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Black &Decker CMM1000 19-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Review

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:28:21 +0000

by Doug Smith

This is a review of the Black and Decker (B&D) CMM1000 5 HP cordless electric lawn mower with a 19-inch cutting path, and a mulching feature and came with a rear-mounted grass catcher. The author has used this model for years and offers the following observations and advice to those considering the purchase of a cordless electric lawn mower.

Convenience
This cordless lawn mower is extremely convenient. There is no need to purchase any gasoline or oil for the life of the mower. Because gasoline prices are currently so high, this is an extremely cost-effective mower. The B&D CMM1000 mower initially costs more than its gasoline-powered counterpart. However, the elimination of gas and oil purchases, oil changes, air filter changes, and all the maintenance normally associated with small gasoline engines offsets the initial price.

Almost no maintenance is required, except for an occasional blade sharpening and removal of accumulated grass from beneath the cutting deck and discharge chute.

Electric lawn mowers are much quieter than their gasoline-powered counterparts. The noise level drops even more during the cutting session as the battery gradually uses its charge.

Say good-bye to back-breaking pull starting. Electric lawn mowers start via a simple switch or lever.
Finally, the one-hand external cutting height adjustment lever requires no tools and only minimal hand strength. The height adjustment has a simple gauge showing the best height for mulching.

Safety
The mower comes with a safety key that must be inserted before the cordless electric lawn mower will start. This key cannot be inserted until the recharging cord is detached from the back of the electric lawn mower. The mower is started by pulling the safety release lever up to the padded handle, and operating the convenient start lever. The safety release must be held to the handle during mower operation. If the operator releases his or her grip for any reason, the cordless electric lawn mower promptly stops.

The cordless electric lawn mower must never be operated in wet grass because it is an electrical appliance. If there are several days of rain in a row, the owner must wait until the yard has dried sufficiently before using the electric mower. This drying often takes at least another full day after the end of the rain.

Battery Life and Charging
The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower houses a sealed 24-volt battery inside the entirely plastic casing. No extension cord is required to operate this mower.

Anyone who has carried a car or boat battery might assume that this unit would be difficult to push because of the large battery. On the contrary, the battery is well-balanced between the two back wheels and the mower is easy to maneuver.
The battery trickle-charges via the external power supply and uses standard 110 Volt household outlets. The recharging plug can be difficult to plug into the mower in dim light or for those with limited manual dexterity. A red/green LED on the mower indicates that the mower is charging (red) or fully charged (green).

The instructions for this cordless electric lawn mower indicate that the battery reaches about 70% of its full charge in 4 hours of charging. Experience has shown that it is better to allow the mower to fully charge overnight before using it again.

Engine Horsepower
The B&D CMM1000 cordless electric lawn mower has a 5 HP battery. This is 5 HP gas equivalent at peak torque. A gasoline lawn mower will operate at full horsepower until the last drop of gasoline is used. The electric lawn mower will operate at or near full horsepower for most of the cutting time, and then gradually loses horsepower until a recharge is required.

This mower is rated for a yard of approximately 1/3 acre. Experience has shown that the mower is much better suited for 0.25 acre or less, if the owner desires to cut the entire yard in a single session. Otherwise, the mower must recharge overnight, and the remainder of the lawn must be cut another day.

Battery Operating Time
This cordless electric lawn mower can operate for 40-45 minutes on a full charge at ideal grass conditions. Ideal grass conditions include dry grass only requiring 1-2 inches to be cut. High grass, damp grass, dried grass clumps from previous mowings, and thick grass will all decrease the cutting time, because these conditions require more power and drain the battery faster. Cutting the grass very low, a dull blade, and using the mulching feature will also decrease the cutting time.

Those wishing to purchase this cordless electric lawn mower should invest in the inexpensive external grass discharge chute. This chute is not included with the mower. The mulching feature cuts the grass clippings repeatedly, and drains the battery faster. With the external discharge chute, cut grass exits the mower quickly.

Disadvantages
As stated previously, this cordless electric lawn mower operates at the rated horsepower for most, but not all, of the cutting session. Factors such as thicker or higher grass can decrease the amount of cutting time available. The unit cannot be used while the grass is wet. The rating that the cordless lawn mower can cut 1/3 acre on a single charge is optimistic. This mower does best cutting 0.20-0.25 acres on a single charge.

Recommendations
The B&D CMM1000 5 HP 19-inch cordless electric lawn mower (or comparable model) is ideal for homeowners with yards of about 0.25 acres or less, who dislike dealing with gas and oil, and prefer a quieter lawn cutting experience. The mower is easy to operate and recharge, although a few owners might have difficulty plugging the recharging cord into the mower. Note that the model reviewed was purchased several years ago, and this issue may have been resolved.

