Skil Brushless 40V 20 In. Self-Propelled Mower Kit

Lawn care has certainly evolved over the years, and the Brushless 40V 20 In. Self-Propelled Mower from Skil is a testament to that progress. I had the opportunity to use this mower recently, and my experience with it has been a mix of convenience, efficiency, and a few notable drawbacks.

Setup and First Impressions

Setting up the Skil mower was a straightforward process. With minimal assembly required, it was ready to go almost immediately. The mower’s lightweight nature was one of the first things I noticed, which makes it easy to maneuver and transport. This is a significant advantage for those who struggle with the heft of traditional gas-powered mowers.

The push-button start is a game changer. No more yanking on a cord to get the engine running. A simple press, and the mower is ready to cut. The push-button, combined with the adjustable handle that extends comfortably for users of different heights, makes for a user-friendly experience right out of the box.

Cutting Performance

When it comes to cutting, the Skil mower has a 20-inch deck, which is a decent size for most residential lawns. The mower features seven adjustable height settings ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches, allowing for flexibility depending on your lawn’s needs. I found the single-lever height adjustment to be a particularly handy feature, as it simplifies the process of switching between different grass lengths.

However, the mower's performance did have some hiccups. Cutting through thick or tall grass proved challenging at times. The mower tended to bog down and even shut off when faced with particularly dense patches. This issue seemed to worsen when attempting to use the mower at its lowest cutting height. It’s clear that while the brushless motor is efficient, it may not be as powerful as some of the more robust gas-powered alternatives.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is often a crucial factor for electric mowers, and the Skil mower’s 40V lithium battery performed admirably in this regard. On a single charge, I was able to mow my entire front lawn and part of the backyard, which took approximately 45 minutes. The fast-charge feature is also noteworthy, allowing the battery to regain a significant portion of its charge in a relatively short time. However, a full charge does take longer than the advertised 15 minutes.

One area where the battery struggled was during extended use on thicker grass, where the increased power demand led to quicker battery depletion. It's advisable to have a backup battery on hand, especially if you have a larger lawn or if your lawn’s grass tends to grow thick and fast.

Mulching and Bagging

The Skil mower offers both bagging and mulching functions, which adds to its versatility. The grass bag has a 1.7-bushel capacity, which is sufficient for average-sized lawns but may require frequent emptying for larger areas or particularly dense clippings. The mulching function worked well, although it did leave a light trail of grass clippings on the right side of the mower. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does mean you might need to make an extra pass to achieve a clean finish.

Maneuverability and Storage

Maneuverability is one of the Skil mower’s strong suits. Its lightweight design makes it easy to navigate around obstacles and handle slopes. Despite being a self-propelled mower, it’s light enough to push manually when necessary, which I found particularly useful in tighter spaces.

Storage is another area where this mower excels. The handle folds down easily, allowing for vertical storage that saves space in your garage or shed. This is a thoughtful feature, especially for those with limited storage space.

Build Quality and Durability

The build quality of the Skil mower is good but not exceptional. The body is predominantly plastic, which contributes to its light weight but may raise concerns about long-term durability. I noted that the battery compartment cover felt somewhat flimsy, and I worry about its longevity with regular use. The wheels and other components also have a lightweight feel, which again, is a double-edged sword—great for ease of use, but potentially less robust.

Noise and Environmental Impact

One of the most appealing aspects of the Skil mower is its low noise level compared to gas-powered mowers. It’s much quieter, which means you can mow your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing your neighbors. Additionally, the absence of gas and oil makes this mower a more environmentally friendly option, which is a significant plus for eco-conscious users.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Overall, the Skil Brushless 40V 20 In. Self-Propelled Mower is a solid choice for small to medium-sized lawns. Its ease of use, lightweight design, and convenient features like the push-button start and quick charging make it a practical option for many homeowners. However, its performance in thick grass and the somewhat flimsy build quality might be a concern for those with larger or more challenging lawns.

If you have a relatively small, well-maintained lawn and value the convenience and environmental benefits of an electric mower, I would recommend the Skil mower. It strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use, and its lightweight design makes it accessible for users of all ages and strengths. However, if you need a mower for more demanding conditions, you might want to consider a more powerful model or ensure you have a backup battery on hand to avoid interruptions.

In conclusion, the Skil mower is a commendable option that offers several advantages over traditional gas mowers, with some room for improvement in power and build durability. It’s a great step towards more sustainable and user-friendly lawn care.