The DeWalt 20V Max series has become a staple for both professional contractors and homeowners. Among its most popular cordless offerings are the handheld axial leaf blowers, specifically the DCBL722 and DCBL720 models. These tools are designed to provide the convenience of battery power without the maintenance headaches of gas engines. In this review, we aggregate user experiences and technical performance data to determine if these blowers live up to the DeWalt reputation for durability and power.
Where to Buy & Pricing Info
Key Features and Design
The standout design element in these blowers is the axial fan. Unlike traditional blowers that compress air through a side intake, the axial design pulls air directly through the back of the tool and pushes it out the front in a straight line. This results in high air volume and velocity.
Brushless Motor Technology
Equipped with brushless motors, these units offer better efficiency and longevity than older brushed models. Because they operate using magnets rather than carbon brushes, there is less internal friction and heat during use.
Speed Control and Ergonomics
The blowers feature a variable speed trigger that allows for precise control. A prominent feature across user testimonies is the "cruise control" or trigger lock. This sliding mechanism allows the user to set a specific speed and remove their finger from the trigger, which reduces hand fatigue during extended cleaning sessions.
Concentrator and Attachments
The DCBL722 often comes with a concentrator nozzle that includes a built in scraper. This attachment is particularly effective for dislodging stubborn, wet debris or focusing air into tight crevices, such as when cleaning sawdust out of power tools.
Performance and Power
In real world testing, the DCBL722 is rated at 450 CFM (cubic feet per minute) and 125 MPH. Users note that it is highly effective for light to medium duty tasks. It excels at clearing dry leaves from sidewalks, removing grass clippings from driveways, and cleaning out garages or workshops.
When compared to older or budget friendly alternatives like Black & Decker, the DeWalt models move significantly more air volume. However, users coming from professional gas powered equipment should manage their expectations. While these blowers have plenty of "oomph" for suburban maintenance, they lack the raw power required for heavy, wet leaf removal on large properties.
Pros
- Platform Compatibility: It utilizes the standard DeWalt 20V Max battery system, making it a cost effective "bare tool" purchase for those already owning DeWalt drills or saws.
- Ease of Use: There is no need to mix fuel, pull start a cold engine, or deal with exhaust fumes.
- Low Maintenance: The brushless motor and battery operation require almost zero upkeep compared to gas counterparts.
- Build Quality: The heavy duty handles and rugged plastic housing are designed to withstand job site abuse.
- Ergonomics: The tool is reasonably balanced at approximately 8 pounds and offers multiple hand positions for comfort.
Cons
- Battery Runtime: This is the most significant drawback. Users report roughly 20 minutes of full power use on a 5Ah battery.
- Charge Time: The standard charger takes over 80 minutes to replenish a 5Ah battery, creating a significant disparity between work time and wait time.
- Power Fade: Unlike some modern cordless tools that maintain full power until the battery is empty, these blowers may "hiccup" or show a noticeable drop in performance as the charge nears the end.
- Noise Profile: Although quieter than gas engines, the axial fan produces a high frequency whine that can be uncomfortable during long periods of use without ear protection.
Target Audience
Based on user feedback, this tool is best suited for:
- Current DeWalt Users: Those who already have an arsenal of 20V batteries will find this an easy addition.
- Suburban Homeowners: Individuals with standard sized lots who need to clear hard surfaces like patios and driveways.
- Contractors: Professionals who need a quick, portable way to clean sawdust and debris from a job site at the end of the day.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt 20V Max Axial Blower is a reliable and high quality tool for targeted cleanup tasks. It provides impressive air volume for a handheld battery unit and features excellent ergonomic controls like the speed lock. However, its limited runtime on a single battery means it is not a direct replacement for a gas blower on large properties with heavy leaf fall. For users who already own DeWalt batteries and need a convenient solution for hard surfaces and job site cleaning, this blower is a five star addition to their kit.