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Harry Duncton
2025-05-30 06:00:00
www.trustedreviews.com
A clever grass trimmer that can fold in half for easy storage.
The DeWalt DCMST61 is a capable brushless string trimmer with a very clever folding section for storage. It’s undoubtably powerful but feels a bit front heavy during use. If you’re already using DeWalt 18 Volt XR batteries, this is the trimmer for you.
-
Ergonomic handle and trigger -
Folds neatly in half for storage -
Bump spool system with easy re-stringing
-
Feels front heavy -
Not hugely comfortable to use
Key Features
-
Cutting width
A large 36cm cutting width helps make this trimmer fast to use on large areas. -
Line size
Takes 2.0mm line, which can deal with some thicker growth.
Introduction
The newest model in DeWalt’s string trimmer range, the DCMST561 is a cordless grass trimmer with plenty of good features. With a professional-level bump feed system for paying out more string and an innovative folding storage trick, it’s a powerful and easy-to-store model.
It’s a touch expensive if you have to buy batteries for it, and the heavy body doesn’t make this the easiest trimmer to use.
Design and features
- Runs on the tried and tested 18 Volt XR battery system
- Patented split shaft makes storage easy
- Bump system to feed more string
Cutting a 36 cm swathe through grass and even weeds, the DCMST561 is a powerful cordless string trimmer. With plenty of metal in the construction of the mower head and shaft, it feels very sturdy and built to last.
It’s reasonably lightweight at 3.6kg without the battery installed and measures 99cm from end to end. It can switch between two speeds- low and high, and they’re selected via a little black switch on the top of the motor body.
To get the most out of each battery you can run it on low and switch up to high power to tackle stubborn weedy grass. The DeWalt DCMST561 is more than capable of trimming through most of everything else on low power.
Priced at £141.65 without a battery, it’s by no means a budget grass trimmer. You get a powerful machine for the money, though.
As you might expect from DeWalt, it knows how to craft an ergonomic handle with good grip. The rubberised rear handle is well sculpted and fits nicely in the hand, while the front D shaped handle lets you hold it the trimmer at different angles.
The most recognisable feature on this strimmer is the battery. DeWalt’s XR battery family is available in a range of capacities, and the one I tried in particular comes bundled with a charger and a 5.0Ah battery.
If you already run tools on this battery system, it makes sense to extend them to your garden equipment. A 5.0Ah battery provides plenty of power to trim around a medium size garden, but you could always upgrade. Massive 15Ah FLEXVOLT batteries are available for maximum runtime, but they come at a steep price, and they’re heavier.
Under no load, the pleasingly thick and DeWalt coloured trimming string is spun around at 4,600 rpm on low speed, and 6,000 rpm on high speed. The 2 mm twisted string can cut through grass and thick weeds.
And when it comes to storing the trimmer away, the DCMST561 has a clever trick up its sleeve. The DeWalt patented split shaft mechanism folds the shaft right in half, with a sturdy catch mechanism that keeps everything satisfyingly solid.
But that’s not its only trick- when folding the trimmer all the way in half, it clips neatly into the head guard. And using the hook on the back, you can hang it on the shed wall and keep it out of trouble. It’s a clever storage system not found on many trimmers.
Performance
- More than enough power for regular grass
- Not comfortable for long trimming sessions
With a fresh 5.0Ah battery in place, the DCMST561 can trim through just about any grass or weeds you put it in front of. It’s a shame that you can’t get hold of plastic blades like with the Stihl FSA 70 R because I’m sure this would let the DeWalt DCMST561 make short work of woody brush as well.
I tested the trimmer out on a couple of gardens with overgrown grass for their first cut of the spring season. Setup is not a struggle. Attaching the plastic guard to the trimming end is achieved with four little screws.
The middle D handle needs to be bolted to the shaft before use. It’s easily done thanks to the hex key that comes with it. The only issue I noticed was that the folding section on the shaft limits where you can place the handle.
It might be why the trimmer feels a little front-heavy. I would normally place the handle a bit lower down the shaft. The DeWalt DCMST561 was easy enough handle but not the most comfortable trimmer I have ever tested out. A combination of holding the trigger down and manoeuvring the cutting head into tight spaces was tiring on the arms after a while.
Unless you use a professional-level grass trimmer with motorbike style handles and a shoulder harness, grass trimmers never feel that comfortable.
The battery lasted for around 30 minutes on the low power setting. It was enough to edge around a medium size garden and flip sideways to tackle the edging around a pathway.
Re-stringing is very easy. When it runs out, pass new line through the cutting head until it’s equal on both sides, hold on to the cutting head end and wind up the new string with the spool grip cover. No tools necessary and you don’t need to remove the spool from the trimmer.
Should you buy it?
You should buy if you already have DeWalt’s XR batteries
If you want a string trimmer that can fold up neatly and keep on a hook, this is an excellent choice, and it’s good value if you have batteries already.
You should not buy if you want something lighter
If you want an easier-to-use grass trimmer, there are better options. This model is also expensive if you have to buy batteries to go with it.
Final Thoughts
The DeWalt DCMST561 is a powerful cordless string trimmer that has a very clever folding feature for easy storage. Featuring a pro-level bump feed system and a simple way to add more string, it’s a solid choice if you already own XR batteries. Otherwise, it’s an expensive device that could be a bit more comfortable to use, and you may prefer an alternative from our list of the best grass trimmers.
How we test
We test every grass trimmer we review thoroughly over an extended period of time. We use standard tests to compare features properly. We’ll always tell you what we find. We never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Find out more about how we test in our ethics policy.
- Used as our main trimmer for the review period
- Used on a variety of grass lengths and weeds to see how well the mower cuts
- Tested to see how easy the trimmer is to carry, use and store
FAQs
You can use any 18V DeWalt battery, so you can reuse batteries you have for other tools.
This trimmer folds in half and can be hung on a wall, so it doesn’t take up much space.
Test Data
Full Specs
| DeWalt DCMST561 Review | |
|---|---|
| UK RRP | £187.95 |
| Manufacturer | – |
| Size (Dimensions) | 315 x 315 x 1490 MM |
| Weight | 3.6 KG |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| First Reviewed Date | 19/05/2025 |
| Model Number | DeWalt DCMST561 |
| Cutting width | 36 cm |
| Strimmer type | Cordless |
| Adjustable length | – |
| Cutting tool | 2.0mm line |
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