Dewalt has announced a brand new cordless power tool system – PowerShift – featuring 6 new concrete tools that will be powered by a 554 Watt-hour battery.
Dewalt PowerShift is described as a groundbreaking equipment system to optimize the workflow of concrete jobsites through electrification.
PowerShift was designed as a way to help concrete professionals “transition away from gas-powered equipment, without compromising efficiency and performance.”
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At the start, the Dewalt PowerShift cordless line will include:
- Plate Compactor
- Rammer
- Backpack Vibrator
- Powerpack Vibrator
- Power Screed
- Core Drill and Stand
- 554 Wh Battery
- Charger
- FlexVolt Adapter
Here’s where things get even more interesting.
The Flexvolt to PowerShift adapter allows “use of Dewalt FlexVolt batteries for additional runtime when using Dewalt PowerShift equipment.”
It’s not quite clear how the adapter works, but this image shows the Dewalt PowerShift battery attached to a core drill slide carriage, with a FlexVolt 60V Max-labeled drill on top and a 20V Max-powered water source.
Each battery weighs 11.5 lbs, suggesting that it’s destined to power light equipment rather than handheld power tools like circular saws, reciprocating saws, or impact wrenches.
The new high-rate charger can recharge the 554 Wh battery in less than one hour.
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To help put things into context, 554 Wh would be the equivalent of a 20V Max battery with 27.7Ah charge capacity. Or, it holds about the same energy as a 72V or 80V Max battery with 7Ah charge capacity.
We don’t yet have details about the PowerShift battery technology, but will be asking plenty of questions to learn more.
It’s clear that this is an attempt to take on Milwaukee MX FUEL, the red team’s growing line of cordless light equipment, which recently saw the introduction of next-generation batteries.
Dewalt PowerShift products will be available at commercial and industrial suppliers starting in Fall 2024.
Arthur
I’ll welcome anyone’s attempt at improving concrete vibratory settling equipment. Too much concrete is poured without it, including – especially – slabs considered too “thin” to need it.
Aaron+S
There’s a weird “combine systems” feature on Ryobi’s riding lawnmower that this reminds me of. The mower uses 3 enormous suitcase style 80v batteries but also “Reach your riders full potential by inserting any 40V battery into one of the active 40V battery ports, achieving maximum runtime. The 42” and 54” include our highest capacity 40V 12Ah battery, which you can also use in your 40V trimmer, chainsaw, or any other product in a system of 85 40V products.”
Mike (that one)
No concrete saw seems like a big miss here.
Bonnie
They have a 60V concrete saw already, which I’m guessing is expected to complement this.
Mike (that one)
Ah, that makes sense. thanks!
Big Richard
But you’re right, you think with this new battery a 14″ model would be one of the initial release models
Tool-Expert
Are you on Reddit too BTW?
Big Richard
@Tool-Expert, yes I do some tooling around on the reddit as well.
Eliot Truelove
My guess based on these pictures, which would be a crazy guess if true, is that this is a more full fledged 120v flexible system that is essentially two 60v batteries in series that can run full machines or split the power to be in parallel where one 60v section of the battery runs a Flexvolt tool and the other 60v section runs another accessory via one large pack.
Another reason this makes me think this is because the Power shift system is not a voltage named system, and the batteries aren’t listed with amp hours but watts, which would mean you can know right away if you can run an AC item based on the wattage.
I think this is similar to the ConnectX system from Makita, which can run 40v tools with a single adapter and with upcoming adapters even 80v tools, and now with the BAC adapter up to 1400 watt AC power tools.
When Powershift makes a backpack battery and Flexvolt tools that run off of it (backpack dust extractor and dummy battery for a Flexvolt tool perhaps?) then maybe everyone will realize Makita wasn’t dumb for what theyve been trying with ConnectX.
The upside to this Dewalt system is the of the voltage is 120v right off the bat, then it would simply need to be converted from DC to AC to make use of its wattage.
I feel that this is actually impressive, and that DeWalt have one upped Milwaukee MX Fuel and took a cue from Makitas ConnectX, and perhaps may do the concept better. We shall see, but I’m optimistic either way.