If you have a small lot, are tired of keeping flammable gasoline in the garage, and hate pull-starting a lawn mower (or are unable to), a cordless electric lawn mower is the perfect lawn mower for you.

Black & Decker CMM1200 19-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower

List Price: ~~$766.79~~
Sale Price: $399.99
You save: $366.80 (48%)

See Reviews For This Product

Description

Clean and convenient, the Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower from Black & Decker runs on a dependable 24-volt battery and can mow a 1/3-acre home lot on a single charge. It allows you to eliminate tricky pull starts and tangled extension cords from your lawn care regimen and, as a zero-emissions tool, it's not just easier to use than traditional gas mowers. .caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif;font-size: 10px;font-weight: bold;font-style: italic;}ul.indent {list-style: inside disc;text-indent: 20px;}table.callout {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, serif;margin: 10px;width: 250;}td.callout3-c26 {height: 100 percent;background: url('images/c26-callout3.png') repeat-y;border-left: 0px solid #999999;border-right: 1px solid #999999;padding: 10px;width: 250px;}ul.callout {list-style: inside disc;text-indent: -12px;font-size: 12px;line-height: 1.5em;}h5.callout {text-align: center;}img.withlink {border:1px black solid;}a.nodecoration {text-decoration: none} A removable safety key prevents accidental startups. The height of all four wheels adjusts with the pull of one lever. The folding handle makes for easy storage. Depending on conditions, this mower can handle up to 12,000 sq.ft. on a single charge. View larger. Versatile configurations let you choose where grass clippings end up. Easy to Use and Easy on the EnvironmentThis cordless electric mower is designed to simplify lawn care. Just insert the key, pull the lever, and go. No pull cords or time-consuming maintenance and tune-ups required. No gas and oil to buy, mix, store, or spill. No need to worry about the length of an extension cord. No dirty fumes polluting your yard. Versatile and Dependable Cordless Cutting PowerWith this electric mower, a 1200-watt output permanent magnet electric motor delivers quick, effective performance. A single battery charge provides plenty of run time to mow a typical home site of 1/3 acre, which translates to a grass area of 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. The mower's deck offers a cutting width of 19 inches. This durable polymer deck is easy to clean, won't ever rust, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. The mower also offers you the choice of using the mulching plate to lay cuttings back on your lawn as free, chemical-free fertilizer, or of using a rear bag with a large 1.5-bu capacity to collect clippings. You can select a mowing height from 1.5 to 3.5 inches to account for a variety conditions. One-touch height adjustment lets you adjust all four wheels with the pull of a single lever. And when it's time to put the mower away, the handle folds to create a more compact footprint, allowing for storage in tight spaces. Energy Star Approval and Support for Battery RecyclingThe Black & Decker 24-volt battery-powered mower is the first in its class to offer a charger that qualifies for the Energy Star approval mark. This charger meets the strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. A battery will charge to 70-percent in just three or four hours, or to 100-percent overnight. In addition to benefiting the environment, this efficiency helps you save money on utilities. Black & Decker also supports the activities of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBCB), a not-for-profit company established for the purpose of collecting and recycling rechargeable batteries within the U.S. and Canada so that they don't end up in landfills. Companies involved in this recycling effort pay for the cost of collection and recycling so that the environmental benefits come at no cost to you, the consumer. This electric mower weighs just 76 pounds, and it is backed by a full two-year warranty. What's in the BoxMower, rear bag, mulching plate, and safety key.

Features

Powerful 24-volt, 1,200-watt permanent magnet electric motor; mows 1/3-acre on a single charge
Cutting height adjusts with the touch of a button; starts by simply pulling a lever
Mower stores upright for compact storage
2-year limited warranty; limited lifetime warranty on cutting deck
Included with mower: bag and mulching plate

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Best Cordless lawn mower: Black & Decker CMM1200

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:01:27 +0000

Best Cordless Lawn Mower
Black & Decker CMM1200
Est. $400

According to reviews, the cordless Black & Decker CMM1200 actually does a better job than most corded electric mowers, mulching more effectively and cutting more evenly (bagging isn't its strong suit, though a bag is… included). It can mow about 1/4 acre per battery charge. The CMM1200 has a folding handle, one-lever height adjustment and a polymer deck with lifetime warranty. The downside is that it costs more than a corded electric mower, and you'll need to buy a new battery in a couple of years.

