Black and Decker Battery Lawn Mower Review CM2060C

60V Black and Decker Battery Lawn Mower Shows Significant Improvement Over 40V Predecessor

When we tested 24 different mower models to see how the gas and battery-powered sectors of the market currently stand, we looked at a landscape that covers commercial durability and power all the way to DIY capability and affordability. Perennially popular as an entry-level option, Black and Decker entered their 60V cordless mower, and we were excited to see how this reasonably priced model stacked up against other cordless models in our push mower division.

Pros

• Lightweight option
• Easy, single-point cut height adjustment
• 2 batteries onboard with switch
• Visual LED battery charge indicator
• Excellent value score

Cons

• Handle folds over but mower doesn’t store vertically
• Lower power under load than much of its competition

Cutting Performance

Want the low-down on how we tested? Check out our cordless mower shootout!

Power Source

Before we jump into the performance testing, I want to hit on Black and Decker’s power source for a minute. They’re going with a 60V max battery system and that seems to be the sweet spot for battery-powered OPE. It seems to have more muscle than 36V/40V max and moving beyond it can have diminishing returns.

When we tested mowers a few years ago, Black and Decker had a 40V max system that not only struggled with power but also staying cool enough to avoid protective shutdown. That’s not something we’ve run into with this model. Even though we tested in temps higher than 90ºF, they clearly have the heat under control and there’s definitely more power to work with.

Cutting Power

Check the no-load speed as a baseline to start from, Black and Decker’s blades move at a class-leading 2937 RPM. However, its actual tip speed of 165.9 MPH was only the 3rd fastest since a couple of competitors use larger blades than this model’s 19″.

No-load speed provides a good baseline for measuring performance, but it doesn’t tell us what to expect when we actually put the mower into grass. We measured the Black and Decker battery lawn mower under a maintenance-sized load, simulating the light pressure of a regular weekly cut.

Its brushed motor dropped the blade to 2493 RPM and the blade tips to 140.8 MPH; 4th place out of the 5 push mowers.

When you apply a heavier load – like when you’re mowing thicker, more overgrown grass – most brushless motors use their electronics to tell the system to increase power. While not all brushed motor options do this, Black and Decker includes electronic communication and we saw an increase of 5.8 MPH with the heavier load.

We really like to see blade RPMs stay around 3000 (~160 – 190 MPH) to cover the most cutting conditions. While this Black and Decker battery lawn mower doesn’t reach that high, it’s cutting power is absolutely adequate for regular maintenance cuts. If you’re currently using a corded electric mower, this is an easy upgrade to cordless cutting.

Cutting Area

The Black and Decker CM2060C cuts with a 19″ blade, which is the smaller side of average for a push mower (most are 18″ – 21″). However, the difference in cutting area between this and the slightly larger 20″ is only about 5% gain.

During a normal maintenance cut, we were able to get a 31-minute runtime out of 1 battery. Walking at a consistent 2.5 MPH, that’s 10,798 square feet of mowing, or about a 1/4 acre. Assuming that your lawn stays consistent and manageable (your runtime and area will drop significantly under heavier loads), you can double that total when using both kitted batteries.

Interested in battery efficiency? At 60V and 2.5 Ah, you’re looking at 135 watt-hours per battery. If you can cut 10,798 square feet per battery, this breaks down to 80 sq. ft. per watt-hour. In terms of efficiency, this was our third-best performer, bested by the Makita and the Worx models.

Black and Decker recommends this mower for properties up to 1/3 of an acre. We’re a bit more generous and think you can cover 1/2 and acre, assuming you have a house, driveway, and landscaping on your lot.

Noise Level

The Black and Decker battery lawn mower was one of the noisier cordless models. We measured it producing a no-load sound pressure level of 84 dB(A). While that’s the loudest of the battery push mowers we tested, let’s keep it in perspective. Our quietest and most expensive gas mower hit 86 dB(A) and most of the gas models were 90 decibels or more.

Feature Set

PowerSwap Battery Switching

The 60V Black and Decker battery lawn mower comes with two 2.5Ah batteries in its kit, both of which fit into the mower when it’s go time. The mower doesn’t actually run itself on both batteries at once, but depletes one at a time. You’ll be able to see your battery charge levels clearly on the back of the motor base.

When the first battery drains, you don’t need to swap batteries out from one bay to the other, you simply press the PowerSwap button. The mower will start drawing power from the other battery, and you continue on without having to slow down.

It’s more convenient to have a mower that automatically switches. That said, this is a very convenient feature and one you don’t normally find on other battery-powered lawn mowers in this price range.

Deck Material

Black and Decker opts for a plastic deck for this mower. It’s both a pro and a con. The downside is that’s it won’t hold up as long as steel. However, plastic is a lot lighter, and for a push mower model, the lighter weight might make for a more advantageous setup. In fact, the mower is well under 50 pounds without batteries and just over it with both in place.

Height Adjustment and Range

The Black and Decker cordless lawn mower takes it easy on you when it comes to adjusting the cut height. It features a single-point height adjustment that is really simple to use one-handed. It has 7 height levels to choose from, all between 1.25″ to 4″.

Handle Positions

The Black and Decker battery lawn mower gives you two handle positions to choose from, and it even folds over for compact. It’s all incredibly easy to adjust. The difference between “compact storage” and “vertical storage” is hardware that stabilizes the mower if you stand it up against a wall.

If you’re enterprising, there are ways to lifehack your way to vertical storage on this model. In its unmodified form, folding the handle forward is as good as it gets.

Discharge Options

Black and Decker includes everything you need for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. It doesn’t have the cut quality that higher-end mowers have. Part of that boils down to its lower blade speeds that result in a lower vacuum effect on the grass. Still, it gets the job done.

Value

This probably comes as no surprise to anyone familar with the brand these days, but the 60V Black and Decker cordless lawn mower did really well in the Value portion of our shootout. The kit, which comes with two 60V 2.5Ah batteries, a charger, and a 3-year warranty, has a retail price of $399.

This performance in the value category was bested only by the Worx 40V mower, which has a similar warranty, but comes in around $50 cheaper.

Black and Decker’s 60V PowerSwap line is pretty limited right now, though it does cover the basics. Along with this lawn mower, there’s a blower, hedge trimmer, and string trimmer. While you have what you need to keep the lawn in shape, if you’re hoping for an edger, pole saw, chainsaw, or other lawn care tools, you’ll need to look at other brands.

As the mowing season comes to an end, there are some pretty smoking deals on self-propelled models right around, and even under, the same price. So do yourself and favor a do a little shopping around. You might even find this one on sale before too long.

The Bottom Line

How well you like this Black and Decker battery lawn mower definitely comes down to your perspective. If you’re coming from corded electric mowers, you’ll really enjoy the convenience of using batteries and there’s comparable power, perhaps even a bit more. On the other hand, if you’re coming from gas mowers, you’ll notice the difference in power immediately.

We like this model for budget-conscious homeowners with lots up to 1/2 an acre (including the house, driveway, and landscaping) looking for a lightweight battery-powered lawn mower.

Black and Decker Cordless 60V Mower Manufacturer Specs

• Model Number: CM2060C
• Cutting Heights: 1-1/2″ – 4″
• Cutting Swath: 20″
• Height Adjustment: Single-Point
• Property Size: Up to 1/3 acre
• Mulching: Yes
• Weight: 47.6 lbs
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $378.95