Today we’re taking a hands-on look at the DR Power Pro XLT Tow-Behind Trimmer Mower. Before diving into the review, I want to explain where I’m coming from as a property owner.
I live on 20 acres in East Texas, and while I do not care about having perfectly manicured fence lines, I do want to keep them clear of overgrowth, debris, and thick vegetation. Keeping fence lines maintained allows wildlife to move more easily through the property and helps prevent unwanted brush from taking over.
This tow-behind trimmer mower is not designed for someone with a small suburban lot. However, if you have acreage, pasture land, or extensive fence lines to maintain, this review may be exactly what you’re looking for.
I have roughly half a mile of fence line that needs regular maintenance. Walking that entire distance with a traditional string trimmer takes time and effort. When my friend Corey offered to let me borrow his 14-year-old DR tow-behind trimmer, I saw the perfect opportunity to find out whether this machine could save both time and wear on my body.
First Impressions
I’ve reviewed everything from firearms and suppressors to luxury airline seats around the world. While those products are certainly fun, equipment that saves your back and gives you more free time on the weekends can be worth even more.
DR Power Equipment has built a reputation for producing durable, no-nonsense machines. They offer push trimmers, tow-behind trimmers, three-point hitch trimmers, snow blowers, trailers, and a wide variety of property maintenance equipment.
The company markets this unit primarily for use behind an ATV, but I found a different approach that worked better for me. I hooked it behind my riding mower.
My thought process was simple. If I’m already mowing, why not trim at the same time?
Instead of making multiple trips around the property with different equipment, I could mow and trim simultaneously. That meant less time working and more time available for other projects around the ranch.
Bringing an Old Machine Back to Life
Corey mentioned he had an older DR tow-behind trimmer sitting in his shop. Since I had a lot of fence line to maintain, we decided to see if we could get it running again.
The machine had been sitting for years. The carburetor was essentially ruined, belts needed replacement, and several components required attention.
We rebuilt what needed rebuilding, replaced worn parts, and eventually got it running well enough for testing. After the first trial run, it was obvious the carburetor still wasn’t functioning correctly, so we replaced it entirely.
Once that was done, I brought the trimmer back home and put it to work.
The results surprised me.
Performance in the Field
After hooking the DR Pro XLT to my mower, I headed to the fence line and began making passes.
What stood out immediately was how much work I was no longer doing. There was no heavy string trimmer hanging from my shoulder, no constant maneuvering around fence posts, and no sweat-soaked shirt after just a few minutes of work.
Rather than fighting the terrain on foot, I simply drove at a steady pace and kept the trimmer positioned at the correct distance from the fence.
One section of the property had moderate briar growth. It was not overly dense, but it was thick enough that trimming it by hand would have left my arms covered in scratches. The DR handled the vegetation without hesitation.
Even more impressive was the time savings. A job that typically requires around three hours with a handheld trimmer was finished in less than an hour.
That result immediately caught my attention.
How the Offset Trimming System Works
One of the smartest features of the DR trimmer is the protective guide hoop.
Rather than smashing the trimmer line directly into every fence post, the guide hoop contacts obstacles first and swings the cutting head away from them.
This allows you to trim very close to:
- Fence posts
- T-posts
- Trees
- Other fixed obstacles
The system works remarkably well when operated at appropriate speeds.
I found that about three miles per hour, or a fast walking pace, was ideal. Any faster and you risk hitting posts too aggressively, potentially damaging the machine or reducing trimming effectiveness.
If you have flowers, decorative plants, or vines growing near the fence, you’ll need to pay attention because this machine will absolutely cut them down if you drive too close.
Pros
Massive Time Savings
The biggest advantage is simple.
It saves time.
Maintaining a half mile or more of fence line with a handheld trimmer is physically demanding and time-consuming. The DR dramatically reduces labor while increasing productivity.
Easier on Your Body
Anyone who has carried a string trimmer for several hours understands the strain it places on your shoulders, arms, and back.
This machine eliminates most of that physical effort.
Instead of carrying the equipment, you’re sitting comfortably on your mower, ATV, or UTV.
Built for Large Properties
This machine is not designed for perfectly manicured suburban lawns.
It is designed for:
- Ranches
- Farms
- Acreage properties
- Long fence lines
- Pasture maintenance
For those applications, it shines.
Durable Construction
Despite being approximately 14 years old, this particular unit remains highly functional.
The frame is rugged, the design is straightforward, and replacement parts are readily available.
