In Brief: Black & Decker CM1640 Review
Black & Decker CM1640 is easy to use and compact enough it won’t take up much room in your garage. This mower is a cordless mower powered by 40V lithium batteries and is a reliable and hard-working, durable choice for anyone’s lawn.
Black & Decker has been around for over a hundred years and has strived to bring its customers high-quality tools and equipment that are innovative and durable.
Starting with a small shop in Baltimore, this company has become one of the most reliable and well-known brands.
The CM1640 lawn mower is just another model in a long line of options offered by Black & Decker. It is a cordless electric powered push mower that comes with a lot of great features. So let’s take a look!
Key Specifications of Black & Decker CM1640
This lawnmower is powered by electricity, and that means no disgusting fumes or emissions.
The CM1640 is a cordless option that is more efficient than most of its competition and gives the lawn care enthusiast an eco-friendly option to getting the job done.
It is small coming in at just 16” and lightweight, which makes it perfect for small yards. It is easy to push and maneuver even around the most difficult obstacles because of its lightweight design.
The compact design also means that it is easy to store when you’re done.
If you want more information about this mower, check out this video from Black & Decker.
Here is a long list of its specifications –
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Electric (cordless) |
| Power | 40V lithium battery |
| Amps | 2 x 2 |
| Starting System | Push-button |
| Charging Time | 2 hrs. (100%) |
| Cutting Height | 1 1/5” – 3 1/5” |
| Cutting Width | 16” |
| Weight | 38 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 28” x 19” x 16” |
| Bag Capacity | 9.5 gal. |
Unique Features
The mower is not overloaded with unique features, but there are two that we think to make a difference in the performance and the usability of the CM1640.
AutoSense Technology
This proprietary technology helps with the precision and efficiency of the mower’s cutting ability. Designed to monitor the thickness of the grass, the AutoSense system adjusts the power accordingly.
So if you are pushing through thick grass, the mower will amp up the power. On the other hand, the power lowers to extend the battery’s life if the mower is being pushed through light grass patches.
Grass Bag
The grass bag may not be a glamour feature, but it is important, and Black & Decker has included a great one with the CM1640. The easy-to-use soft fabric bag is thin enough that you can see the level of grass housed within.
This will help make sure you are dumping it when it needs to be emptied and prevent any clogging happening. Then when you are done, the storage of the bag like the mower is easy.
Power, Design, Durability
Power
We always look at three factors when we are reviewing the lawnmowers. These three things are the definitive features that tell us truly whether a lawnmower is a good investment or not.
A lithium-ion 40V battery powers the unit. Often battery-powered mowers lack in this area as they do not have the extra components of an engine that helps deliver power and speed.
This mower, however, is more powerful than many other options when looking at electric powered mowers.
With a full charge, you get about thirty minutes of work.
The inclusion of the AutoSense technology can help make sure that the unit is powered appropriately for the grass you are working on, and this may extend the runtime out a bit.
Design
The unit is crafted with lightweight materials, which gives it improved usability and maneuverability. The lack of a cord provides the user with freedom and mobility too.
It only has a 16” deck, but that means that it can get into those places a larger mower couldn’t and also means that it is easier to store than other options.
Durability
The unit is crafted with high-quality materials, and that gives it elevated durability. No engine means that there are fewer parts to maintain and, therefore, less chance of breaking down.
This, too, extends the life cycle of the CM1640.
Cut Quality and Available Options
The CM1640 is a compact mower, but it offers a great cut quality. It’s cutting deck measures 16’, and because of the lack of power, you will need to make more passes, but the result is precision cuts and a beautiful lawn.
This is fine as the unit comes with two batteries so that you can have one always on the charger. Having an extra battery will allow you to extend your cutting time as you can switch one out if the first battery dies.
The bag of the mower is also nice and easy to use. You will need to keep an eye on the grass level as you use it, but thanks to the lightweight design, that is very easy.
And dumping your cuttings is made even easier with its simple flap design.
Performance and Ease of Use
It may not look like it would deliver performance and power, but it does. The unit, even when dealing with thicker grasses and uneven landscapes, can handle itself. It also handles obstacles fairly well.
It can handle even tougher situations like wet grass and such, but you will have to adjust the cutting height to the highest setting to get the right results. The CM1640 is surprisingly durable and is easy to move around the yard.
The ease of use with this mower is outstanding. It is compact and lightweight, which makes using it easy. It starts easily, and the batteries are simple to change out.
That, combined with the ease of storage, enhances the usability of the power by leaps and bounds.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs, and Warranty
If you want the best results, the first thing to do is make sure to sharpen and balance the blade of the mower. You will also want to do a once over of the unit after every use and make sure you clean thoroughly.
Checking the bag for tears each time is also a good idea. Lastly, always be aware of the vibration of the mower. If it gets too much, you may have to play with the safety key and bail handle.
There is no other maintenance as you don’t need to oil or replace any other unit components.
Warranty
The CM1640 comes with Black & Decker’s standard 2-year warranty. This warranty covers all major defects and repairs needed to fix them. The warranty starts the day after you purchased the mower.
Not covered by the warranty are the following damages:
- Due to neglect and improper maintenance
- Normal wear and tear
- Use of improper batteries or parts
To find a service center that is authorized by Back 7 Decker to handle your warranty or repair issues, check out the locator at www.blackanddecker.com.
Price of Black & Decker CM1640 Lawn Mower
This mower from Black & Decker doesn’t require a lot of upkeep and is easy to use. The CM1640 is lightweight and durable and delivers good quality cuts. It comes with two batteries and a charger.
Some may feel the $300 price tag is a bit steep, but when you look at the value and durability, if you can invest the money, it is a great choice.
Who Should Buy It?
So the CM1640 is a small and compact mower, which makes it only good for small lawns. Other than that, it is a great option for almost anyone, but some will get more from the use of this mower.
This mower works well with the most terrains, and though it may have to switch up the power to handle rougher landscapes.
The CM1640 is doing well with obstacles and tight spots. Grass wise, it works on most types even wet (although it does not work as well as some of its competitors).
The mower may take a few passes to get the lawn to the desired height, so if you are strapped for time, this is not the model for you.
However, if you have the time, a small yard, and are looking for an environmentally smart choice, this is a great option.
Why We Like It
There is a lot to say about this small but efficient mower. The lightweight and quiet operation make it perfect for a small yard in a built-up neighborhood.
It comes with multiple batteries, so there is no extra expenditure out of the gate, which makes up a bit for the price tag. The unit is designed to be easy to use and reliable for your lawn care needs.
Last update on 2024-12-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API