Best Black Decker BESTA512CM Electric Lawn Mower Guide

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The black decker besta512cm electric lawn mower is a corded 3-in-1 trimmer, mower, and edger built for very small lawns and touch-up areas. You are deciding whether that compact string-based design fits your yard, or whether a wider corded deck or a small cordless mower makes more sense. This guide explains how the BESTA512CM works, what to check before you buy, and how six electric options compare for patios, strips, and small lots. It covers corded power, cutting width, height control, bagging, weight, and what comes in the box.

Quick answer

The BESTA512CM is a 12-inch, 6.5-amp corded unit that combines a BESTA512 string trimmer with an MTD100 detachable mower deck. The listing states a 1.6-inch cutting height, 9.9 pounds item weight, and speeds up to 8000 RPM. It fits paved-edge yards, narrow side strips, and Renters or owners who want one tool for mowing, trimming, and edging. Choose a wider corded deck if you want bagging or side discharge in fewer passes. Choose a small cordless mower if you want no cord and have a compatible battery and charger. Check the listing for cord needs, spool type, and included parts before you order.

What matters for this type of mower

This keyword is about a compact, corded, string-based mower, not a full-size blade mower. Judge every option by how it cuts, how wide it cuts, and what it needs to run.

1. Cut system: string head versus blade deck

The BESTA512CM uses a string trimmer head on a wheeled deck. The listing includes a BESTA512 string trimmer, MTD100 detachable mower deck, AF-100 spool, auxiliary handle, and guard. Blade decks use a metal or winged blade and often bag, mulch, or discharge. String heads need spool replacement. Blade decks need blade care. Decide which maintenance you prefer.

2. Cutting width and passes

Width controls how many passes a yard needs. The picks here list 12 inches, 12.8 inches, 13 inches, 14 inches, 15 inches, and 20 inches. A 12-inch width turns easily around planters and fences. A 20-inch width covers open turf faster but needs more storage space. For a black & decker cordless electric lawn mower shopper, width still matters the same way, because battery runtime ends faster with extra passes.

3. Power source and what is in the box

Corded models need an outlet and a suitable outdoor extension cord. Cordless models need the right voltage battery and charger. Some cordless listings are tool only with no battery or charger included. Always confirm the box contents. The BESTA512CM listing states corded electric power and lists the trimmer, deck, spool, handle, and guard as included components. If you compare a black and decker cordless electric lawn mower, confirm whether the battery and charger are included.

4. Height control and finish

The BESTA512CM listing states a 1.6-inch minimum and maximum adjustable cutting height. Other decks list 1 inch to 3 inches, 1.5 inches to 4 inches, or 0.99 inch, 1.77 inch, and 2.56 inch settings. Fixed or narrow height suits neat, level turf. More positions suit spring growth and uneven spots. Check whether bagging, mulching, or side discharge is included if you want a clean finish.

5. Weight, wheels, and storage

Compact corded units list lower weights, such as 9.9 pounds for the BESTA512CM and 18.5 pounds for a 13-inch corded model. Wheel size affects rolling over bumps. The LawnMaster listing states 7.75-inch rear wheels. Folding handles help in apartments and small garages. Measure your storage path before you choose a 20-inch deck.

Products that fit this search

Black+Decker BESTA512CM 3-in-1 corded unit

This is the exact black decker besta512cm electric lawn mower in this data set. The title describes it as a weed eater and edger 3-in-1 combo, corded 12-inch 6.5 amp unit with compact push mower function. It pairs a trimmer power head with a small wheeled deck, so you mow by guiding strings over short grass, then lift the head off for trimming and edging. That design suits a patio yard, mobile-home strip, or townhouse lawn where a full mower feels too large. The listing states 12 inches cutting width, 1.6 inches cutting height, 9.9 pounds item weight, and speeds up to 8000 RPM. It also states a cord retention system, automatic feed spool system, adjustable handle and height positions, and POWERDRIVE Transmission. Limits are real. There is no bag, no mulch plug, and no side chute stated in the included components. The fixed 1.6-inch height will not suit readers who want taller turf. Skip it if you want bagging, wide coverage, or cord-free work.