Although it's cordless, reviewers say the 19-inch Black & Decker CMM1200 does a better job than most corded electric mowers and many gas mowers as well. Objective tests find that it mulches more effectively and cuts more evenly. It's now the only lawn mower that earns an Energy Star rating. Reviews say it is relatively easy to convert into a solar lawn mower, making it even more eco friendly. You can mow about one-fourth to one-third of an acre per battery charge (less if you have to contend with tall or wet grass), so it's not appropriate for large lawns. For a bigger yard, you'll need to buy a mower that lets you insert a freshly charged battery -- such as the Neuton CE 6 (*est. $490) -- or go with a gas-powered mower such as the self-propelled Lawn-Boy 10795 Insight Platinum (*est. $550).

We found the most objective tests of the Black & Decker CMM1200 cordless lawn mower at Consumer Reports, where it is compared with four other cordless mowers plus 45 gas models. A 2009 review in Mother Earth News is less objective but provides more detail, comparing it with three other cordless lawn mowers. Wired magazine also tests the Black & Decker CM1200, comparing it with three corded mowers and one other cordless mower. The single-product review at ConsumerGuide.com includes ratings and details, and the more critical review at the Curious Cat Blog compares the CMM1200 with an earlier model. User-written reviews round out the picture.

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How to get your lawn ready for winter

admin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:42:48 +0000

Winter Lawn Care Tips
If you want to make sure that your lawn is healthy and hearty in the spring them, then you need to follow some basic winter lawn care tips not only in the winter time but also in the fall to keep it healthy all year long. Although most lawns seem to be dormant during the late fall and winter season, how you care for your law during this period can make a really big difference when it comes to your lawn's overall health and beauty during the spring and summer months. Below is a look at some of the ideas that will allow you to keep your lawn healthy all year long by properly maintaining it throughout the fall and winter.

If you live in an area where regular snowfall is normal, then you are going to want to make sure that your winter law care strategy involves keeping your grass free of clutter and debris before the first snow should fall. Proper lawn maintenance in preparation for the first winter snow involves removing sticks, raking away the leaves and disposing of any other debris that should not be on your yard, before they end up buried beneath the snow.

Even if you are not exactly expending a great deal of snowfall, it is still vital that you make sure that your grass is free to breathe rather than left buried beneath piles of leaves, sticks and other rubbish. This rubbish can interfere with the grass needing to receive proper air, proper nutrients and proper moisture which is why it is so important that you clean up your yard before the first snowfall. Your grass may not be growing during this period of time, but if left buried for too long, it can still end up dying during the winter season.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the summer is the most important season when it comes to controlling and preventing the growth of weeds. The opposite, however, is actually true because weed control is most important during the winter season. Weeds actually grow much more quickly during the winter than your grass can. If the weeds are allowed to grow without any control, your lawn may be dead by the time the spring runs around.

Because your lawn will be growing so slowly during the fall and winter season, it is rather simple to find the weeds that are growing during this time. All you have to do is make sure that you pay attention to your grass during these months, pulling weeds or applying weed killer as needed so that the weeds do not overrun the lawn, ruining your landscaping during the colder season.

If you plan on planting winter grass varieties like rye grass, then these will have the best chance of thriving when planted in October, which is the best time for them to take root. Make sure that your newly planted grass seeds get plenty of water even when the weather is chilly outside.

Black & Decker 24-Volt Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 04:54:43 +0000

The Black & Decker CMM1200 Cordless Mower provides the freedom of a gas mower with the convenience of an electric mower. It is simple to start and requires no gas, oil or tune-ups. It is ideal for lawn areas typical of up to a 1/3 acre home site. Clean and convenient, the Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower from Black & Decker runs on a dependable 24-volt battery and can mow a 1/3-acre home lot on a single charge. It allows you to eliminate tricky pull starts and tangled extension cords from your lawn care regimen and, as a zero-emissions tool, it's not just easier to use than traditional gas mowers, it's an environmentally friendly choice.

Easy to Use and Easy on the Environment
The CMM1200 is designed to simplify lawn care. Just insert the key, pull the level and go. No cords to pull, no gas or oil to buy, mix, store or spill. No extension cords to worry about and no dirty fumes polluting the environment.

With this electric mower, a 1200-watt output permanent magnet electric motor delivers quick, effective performance. A single battery charge provides plenty of run time to mow a typical home site of 1/3 acre, which translates to a grass area of 10,000 to 12,000 square feet.

The mower's deck offers a cutting width of 19 inches. This durable polymer deck is easy to clean, won't ever rust, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. The mower also offers you the choice of using the mulching plate to lay cuttings back on your lawn as free, chemical-free fertilizer, or of using a rear bag with a large 1.5-bu capacity to collect clippings.
You can select a mowing height from 1.5 to 3.5 inches to account for a variety conditions. One-touch height adjustment lets you adjust all four wheels with the pull of a single lever. And when it's time to put the mower away, the handle folds to create a more compact footprint, allowing for storage in tight spaces.

