BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 3-in-1 Gas Powered Lawn Mower Review
Self-propelled gasoline-powered lawn mowers are very popular for individuals who don’t want to struggle with the weight of a gasoline engine, but still want the power it offers. If this sounds like something you are in the market for, then you need to take a good hard look at the superior engineering and build quality of the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736. Right off the bat, they make a statement about material quality by backing it up with a comprehensive 2-year warranty.
Right off the bat, you get a 140 CC gasoline engine that provides plenty of power for the cutting blades as well as the self-propulsion system. It was designed and tested to be easy to start from the recoil ignition system.
The self-propulsion system in the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 uses front-wheel drive. The benefit here is that you get a superior level of control and nimbleness. If you do happen to get into a spot of trouble or you need to quickly arrest forward motion to prevent hitting a hidden stick or rock, all you have to do is slightly tip the mower back on the rear wheels.
The BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 was also designed to be very versatile, with the ability to provide a custom cut for the characteristics of your grass as well as the underlying turf. The 21-inch diameter cutting deck can be set to any one of six cutting heights.
The BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 is also a true 3-in-1 gasoline-powered push mower. You can leave it set up for side discharge for times when you can cut it frequently enough to prevent thatch buildup. If you are worried about lingering harvested grass clippings drying out into choking thatch, you can simply set it up as a mulching or bagging lawn mower. The grass collection bag is included in the purchase.
Key Features
- Self-propelled front wheel drive
- 21 Inch cutting deck
- 140 cc gasoline engine
- 3-in-1 side discharge, mulch or bag
- 6 cutting height settings
- 2-year warranty
Performance
The 140 CC gasoline engine in the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 is more than powerful enough to drive the cutting blade under the 21-inch diameter cutting deck, as well as the front-wheel-drive self-propulsion system.
If there’s a minor complaint about the 140 CC engine in the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736, it’s that there isn’t any sort of auto-choke or other ignition assistance system built into it. While this gasoline-powered self-propelled lawn mower does start easily right out of the box, it will need proper maintenance and storage to ensure it continues to fire up reliably as it ages.
Ease Of Use
Ease of use was definitely a factor in how the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 was designed. The front-wheel-drive system is nimble and makes it easy to stop at a moment’s notice by simply tipping the cutting deck back on the rear wheels if there is a problem. Even the cutting deck is easy to adjust via dual adjustment levers.
Though the bagger itself doesn’t have any sort of visual indicator. It can get a little heavy or clog the rear discharge port if it is allowed to over-fill. So, you might want to keep a careful eye on it and make frequent dumps in the garden or compost pit to prevent this from happening.
Special Features
The 3-in-1 versatility of the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 lets you set it up for the ideal thatch management. You can side discharge when it is convenient. If you are concerned about thatch buildup, you can just as easily switch it over to mulching or bagging.
The self-propulsion system on the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 also uses front-wheel drive. Not only does this make the lawn mower more nimble, but it also helps you stop when you see something like a missed stick or a rock hiding in the long blades of grass. It’s also handy for a lawn that might have some complicated landscaping features.
Cut Quality & Options
The six different height settings for the 21-inch cutting deck are certainly a nice touch for homeowners who want to precisely dial in the length of their grass to the prevailing weather conditions. If recent weather has made for vigorous growth, you can use the dual lever system to dial it down low to stay ahead of your lawn. If the regional weather has been overly hot and dry, you can just as easily set the 21-inch diameter cutting deck up high to help shade the turf and preserve some of the moisture lingering in the soil.
Maintenance
As a gasoline-powered self-propelled lawn mower the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 will naturally need seasonal oil changes, as well as an oil change every 50 hours of operation. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will also go a long way toward ensuring that the 140 CC gasoline engine fires up just as easily in year five as it did on day one.
The steel used for the cutting blades is robust and will handle a handful of careful sharpening sessions before it needs to be replaced. If you aren’t comfortable with using a fine-toothed mill file, the replacement blades for the BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 are relatively inexpensive.
Safety Features
The BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 comes with all the standard hand control safety features you expect to find on a gasoline-powered self-propelled lawn mower. The fact that it is front-wheel drive is also handy for times when you need to stop on a time to avoid an unforeseen obstacle.
Cost-Effectiveness
The BLACK+DECKER 12A-A2SD736 is a very cost-effective gasoline-powered self-propelled lawn mower. With proper maintenance, the 140 CC gasoline engine is relatively fuel-efficient. The bagging and mulching feature also helps prevent thatch problems, which could save you money in the long term when it comes to seasonal aeration or in-season fertilizing costs.
