DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower: Tackling Places Regular Mowers Can’t Reach
I have vivid memories of watching DR Power commercials on TV during my childhood. They made clearing overgrown areas and maneuvering around landscaping seem effortless. But is it all just clever marketing? To find out, we joined forces with rancher and country music singer/songwriter Eli Mosley and took the DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower for a spin.
Advantages of the DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower
- Reclaim and mow previously inaccessible areas
- Easily navigate around fences and equipment
- Impressive cutting performance
- Durable construction
- Compatible with Beaver Blade and DuraBlade
- Made in the USA using quality global materials
Shortcomings of the DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower
- Some users may desire more power or opt for an engine upgrade available on other DR Power models
DR Power Pilot XT Trimmer Mower: Unleashing Performance
Why Choose a Trimmer Mower?
If you’re unfamiliar with DR Power’s Trimmer Mower concept, it replaces traditional blades with a robust wire/cable for cutting. Resembling a string trimmer cord but much thicker, the wire comprises an impressive 175 million strands.
Generating 7.0 ft-lbs of torque, the Pilot XT’s 174 cc engine matches the power output of a gas lawn mower, despite its cord-based cutting system. The brilliance of its design lies in two key factors. Firstly, the open front allows the wire to cut through tall grass without pushing it under the deck. This eliminates the need for blades to lift the grass and prevents clippings from clogging the deck.
Secondly, the Pilot XT excels at cutting under objects such as barbed wire. While conventional mowers can manage this to some extent, the Pilot XT’s extended drive in front of the engine enhances effectiveness.
Another advantage is the ability to trim right up to the desired cutting line. However, caution is necessary since the wire is much stronger than typical trimmer lines, and care must be taken to avoid damaging delicate surfaces or paintwork. The trade-off is that the Pilot XT does not provide the fine-coverage clippings that a traditional lawn mower offers.
The Distinction Between DR Power Pilot and Pilot XT
The Pilot XT stands apart from the regular Pilot models due to its upgraded frame, aluminum nose panel, and sleeker profile. These enhancements significantly extend the lifespan of the mower, making it ideal for the demands of ranch life.
Accessories: Enhancing Versatility
While the Pilot XT is impressive on its own, several accessories can further enhance its versatility:
- Quick-Lock Trimmer Head: Enables lightning-fast wire changes by simply pushing new wires into each slot.
- DuraBlades: Metal blades capable of removing brushes up to 3/8″ thick.
- Beaver Blade: A circular chainsaw blade designed to cut through trees up to 3 inches in diameter.
Ready to Work
When put to the test, the Pilot XT effortlessly cleared tall grass along our fences at an astonishing pace. With a powerful combination of a dense wire, a 22-inch cutting belt, and a blade speed of 3400 RPM, it showcased exceptional cutting efficiency.
Initially, we wondered if a self-propelled model would be more suitable given the extensive fence line. However, it turned out that the Pilot XT’s large 22-inch wheels, which bear the mower’s 57-pound dry weight, made maneuvering around objects easier than self-propulsion.
Additional Highlights
- Adjustable handlebar height range: 29″ to 47″
- Cutting heights can be adjusted 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. At the time of this review, it is available for $449.99. Backed by a 2-year residential warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty, the Pilot XT assures peace of mind.
Sometimes, simplicity is the key, and the DR Power Pilot XT excels in meeting our pasture mowing needs. While a trimmer with more complex features could become a hindrance, the Pilot XT’s design perfectly caters to our requirements. It serves our occasional cleanup tasks exceptionally well, but if you’re in need of a mower for more frequent use, be sure to explore 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