Black & Decker LM175 18-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Mower
Black & Decker LM175 18-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Mower If you’re in the market for a solid, economical electric mower, the Black & Decker 18-inch electric mower is worth a look. Powered by a high-efficiency, 6.5 amp, Black & Decker motor, this mower offers quiet, hassle-free operation, without the mess and expense of gas-and-oil models. No need for tune-ups and pull starts, either. This mower weighs just 36 pounds, making it easy to push and maneuver in the lawn. It features an 18-inch cutting blade; side discharge (optional Black & Decker side bag assembly #BA-075 sold separately); a rust-proof, polymer deck; and one-touch height adjustment (from 1 to 3-1/2 inches). Tool-free assembly means you’ll be up and mowing quickly, while a lifetime deck warranty and two-year warranty on the mower itself provide added peace of mind.
Black & Decker LM175 18-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Mower Features
- Cutting Deck
This refers to the blade housing. The wider the cutting deck, the fewer passes it will take to mow a given area. However, consider how many obstacles there are in your yard. The wider the deck, the tougher it may be to fit the mower into tight spaces.
- Mulching and Bagging
Want to collect your clippings? Choose a mower with a rear- or side-bag option. Want to leave clippings on the lawn as fertilizer? Get a mower that mulches. A “3-in-1″ mower will mulch, bag, or side-discharge.
- Wheels
Larger wheels mean easier handling, especially over rough terrain. If you can, go with at least 7-inch-diameter wheels in the rear–larger if your yard is hilly or uneven. Some higher-end mowers have front wheels on casters, which gives you an extremely tight turning radius.
- Height Adjustment
Most mowers allow you to adjust the distance between the blade and the ground. Think about how much range you really need.
- Safety
Many newer rotary machines are available with a lever or bar that must be depressed to keep the mower running (some models include a handy blade-brake that lets you release the lever without killing the engine).
Also, look for models with a rubber flap at the back to block objects thrown from the blades. You should always wear safety goggles when mowing and follow all the manufacturer’s safety instructions regardless of the mower you’re using.
- Batteries
If you’re buying a cordless mower, think about how long it will run on a single charge. Most batteries take several hours to recharge, so you want to make sure it’s going to get the job done before it runs out of juice. As a rule of thumb, a typical 24-volt mower will run up to one-and-a-half hours and cut up to a third of an acre; a 36-volt mower will go for three hours and cut up to a half an acre.
- Cord holder
A cord holder is useful for keeping the cord of your electric mower out of the way when you make turns.
- Starters
Gas mowers are available either with recoil (pull-cord) or electric starters. Newer recoil motors start much quicker than those you remember from summers past. However, go with electric if you can afford it: your mower will start with the push of a button or the turn of a key.
- Self-propelled or push?
A self-propelled mower moves forward without you having to push it. All you have to do is steer. If you have a relatively flat lawn, save a few bucks by skipping this feature. However, if your landscape has a slope or an irregular contour, a self-propelled model may be the best choice. Rear-wheel drive tends to offer better traction.
- Variable Speed
If you want a self-propelled mower, look for models with variable speed. This feature allows you to make adjustments within a continuous range so you can find the exact speed that’s comfortable for you.
Black & Decker LM175 18-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Mower Reviews
Really happy with this mower
My gas mower died and I was without a mower for a couple of summers. I finally had to buy one, but didn’t want another gas mower because I don’t believe they are safe enough. I was going to buy the B & D Lawn Hog, which is a bit larger and costs more, when I happened to find the 175 here at Amazon. It has lower amps than the Lawn Hog, but is perfect for my needs. I was surprised at the power it delivers but is easily kept under control. And while lightweight, it doesn’t bounce around during mowing. Another nice feature is the start lever in the handle. You just pull it toward you and it starts as easily as any other electric appliance. Remove your hand, and the lever falls back and the machine immediatly shuts off. Also, you don’t have the smell of gasoline coming back up in your face. I really like this machine.
Very cool, easy to use.
I grew up with a gas mower. It was big and smelly but did the job. I actually ordered a gas mower from Amazon but it took forever to come, so I switched to this mower since my lawn needed cutting. This mower works great, and you never smell like gasoline! Very easy to start and stop, and super easy to put together. It is also very lightweight – anyone can push it around. The toughest part is the electric cord, which you get used to pretty quickly – it’s just like a vacuum. So any lawn with a lot of trees or anything above .25 acres is not going to be very workable. But for small lawns with few obstacles, it is pretty easy to use.The bag is also very helpful and handy.
