two similar looking machines with very similar model numbers – the DCM571 brush cutter (which is the subject of this article) and the DCM5713, which is a split shaft grass trimmer. To add to the confusion, the DCM5713 is often referred to as a brush cutter by some retailers, however I asked DeWalt about this a while back and they advised that it is only suitable for use with grass trimming line and isn’t designed to be fitted with a brush cutter blade – the fact it says otherwise in the manual is not something I was aware of though. Does it actually say that blades can be attached?

      Blog Admin - 9th September 2021 4:16 pm
  8. I have the dcm571 and used the blade for the first time, is there a bigger blade available as the cut width of the string is 38cm. The blade looks really small in comparison, a lot more strokes back and forth to clear thick grass.

    Steven Glennerster - 22nd October 2021 6:41 pm
    1. DeWalt currently make three different blades which are suitable for use with the DCM571 (you can see them in our list of accessories here) – however the maximum diameter they go up to is 25.5cm (255mm).

      Blog Admin - 26th October 2021 12:44 pm
  9. Can I get a saw blade on this to cut like thicker brush and small trees ? My model is a DCST920

    Paul - 22nd September 2022 12:18 am
    1. Hi Paul, I’m not familiar with the DCST920 as it doesn’t appear to be a model that was released in the UK. From what I can see it looks like it was only designed to be a line trimmer though – it should clarify in the user manual but my guess is it’s not intended to be used with a brush cutter blade.

      Blog Admin - 26th September 2022 11:56 am
  10. Sure wish this came with a mulching blade. I put an Oregon 2 arm mulching blade on it for a little bit…..worked much better, but drained the battery pretty fast since it is heavier/longer. Just need the same design but in a shorter blade.

    Fred - 27th December 2022 6:32 pm
  11. Thanks for the thorough explanation of difference betweemn DCM571 and 5713.
    Do you know what alternative heads fit the 571 ? YouTube recommend Stihl 25-2 however it has the same diameter but a different thread.
    Kind Regards

    David Bennett - 3rd October 2023 12:31 pm
    1. Hi David, I’m only aware of the ones referenced in a previous reply, i.e the ones we list on our website here.

      Blog Admin - 3rd October 2023 4:46 pm

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