DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower delivers power where mowers dare not go
I remember watching DR Power commercials on TV as a kid. Trimmers make clearing overgrown areas and working around landscape elements look a lot easier. Is this just creative marketing or does it help? We teamed up with rancher and country music singer/songwriter Eli Mosley and spent some time driving a DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower to find out.
advantage
- Reclaim areas that can be mowed
- Easily move around and under fences and equipment
- Strong cutting performance
- Strengthen the framework
- Beaver Blade and DuraBlade compatible
- Designed and manufactured in the USA using global materials
shortcoming
- Some may want more performance or upgrade the engine found on other DR Power models
DR Power Pilot XT Fine-Tune Mower Performance
Why Use a Trimmer Mower?
If you're not familiar with DR Power's Trimmer Mower concept, it uses a wire/cable instead of a blade to cut. It's like a string trimmer cord, but much thicker — 175 million in this case.
For power, the Pilot XT has a 174 cc engine that produces 7.0 ft-lbs of torque. This matches the power of a gas lawn mower, despite its cord-based cutting system.
The genius of the design is twofold. First, the open front allows the line to cut into tall grass without pushing it under the deck. There is no need for blades to lift the grass, and there is no problem with clippings clogging the deck.
Second, it's much easier to cut under objects – in our case barbed wire. Conventional mowers can do that to a degree, but the way the drive extends in front of the engine makes the DR Power Trimmer more effective.
Another bonus is that you can cut all the way to where you want to trim. Of course, since the line is much stronger than standard line trimmer lines, care must be taken if you want to avoid damaging paint or fragile materials.
The trade-off is that you don't get the fine-coverage clippings that a lawn mower provides.
DR Power Pilot and Pilot XT
The Pilot XT differs from standard Pilot models thanks to an upgraded frame and aluminum nose panel, and has a more streamlined profile. For the ranch life our models are destined to live, this certainly helps extend the overall life of the machine.
Accessories
As great as the Pilot XT is on its own, there are a few accessories that make it even more versatile.
- Quick-Lock Trimmer Head – Simply push new wires into each slot for lightning-fast wire changes
- DuraBlades – metal blades capable of removing brushes up to 3/8" thick
- Beaver Blade – Circular chainsaw blade cuts through trees up to 3 inches in diameter
start working
When we got to work, the trimmer lawnmowers cut away the tallest grass around our fence at a breakneck pace. Between the density of the wire, the 22-inch cutting belt and the speed of 3400 RPM, it's a powerful demonstration of cutting efficiency.
With miles of fence line to trim, we initially wondered if a self-propelled model would be suitable. As it turns out, that's more troublesome. The Pilot XT's large 22-inch wheels are so smooth that the mower's 57-pound dry weight is concentrated on them, which makes moving around objects easier than driving it yourself.
other highlights
- Adjustable handlebar height from 29" to 47"
- Cut heights from 1 1/2" to 3 1/2" in 1/2" increments
The Pilot XT retails for $499.99, with occasional promotions from DR Power and free shipping. In fact, it's $449.99 as we write this review. It has a 2-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty to back it up.
the bottom line
Sometimes, less is more, and this is one of them. The DR Power Pilot XT does exactly what we need to mow around the pasture. If the trimmer had more complex features, it would actually get in the way of a design that was well suited to the way we use it. The Pilot XT is great for our occasional cleanup, but if you need something for more frequent use, check out DR Power's full range.
DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower Specifications
- Model: DR Power R43070DMN
- Power source: gasoline
- Engine Displacement: 174 cc
- Torque: 7.0 ft-lbs
- Cutting width: 22 inches
- Line size: 175 million
- Accessory Compatibility: Beaver Blades, DuraBlades
- Dry Weight: 57 lbs
- MSRP: $499.99
- Warranty: 2 years