BLACK+DECKER MTC220 12 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 12" cordless electric lawn mower is specifically designed for cutting grass on small or medium sized lawns. Its compact 12-inch cutting deck and 20-inch width make it ideal for maneuvering around landscaping and tight spaces. At just over 30 pounds, the MTC220 is extremely lightweight and portable compared to gas-powered mowers.

This cordless model runs on a high-performance Lithium Ion battery, eliminating the need for gas or extension cords. With its battery fully charged, the MTC220 can run continuously for up to 40 minutes, providing enough time to cut up to 1,000 square feet per charge. Key features include two built-in cord retention hooks, an easy carry handle, height adjustments in 1⁄2 inch increments from 1.5 to 4 inches, and 2-in-1 bagging or rear mulching capabilities.

Overall, the compact and lightweight MTC220 is designed for convenience and ease of use when tackling basic lawn maintenance and grass cutting tasks.

Design & Build Quality

The Black+Decker MTC220 12-Inch cordless lawn mower features a durable steel deck and polymer body. Despite its sturdy build, the mower only weighs about 42 lbs so it's easy to maneuver and transport.

The mower comes mostly assembled right out of the box. You just need to attach the upper and lower handles, connect the cables, install the battery, and you're ready to mow. Assembly takes about 30 minutes with basic tools and no complex installation required.

Inside the steel deck, dual steel blades provide added durability and clipping circulation for a precise, even cut. The polymer casing protects the mower's key components from knocks and bumps that are inevitable around outdoor landscaping.

The large rear wheels and compact frame aid maneuverability so you can easily navigate around trees, landscaping beds, and other obstacles in your yard. The ergonomic upper handle adjusts to two height options while the robust lower handle folds out of the way during storage.

Some owners install optional grass catcher bags or extended life replacement blades to further enhance the mower's utility. But overall the materials and construction quality meet expectations for a basic, affordable cordless electric mower suited to small and mid-sized yards.

Cutting Performance

The Black+Decker MTC220 features a 12-inch steel blade that provides reasonable cutting width to handle small and medium sized lawns efficiently. The blade height is adjustable between 1.5 inches to 4 inches in 5 positions, allowing you to cut grass at an ideal height for the season and type of grass.

It seems to handle cutting regular thickness grass effectively, though very thick or tall grass can slow it down more and require multiple passes. While lacking the torque and sharpness of a gas mower, it has sufficient power to cut through most suburban grass. Owners report it reliably cuts St Augustine grass and ryegrass even when slightly damp, though dry grass always yields the best results.

The underside bag can hold up to 1.1 bushels of clippings, minimizing the number of times you need to stop and empty it. The bag attachment works well with no leaking or spilling, and several people use it without needing the included side discharge chute. The consensus from owners is that it cuts grass and bags clippings efficiently for a battery mower of this size and price range. Just don't expect the professional-level cutting power of a heavy duty gas mower.

Battery Life & Charging

The Black+Decker MTC220 12'' cordless electric lawn mower comes equipped with a 40V Lithium ion battery. The battery is included and offers adequate run time for small to medium sized lawns, typically allowing for completion of up to 1/8 acre of grass on a single charge. However, run time can vary considerably based on terrain, grass type and length.

Recharging the battery from empty takes between 60 to 90 minutes when using the included charger and a standard household power outlet. It's a good idea to monitor the remaining charge frequently when mowing to avoid running out mid-job. Extra batteries can be purchased separately to extend mowing time for larger areas. But the long runtime already allows this mower to handle most suburban lots on a single charge.

Overall, the battery life is sufficient for the intended usage scenarios of small to medium lawns up to 1/8 acre. However, runtime could be longer to accommodate larger property sizes. The fast recharge time helps make up for average total runtime.

Noise Level

The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 12 inch 20V Max Lithium Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is quieter than gas-powered mowers, allowing you to mow your lawn without excessive noise. While gas mowers can measure in the 95 to 110 decibel range at full throttle, this electric mower runs around 84 to 85 decibels, which is as loud as a normal conversation.

This lower noise level while in use is about 10 to 15 decibels lower than gas mowers, making it ideal for mowing anytime of the day without disturbing neighbors or family members. The mower's quiet operation is achieved with a durable high-performance motor and cordless electric design, avoiding the loud gas engines required by traditional mowers.

In addition to being quieter while in use, the electric motor design eliminates the loud start up and shut down noises of mower engines. The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 can simply be turned on and off with the press of a button. Combined with a new sharp blade, the mower provides a clean, continuous cutting sound without the harsh intermittent noises of worn blades hitting grass.

