DeWalt XR DCMWSP156W2 Lawn Mower Manual

The DeWalt XR DCMWSP156W2 is a 20-inch cordless electric walk-behind lawn mower powered by two 20V MAX* or 60V MAX FLEXVOLT® batteries (sold separately). It features a brushless motor for increased runtime and durability, a 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side-discharge system, a single-lever height adjustment (1.5" to 4"), a folding handle for easy storage, and a push-button start. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly & Setup 3. Safety Instructions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. 3-in-1 Function Setup 8. Battery Installation & Charging 9. Maintenance & Storage 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Deck with brushless motor, folding handle assembly, rear grass bag, battery ports, height adjustment lever, safety key, and mulch plug.

FeatureDescription
Power SourceDual-port for two 20V MAX* or 60V MAX FLEXVOLT® batteries (not included)
Brushless MotorIncreased efficiency, runtime, and motor life
Cutting Width20-inch steel deck
3-in-1 FunctionMulch, Bag, or Side-Discharge clippings
Height AdjustmentSingle lever, 6 positions (1.5" to 4")
Start SystemPush-button electric start (no pull cord)
HandleFolds for compact storage
Safety KeyRemovable key to prevent accidental start
Wheels8-inch rear, 7-inch front
WeightApprox. 56 lbs (without battery)

Assembly & Setup

Unpack all parts from the box. Assembly requires a Phillips screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.

  1. Attach the Lower Handle: Align the lower handle brackets with the deck mounts. Secure with provided bolts and wing nuts.
  2. Attach the Upper Handle: Slide the upper handle into the lower handle tubes. Align holes and insert the quick-pin on each side.
  3. Install the Grass Bag: Hook the bag frame onto the rear deck brackets. Ensure it clicks securely into place.
  4. Install the Battery(ies): Insert charged batteries into the ports on the top of the deck. Ensure they click and are locked.
  5. Attach the Mulch Plug (if mulching): Insert the mulch plug into the rear discharge chute.

WARNING! Do not install batteries until assembly is complete. Ensure all fasteners are tight.

Safety Instructions

Read all instructions before operation. Failure to follow warnings can result in serious injury.

  1. Personal Safety: Wear substantial shoes, long pants, and safety glasses. Do not mow in bare feet or sandals.
  2. Pre-Operation Check: Clear mowing area of stones, sticks, wire, and other objects. Check that all guards and the grass bag are correctly fitted.
  3. Operation: Always push the mower forward. Never pull it backward or mow in reverse. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts.
  4. Battery Safety: Use only DeWalt 20V MAX or 60V MAX batteries. Do not immerse in water or expose to fire.
  5. Children & Pets: Keep bystanders, children, and pets at least 50 feet away while mowing.

CAUTION! Remove the safety key whenever the mower is unattended, being transported, or when clearing a blockage.

Specifications

Controls and Operation

Handle Controls: Safety Key, Start/Stop Button, Bail Lever (Operator Presence Control).

Starting the Mower:

  1. Insert the Safety Key into the slot on the handle.
  2. Grasp the bail lever and hold it against the upper handle.
  3. While holding the bail lever, press and hold the Start Button. The blade will begin to rotate.
  4. Release the Start Button but continue holding the bail lever to mow.

Stopping the Mower: Release the bail lever. The blade will stop within 3 seconds. Remove the Safety Key for complete safety.

WARNING! The blade coasts after release. Wait for all moving parts to stop before crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads, or when leaving the mower unattended.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels simultaneously using the single lever located near each wheel.

  1. Pull the height adjustment lever outward to disengage it from the notch.
  2. Move the lever to the desired height setting notch (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 inches).
  3. Release the lever to lock it into the notch.
  4. Check that all wheels are set to the same height.

Tip: For the first mow of the season or very tall grass, set to the highest setting, then mow again at a lower setting.

3-in-1 Function Setup

The mower can mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings.

CAUTION! Always stop the mower and remove the safety key before changing the cutting mode.

Battery Installation & Charging

Use only DeWalt 20V MAX* or 60V MAX FLEXVOLT® batteries and chargers.

  1. Installation: Slide the battery into the port on the deck until it clicks. To remove, press the battery release buttons and pull out.
  2. Charging: Remove batteries from the mower. Insert into a compatible DeWalt charger. The charger LED will indicate status (flashing red = charging, solid green = complete).
  3. Runtime: Using two 5.0Ah batteries provides up to 60 minutes of runtime under normal conditions. Wet or very thick grass will reduce runtime.

Storage: Store batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects. For long-term storage, charge batteries to 50-75% capacity.

Maintenance & Storage

Always remove the safety key and batteries before performing any maintenance.

CAUTION! Never use water or a hose to clean the mower. Do not store with batteries installed.

Warranty Information

DeWalt warrants this product against defects in material or workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the date of purchase for the mower and six (6) months for the grass bag. This warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, abuse, or commercial use. Proof of purchase is required. For warranty service, contact DeWalt Customer Service at 1-800-433-9258 or visit www.dewalt.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Mower will not startSafety key not inserted, dead batteries, bail lever not engagedInsert safety key, charge/replace batteries, fully engage bail lever against handle.
Reduced runtime or powerDull blade, wet/tall grass, old/low-capacity batteriesSharpen/replace blade, mow when grass is dry, use fully charged, high-capacity batteries.
Uneven cutWheels set at different heights, dull/bent blade, low deck speedSet all wheels to same height, inspect/sharp/replace blade, mow at slower pace.
Mower leaves grass streaksDeck clogged, wet grass, walking too fastClean underside of deck, mow when grass is dry, reduce mowing speed.
Grass bag not fillingBag is full, discharge chute clogged, mulch plug installedEmpty bag, clear chute, remove mulch plug for bagging mode.
Excessive vibration or noiseDamaged blade, foreign object in deck, loose partsSTOP IMMEDIATELY. Remove key & battery. Inspect blade and deck for damage/obstructions. Tighten all fasteners.

Customer Service: 1-800-433-9258 (USA) | www.dewalt.com

DeWalt XR DCMWSP156W2 Lawn Mower Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025