Looking for the maneuverability of a gas-powered lawn mower in an electric model? Look no further. This 12-volt Black & Decker cordless mower, with 3-1/2-horsepower gas equivalent at peak torque, provides ease of movement along with enough power to cut 1/4 acre of lawn with one charge. Grass is either mulched or discharged from the side. A side bag can be purchased separately. The oversize 14-inch rear wheels are the most noticeable difference between this CMM630 mower and its big brother, the Black & Decker CMM1000. These big wheels add stability and make pushing and maneuvering this mower an easy task. In addition, the mower's smaller 18-inch cutting path and light 67-pound weight make it very easy to squeeze into tight spots. The height of the mower deck can be adjusted from 3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inches, but the adjustment must be made to each wheel individually.
The most obvious difference between the new generation of electric mowers and the heavier gas-powered mowers of yore is the start-up. The ease with which this mower starts is almost stupefying: simply pull the ignition lever and presto!--the engine is running. To minimize safety risks to young children, a removable safety key must be inserted prior to starting the mower. Once started, this mower runs very smoothly and quietly, and the soft cushioned grips on the handle further dampen potentially irritating vibrations.
The only disadvantage this machine seems to have is in the power department. While there were no serious problems during our field test, it was necessary to slow down or go back over thicker sections of grass in order to make a completely clean cut. This cordless model also requires a substantial charging time when first out of the box: the manufacturer suggests at least a 16-hour period initially in order to get peak performance and maximum run time. According to Black & Decker, the battery will be 70% energized with four hours of charging and fully charged if plugged in overnight. Though the charge is one aspect that needs to be considered when deciding whether to purchase a corded or a rechargeable mower, we found the added maneuverability of the cordless over the corded model far outweighs the inconvenience of charge times. A 30-day no-risk satisfaction guarantee and full manufacturer's two-year warranty are included.
