Review of the WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM Electric Lawn Mower

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM is an electric walk-behind lawn mower from Wild Badger Power, a company that specializes in battery-powered outdoor power equipment. This mower is designed to be lightweight and maneuverable, yet powerful enough to handle residential lawn care needs.

The WB40V18PLM features an 18-inch cutting deck and utilizes Wild Badger Power's 40V max lithium-ion battery system. With no gas, oil or fumes, this electric mower provides a lower maintenance and more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional gas-powered mowers.

This review will provide an in-depth look at the key features, performance, design and ease of use of the WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM mower. Both the pros and cons will be covered to help homeowners determine if this electric mower is the right option for their lawn care needs.

Design & Build Quality

The WB40V18PLM features a rugged metal deck designed for durability and longevity. The cutting deck is made of 10-gauge steel which is thicker and more rigid than the steel used on most mower decks. This allows the deck to withstand impacts without warping or denting.

The steel blades are beefy and sturdy, made to handle yard debris without bending or dulling quickly. The front axle uses cast iron for added strength and resistance to wear. The mower feels very solid overall, with no flimsy plastic parts.

The chassis is made of thickergauge steel to prevent flexing. This results in a smooth, even cut and allows the mower to hold up well under rigorous use. The wheels are also durable, with no plastic hubs or weak points.

Customers report the WB40V18PLM holding up nicely even after years of regular lawn care use. The solid construction prevents the kind of cracking, loosening, or deterioration over time seen with less rugged mowers. Overall, the durable materials and robust build quality of this electric mower make it a long-lasting option.

Cutting Deck

The WB40V18PLM features an 18-inch wide metal cutting deck. This size is sufficient for medium yards up to about half an acre. The cutting height can be adjusted between 1.6-4 inches in 0.6 inch increments, providing flexibility for different grass lengths and conditions.

The deck is made of stamped steel which is durable and retains sharpness well. It uses two metal blades in a scissor-like cutting motion for a clean, even cut. Reviewers comment that the cut quality is excellent, leaving behind a manicured, healthy lawn. The 18-inch width allows the mower to cut a decent sized swath in each pass, saving time mowing larger yards.

Some users note the deck tends to accumulate wet grass clippings when working in damp conditions. This mainly occurs at lower cutting heights. Raising the deck higher can help alleviate this issue. Overall the metal deck holds up well to yard debris and provides high quality cutting performance.

Motor & Power

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM lawn mower is powered by a 40V brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient, quieter, and longer lasting than standard brushed motors. This mower's 40V lithium ion battery provides enough power and runtime for mowing small to medium sized lawns on a single charge. The 2.5Ah battery can run for around 30-45 minutes and charges in 2-3 hours.

The more powerful brushless motor is better for tougher mowing jobs and thicker grass, while the 40V battery provides ample voltage. The runtime is decent but you may need an extra battery for larger yards. The fast charging time helps make up for the average runtime.

Overall, the motor and battery seem capable of reliably powering the 18 inch cutting deck to mow small and medium lawns efficiently. The brushless motor technology adds power and longevity over standard motors.

Features

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM electric lawn mower comes equipped with several useful features to make lawn mowing easier and more efficient.

Self-Propelled Drive: This mower has a variable speed self-propelled rear wheel drive to help move the mower along as you walk behind it. The self-propel feature can be engaged or disengaged easily with a single lever, allowing you to mow at your own pace.

Mulching Capability: The mower deck design allows for effective mulching of grass clippings. Instead of collecting clippings in a bag, the mulching blades cut grass into tiny pieces that get distributed back into the lawn. This provides a natural fertilizer and helps reduce mowing time since you don't have to stop to empty clipping bags.

LED Headlights: Bright LED headlights are mounted on the front of the mower deck, illuminating the path ahead when mowing in low light conditions or at night. The headlights make it easier to see obstacles and ensure an even cut.

Cutting Height Adjustment: The cutting height can be easily adjusted in 1/2 inch increments, from a range of 1-3/4 inches up to 3-3/4 inches high. This allows customization of cut height for the type of grass and desired lawn appearance. Height adjustment is done with a single lever for convenience.

Folding Handle: The mower handle can be folded down after use for compact storage. This makes it easier to store the mower in a shed or garage when not in use.

Ease of Use

The Wild Badger Power WB40V18PLM electric lawn mower is designed for convenient operation and maneuverability. The handle folds down for compact storage, making it easy to store in tight spaces.

The dual lever height adjustments allow you to choose from 6 cutting height positions ranging from 1.25 to 4 inches, enabling you to customize the cut to your lawn's needs. Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward - simply pull the levers up and move to the desired position.

The mower is push button start and has intuitive controls right on the handlebar. The dual blade engage button ensures safety by requiring two hands on the handlebar to start the mower. There is also a safety key that must be inserted for operation.

The 18 inch cutting deck provides good maneuverability and the rear wheels have 8 inch diameters to easily roll over uneven terrain. Weighing only 53 pounds, the mower is lightweight enough to push and guide with ease.

Overall, the design focuses on user-friendly operation with convenient controls, adjustable cutting heights, a smooth rolling foldable body, and lightweight maneuverability. Most users should find the Wild Badger mower simple and easy to operate.

Maintenance

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM requires little maintenance to keep it running well. The cutting deck should be cleaned after each use to remove grass clippings and debris. It's recommended to periodically check and tighten any loose fasteners.

The two 18V lithium-ion batteries powering the mower are a key component. Proper battery care will extend their lifespan. Batteries should be fully charged before each use. Avoid leaving batteries discharged for long periods. Store indoors at moderate temperatures when not in use. The battery charger has overcharge protection to prevent damage when charging. Replacement batteries are available from the manufacturer.

Overall, the WILD BADGER is designed to be low-maintenance. Following the owner's manual guidelines for battery charging, blade sharpening, and periodic inspections will keep this mower running reliably for years. The brushless motor has no brushes to replace like older electric mowers.

Noise Level

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM electric lawn mower has a sound rating of 87 dB, which is fairly typical for an electric mower. In use, it operates at a moderate noise level that's much quieter than gas-powered mowers. The powerful motor hums as you mow, but it's not overly loud or shrill. You can carry on a conversation at normal volume while using this mower, unlike with noisy gas models.

The quieter acoustics are a major advantage of electric mowers in general. This makes the WILD BADGER POWER a good option if you want to mow early in the morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. It won't wake sleeping kids or require hearing protection like some gas mowers might. The moderate noise level is less fatiguing for the user as well. Overall, while not silent, the WILD BADGER POWER mows with pleasantly quiet acoustics.

Price

The WILD BADGER POWER WB40V18PLM electric lawn mower is priced in the mid-range for cordless electric lawn mowers. At around $330 on Amazon, it offers good value for money given its build quality, power, and features. Compared to gas mowers in the same price range, it is competitively priced and a good investment for a green, quieter lawn mowing experience. The battery and charger are included, so there are no extra costs there either. While more premium electric mowers with extra features do cost more, this model hits a nice sweet spot for most home users who want an affordable but powerful and well-built electric mower. Considering you'll save on gas and maintenance costs over time, the Wild Badger represents very good value for a mower that will provide years of reliable service.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 40V brushless motor provides excellent cutting power
• 18 inch wide cutting deck allows you to mow more grass in fewer passes
• 6 position height adjustment from 1.25 to 4 inches
• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Easy to assemble right out of the box
• Good run time of about 45 minutes on a full charge
• Mulching and rear bagging capabilities

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately, adding to initial cost
• No electric start button
• Upper height range could be higher for taller grass
• occasional clogging in wet thick grass
• No self-propelled option