Black + Decker Lawn Mower 2017

BLACK+DECKER CM2040 40V Lithium 3-in-1 Cordless Mower, 20"
Buying Guide

Black + Decker is a leader in the world of gas-free lawn mowers. With plenty of corded and cordless options to choose from, going green is easy.

Tips on choosing the best Black + Decker lawn mower for your needs

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best Black + Decker lawn mower for your needs. Consider the following:

  • Think about your lawn’s size. The cutting deck of the mower choose should be relative to the size of your lawn. For instance, a small deck is fine for a small lawn, but if you have a mid-size lawn, you want to size up to at least 16 inches, if not 20.
  • Consider corded vs. cordless. Corded may not be an option for you if you don’t have a nearby outlet, for instance.
  • Adjustable height settings allow for more versatility.
  • If you like to mulch, look for 3-in-1 options.
  • If you’re big on edging, or find it difficult, go for a model deigned to simplify the edging process.

Black + Decker lawn mower reviews

BLACK+DECKER CM2040 40V Lithium 3-in-1 Cordless Mower, 20″

BLACK+DECKER CM2040 40V Lithium 3-in-1 Cordless Mower, 20"

BLACK+DECKER CM2040

20-inch cutting path

The broad 20-inch cutting path is an excellent size for most standard residential lawns, being wide enough to save you, while at the same time, because maneuverable enough to navigate around common lawn obstacles like swing sets and flower beds.

6 adjustable height settings

The CM2040’s cutting deck features 6 adjustable height settings, which are easily adjusted in one-level increments, so getting the right cutting height is always easy. The cutting height range is 1.5 inches to 4 inches.

AutoSense Technology

Black + Decker’s AutoSense Technology represents a breakthrough in power allocation in the world of battery-powered lawn mowers. It automatically determines the thickness of your grass using intelligent sensors and adjusts the power level accordingly, which means if you have then, sparse grass, your mower will automatically conserve energy, meaning you still get a great lawn cut, but you also prolong your battery life in the process.

Cordless, battery-powered

The Black + Decker CM2040 is a cordless, battery-powered lawnmower. It’s powered by a MAX lithium-ion rechargeable battery. The CM2040 actually comes with two of these ultrapowerful batteries. If you have a large lawn, you can use the second battery to prolong your mower’s runtime to fit your needs. Alternatively, the extra battery can be charging while the other one is use. The spare battery stores conveniently in a compartment on your Black + Decker CM2040, and it’s compatible with other Black + Decker 40V MAX lawn and gardening tools.

15-gallon nylon bag

The grass bag holds 15 gallons of grass, upping your grass-cutting efficiency, since you won’t have to empty it out that often. The nylon construction means you can easily see when the bag is getting full.

The pros

What to like:

  • 20-inch wide cutting path
  • 6 adjustable cutting height settings, ranging 1.5 inches to 4 inches
  • Edge Max technology ensures perfect edging every time
  • 3-in-1 mower with mulching option
  • 15-gallon nylon grass bag
  • AutoSense Technology conserves energy by tailoring power to meet your needs
  • Cordless mower
  • Variable speed
  • 40V MAX lithium-ion rechargeable battery-powered
  • Comes with two 40V MAX li-ion batteries; the spare can prolong battery life or be used as a power source for other Black + Decker 40V MAX-compatible tools
  • Lightweight at 55lbs
  • 2-year limited warranty

The cons

What to consider:

  • While battery power is a great clean energy option for the average home owner, those who don’t have access to electricity to charge the battery are going to be left out, making it unsuitable for those living off-grid.
  • It’s not self-propelled, but this problem isn’t too big since the weight is so light for a mower of its size.

CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

BLACK+DECKER MTE912 6.5-Amp Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger and Mower, 12″

BLACK+DECKER MTE912

BLACK+DECKER MTE912

Ideal for small yards

The Black + Decker MTE912 Trimmer/Edger and Mower is an ideal and versatile option for homeowners with small yards, such as those who live in cities or in patio homes. The cutting path is 12 inches, so you still have a surprising amount of efficiency to work with, yet the footprint is small enough that maneuverability doesn’t become an issue in compact yards. It’s also a good choice for yards with inclines due to its flexibility and maneuverability.

