Skil Brushless 18 IN. Lawn Mower Kit

The Skil Brushless 18 IN. Lawn Mower Kit, model PM4912B-20, promises a lot on paper: a digital brushless motor, two 4.0Ah lithium batteries, and a convenient push-button start. But how does it perform in real-world conditions? After using this mower for a few months, I've gathered some insights that could help you decide if it's the right fit for your lawn care needs.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Skil mower is easy to assemble and feels lightweight. The telescoping handle is a nice touch, making it easy to store vertically without taking up much space. However, the build quality left me a bit underwhelmed. The chassis and wheels are entirely made of plastic, which makes the mower feel more like a toy than a robust lawn care tool. While the lightweight design is great for maneuverability, it does raise questions about durability. After a few uses, I noticed some wobbliness in the handle, which wasn't very reassuring.

Performance and Power

The mower comes with a digital brushless motor, which is supposed to offer efficient power. In my experience, the mower struggled with thicker and longer grass. It frequently shut off, especially when trying to cut at the lowest height setting. This issue became more pronounced if I let the grass grow for more than a week. The power just doesn't seem sufficient for anything more than a well-maintained, short lawn.

The blade has a power-up mode that kicks in when encountering denser patches of grass. While this feature is not mentioned in the manual, I found it somewhat helpful but also a bit alarming as the RPMs didn't drop back automatically. Restarting the mower was the only way to reset it to normal speed.

Battery Life

The kit includes two 4.0Ah lithium batteries and a dual-port charger, which is supposed to offer extended runtime. Initially, the batteries lasted long enough to mow a small to medium-sized yard. However, the performance deteriorated quickly. Within a year, the batteries lost their ability to hold a charge for a reasonable duration. I found myself needing to recharge frequently, which added a lot of downtime to my mowing sessions. For a small yard, the battery life might be acceptable, but if you have a larger area to cover, you'll likely find this frustrating.

Ease of Use

One of the high points of the Skil mower is its ease of use. The push-button start is incredibly convenient, and the single-lever height adjustment makes it easy to switch between the six cutting heights. The mower is also very lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the yard. For tight spaces and intricate mowing patterns, this mower performs well. However, the ease of use is somewhat overshadowed by the constant need to restart the mower when it shuts off unexpectedly.

Collection and Mulching

The mower comes with a small mesh bag for grass clippings, which I found to be insufficient. The bag fills up quickly, and if you don't empty it often, the mower is prone to clogging. This not only interrupts your mowing but also causes the mower to spit out clippings, which is counterproductive if you're aiming for a clean yard. The mulching feature works reasonably well, but it struggles with denser patches of grass, requiring multiple passes to get a clean cut.

Environmental and Noise Considerations

One of the standout features of the Skil mower is its quiet operation. Unlike gas mowers, this one is almost whisper-quiet, making it a good choice for early morning or late evening mowing without disturbing the neighbors. The zero emissions are also a plus, making it an environmentally friendly option. However, these benefits are somewhat negated by the frequent power issues and the need for constant recharging.

Pros

• Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver: The mower's lightweight design makes it easy to push and turn, ideal for small yards with lots of obstacles.
• Quiet Operation: The mower operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
• Convenient Storage: The telescoping handle allows for vertical storage, saving space in your garage or shed.
• Push-Button Start: The push-button start is very convenient, eliminating the hassle of pull cords.

Cons

• Inadequate Power: The mower struggles with thicker and longer grass, frequently shutting off.
• Poor Battery Life: The batteries lose their charge capacity quickly, requiring frequent recharges.
• Low Build Quality: The plastic chassis and wheels feel flimsy and contribute to a wobbly handle.
• Small Grass Bag: The small mesh bag fills up quickly and can lead to clogging issues.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

After months of using the Skil Brushless 18 IN. Lawn Mower Kit, I find it hard to recommend this mower, especially for those with medium to large yards or lawns with thicker grass. While it has some commendable features like its lightweight design, quiet operation, and ease of use, these are overshadowed by significant performance and durability issues.

If you have a very small yard and are diligent about mowing frequently to keep the grass short, this mower may serve you well. However, for larger or more demanding lawns, you'll likely find yourself frustrated with its frequent shutdowns, poor battery life, and flimsy build. In such cases, investing in a more robust model or even sticking with a traditional gas mower might be a more practical choice.