Patrick d
They make one in the 60 V flex does a pretty good job, but Blade is only 10 inch compared to 12 mainly use it for cutting rod and small cuts in concrete. I am in agreements with you sir. Bigger saw would be nice it would probably balance out with an 11 pound battery and no gas motor.
Big Richard
They also have the new Toughsyetm 2.0 DXL system coming – https://www.dewalt.com/products/storage/mobile-tool-storage
Larger format and more rugged than standard TS 2.0. They should have all of this and more and WOC next week.
Philip+Proctor
Wow!
Bill Sung
I can’t wait for these carts to arrive . . . Thanks for posting this link Big Richard
Derek
Wow. 30″ wide. You’ll be able to slowly build your own tool box as you grow.
Don Julio
Can’t wait to see a power station based on this platform.
Dan
Agree. Possibly a good alternative to the single purpose electric power stations /generators (Jackery). If they’re really chasing Milwaukee, it’s the logical next move
Nate
Nobody’s got the sensible thing that Ecoflow does, though, which is autostart an engine generator when the battery power station gets low. Ryobi could do this, they’ve got bluetooth remote-start generators and a bluetooth power station, but they don’t.
Imagine if you could just flick a switch like “Hey, I want to use this thing as a charger. Go ahead and start the engine, bring these packs to 100%, so I can pluck one off and carry it away to run my tool”, or flick it the other way and it says “These packs are sitting here for the purpose of making my jobsite/campsite/tailgate less loud. Use their power to run the inverter, starting the engine only when necessary.”
Does anyone else have real generators in their brand?
Philip John
The largest dewalt flex battery is 5 amp hour at 60v. So powershift is 60v and probably not too bad to have an adaptor when the 7 amp hour is dead. It combines the big hand tools to the equipment in the same field of work. Although I wouldn’t not bother with anything smaller than the flex volt 4/12 ah batteries.
Philip John
All 9 new power shift items are in the image… including the charger and also the adapter that’s a bit hard to make out how the flexvolt battery orientation is in the adapter.
Big Richard
Here is a bigger pic – https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9238151-dewalt-powershift-heavy-duty-tools/
Adam
I see the core drill has flexvolt emblazoned on the side; here’s me hoping that’s released as tool only.
Strange that dewalt is tackling the multi-kw tools/machines via two battery systems, Power Shift and Power Equip.
It’s their centenary year, so I am expecting a lot of releases
Jeff
I’m curious, does Dewalt’s R&D team just copy/paste, or do they actually do any R&D? There is the pouch batteries, but everyone has been working on those. Anything creative lately?
Derek
Working on higher voltage tools for the upcoming gas engine ban in a lot of states doesn’t count as R&D?
ToolGuyDan
Maybe I’m misreading it, but the way you described the adapter makes it sound like it enables the use of FlexVolt batteries in PowerShift tools, whereas the imagery (and common sense) would suggest vice versa. Am I missing something?
Stuart
That’s the exact working they used (in quotes) and I also feel like I’m missing something. I’m working to learn more and that’s on my list of questions.
Big Richard
The adapter is a housing that holds a FV battery, and then that adapter can be used on Powershift tools. Both are 60v, using FV batteries just lessens the runtime (and presumably slightly less power).
So think of a jobsite that already has a dozen or so FV batteries floating around. They can use these new Powershift tools with the batteries they already have, no need to buy into an entirely new system of batteries/chargers.
Saulac
A powered wheelbarrow would be pretty high on any concrete crew wish list.
Richard
Or a prosumer. I’ve been on the lookout for a battery powered cart or wheelbarrow to move things around my house. I already have multiple different battery families, at this point I’d just prefer to stick with one or two and build out
MM
I’d be interested in this as well, not for my job but for doing chores around my property. I’d love something like a Dingo or a subcompact tractor but those are well outside my budget. A powered cart or wheelbarrow would be a lot more economical and would be great for moving around things for gardening: plants, mulch, soil, fertilizer, OPE, materials for outdoor DIY projects, etc.
There’s also a lot of people who would love a powered 2-wheel dolly.
SAMO
Yup!
Brian
Makita has had a battery wheel barrow / cart for years.
