BLACK+DECKER CM2043C 40V MAX 20″ Cordless Lawn Mower Review
As an industry leader in all things power tool, Black & Decker sets out to prove that they know how to put together a high-quality durable batter powered electric lawn mower like the CM2043C. It starts with the beating heart of dual 40-Volt lithium-ion batteries that drive the electric motor and blades.
The cutting deck measures in with a 20-inch diameter and is made from a special type of high-impact polymer material. It also features Black & Decker’s “Edge Max” which allows for exceptionally close cutting next to trees and tight landscaping features.
The BLACK+DECKER CM2043C was designed to be a versatile grass cutting machine. It has 3-in-1 functionality. You can leave it set up for side discharge during times of the year when you are able to frequently cut the grass to prevent thatch.
If the lawn does happen to get away from you, or your lawn has had thatch build up problems before, you can also choose to set it up as a mulching or bagging mower. This will help prevent thatch buildup problems and could even help feed your turf or boost your compost pile. The bagger have a 15-gallon maximum volume.
The BLACK+DECKER CM2043C’s 20-inch cutting deck can be adjusted through 6 distinct cutting heights via a single easy-to-use control lever. You can set it as low as 1.5-inches to as high as 4-inches.
You also have to like the fact that the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. It makes a strong statement of material build quality and superior engineering.
Key Features
Dual 40-Volt lithium-ion batteries
20-inch cutting deck
Edge Max close cutting design
3-in-1 side discharge, mulching or bagging
15-gallon bagger
6 cutting heights
From 1.5 to 4-inches
3-year warranty
Comes with a charger & 15-gallon bagger
Performance
Performance
The dual 40-Volt lithium-ion batteries that power the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C are very powerful. They are ideal for cutting a lawn of a quarter acre or less. Though with proper maintenance and assuming the grass isn’t overly thick, you might be able to get a third of an acre out of a single maximum charge.
Ease Of Use
The BLACK+DECKER CM2043C was designed to be very easy to use. You can quickly switch it between side discharge, mulching and bagging in a matter of a minute or two. The height of the cutting deck is controlled via a single quick-adjusting handle. It even has ergonomic non-slip grip controls.
When you are done cutting your lawn, the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C folds up easily for compact storage. Since it’s an electric lawn mower, with durable build quality, you can store it standing up or on a heavy-duty garage shelf. Just keep in mind that it weighs more than 45-pounds, so hanging it might not be a safe option.
Special Features
The 3-in-1 versatility means you can leave it set up as a side discharge lawn mower or you can set it up as a mulching mower or a bagger. The 15-gallon bagger and the battery life to confidently cut up to a quarter acre of lawn on a single charge is a great ratio.
The ability to quickly adjust the 20-inch diameter cutting deck through 6 height setting from as low as 1.5-inches to 4 inches high lets you set up the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C to the best cutting height for the prevailing conditions of your lawn.
You also have to like the Edge Max engineering of the cutting deck. It lets you get much closer to trees and tight landscaping features than a lot of similar electric battery-powered lawn mowers.
On paper the non-slip grip of the hand control and the high-impact polymer material used in the 20-inch diameter cutting deck might not seem all that “Special.” However, they certainly are signs of quality that you expect in a good-value electric lawn mower that’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
Cut Quality & Options
The versatility and the wide range of adjustment heights you get with the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C really helps you dial it in to the conditions of your lawn as well as the underlying turf.
Thatch buildup is a real problem with a lot of suburban lawns. When grass clippings are cut too long and left to sit on the top layers of the turf they can dry out into thatch, which chokes out water, compacts soil and can even start to harm the roots of the grass. Especially in dry conditions where soil moisture is at a premium.
Fortunately, you can set up the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C as a side discharge mower for times when you are able to cut the lawn frequently for smaller pieces of thatch that don’t choke the turf as easily. If you choose the mulching mode, the tiny bits of grass are encouraged to decompose, which reduces thatch buildup, while also helping to feed some vital nitrogen back to the lawn.
You also get a 15-gallon bagger attachment with the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C. It lets you collect grass clippings from each cutting session. You can then use them to side dress garden plants or boost your compost pile.
The 6 height adjustment settings also help you dial in the ideal cutting length. When grass is growing rapidly in sunny, wet times of year, you can set it as low as 1.5 inches to stay ahead of the vigorous growth. Should the summer turn hot and dry, you can set the 20-inch cutting deck higher up to 4-inches. This will essentially help preserve soil moisture.
Maintenance
The BLACK+DECKER CM2043C is relatively easy to maintain, compared to a gasoline lawn mower of the same size. You need to occasionally replace the cutting blades, and remember to charge the battery to the max after each session.
Safety Features
The BLACK+DECKER CM2043C comes with the standard hand controls you expect with an electric push mower. The non-slip grip is also a nice touch.
You should also appreciate the high-impact polymer used in the cutting deck. It prevents damage if you accidentally run over a stray rock or a hard stick.
Cost-Effectiveness
When properly maintained the BLACK+DECKER CM2043C is very cost-effective, compared to a gasoline lawn mower of the same size. Charging up the battery to the max after every cutting session and then disconnecting the charger will further help maximize the overall battery life.