LawnMaster corded 15-inch mower

This is a corded blade-style alternative for a reader who wants a wider cut and clipping collection. The listing title calls it an electric corded lawn mower 15-inch 11 amp model, while one bullet says 14-inch cutting width and the specs say 15 inches cutting width, so the width data contradict each other and neither number should be relied on alone. The specs state 12.7 kg item weight, 6 cutting positions, 1 inch minimum adjustable cutting height, 3 inches maximum adjustable cutting height, and 7.75 inches wheel size. Bullets add a 7-gallon collection bag, 3,300 RPM power statement, and folding push handles. One bullet says 5 cutting positions between 1.4-inches and 3-inches, which also conflicts with the 6-position spec, so check the listing before you buy. It fits small flat lawns where bagging matters. Skip it if you need a trimmer and edger in the same box, because the listing does not state those functions.

Dortala 13-inch corded mower

This is a compact corded blade mower for narrow yards and garden paths. The listing states 13 inches cutting width, 18.5 pounds item weight, 1400W motor language, 3 cutting heights of 0.99 inch, 1.77 inch, and 2.56 inch, and a 30L/8-gallon grass collection bag. It also states mulching function, folding handle, safety lockout that requires the safety button before operation, and ergonomic handle language. That mix suits an owner who wants bag-or-mulch choice without buying batteries. The 13-inch deck turns well beside fences and beds. Limits include only 3 height positions and no trimmer or edger function stated. Cord management still matters. Skip it if you want one tool that also edges, or if you want taller cutting heights above 2.56 inches.

Heinpro 14-inch tool-only mower

This is a cordless option for a reader who already owns compatible batteries. The listing states it is compatible with DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, and it states battery and charger not included in both the specs and bullets. Do not buy it as a first battery platform unless you add batteries and a charger. Specs state 14 inches cutting width, 17.8 pounds item weight, 5-position height adjustment from 1 inch to 2.6 inches, brushless motor language, and 2-in-1 mulching and bagging language. Bullets state a 9.25-gallon grass collection bag and 35L equivalent. A bullet also states up to 15 to 20 minutes of continuous runtime when used with a single fully charged DeWalt 20V MAX 4.0Ah battery, with actual coverage varying. That runtime claim is a manufacturer statement and real runtime varies with grass, height, and terrain. Skip it if you need a ready-to-mow kit, because this listing is tool only.

Greenworks 24V 13-inch cordless kit

This is a small cordless kit that includes a battery and charger in the listing language. The title states 24V 13-inch push lawn mower with 4.0 Ah battery and charger. Bullets state up to 30 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, with variation based on grass condition and operator technique. That is a manufacturer claim and real runtime varies. The specs state 12.8 inches cutting width, 8 kg item weight, plastic material, 5 positions, 2-in-1 mulch and bag language, and brushless motor language. The height data conflict: the specs list 0.81 inches maximum adjustable cutting height and 3 inches minimum adjustable cutting height, which appear reversed, so check the product listing for the correct range and rely on neither number alone. It suits a black and decker electric lawn mower cordless shopper who wants a comparable small cordless format from another platform. Skip it if you need wide coverage or tall height control confirmed in writing.

Craftsman 20-inch corded mower

This is the widest corded deck in this group for small-to-mid lawns with an outlet in reach. The listing states 20 inches cutting width, 20.8 pounds item weight, 13-amp motor language, 1.5 inches minimum adjustable cutting height, 4 inches maximum adjustable cutting height, and 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharging. Included components are listed as one push mower, one collection bag, and one side discharge chute. That package suits owners who want finish options and fewer passes than a 12-inch or 13-inch deck. It does not state trimmer or edger functions. It is larger to store at 33.8 inch D x 21.95 inch W x 15.06 inch H product dimensions. Skip it if your yard is mostly edging, tight corners, or disconnected patches where a cord becomes hard to route.

Compare the picks using listing data

Model type	Cutting width	Power and box	Height and finish
Black+Decker 12-inch 3-in-1	12 inches	Corded Electric, 6.5 amp language, trimmer plus deck plus spool plus handle plus guard	1.6 inches height, string cut, no bag stated
LawnMaster corded deck	15 inches in specs, 14-inch language in bullets, conflict noted	Corded Electric, collection bag stated, folding handles	1 inch to 3 inches in specs, conflicting 1.4-inches to 3-inches bullet
Dortala 13-inch corded	13 inches	Electric corded, 1400W language, 30L/8-gallon bag, mulch stated	0.99 inch, 1.77 inch, and 2.56 inch settings
Heinpro 14-inch cordless	14 inches	Battery Powered, battery and charger not included, DeWalt 20V MAX compatibility stated	1 inch to 2.6 inches, mulch and 9.25-gallon bag stated
Greenworks 24V 13-inch	12.8 inches title-adjacent, 13-inch language in title	Battery Powered, 4.0 Ah battery and charger language	Height min-max appear reversed, 5 positions, mulch or bag
Craftsman 20-inch corded	20 inches	Corded Electric, 13-amp language, bag plus side chute included	1.5 inches to 4 inches, mulch plus bag plus side discharge

