Black & Decker Electric Lawn Mower With Bike Handle

Electric lawn mowers have come a long way, and the Black & Decker BEMW472BH is a testament to modern advancements in this category. As someone who has wrestled with both gas-powered and electric mowers over the years, I was eager to see how this model would stack up. From its design to its performance, the BEMW472BH offers a mix of pros and cons that make it a compelling choice for certain types of lawns.

Assembly and First Impressions

Straight out of the box, the Black & Decker BEMW472BH is relatively easy to set up. The assembly process took me about 20 minutes, although I did encounter a minor hiccup with the screws not aligning perfectly with the holes. This was a bit frustrating, but nothing that a bit of patience and some manual adjustments couldn't fix. One thing to note is that this mower does not come with an extension cord, so you'll need to purchase one separately if you don't already have one.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me was how lightweight the mower is. At just over 38 pounds, it's easy to maneuver around the yard. The bike handle design is a unique feature that I found to be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it offers a comfortable grip that reduces wrist strain, especially during longer mowing sessions. On the other hand, the handle feels a bit flimsy and doesn't inspire confidence in its durability.

The mower's body is predominantly plastic, which contributes to its lightweight nature but also raises questions about its long-term durability. The wheels have rugged treads that provide decent traction, even in thicker grass, but they too feel somewhat cheaply made.

Performance

When it comes to cutting grass, the BEMW472BH performs admirably for its size. The winged blade design is a standout feature, improving clipping collection by up to 30%. I found this particularly useful as it reduced the number of times I had to empty the bag. The mower offers six height adjustments ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches, which is more than sufficient for most lawn types.

However, the mower does struggle with thicker patches of grass and any sort of uneven terrain. On flat, smaller lawns, it cuts evenly and efficiently. But if your lawn is larger or has a lot of bumps and inclines, you might find yourself going over the same spots multiple times to get an even cut.

Ease of Use

One of the biggest advantages of this mower is its ease of use. The push-button start is incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for the arm-straining pulls required by gas mowers. The lightweight design makes it easy to push, even for older users or those with less physical strength. The bag attachment is straightforward to use, although it does fill up quickly, requiring frequent emptying.

The cord management is another area where the mower could use some improvement. The cord tends to unplug easily, which can be quite annoying. It's a minor inconvenience, but one that adds up over the course of a mowing session.

Noise Level

One of the more pleasant surprises was the noise level. The BEMW472BH is considerably quieter than gas-powered mowers, making it a more neighbor-friendly option. You can easily have a conversation while mowing, which is a nice change from the deafening roar of traditional mowers.

Maintenance and Storage

Maintenance is minimal, which is one of the perks of an electric mower. There's no need to worry about oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel. Just keep the blade sharp and clean out the bag and undercarriage after each use, and you should be good to go.

Storage is another area where this mower shines. The handles fold down, making it easy to store in a small shed or garage. Its compact size means it doesn't take up much space, which is a big plus for those with limited storage options.

Durability Concerns

While the mower performs well in many areas, its build quality does raise some concerns about long-term durability. The plastic components feel cheap, and the handle, in particular, seems like it could be a weak point. Additionally, the mower doesn't handle rough terrain or obstacles well. Hitting a small rock or bump can cause significant damage, which is something to keep in mind if your lawn isn't perfectly manicured.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The Black & Decker BEMW472BH is a solid choice for those with smaller, flat lawns. Its ease of use, lightweight design, and quiet operation make it a user-friendly option, especially for older individuals or those who prefer not to deal with the hassle of gas-powered mowers. However, its build quality and performance on rougher terrain leave something to be desired.

If you have a small, well-maintained lawn and are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use electric mower, the BEMW472BH is worth considering. However, if your lawn is larger or has a lot of uneven patches, you might want to look for a more robust option. Overall, this mower offers good value for its price, but it's essential to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.