DeWalt 21 in. Low Wheel Self-Propelled Mower

As a long-time user of various lawn care tools, I was eager to try out the DeWalt 21 in. Low Wheel Self-Propelled Mower (DW12A-O1T9739), given my positive experiences with other DeWalt products. The mower boasts some impressive features, including a 150cc Briggs and Stratton Engine with ReadyStart technology, a 21 in. steel cutting deck, and 2-in-1 capability for mulching and bagging. It also has a variable speed, single lever rear wheel drive for easier hill navigation, six adjustable cutting deck heights, and 8 in. wheels for better maneuverability on uneven ground. With all these features, I had high hopes for this mower.

First Impressions and Setup

Setting up the DeWalt mower was straightforward. The assembly instructions were clear, and it didn’t take much time to get everything together. The cord clips were a bit disappointing, but they were a minor inconvenience in an otherwise smooth assembly process. The metal deck felt robust, and overall, the mower seemed well-built out of the box.

Performance and Ease of Use

The first time I used the mower, I was impressed by how easy it was to start, thanks to the ReadyStart technology. The self-propelled feature made mowing my slightly uneven lawn less of a chore. The variable speed control was particularly useful for navigating different sections of my yard, including a small incline. The mower pulled back easily, which was a pleasant surprise, as some self-propelled mowers can be a bit cumbersome in that regard.

Cutting Quality

Initially, the cutting quality was satisfactory. The 21 in. steel cutting deck provided a decent cut, and the 2-in-1 capability for mulching and bagging worked as advertised. However, I did notice that the mower struggled a bit with slightly taller or damp grass. It occasionally left patches of uncut grass, requiring me to make multiple passes over the same area. This was a bit frustrating, especially given the mower’s price point.

Battery Life and Power

One of the more significant issues I encountered was with the battery life. The mower comes with two 10AH batteries, which I initially thought would be more than sufficient for my medium-sized lawn. However, I found that the batteries drained faster than expected, especially when using the self-propelled feature. On a full charge, I could mow about half of my yard before needing to recharge the batteries. This was a major inconvenience, as my previous gas-powered mower could handle the entire yard in one go without any issues.

To improve battery performance, I tried some tips I’d gathered over time. Ensuring the batteries were fully charged before each use helped a bit, but it didn’t entirely resolve the issue. I also removed the rubber safety shield at the rear for lower pull-back resistance, which made the mower easier to maneuver but didn’t significantly impact battery life.

Maintenance and Durability

Maintenance-wise, the mower was relatively easy to clean, which I appreciated. However, I did encounter some durability issues. After a season of use, I noticed the mower started to shake and run louder than before. Upon closer inspection, I found that the blade needed sharpening more frequently than I anticipated. Moreover, finding replacement blades was a bit of a hassle, as they weren’t readily available at my local hardware stores.

Overall Impression

The DeWalt 21 in. Low Wheel Self-Propelled Mower is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it offers ease of use, good maneuverability, and a decent initial cut. The self-propelled feature and variable speed control are definite pluses, making it easier to navigate different terrains. On the other hand, the mower’s battery life leaves much to be desired, and its performance on taller or damp grass is underwhelming.

Recommendations

Given my experience, I find it hard to wholeheartedly recommend this mower, especially for those with larger lawns or more demanding mowing conditions. If you have a small to medium-sized yard with relatively even terrain and you mow regularly, this mower could be a good fit. Its ease of use and maneuverability are strong points that might make it suitable for less strenuous tasks.

However, if you have a larger yard or frequently deal with taller, thicker grass, you might want to consider other options. The battery life and cutting power are significant drawbacks that can make mowing a more time-consuming and frustrating task than it needs to be. Additionally, the difficulties in finding replacement parts and the mower’s overall durability issues are concerning.

In conclusion, while the DeWalt 21 in. Low Wheel Self-Propelled Mower has some commendable features, its shortcomings in battery life, cutting power, and durability make it hard to recommend for more demanding lawn care needs. If DeWalt addresses these issues in future models, this mower could become a top contender. Until then, you might want to explore other options, particularly if you have a larger or more challenging yard to maintain.