Black & Decker 3-in-1 String Trimmer/Edger & Lawn Mower

As someone who has spent countless hours maintaining a small yard, I understand the importance of having versatile, lightweight, and efficient tools. The Black & Decker 3-in-1 String Trimmer/Edger & Lawn Mower (model MTE912) promises just that—a multi-functional tool designed to tackle small yards with ease. Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to integrate this tool into my routine, and I’d like to share my comprehensive experience.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Black & Decker 3-in-1 impresses with its compact and lightweight design. Weighing in at just 13.8 lbs, it's easy to maneuver and carry around. The tool is primarily constructed from plastic and polymer materials, which contributes to its feather-light feel. While some may be skeptical about the durability of these materials, I've found them to be surprisingly sturdy for light-duty tasks.

The tool features a narrow wheelbase, which is particularly useful for navigating tight spaces that a traditional lawn mower struggles to reach. It's also worth noting that the handle is adjustable, making it comfortable for users of varying heights. As someone with a bad back, I appreciated that I could extend the handle to a length that allowed me to work without bending over.

Performance

The MTE912 is powered by a 6.5 Amp motor, providing consistent power for trimming and mowing. The gear drive transmission is designed to handle thicker grass, and it performs admirably in this regard. The automatic feed spool is a standout feature, automatically advancing the trimmer line as needed, which eliminates the hassle of stopping to adjust the line manually.

When used as a string trimmer, the tool excels in cutting through low-grown grasses and weeds. The transition from trimmer to edger and mower is seamless, thanks to a foot pedal that allows for easy conversion. However, it's crucial to note that this tool is best suited for small lawns. The cutting width is relatively narrow, which means it may take longer to mow larger areas.

Usability

One of the primary advantages of this tool is its corded design, which offers unlimited runtime—no need to worry about charging batteries or running out of juice mid-task. However, managing the cord can be a bit cumbersome. I've found that treating the process like vacuuming a carpet—moving in a forward and back motion—helps keep the cord behind me and out of the way.

The adjustable mower deck is another feature that adds to the tool's usability. It allows for different cutting heights, although the highest setting might still be too low for some users. In my experience, the tool performed best on a relatively flat, even lawn. On uneven terrain, the trimmer occasionally popped out of the mower deck, which could be frustrating.

Durability

Durability is a mixed bag with the MTE912. While the tool feels sturdy enough for light-duty tasks, I did encounter some issues after extended use. For instance, the gear that controls the spindle is made of plastic and can wear out over time. In one instance, this gear melted, rendering the tool inoperable until I replaced the part. This highlights a potential weak point in the tool's design.

Additionally, the mechanism that locks the trimmer into the mower deck could be more robust. On occasion, it would disengage unexpectedly, especially when encountering thicker patches of grass. This made the tool feel less reliable for more demanding tasks.

Noise and Maintenance

In terms of noise, the MTE912 is relatively quiet compared to gas-powered tools. It produces a pleasant hum, similar to a drone, which is far less intrusive than the roar of a traditional lawn mower. Maintenance is straightforward, with the primary task being the replacement of the trimmer line. The automatic feed system works well, but you’ll need to keep a supply of replacement spools on hand.

Overall Impression

The Black & Decker 3-in-1 String Trimmer/Edger & Lawn Mower is a versatile and convenient tool for small yards. Its lightweight design, ease of use, and multi-functionality make it a valuable addition to any homeowner's arsenal. However, it does have its limitations. The tool is not designed for heavy-duty tasks or large lawns, and its durability could be improved, particularly in the locking mechanism and spindle gear.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Black & Decker 3-in-1 String Trimmer/Edger & Lawn Mower? Yes, but with caveats. If you have a small yard and need a lightweight, versatile tool that can handle light-duty trimming, edging, and mowing, this tool is an excellent choice. Its ease of use, automatic feed spool, and unlimited runtime make it a practical solution for small-scale yard maintenance.

However, if you have a larger lawn or require a tool for more demanding tasks, you might want to consider a more robust option. The issues with durability and the occasional disengagement of the trimmer from the mower deck could be deal-breakers for those with more extensive or uneven lawns.

In summary, the Black & Decker 3-in-1 is a solid performer for what it is designed to do. It's not without its flaws, but for small yards and light-duty tasks, it gets the job done efficiently and conveniently.