Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Push Mower

Navigating the world of lawn care tools can be overwhelming, especially with the growing popularity of battery-operated models. As a long-time user of various lawnmowers, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Push Mower, model number CMCMWSP220P2. Here's my comprehensive take on this tool, based on my experience.

First Impressions and Assembly

Upon unboxing the Craftsman mower, I was immediately pleased with the minimal assembly required. The handles needed to be locked into place, but other than that, it was ready to go. The mower comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger, which is convenient, though I wish there had been more clarity on the initial charging time. The batteries took about three hours to reach full charge, which is within the expected range for similar models.

Design and Build Quality

The mower features a brushless motor, which is known for its efficiency and longevity. The overall design is sleek and modern, with a low-profile that promises maneuverability in tight spots. Craftsman claims that the mower takes up 68% less space when stored vertically, a feature I found particularly useful for my crowded garage. However, the build quality left something to be desired. The plastic components felt a bit flimsy, and I had concerns about their durability over time.

Performance and Ease of Use

Starting the mower was straightforward: insert the batteries, push the start button, and pull the lever. The self-propelled feature is a game-changer, especially for someone like me with a yard that includes both flat and inclined areas. The speed can be adjusted, allowing for a comfortable mowing pace. However, I did notice that releasing the self-propelled bar often caused the engine to shut off, which was frustrating and required multiple restarts.

The mower's cutting ability is commendable. It handled my St. Augustine grass well, even when it was a bit overgrown. The single-point height adjustment is a convenient feature, allowing me to quickly change the cutting height to suit different areas of my yard. However, the mower struggled with taller and thicker grass, often stalling and requiring multiple passes to achieve a clean cut.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a critical factor for any cordless tool, and here the Craftsman mower presents a mixed bag. On a full charge, I was able to get around 50 minutes of runtime, which was sufficient for my medium-sized yard. However, the self-propelled feature does drain the battery faster, and if you have a larger yard, you might find yourself needing to recharge midway through your mowing session. The batteries took about 4-8 hours to fully recharge, longer than the advertised 2 hours, which could be problematic if you need to mow your lawn in one go.

Maneuverability and Storage

One of the standout features of this mower is its maneuverability. The low-profile design allowed me to easily navigate around obstacles and under low-hanging shrubs. The lightweight nature of the mower made it easy to push, even without engaging the self-propelled feature. When it came time to store the mower, the vertical storage capability was a real space-saver.

Noise Level

One of the most pleasant surprises was how quiet the mower is. Compared to my old gas-powered model, the Craftsman mower is almost whisper-quiet. This makes it possible to mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing the neighbors, a significant advantage for those living in close quarters.

Additional Features

The mower comes with a grass collection bag, which was easy to attach and remove. However, I found that it filled up quickly, requiring frequent emptying. The lack of a side discharge option was a bit of a letdown, as it limited my choices for handling grass clippings. The mower also includes a safety key, which is a thoughtful addition to prevent accidental startups, especially in households with children.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Easy assembly and setup
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Vertical storage saves space
- Self-propelled feature is a significant convenience
- Single-point height adjustment

Cons:
- Build quality feels flimsy
- Battery life may not be sufficient for larger yards
- Longer-than-expected charging time
- Engine shuts off when self-propelled bar is released
- Struggles with tall and thick grass
- No side discharge option

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Push Mower has its strengths and weaknesses. It excels in ease of use, quiet operation, and maneuverability, making it a suitable choice for small to medium-sized yards. However, the issues with battery life, build quality, and performance on thicker grass are significant drawbacks.

Would I recommend this mower? If you have a smaller yard with relatively even terrain and value quiet, eco-friendly operation, this mower could be a good fit. However, for larger yards or those with thicker grass types, you might find yourself frustrated by its limitations. In such cases, a more robust model or even a traditional gas-powered mower might be a better investment.