NoDak Farming
Just coincidence but I very recently came across a company called Durofix that also sells concrete vibrators with large batteries. Theirs are 60 volt, and can be used doubled up on large impact wrenches. And used as single batteries on smaller tools like even a 1/4 drive impact driver. I thought it was kinda neat to see. I don’t know much about the company, but they apparently have their own factories where they can monitor the manufacturing process. Dewalts system will no doubt be better and have more options in tool choice. It’s just always nice to keep seeing competitive battery technology being pushed harder.
Eliot Truelove
Metabo and Makita have decent cordless concrete vibrators in both 18 and 36/40v
Jared
I’m a bit surprised by this development. I thought the “wings” on the biggest Flexvolt packs were a signal that Dewalt might keep pushing boundaries with the Flexvolt line rather than introducing a new one. I guess the battery was going to end up so large that it didn’t even make sense to pretend it was part of the Flexvolt line.
That makes a degree of sense since, if they labelled these monster-sized battery packs as Flexvolt, they might feel obliged to somehow make them fit into Flexvolt tools (so the packs couldn’t exceed the dimensions of the cage on the chainsaw, for example).
It’s not that I thought they would just keep shoehorning larger packs into Flexvolt tools, but that I thought larger machines might be powered by more Flexvolt packs – like they do with the lawnmower for example. Double, triple or quadruple – up the packs.
On the other hand, by making battery packs that don’t pretend to be suitable for hand tools, it might open up even more applications for cordless tech.
Stuart
When Milwaukee introduced MX Fuel, we talked about how the interface was designed for different types of equipment than their M18 batteries.
A 554Wh battery is equivalent to a little more than 3x 9Ah batteries. There’s a FlexVolt 15Ah battery, but can the same connection support a 28Ah battery?
Is the worker with a concrete compactor going to say “darn, I wish I were able to attach this battery to an impact driver?”
A few months ago a reader remarked that Milwaukee’s MX Fuel system failed because they can’t buy their tools at Home Depot. MX Fuel aren’t home center tools, and neither will these be.
From an engineering standpoint, going with a new line made sense.
I’m not sure how the FlexVolt adaptor is supposed to work, but it seems like a bonus.
Big Richard
“I’m not sure how the FlexVolt adaptor is supposed to work”
In this pic they are using the FV adapter with the backpack vibrator – https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9238151-dewalt-powershift-heavy-duty-tools/image/Gallery3_1705097573030-HR.jpg
You can see where the adapter latches/opens and you pop in a FV battery and you have juice.
Stuart
Thanks! Makes more sense now.
Another Bob
DeWalt is going to need a battery power trowel too. Battery jitter bug (screed) and vibe are nice but if you still have to burn gas for a power trowel what’s the point?
I see Milwaukee’s got one ($8k yikes).
Seems that potentially there’s some compatibility with 60V. That would be cool.
Another Bob
I forgot to mention is that 20V water pump for the drill new?
It’s not on the DeWalt website but that’s not saying much. Their website is terrible! I always have to go to Amazon or Acme tools if I want to see the specs on a new tool lol.
Big Richard
New, should be officially announced at WOC next week.
eddiesky
Love to rent the plate compactor. But you know that a gas model will be cheaper. Way cheaper. Maybe get one at an auction…
Would like this for a powerwasher, powered wheelbarrow, broom, …
MM
Speaking of power washers, I’m really looking forward to when the DCPW1000 hits the market. I plan on buying one as soon as I can.
Big Richard
I still haven’t seen any updates on it. Everything else they announced at Equip Expo is either already on shelves or at least available for pre-order. The new DCBL777 blower is a worthwhile upgrade if you have the DCBL772, and the new mowers are so much nicer than the previous gens. Granted my lawn is under ~20 inches of snow so I can’t fully test it out yet, but everything about it feels better. I’ve never been so excited for spring.
Big Richard
@MM, here is a little sneak peek at the DCPW1000 – https://www.reddit.com/r/Dewalt/comments/1am8x4j/first_look_at_the_1000psi_60v_power_cleaner/
MM
Thanks Big Richard, that looks fantastic. I’d have been happy if it was the same size as the 550, but if it ends up being slimmer that’s even better.
