Black and Decker CMM1200 Cordless Mulching Lawn Mower
by Andy
(Chicago, IL)
I've had the Black and Decker CMM1200 Cordless Mulching Lawn Mower for two years now, and I have to say that I am thrilled with it, albeit with some reservations.
We have a small city lot (35x125) so the idea of keeping a gas can around, just for the mower seemed like a bad idea. The CMM1200's handle flips up for ease of storage, which was a big plus, as it was sharing the space with two cars as well.
The CMM1200 cuts the grass nice and evenly, even if I skip a week from time to time. The only trouble I've run into is when the grass is both wet and tall. In these cases, it may take two passes for an even cut. Mulching is also difficult under these circumstances; better off just letting it discharge and cutting it twice (I did mention is is a small yard).
Two other minor gotchas: the mover is heavy for its size...not a problem is you are in a flat area, like me, but I could see it being an issue pushing it up a hill. The other is that you must keep on top of keeping the blade nice and sharp. If you are good with this sort of thing, doing it yourself is fine, otherwise I would advise getting a new blade half way through the season.
For those of you with small yards, that don't want to deal with mess and noise of a gas mower, this is mower is great fit. It is a bit more money, compared to a cheap-o gas mower. but for me it has been well worth the expense; with proper upkeep this mower should last 5+ years.