Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower

The Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower (model CMCMW220P2) is a promising addition to the world of battery-operated lawn care tools. As someone who values both performance and convenience, I was excited to see how this mower would fare against the challenges of maintaining a medium-sized lawn. With its brushless motor, dual 5.0Ah batteries, and a range of user-friendly features, this mower certainly has a lot to offer. However, it also comes with its own set of limitations.

Assembly and Initial Impressions

Right out of the box, the mower impressed me with its almost fully assembled state. Setting it up was a breeze; I merely had to unfold and lock the handles into place. The package includes two 5.0Ah batteries and their respective chargers, which is a nice touch. Charging the batteries took approximately three hours, which is slightly longer than I had hoped, but manageable.

Performance and Usability

Once the batteries were charged, I was eager to test the mower. The first thing I noticed was its lightweight design. Weighing in at just under 48 pounds, it was easy to maneuver around the yard, even without engaging the self-propelled feature. The mower's low-profile design allowed me to reach under shrubs and other obstacles effortlessly.

The mower starts with a simple button and lever mechanism, which adds an extra layer of safety. However, the process can feel a bit cumbersome, especially if you need to restart frequently. The self-propelled feature is adjustable, allowing you to set the speed to your liking. While this feature is convenient, I found that it drains the battery more quickly, reducing the overall runtime.

Cutting Capability

When it comes to cutting grass, the Craftsman mower does a decent job. It handled my medium-sized lawn, which includes both flat and slightly uneven terrain, fairly well. The dual-lever height adjustment system, which allows you to set the cutting height between 1.5 and 3.5 inches, is straightforward and effective. However, the mower struggled with taller, thicker grass. In such conditions, the motor would occasionally bog down, and I had to make multiple passes to achieve a clean cut.

One of the standout features is the blade speed sensing technology. The mower adjusts the blade speed based on the thickness of the grass, which helps in maintaining consistent performance. That said, the mower's suction power could be better. It sometimes left uncut patches, especially along the edges, requiring additional passes to get a uniform cut.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any cordless tool, and this mower is no exception. Craftsman claims a runtime of up to 50 minutes, but my experience varied. On average, I could get about 40 to 45 minutes of mowing time on a single charge, depending on the grass length and whether I used the self-propelled feature. For a medium-sized lawn, this was usually sufficient, but I can see it being a limitation for larger yards.

The battery indicators are a helpful feature, letting you know how much charge is left. However, I found it inconvenient to stop mowing to check the battery levels. The batteries take around three hours to recharge fully, which can be a bit of a hassle if you need to mow both the front and back yards in one go.

Design and Storage

One of the mower's most appealing aspects is its design. The vertical storage capability is a game-changer for those with limited storage space. The mower folds up easily and stands upright, taking up minimal room in the garage. The single-point height adjustment lever is another user-friendly feature that simplifies the mowing process.

Drawbacks

Despite its many strengths, the Craftsman mower has some notable drawbacks. The most significant issue is its performance on tall or thick grass. The motor tends to bog down, and the mower sometimes shuts off unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a lawn that grows quickly or unevenly.

Another downside is the lack of a side discharge option. The mower comes with a collection bag and a mulch setting, but I found the bag to be somewhat cumbersome to attach and detach. The mulch setting works well for shorter grass, but it struggles with longer clippings, leading to clogging issues.

Conclusion

In summary, the Craftsman 20-in. Brushless Cordless Push Mower is a solid choice for those with small to medium-sized lawns. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and convenient storage options make it an attractive option for homeowners looking to switch from gas-powered to battery-operated mowers. The self-propelled feature and blade speed sensing technology add to its appeal, although they do come at the cost of reduced battery life.

However, the mower's performance on taller, thicker grass and the longer-than-expected charging time are areas that could use improvement. If you have a larger yard or grass that grows quickly, you might find yourself needing additional batteries or considering a more powerful alternative.

Would I recommend this mower? Yes, but with reservations. If you have a small to medium-sized lawn and prioritize convenience and ease of use, this mower is a worthwhile investment. However, if you have a larger yard or frequently deal with thick, fast-growing grass, you might want to explore other options. Overall, the Craftsman mower offers a good balance of features and performance, making it a viable choice for many homeowners.