That says a lot about the longevity of the platform.
Thick Trimmer Line
The trimmer line is significantly larger than what most handheld string trimmers use.
The approximately 22-inch cutting width allows you to cover a lot of ground quickly while still maintaining enough power to tackle tougher vegetation.
Versatile Tow Vehicle Options
The DR can be pulled by:
- Riding lawn mowers
- Zero-turn mowers
- ATVs
- UTVs
- Small tractors
As long as the towing vehicle has a relatively narrow wheelbase, it works very well.
Handles Tough Grass Well
My property contains plenty of Bahia grass along with briars and other stubborn vegetation.
While Bahia grass can be hard on mower blades, the DR handled it surprisingly well and kept the fence lines looking clean.
Trimmer Line Tips
One recommendation I have applies to all string trimmers, not just this one.
Before using new trimmer line, soak it in water for at least 24 hours.
Trimmer line absorbs moisture, which helps reduce brittleness and breakage. Periodically rehydrating stored line can extend its lifespan and improve durability.
Cons
It Uses a Lot of Trimmer Line
While the heavy-duty line is durable, the machine does consume more line than I expected.
When working around fences, rocks, and rough terrain, the ends wear down quickly.
The good news is that replacement is incredibly easy.
Swapping line takes roughly a minute or two.
Heavy Weight
The machine is fairly heavy.
I use a tractor to move it in and out of storage.
While that weight helps stability during operation, it also means you need to think ahead when turning or maneuvering.
The trimmer tracks very well behind the mower, but it does not change direction instantly.
Not Ideal for Wet Conditions
Because of its weight, muddy areas can become problematic.
If conditions are wet, the trimmer can bog down and potentially get stuck.
For best results, wait until the ground is reasonably dry.
Expensive Initial Investment
The current price is around $1,500, which is not a small purchase.
For someone with minimal trimming needs, that cost may be difficult to justify.
For property owners maintaining miles of fence line over many years, however, the investment becomes much easier to defend.
Fuel Consumption
One surprise was fuel usage.
The tank appears to hold roughly a quart of fuel, and I was unable to complete my entire fence line on a single tank.
Considering my half-mile fence line requires trimming on both sides, totaling approximately one mile of trimming, I found myself needing to refuel during the job.
If you own extensive property, plan on bringing extra fuel with you.
Personally, I would add a small milk crate or storage basket to carry a two-gallon gas can directly on the machine.
Not a Brush Hog
This is important.
The DR Pro XLT is a trimmer mower, not a brush hog.
If your fence line has:
- Large saplings
- Thick brush
- Heavy woody growth
- Years of neglected overgrowth
You should clear that material first.
This machine excels at maintaining fence lines after they’ve been brought under control, but it is not designed to replace heavy-duty brush-clearing equipment.
Maintenance Requirements
Like any small engine, routine maintenance matters.
Be prepared to:
- Change the oil regularly
- Clean or replace air filters
- Inspect belts
- Monitor trimmer line wear
- Use fresh fuel
- Maintain the carburetor
Property equipment always comes with ongoing operating costs. Fuel, oil, filters, additives, and replacement line are simply part of ownership.
Who Should Buy One?
This machine makes sense for:
- Ranch owners
- Farmers
- Acreage property owners
- Land managers
- Anyone maintaining extensive fence lines
If you live on a small residential lot and can finish mowing in fifteen minutes, this probably isn’t a worthwhile investment.
However, if you spend hours every month trimming long stretches of fence, this machine can quickly become one of your favorite tools.
I also want to give credit to professional landscaping crews who do this work every day with handheld equipment. Walking miles behind a string trimmer is hard work, and they absolutely earn my respect.
Final Thoughts
Before using the DR Pro XLT, I honestly wasn’t convinced.
I assumed it would be another piece of equipment that sat unused in the corner of the property.
After spending time with it, my opinion changed dramatically.
Is it perfect?
No.
It uses fuel, consumes trimmer line, requires maintenance, and carries a significant price tag.
But it also saved me hours of labor, reduced physical strain, and allowed me to maintain my fence lines far more efficiently than a handheld trimmer ever could.
If your property demands regular fence line maintenance and you value efficiency over perfection, the DR Power Pro XLT Tow-Behind Trimmer Mower is a strong recommendation.
Just keep extra fuel and trimmer line on hand, respect the machine’s limitations, and enjoy spending less time weed eating and more time enjoying your property.
For me, this machine went from something I was skeptical about to something I could easily see myself using all summer long.