Big Richard
More pics of it, it really does look more compact -https://wiselinetools.ca/products/dewalt-dcpw1000x1-60v-1000-psi-powered-cleaner-kit
MM
@Big Richard
Nice, it seems like it should be hitting the market soon. Parts are showing up on Servicenet, and more and more sites are showing it, even the US Home Depot site has a page up for it.
Rx9
I just want to see someone use these things to build an electric motorcycle.
Jason
Greenworks and Ego have little dirt bikes
Philip John
I am thinking how power shift can make it to the regular home consumer as well as the pro. I LIKE WHAT EGO HAS DONE.
so maybe we will see a powershift 24 and 28 inch 2 stage snowblowers. A mini dirt bike. Power washer. Wheel barrow. 20 inch fan. LANDSCAPERS will have ascent power equipment line and maybe power shift will have ope for landscaper contractors also.
John D
Dewalt burned me pretty hard by dumping the entire 40v lineup after I invested heavily into line. I would be reluctant to jump on this bandwagon if they introduce prosumer/lawn tools for this battery system. The only way to get me into another Dewalt battery system would be to offer 50%+ discounts with 40V trade-ins.
Stephen Olson Jr.
No one in this comment section has really touched on the cost of these products. Let alone the battery cost themselves. It’s gonna be had pressed for anyone to jump on board if the cost to operate the AC counterpart is cheaper in the end.
I know some will say it’s convenient , I say it’s only convenient in the event there is no power source. However the cost of Generators has come down over the years and then it only comes down to cost efficiency. The batteries will still need to be charged and if I where to guess 1 battery will likely cost more than any generator that would power the equivalent AC tool.
To much money and to much hype in my opinion. Now if the could make it an affordable option then it would make sense. But just to have the latest and greatest is not all what it’s cracked up to be. Ask anyone who bought Dewalts 60v contractor table saw…..if they tell you it’s the best thing ever they are likely blowing smoke. Dewalt had to act fast to fix a known flaw and then pass that cost on to the consumer to fix that problem. Don’t believe me google it or look it up on YouTube.
Like I said I am not racing to be the first one to own one. Dewalt has made some very remarkable tools and some just were an out right flop.
Stuart
Products like this are aimed at commercial and business users who want or need a cordless and gas-alternative solution where cost is not the primary purchasing consideration.
How many people buying a plate compactor or core drill are spending their own personal money vs. a business’s?
Let’s say there’s renovation work being done in the basement of a public library. Where are you putting the gas generator? Where are you snaking the cables?
Big Richard
Milwaukee has some new MX Fuel stuff coming as well. Rammer, 2″ submersible pump, backpack vibrator, battery extension cable – https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Pipeline
Filter for MX Fuel and look at the bottom.
Big Richard
Or here, got some M18 stuff, too:
https://news.ohiopowertool.com/new-milwaukee-mx-fuel-m18-tools-at-world-of-concrete-2024/
Adam
Am I right in thinking that the core drill is flexvolt when tool only, though purchasing the stand allows for the powershift battery system to be added?.From the pictures, the slot on the underside of the drill is far too small for the powershift battery connection.
Big Richard
You are. The Drill is DCD150 and the stand is DCPS151. Any/all PowerShift tools start with the letters DCPS in their model number, to distinguish they are PowerShift tools. The drill will probably sold as a bare tool, kitted with a FV battery, or kitted with the PowerShift stand/battery.
Note: The 20v pole saw (DCPS620) also starts with DCPS but it’s not PowerShift. Be cool if it was though.
Adam
Thanks, waited for years for this tool. My Makita 8406 is 19 years old and I am getting old enough to be tired of lugging around 165ft ext reels.
Adam
Just seen a short clip of the core drill without stand and fitted with 5ah flex volt. Looks light and ergonomic. Have feeling it will not be in Milwaukee price bracket. Want, want, want
Unclepaddy
I guess it’s equivalent to 60V 10Ah battery pack, 60x cylindrical 21700 cells.
Stuart
Maybe the equivalent of 60x 18650 cells, as 21700 wouldn’t be needed for 2.5Ah capacity per cell.
Big Richard
It is actually pouch cells, so I am not sure how many are in there. I can ask, but they probably won’t disclose that. But the 554Wh is based on the nominal 54v, so it is about 10.25Ah.