Overall, with a reasonable 85db operational volume, the BLACK+DECKER 12 inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower allows for quiet mowing of lawns of any size at any time. The quiet performance makes it an ideal choice for noise-sensitive homeowners.

Safety Features

The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 electric lawn mower has several important safety features designed to protect the user.

The mower is equipped with wrap around handles with grips to prevent slipping and loss of control. In addition, it has two safety switches that must be pressed at the same time for the mower to function. Upon release of one or both switches, the mower will come to an immediate stop. This ensures that if one hand slips off the handle, the mower will automatically shut off.

The BLACK+DECKER lawn mower also includes an automatic shut off feature if battery power is lost or runs dry. This prevents accidental restarting if the mower shuts off mid-cut due to low battery.

Overall, the multiple safety switches and automatic shut off capability provide protection and peace of mind when operating this electric lawn mower. This helps minimize the risk of accidents and enhances the safe usage of the mower.

Ease of Use

The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 is very easy to use and maneuver. The 12" cutting width makes it maneuverable in tight yards while the single lever allows you to easily adjust the cutting height from 1.5" to 4".

• The mower's two-finger trigger and safety button allow it to be operated safely with one hand. The controls are intuitive making it easy for even beginners to use.
• The lightweight design at just over 30lbs makes the mower easy to push and maneuver, even over hilly terrain. It handles well on curves due to its compact size and two rear wheels.
• Adjusting the cutting height is simple with a single lever that can be moved to 7 different height positions ranging from 1.5" to 4". This allows the mower to be customized for the type of lawn and user's preference.
• Folded handles, wheels, and vertical storage capability allow the mower to be conveniently stored in tight spaces. Assembly out of the box is also straightforward with only a few parts to attach before getting started.

Overall, comfort and intuitive controls make the BLACK+DECKER MTC220 very easy to operate and adjust as needed for any homeowner. Its compact size and sturdy build quality also make storage and maneuverability excellent.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance will keep your BLACK+DECKER MTC220 electric lawn mower running smoothly for years. There are a few key maintenance tasks to remember:

Blade Sharpening and Replacement

Over time, the blades on your mower will naturally dull from frequent use. It’s important to periodically sharpen the blades to maintain a clean cut and optimum cutting efficiency. The MTC220 blades can be easily removed for sharpening or replacement when needed. Replacement blades specifically designed for this mower are readily available.

Cleaning

Keep your mower free of clippings and debris, especially underside the mower deck, to prevent clogging and allow proper air flow. Wipe down the exterior housing as needed to keep the mower looking nice. Proper post-mowing cleaning makes the next job easier.

Off-Season Storage

When storing the mower for extended periods, fully charge the battery and remove it from the mower before placing in storage. Store the mower in a clean, dry location. This ensures it will be ready for use when spring returns.

Pros & Cons

Positives

• Lightweight and compact design makes the mower easy to maneuver and store
• 12-inch cutting width allows mowing small to medium sized lawns efficiently
• Removable battery pack provides up to 30 minutes of runtime, no cord limits range
• Quiet operation at around 68dB, won't disturb the neighbors
• One-touch button starts the mower, adjustable cutting heights from 1.5-2.4 inches
• 2-year limited warranty provides peace of mind

Negatives

• Battery capacity may be insufficient for larger lawns, need extra batteries
• Plastic housing feels a bit flimsy compared to metal decks on gas mowers
• No electric start, must push start the blade
• Mulching and bagging require separate attachments
• Not meant for thick or wet grass, may get bogged down

Conclusion & Recommendation

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER MTC220 12" Electric Lawn Mower is a great option for homeowners looking for an affordable, lightweight, and quiet cordless mower to tackle small to medium sized lawns.

Final Verdict

This electric mower delivers solid cutting performance and runtime for its class. The 3-in-1 design allows you to choose side discharge, mulching or rear bagging to suit your needs. Safety features like the lock-off switch prevent accidental starts. While not as powerful or feature-rich as more expensive models, the MTC220 provides good value given its lower price point.

Suitable Uses/Customers

The MTC220 is ideal for homeowners with small to medium suburban lawns up to 1/4 acre in size. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and store. First-time buyers or those with flat, straightforward lawn areas will appreciate the simple, low maintenance operation. Those seeking an environmentally friendly, quiet mower will benefit from the electric cordless design.

Alternatives to Consider

Homeowners needing extended runtime, larger cutting width or self-propulsion may want to consider the EGO Power+ LM2100SP self-propelled mower. For larger lawns, the Ryobi 40V Brushless Cordless provides over an hour of runtime. If you prefer gas power, the Honda HRX217K5VKA is a top rated mower known for reliability and performance.