CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 20 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Overview

The CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 20 inch is a cordless, battery-powered electric lawn mower manufactured by Craftsman, a brand known for its tools and lawn equipment. This model features a brushless motor, dual 20V lithium ion batteries, a 20 inch steel cutting deck, and line of sight window to check grass bag level.

The CMCMW220P2 20 inch electric mower delivers plenty of power with a 3-in-1 function allowing mulching, rear bagging, or side discharge of grass clippings. This mower claims excellent air flow and fine mulching capabilities due to the steel deck and specially designed mulching blade. It includes push button start, a height adjustment dial, an edge guide, and provides quiet yet efficient cutting action without needing gas or oil.

Overall, the CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 is a versatile, convenient electric mower for residential use with solid specs to support a quarter acre lot.

Design

The CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 has an impressive design centered around providing superior maneuverability, ease of use, and a premium build quality.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

Weighing in at 67 pounds, the mower is relatively lightweight compared to gas models yet still substantial enough to provide stability in use. Its dimensions are 56.5 x 23.5 x 40.5 inches (LxWxH). The design focuses on a compact footprint so the mower takes up minimal storage space.

Materials Used and Build Quality

CRAFTSMAN constructed the mower deck out of durable steel to withstand yard debris and last for years of regular mowing. The handle uses lightweight aluminum that makes pushing and guiding the mower almost effortless.

Attention to detail is evident in the refined styling and molding of the battery compartment and handle adjustment levers. The materials and construction give the mower a premium feel typically reserved for commercial grade models.

Handle Design and Adjustability

The padded upper handle can be easily adjusted between three heights to accommodate users of different sizes. Once set to your ideal position, the quick lock mechanism ensures the handle stays secure.

The dual lever design allows you to adjust the height with just one hand. The levers are conveniently located so you don't have to bend down or reach awkwardly.

Wheel Design and Maneuverability

With 7 inch front wheels and 10 inch rear wheels, navigating tight corners or landscaping beds couldn't be easier. The wheels use a traction tread design to maintain stability and prevent slipping on slopes and uneven terrain.

The smooth ball bearing reel makes direction changes nearly effortless. The compact and intuitive steering means you remain fully in control without excessive pulling or wrestling to maneuver.

Battery and Motor

The dual-battery design of the CMCMW220P2 provides 40V of max voltage using two 20V interchangeable lithium ion battery packs. The 2Ah battery packs deliver enough charge to power the mower for around 30-45 minutes of continuous mowing. Three battery packs are included, so you can keep one charging while you mow using the other batteries. Battery charge time is around 30 minutes to 1 hour, plus having extra batteries means you can mow for longer before needing to recharge.

The brushless motor provides reliable start-ups and consistent power when mowing through thick or wet grass. The 20 inch heavy duty steel mowing deck allows a cutting speed of 3.15 mph to efficiently mow up to 1/3 acre with a single charge. The high-efficiency brushless motor helps maximize run time to get more mowing done on a single battery charge.

Cutting Deck

The CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 features a 20-inch steel cutting deck, which is a typical size for an electric walk-behind mower. This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized yards.

There is built-in height adjustment on the front 2 wheels, with 6 settings from 1.25-3.75 inches. You can easily adjust the mowing height with a spring-loaded lever on the side.

The deck houses two 10-inch steel blades. The steel blades are durable and designed for clean cutting. The blade spindle has sealed ball bearings for smooth operation.

The deck has an integrated 3-in-1 feature that can side discharge, rear discharge, or mulch grass clippings during operation. So you have the flexibility to choose how you want to handle clippings. The grass discharge chute can also be removed if desired.

Overall, the 20-inch steel cutting deck, adjustable mowing heights, and 3-in-1 functionality are suitable for most residential needs. The mower has a solid deck and blade assembly.

Features

The CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 20-inch electric lawn mower packs in several useful features that enhance functionality and safety.

Easy Start Button: An intuitive one-touch start button gets the mower powered on and cutting grass quickly after just one push.

Safety Features: The mower includes safety key, ensuring it won't start accidentally without the key inserted. There's also a cruise control button for easily maintaining a consistent speed while walking behind the mower.

LED Lights: Bright LED headlights make cutting the lawn after dark a breeze, helping you clearly see obstructions or uneven ground.

Battery Gauge: The dual-port charger includes a battery power gauge displaying approximately how much charge remains on the mower's batteries.

Self-Propulsion: This CRAFTSMAN lawn mower features rear-wheel drive self-propulsion for easy forward power without needing to push.

