BLACK+DECKER 17-Inch BEMW482BH Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Overview

The BLACK+DECKER BEMW482BH is a corded electric lawn mower designed for maintaining small to medium sized lawns up to 17-inches wide. As an electric mower, it is intended for suburban use in smaller yards, unlike gas-powered mowers built for large properties.

Key specifications of the BEMW482BH include a 17-inch wide cutting deck, 7-position height adjustment from 1-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches, and winged blades for improved clipping dispersion. The 10A motor provides consistent power and maximum torque.

Notable features of this Black & Decker electric mower are the EdgeMax technology which allows cutting close to fences and landscaping edges, a rust-proof polymer deck, folding handles for compact storage, and 2-year limited warranty. With a lightweight and compact design, the BEMW482BH works well for flat, small to mid-sized lawns.

Design & Build Quality

The Black+Decker BEMW482BH electric mower features a durable steel deck that provides reliability and sturdiness during yard work. The mower weighs 52 lbs, making it lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle common mowing jobs.

Black+Decker designed this mower with user comfort in mind. The handle has an ergonomic grip and adjustable height positions, allowing users of various heights to find the right stance. This makes the mowing job easier on your back, shoulders, and arms.

The mower utilizes durable plastic housing and quality components that stand up well to outdoor use. Owners mention the mower still runs solidly after a couple years of regular mowing. While not commercial grade, the build quality matches what most homeowners require for frequent mowing tasks.

Overall, the materials and components chosen allow this electric mower to deliver reliable cutting performance season after season. The focus on ergonomics also makes mowing less stressful compared to using a heavier or poorly balanced gas mower.

Cutting Performance

The BLACK+DECKER BEMW482BH electric lawn mower offers excellent cutting performance for residential use. With its 17-inch cutting width, it can mow small to medium sized lawns efficiently.

The cutting height is adjustable between 1.5 - 4 inches in 6 different height positions to suit your needs. This allows you to cut grass to different lengths whether you want a clean cut lawn or to leave some grass length during hot summer months.

The polymer 10A motor spins a durable steel blade that stays sharp even after frequent use. The blade cuts grass cleanly without tearing or fraying the tips. Even thick, tall grass is cut uniformly.

While it lacks a grass collection bag, the special winged blade design creates a wider cutting swath and improved clipping circulation so cut grass is evenly distributed across the lawn. This eliminates the need for raking or bagging clippings after mowing.

The mower handles various lawn types with ease. Its compact and lightweight body allows easy maneuverability on flat or hilly lawns. The motor provides sufficient power to cut through dense grass, thick weeds, or damp lawns while maintaining a consistent speed.

Overall, the cutting system offers reliable, efficient performance suitable for small residential lawns all year round. The adjustable heights and durable steel blade allow customized cuts for healthy lawn maintenance.

Battery & Runtime

The Black+Decker BEMW482BH electric mower comes equipped with a 40V Max lithium ion battery pack. The pack provides adequate power and long run times despite the 17" wider cutting deck.

Specifically, the battery has the following specs:

• Battery type: Lithium Ion
• Voltage: 40V
• Amp hours: 4Ah
• Charge time: 24 hours (to full charge from empty)
• Runtime per charge: Up to 50 minutes of continual mowing
• Battery life: 500 charge cycles before significant degradation (2-3 years for average home use)

The included 4Ah lithium ion battery is sufficient to mow up to 1/4 acre on a single charge. Those with larger yards may need to invest in a second battery pack or opt for a corded electric mower. Still, the 50 minute maximum run time is adequate for most small-medium suburban plots.

Over time, users can expect the lithium ion battery pack to last 2-3 years before needing replacement. The battery is rated for 500 complete discharge/charge cycles before it may experience significant degradation. This average battery lifespan means the mower should provide several years of reliable cordless runtime before investment in a new battery is required.

Features

The BEMW482BH has excellent features for the price, making yard work simpler and convenient.

Grass Collection Bag

The 1.5 bushel rear grass collection bag is easy to install, remove, and empty. It efficiently collects grass clippings and has ample capacity so you don't need to stop and empty frequently.

Mulching Capability

The built-in mulching mechanism chops grass clippings into fine mulch and deposits them back into the lawn. This enriches the soil and eliminates the need to bag clippings while mowing.

Headlight

The bright headlight illuminates the front path when mowing. This comes in handy when mowing early mornings or near dusk, allowing you to see hidden objects or uneven ground.

Foldability

The handle folds down for compact vertical storage, saving garage space. The easy fold design allows you to quickly store the mower after each use.

Wheels & Handles

Durable 7" front wheels and 8" rear wheels roll smoothly over most terrain. The ergonomic upper handle makes pushing and guiding the mower comfortable even for extended mowing sessions.

Safety Features

Key safety features include a safety switch that prevents accidental starting and a circuit breaker to protect against power overload.

Noise

The BLACK+DECKER BEMW482BH electric lawn mower operates at a reasonable noise level, making it a fairly quiet option compared to gas-powered mowers. When cutting grass, it produces about 85 decibels of sound. This lands in the range of noise levels produced by other popular electric mowers like the Greenworks and Ryobi brands.