Height adjustable

The MTE912 comes with two cutting deck height adjustment settings: 1.6 inches and 2.4 inches, so you have your options when it comes to cutting height. The lack of variety would be a setback in a larger mower, but due to the limited target audience of small yard owners, the two height settings will typically fit a small yard owner’s needs.

3-in-1 trimmer/edger/mower

Since homeowners with small yards don’t need to invest in a huge arsenal of lawncare equipment, it makes sense that the MTE912 would be a 3-in-1 solution for this homeowner niche. Not only does it mow your grass, but it’s a very competent trimmer and edger too, so you have all of the basic tools you need in one to keep your lawn looking great.

Gear-driven transmission

The MTE912’s gear-driven transmission is designed to give you a smooth, consistent rate of speed during your lawn mowing.

Adjustability for comfort

Despite its untraditional design, the Black + Decker MTE912 puts user comfort first. With its ergonomic adjustable height and handle positions, it makes it easy to find a setting that’s comfortable for you.

The pros

What to like:

  • Ideal lawn mower for small yards
  • 12-inch cutting deck path
  • 3-in-1 lawncare option: mower, edger, trimmer
  • Gear-driven transmission
  • Auto Feed System
  • Ergonomic design
  • Adjustable height
  • Adjustable handle
  • Guard and auxiliary handle included
  • Small footprint in garage or other storage space
  • 2-year limited warranty

The cons

What to consider:

  • This model doesn’t come with a power extension cord, so you’ll have to have a compatible one of your own if you need one.
  • The MTE912’s design and cutting path simply won’t be that practical in large yards, but, on balance, it’s not intended to be either.

CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

BLACK+DECKER EM1500 15-Inch Corded Mower with Edge Max, 10-Amp

BLACK+DECKER EM1500

BLACK+DECKER EM1500

15-inch cutting deck

The 15-inch cutting deck on the EM1500 strikes a nice balance between extreme maneuverability on smaller lots while still being wide enough for good efficiency while you mow.

6 adjustable deck height settings

There are 6 adjustable deck height settings on the Black + Decker EM1500, ranging from 1 to 3 inches. This allows you the versatility you need to give your grass the proper cut it deserves.

PowerDrive Transmission

The EM1500’s PowerDrive Transmission gives you the power and torque you need to cut through tricky grass types—even damp grass.

Edge Max

Black + Decker’s Edge Max is an invaluable tool for those who aren’t the best at edging, or who prize a perfectly-edged lawn. Edge Max ensures your edging is on point every single time.

Tangle-free cord

This corded mower comes with a tangle-free cord, so you never have to worry about it getting tied in knots. Additionally, the mower features a wraparound storage system mounted directly onto the lawn mower, making cord storage simple when the mower isn’t in use.

The pros

What to like:

  • 15-inch cutting deck
  • 6 adjustable deck height settings: 1 to 3 inches
  • Rust-free cutting deck
  • Low profile design
  • Collapsible handles for easy storage
  • PowerDrive Transmission powers through tough grass
  • Edge Max ensures perfect edging
  • Tangle-free cord
  • Wrap-around cord storage mounted on mower for easy storage
  • 10-amp motor
  • Large grass bag (either fabric or plastic)
  • Lightweight at 36lbs
  • 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty

The cons

What to consider:

  • The grass catcher that the mower comes with can be either fabric or plastic, depending on product availability, so there’s no guarantee which one you get. For those who don’t really care, obviously this isn’t going to be a big deal, but some people are extremely partial to fabric, so it’s worth mentioning, for those who take issue.
  • For those who need a heavy duty electric mower (for instance, if you have very thick, tough grass), this may not do the job, but it should still be okay for the typical lawn.

CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

BLACK+DECKER CM1640 16-Inch Cordless Mower, 40-volt

BLACK+DECKER CM1640

BLACK+DECKER CM1640

16-inch cutting deck

The Black + Decker CM1640’s 16-inch cutting deck is an ideal size for small to medium sized residential lots, providing you the maneuverability a smaller lawn requires, while still being large enough to keep cutting time down to a minimum. Additionally, the cutting deck never rusts, so you don’t have to worry about that if you live in a particularly humid area.

6 adjustable deck height settings

The CM1640’s 6 adjustable deck height settings allow you to easily customize your cutting deck height to fit your lawn’s needs. The height settings range from 1 to 3 inches for great cutting height versatility.

Battery powered

The CM1640 is a cordless, battery powered lawn mower. It uses a 40V MAX lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and it comes with two of these batteries, so you can easily double your cutting time. If you have a small lot and don’t need the extra battery for your lawn mowing, this battery is compatible with all other 40V Max lithium-ion battery-powered Black + Decker lawn and gardening equipment, so it’s really a useful feature to have.

Lightweight and easy to store

At 38lbs, the CM1640 provides lightweight maneuverability—a great option for those with bad backs who find heavier mowers unwieldy. The handle folds for compact storage solutions for when space in your garage is at a premium.

The pros

What to like:

  • 16-inch cutting deck
  • Cutting deck is rust-proof
  • 6-adjustable height settings
  • Height adjustment range: 1 to 3 inches
  • 40V MAX lithium-ion rechargeable battery-powered
  • Spare battery included for double the cutting time
  • Spare battery can be used with other compatible Black + Decker equipment
  • Folding handle for easy storage
  • Lightweight
  • 2-year limited warranty

The cons

What to consider:

  • While the mower powers on with the push of a button, you are required to have the key inserted at during power-on and while mowing. This is a great safety feature, but some find it annoying.

CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

BLACK+DECKER CM2060C 60V Max Power Swap Mower, 20″

BLACK+DECKER CM2060C

BLACK+DECKER CM2060C

20-inch cutting deck

The broad 20-inch power deck is great for mid to large size yards, providing a combination of efficiency and maneuverability.

6 adjustable deck height settings

The CM2060C’s 6 adjustable deck height settings range from 1.25 inches to 4 inches, allowing for extreme cutting versatility.

Battery-powered with Power Swap technology

The CM2060C is a cordless, battery powered lawn mower that uses a 60V MAX lithium-ion rechargeable battery as its power source. It comes with two batteries included. You can use the spare battery for extra mowing time, which is made easy with convenient Power Swap technology.

AutoSense technology

Black + Decker’s AutoSense technology is a smart feature that’s designed to conserve battery life. When you’re mowing, AutoSense’s sensor detects how dense your grass is and adjusts its power accordingly. This means, unless you have incredibly dense grass, your mower is going to be intelligently power saving, giving you more mowing time.

3-in-1 design

The 3-in-1 design on the CM2060C allows for mulching, bagging and side-discharge with intuitive ease.

The pros

What to like:

  • 20-inch cutting deck
  • 6 adjustable deck height settings
  • Cutting height range: 1.25 inches to 4 inches
  • 60V Max lithium-ion battery powered
  • 2 batteries included with purchase
  • Double cutting time with Power Swap technology
  • AutoSense technology conserves power
  • 3-in-1 mower for easy mulching, bagging and side-discharge
  • 3-year limited warranty

The cons

What to consider:

  • The battery life indicator could be improved, using three dots to indicate how much charge is left (three being full). It’d be nice if it was more specific, but this isn’t a huge deal.
  • Some don’t like the hassle of swapping out batteries during larger lawn mowing, but Power Swap does make it easier.

CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Conclusion

Black + Decker clearly has a lot of great electric and battery-powered motors, but ultimately the BLACK&DECKER CM1640 16-Inch Cordless Mower 40-volt stuck out as the true champion, because its battery life can handle the size lawn its designed for, and the overall performance is genuinely fantastic and just smoother than some of the other options out there.