Variable Speed Drive: Mow fast or slow with adaptable speed settings to match your walking pace and mowing conditions. The mower also has zero-turn capabilities for enhanced maneuverability in tight areas.

Performance

The CMCMW220P2 performs well when cutting grass and handling different terrains.

The brushless motor provides powerful cutting efficiency even on thick and wet grass. Users report the mower handles overgrowth without bogging down or leaving uncut patches. The two 20V 5Ah battery packs supply ample runtime to mow lawns up to a quarter acre on a single charge.

The mower operates more quietly than gas models, with a noise level similar to a casual conversation at 72 decibels. The noise level remains reasonable even when cutting thick vegetations.

The CMCMW220P2 handles minor hills and uneven terrain via its 6-position height adjustment and 5” front wheels, 3” rear wheels. However, users note the mower isn't designed for steep slopes or very uneven lots with holes, significant ruts or obstacles. The lightweight 52 pound design (with batteries) makes the unit easy to navigate and maneuver.

Overall, the CMCMW220P2 provides reliable cutting efficiency and handling for general residential mowing tasks under an acre in size. Users report robust performance and endurance on flat to gently rolling lawns that are otherwise obstacle-free.

Ease of Use

Craftsman designed this mower for intuitive use so you can get to work in your yard without hassle.

Assembly out of the box is straightforward, with only a few parts to attach like the handle and grass bag clips. No tools are needed. Both the upper and lower handles come already assembled, so it's ready to go in under 10 minutes.

You can easily adjust the cutting height from 1 1⁄2 - 4 inches in 6 different positions using a single lever. The dual levers that adjust the front and rear wheels simultaneously make it simple to adapt to yard conditions.

When power runs low, the mower alerts you to recharge the batteries. Both the 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery packs recharge fully in under an hour. Extra 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah battery packs allow for longer run times or backup batteries so you don't have to interrupt your mowing. Simply press the battery release button to swap them out as needed.

Emptying clippings is mess-free thanks to the integrated handle and extra large 20.5-gallon bag capacity with fill indicator window. The bag extracts easily and folds down while clear of the housing so clippings don’t spill out.

Maintenance

The CMCMW220P2 is designed for low-maintenance operation. Here's what you need to know to keep it running smoothly:

Cleaning the Deck
Over time, grass clippings and debris can build up under the deck. The deck on this model lifts up to allow access for easy cleaning with a hose or brush.

Blade Maintenance The dual precision cutting blades should be inspected regularly and replaced when dull for optimal cutting performance. Blade changes are tool-free with the included wrench. Expect to replace blades 1-2 times per season with average use.

Battery Care The dual 20V 5Ah lithium ion batteries hold a charge well and do not require much oversight. However it's best to store the mower with batteries at least partially charged over winter or long storage periods. The batteries can be conveniently charged on or off the mower via the included dual port charger.

Long Term Durability
The aluminum alloy deck, brushless motor, and lithium ion battery system make this an extremely durable and long lasting electric mower. With proper maintenance it should provide many years of reliable service. The 3 year limited warranty provides further peace of mind.

Pros

The CRAFTSMAN 20 inch brushless cordless electric lawn mower provides a lot of value for its price. Here are its key positives:

• Powerful motor & blades: The brushless motor enables high torque to tackle thick and tall grass. The 5 position deck height adjusts easily and the dual 20 inch sharp steel blades make clean cuts.

• Long battery runtime: The 2 included batteries each provide over 45 minutes of consistent power. The batteries recharge fully in 60 minutes, enabling extended yard work as needed. One battery runs while the other charges.

• Easy to operate & maintain: With convenient push button start, variable speed self propelled rear wheel drive, and 7 position single point height adjustment; it's simple to operate over any terrain. Maintenance requirements are minimal with little oil, emissions, or engine tuning needed. The deck rinses clean with a garden hose.

• Quiet performance: Without the noise of a traditional gas engine, the CRAFTSMAN operates at less than 60 dB for peaceful mowing. This minimizes disruption to your family or neighbors.

Cons

• The dual battery set up makes the mower heavy and less maneuverable than single battery models. At 68 pounds, it may be difficult for some users to turn and control the mower.

• Though Cordless, the dual battery set-up only provides up to 45 minutes of run time per battery charge. Users with medium to large yards may find it challenging complete mowing on one charge.

• While the brushless motor provides adequate power, some reviews mention it struggles and bogs down in thicker and taller grass. It may require multiple passes to get an even cut in dense lawn areas.

• The composite deck construction feels flimsy to some users. While it keeps the mower light, the deck may be more vulnerable to dents and damage over time compared to steel decks.