Black + Decker BESTA512CM 3-in-1 Compact Electric Lawn Mower Review

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In Brief: Black + Decker BESTA512CM  Review

Black + Decker aced it with this electric power tool that has a fast conversion from mower to trimmer at the least prompt. I loved this mower model! Especially on my landscape that required way too much edging and had many trees. Its adaptation for edging and cleaning through small-tight spaces is impressive.

With this top-of-the-class ergonomic electric lawnmower, you can mow, trim, and edge without the need to change equipment. You get a POWERDRIVE™ transmission that powers it through overgrown grass and tough weeds with ease.

This Black + Decker mower has a compact design and is lightweight with a corded design that allows ultimate convenience every time you use it.

Let’s not forget that although it is corded, it can handle larger yards measuring an impressive 1200 sq. meters.

This will, however, require an outdoor electrical outlet that is reliable enough until you complete the job. It has a unique cord retention system that effectively prevents unintended cord disconnection when working.

Key Features of Black + Decker BESTA512cm 12″ 3-in-1 Compact Electric Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger, 12-Inch (BESTA512CM)

Black + Decker BESTA512cm 12″ 3in1 Corded electric lawn mower comes in a compact and lightweight form, with an adjustable comfort-grip handle providing maximum comfort in control.

The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) successfully lets the operator keep working without the need for unintended stops to regulate the spool.

Its cutting-height adjustments range from 1.6 to 2.4 inches, and the machine offers an excellent 12-inch cutting path.

Being a 3-in-1-yard tool, the machine will convert seamlessly from mower to trimmer to edger with such ease.

It operates on a 6.5 Amp motor plus a POWERDRIVE transmission, which pushes it through the thickest turfs and overgrown grass with maximum performance.

Key Specifications –

ParametersDetails
Cutting Width
12 Inches
Transmission Type
POWERDRIVE Transmission
Power Type
Electric
Engine Power
6.5Amp
Rear Wheels Size(in.)
20
Cutting Style
Trimmer String
Weight
9.9 Pounds
Cutting Height Options
5-Adjustments
Start Type
Push Button
UL Safety
Yes
Motor Type
Brushed
Speed Controls
No
Maximum String Speed
8000rpm

Unique Features

This mower comes with several attributes that make it stand out from the rest of the models in the market. They include:

AFS Cutting Design

Unlike other lawnmowers that use metallic blades for grass cutting, the Black + Decker BESTA512cm 12″ 3in1 Corded electric lawn mower features a high-speed rotating cutting string.

It measures 0.065 inches in diameter and is sold by Black + Decker under the AF-100 model number.

The Automatic Feed Spool cutting design allows you to mow continually without stopping to adjust the cutting height. This is exceptionally efficient for rugged yards.

POWERDRIVE™ Transmission

Regardless of its small size, the 6.5 Amp 120V motor with POWERDRIVE transmission professionally powers it through the toughest grass with so much ease.

Never worry if your lawn has tough weeds and overgrowths, you can depend on the sheer power of the Black + Decker BESTA512. You will want to use this lawnmower on small yards due to the electric cord’s limitation, however.

3-in-1 Function

This is a triple utility mower. Aside from the mowing function, you can use it as a trimmer and edger. What makes it outstanding on this specific feature is how fast and easy it shifts through the three modes.

With the edging option, you can easily clean up tight spaces after trimming them to the required height.

 

Power, Design, and Ease of Use

Of course, some of the most vital things to consider are the power, design, and ease of use. Let’s see what this unit has on offer.

Power

When it comes to power, you have it all with the Black + Decker BESTA512. You always get the fussiness you want with its pioneering AFS cutting spool.

A 6.5 Amp motor ensures the cutting string rotates at 8000rpm for the finest carpet cuts.

I experienced absolute power with this machine when using it on my overgrown grass. Driven by a POWERDRIVE transmission, don’t expect it to bump or bog down when you go through thick turfs.