The Black & Decker 24-volt battery-powered mower is the first in its class to offer a charger that qualifies for the Energy Star approval mark. This charger meets the strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. A battery will charge to 70-percent in just three or four hours, or to 100-percent overnight. In addition to benefiting the environment, this efficiency helps you save money on utilities.

Black & Decker also supports the activities of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBCB), a not-for-profit company established for the purpose of collecting and recycling rechargeable batteries within the U.S. and Canada so that they don't end up in landfills. Companies involved in this recycling effort pay for the cost of collection and recycling so that the environmental benefits come at no cost to you, the consumer.
This electric mower weighs just 76 pounds, and it is backed by a full two-year warranty.

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Lawn Mower Reviews

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:32:19 +0000

The reviews below are a synthesis of reviews conducted by ConsumerSearch.com, an independent research firm. They compile the results from multiple sources such as Consumer Reports, Consumer Digest, Amazon, Smart Money and others and synthesize the results to draw their conclusions.

Best Gas Push Mower

Craftsman 38905

*Est. $225

If you can get by with a push mower (instead of self-propelled), the Craftsman 38905 is a good blend of performance and value. This model can mulch, side discharge or bag clippings (bag included), but in comparison … reviews, it mulches and bags better than it side-discharges. This Craftsman mower gets especially good reviews for its recoil start, which owners say almost always fires up on the first pull. The 38905 has a more powerful Briggs & Stratton engine than the cheapest Craftsman mowers, so owners give the engine better reviews. The easy-to-change bag is another plus. The Craftsman mower comes with a two-year warranty. One drawback is that changing the cutting height requires adjusting all four wheels.

Budget Self-propelled Lawn Mower

Toro Recycler 20333

*Est. $400

In comparison reviews, experts say that the Toro Recycler 20333 does pretty much everything well, from mulching to bagging and side-discharging clippings. You can even do a little of both, switching back and forth from… bagging to mulching with the flip of a switch. A blade brake means you can pause mowing briefly without cutting the engine. Owners say the recoil start generally starts on the first pull (Toro even guarantees this for three years). Most owners like the Personal Pace drive system, which powers the back wheels to match your walking pace, but many say that this takes some getting used to. The Briggs & Stratton 190cc engine is the same engine used in the Craftsman 38905 above.

Best Luxury Lawn Mower

Honda HRX217K2HMA

*Est. $900

It's expensive, but reviews praise this top-ranked Honda self-propelled gas mower for both mulching and bagging grass clippings. Instead of choosing one or the other mode, you can set the mower to bag a certain percentage… of clippings. This electric-start lawn mower meets even California's strict standards for emissions, and it's available in the other 49 states as well. The mower carries a three-year warranty and has a rustproof deck, but it's expensive -- and hard to find, except from specialty dealers. The less expensive Honda HRX2172HXA (*est. $800) just lacks the electric start.

Electric Lawn Mower

Black & Decker MM875

*Est. $250

Although you have to deal with a power cord, electric mowers are quiet and almost maintenance-free -- they're an option for those with small, relatively flat lawns. Reviewers like the rotary blades on Black & Decker… electric mowers, plus conveniences like one-lever height adjustment. The handle on the Black & Decker MM875 folds down for storage and the polymer deck has a lifetime warranty. As with all corded electric mowers, the maximum cord length is 100 feet, so it's best for small lawns. We did find a few recent owner-reviews warning of durability issues, but in performance tests, the Black & Decker electric mower mulches, side discharges and bags very well (a bag is included).

Cordless Lawn Mower

Black & Decker CMM1200

*Est. $400

According to reviews, the cordless Black & Decker CMM1200 actually does a better job than most corded electric mowers, mulching more effectively and cutting more evenly (bagging isn't its strong suit, though a bag is… included). It can mow about 1/4 acre per battery charge. The CMM1200 has a folding handle, one-lever height adjustment and a polymer deck with lifetime warranty. The downside is that it costs more than a corded electric mower, and you'll need to buy a new battery in a couple of years.

Lawn Mowers Runners Up:

Neuton CE 5.2 *Est. $390

4 picks by top review sites.

Brill Razorcut 38 *Est. $250

3 picks by top review sites.

Lawn-Boy 10795 Insight Platinum *Est. $550

3 picks including: Abby'sGuide.com, Amazon.com…

Neuton CE 6.2 *Est. $490

3 picks by top review sites.

Black & Decker MM275 *Est. $180

2 picks by top review sites.

Lawn-Boy 10683 *Est. $400