For comparison, most gas mowers generate 90-95 decibels when running. So the BEMW482BH is noticeably quieter, while still producing enough sound so you remain aware it is operating. The noise has a constant, buzzing quality rather than the revving engine noise of gas models. This makes the sound less jarring and disruptive.

The lower noise production is a nice benefit if you want to mow early mornings or evenings without disturbing neighbors. It also reduces noise pollution and makes mowing more pleasant without needing hearing protection. While not silent, the BEMW482BH operates quietly enough to hold a conversation near it. Overall, the noise levels are reasonable and better than gas for homeowners who want a quieter mowing experience.

Maintenance

The BEMW482BH is designed to be low-maintenance and easy to clean, making it ideal for those who want a hassle-free mowing experience.

The 17-inch deck is made of durable, rust-resistant polymer that can be easily wiped down after use to keep the underside free of built-up grass clippings. There are no awkward nooks or crannies where debris can accumulate. The polymer build also prevents corrosion overtime.

The blade can go multiple seasons without needing replacement. When the time comes, the process is straightforward with no special tools required. Simply open the 2-piece deck to access the blade, remove the bolt holding it in place, then replace and resecure with the new blade. Replacement blades are readily available from BLACK+DECKER and most hardware stores.

The mower is backed by a 2-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty provides peace of mind that any potential issues stemming from manufacturing flaws will be addressed within the first couple years of ownership. Routine maintenance items like blade replacement are not covered.

Overall, the BEMW482BH keeps maintenance hassles to a minimum thanks to its durable, easy-access deck design and widely available replacement parts. The warranty provides an added layer of protection against early defects. With just occasional wiping down and eventual blade replacement, owners can expect years of reliable service.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to maneuver and store
• Solid steel deck provides durability
• Height adjustable cutting deck from 1.5-4 inches
• Good cutting power and performance even on thick grass
• Long 40V battery runtime of up to 30 minutes
• Quiet operation at only 68dB
• Mulching and rear bag grass catcher options
• 2 year warranty

Cons:

• Plastic wheels prone to wear over time
• Shorter cutting width of 17 inches
• Battery and charger sold separately adding to cost
• No electric start button
• No blade speed options

Overall, the Black & Decker 17-Inch BEMW482BH is a great compact and lightweight electric mower ideal for smaller lawns. It delivers solid cutting performance and long battery life at a reasonable price point. Downsides are plastic wheels and lack of electric start and speed options. But for a basic electric mower it represents a good value option to consider.

Comparable Models

The Black+Decker BEMW482BH electric mower sits in a competitive price range with many similar battery-powered options. Here's how it stacks up to two comparable electric mowers:

Greenworks MO40B410 Pro

The Greenworks Pro MO40B410 is a similar 40V battery-powered mower with a 17-inch cutting deck. It offers excellent runtime of up to 60 minutes on a fully charged battery. The Greenworks has 7 cutting height positions from 1.5-3.75 inches, while the BLACK+DECKER offers 6 settings from 1.5-3 inches.

The Greenworks Pro is slightly more expensive at around $230. It comes with a 4Ah battery and charger. Overall, the Greenworks gets excellent reviews and offers nearly identical performance to the BLACK+DECKER for a bit more money.

Ryobi RY40190 40V

The Ryobi 40V brushless cordless mower is another close competitor with a 16-inch cutting width. It has adjustable cutting height from 1.5-3.375 inches across 6 settings. Maximum run time is around 45 minutes.

The Ryobi is typically priced around $200 without a battery or charger. Purchasing a compatible 4Ah battery and charger brings the total cost up to about $280. The Ryobi offers a bit less power and runtime compared to the BLACK+DECKER and Greenworks models.

In terms of pricing and performance, the BLACK+DECKER BEMW482BH hits a nice sweet spot between the Greenworks and Ryobi options. It delivers excellent cutting and runtime at a very attractive mid-range price point compared to the competitors.

Conclusion

At just 17 inches wide, the Black+Decker BEMW482BH Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is an excellent option for homeowners with smaller yards or tight spaces. It offers reliable cutting performance from its durable steel blade and powerful motor. The two 4Ah batteries provide up to 50 minutes of runtime, enough to mow up to a quarter acre on a single charge.

The lightweight and compact design makes the mower highly maneuverable and easy to store. It's also simple to operate with a single lever to adjust the cutting height between 1.5-4 inches. Safety features like the carry handle and removable safety key add peace of mind.

While it lacks advanced features like a mulching plug or rear bag, the 2-in-1 design lets you either side discharge or rear collect grass clippings. It works well for small, flat yards without thick grass. The battery and charger are covered by a 3-year warranty.

Overall, the Black+Decker BEMW482BH is one of the best electric lawn mowers for small residential yards up to a quarter acre. It offers an affordable, low-maintenance solution without the noise, fumes or hassles of gas mowers. If your yard is beyond a quarter acre or has very thick, high grass, a more powerful gas or electric mower may be a better choice. But for a basic, budget-friendly option for small yards, the BEMW482BH is a great choice.