The downside is that you don’t get a speed variation for this model, with this transmission.

Design

Handles come with various positions of adjustment, depending on the height you want to mow in. It saves you the hassle of bending to access the handles if you are taller.

No after-work backaches! Some users argue that the string-cutting design is more durable than steel blades.

Ease of Use

If you don’t want to continually stress by sharpening your blades, replacing and oiling them, you had best get this mower.

Cut Quality and Available Options

Black + Decker BESTA512 Corded Electric mower’s cutting deck produces a 12″ cutting path. It allows you to groom small and relatively medium-sized yards faster.

For smaller yards that necessitate a lot of edging and trimming, this is your typical mower.

It also presents three options in one tool for grooming your yard. You can mow your usual way, or use the machine as a trimmer by detaching the cutting deck. Refine your job by turning the trimmer head to convert it to an edger.

Its lightweight design and Automatic Feed Spool, plus the adjustable handles, make lawn care such an abridged task. This Black + Decker electric lawn mower is adjustable to 2-cutting heights, 1.6-Inch (4 cm), and 2.4-Inch (6 cm).

Performance and Ease of Use

When it comes to performance, I see this mower more as a multi-purpose trimmer that comes with a wheelbase to be used as a lawnmower.

It offers the best performance in small yards and where more trimming and edging is required. This mower is not designed for chewing through huge and insanely tough and thick turfs of grass.

The Automatic Feed Spool allows you to continually keep functioning with zero-bumping and no stops to adjust the spool manually.

Using it to trim is such an easy task as the handles are comfortable on both arms, and they come with adjustable positions.

The Black + Decker BESTA512 has a lightweight design that doesn’t quickly tire your arms even after a whole day of work. You just have to mind about the cord, which can create tangles as it trails behind you.

Your new mower also has a cord retention system to ensure the cord doesn’t accidentally disconnect while in use.

 

Maintenance, Repairs, and Warranty

Very minimal maintenance is required with this Black + Decker 3-in-1 lawnmower. The trimmer string is hassle-free to maintain, unlike steel blades that require constant sharpening and replacement when they are worn out.

All you need is a spare AF-100 line for when you run out.

Continuous plugging in and out of the cord, and also moving it around can loosen the cord plug-in. You, therefore, need to have keen attention on the plug-in port.

If it loosens after a year or two, an electrical tape strip can handle it for additional service.

Warranty

The mower is backed by a 2-year limited warranty that doesn’t cover damages caused by abuse, accidental failures, or if repairs have been attempted by someone other than the authorized Black + Decker Service dealers.

Using the machine for commercial purposes also voids the warranty. Any issues that arise should be addressed to the nearest Black + Decker service center.

Here are the manufacturer’s contact details. tel:1-800-544-6986
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 5 PM EST or email [email protected]

Price of Black + Decker BESTA512cm 12″ 3-in-1 Compact Electric Lawn Mower

Pricing and value is an area the Black + Decker BESTA512CM excels. The multiple-utility in trimming, edging, and mowing in a single tool, however, gives this appliance an incomparable value.

Rest assured, the unit will give you value for every dollar you pay for it.

 

Who Should Buy It?

This lawnmower is suitable for use on small-sized lawns. For instance, a residential yard that needs constant grooming in terms of trimming and edging would need this mower.

It goes a long way in eliminating the need for purchasing extra equipment for trimming and edging.

You’ll also find its utility excellent on your over-grown grass, thanks to the Automatic Feed Spool system and PowerDrive Transmission. If you don’t like heavy lawnmowers, you might want to own this one.

Why We Like It

We highly recommend this mower as compared to its peers due to the following advantages:

  • Three functions in one tool
  • PowerDrive Transmission
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Effective cord retention system
  • Powerful 6.5Amp motor
  • Automatic Feed Spool String system

 

Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Michael Adams

Michael has been providing handyman services for the last 14 years. He also contributes as a writer sharing his experience and experience for design projects.

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