How to choose between compact and full-deck electric

Start with yard shape. A reader with 400 to 1,500 square feet of fragmented turf, plus curbs and fence lines, often does better with a narrow unit and separate attention to edges. A reader with one open rectangle often does better with an 18-inch to 20-inch deck and a bag.

Next, check power access. Corded mowers remove battery limits but add cord routing. Look for the cord retention feature and plan an outlet path that does not cross beds. Cordless mowers remove the cord but add battery limits. If the listing says tool only, add the cost and weight of batteries before you compare. For background on small cordless decks, see Best Greenworks 40v 16 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower.

Then check finish needs. The BESTA512CM leaves clippings where they fall. There is no collection bag stated. If your HOA or household wants a picked-up look, choose a model with a stated bag size, such as 7-gallon, 30L/8-gallon, 9.25-gallon, or the Craftsman bag plus chute.

Weight and handle design come next. A 9.9-pound power head plus deck is easier to lift over steps than a 20.8-pound mower. Folding handles help in closets and sheds. Larger wheels roll better over roots. If blades matter to you, read Best Black and Decker Lawn Mower Blade.

Finally, match battery platforms without guessing. Brands do not share batteries across names unless the listing says so. If you own Greenworks 24V tools, a Greenworks kit extends that system. If you own DeWalt 20V MAX packs, a compatible tool-only deck may fit, but confirm model compatibility in the listing. For battery background, see Best Lawn Mower Battery Voltage and Amps.

Readers searching old black and decker electric lawn mower models often want parts or a direct swap. Old corded Black and Decker decks used different spools, guards, and handles. Do not assume an AF-100 spool or MTD100 deck fits an older housing. Check the model number on your housing and the listing before you buy.

Readers searching black and decker lawn hog electric mower, black and decker electric lawn hog, and black and decker lawn hog 18 electric mulching mower mm675 usually mean older mulching decks with wider bodies. Those are different from the BESTA512CM string system. If mulching with a blade matters, compare a stated mulch deck instead, such as Best Lawn Hog Electric 19 Mulching Mower.

If you want to stay in the same brand family, compare corded choices through Best Black and Decker 3 in 1 Mower Corded and battery choices through Best Black and Decker Battery Powered Mower. For trimmer pairing, see Black and Decker Cordless Weed Eater 20v.

Small-strip mowing example

It is not a manufacturer claim. Assume a rectangular front patch that is 30 feet wide and 40 feet long. Assume a 12-inch deck with no overlap loss for the first math pass, then apply overlap. Assume walking speed is 2 feet per second while cutting.

Step 1: Convert deck width to feet. 12 inches divided by 12 equals 1 foot.

Step 2: Find lawn area. 30 feet times 40 feet equals 1,200 square feet.

Step 3: Find passes with no overlap. 30 feet divided by 1 foot equals 30 passes.

Step 4: Find length walked with no overlap. 30 passes times 40 feet equals 1,200 feet.

Step 5: Apply 2-inch overlap per pass. Usable width is 12 inches minus 2 inches, which equals 10 inches. 10 inches divided by 12 equals 0.833 feet, rounded to three decimals.

Step 6: Rework passes with overlap. 30 feet divided by 0.833 feet equals 36.01 passes, so plan 37 passes after rounding up.

Step 7: Rework distance. 37 passes times 40 feet equals 1,480 feet.

Step 8: Estimate moving time. 1,480 feet divided by 2 feet per second equals 740 seconds. 740 seconds divided by 60 equals 12.33 minutes of handle time, before turns, cord moves, and spool checks.

Step 9: Compare a 20-inch deck with the same 2-inch overlap. Usable width is 20 inches minus 2 inches, which equals 18 inches. 18 inches divided by 12 equals 1.5 feet. 30 feet divided by 1.5 feet equals 20 passes. 20 passes times 40 feet equals 800 feet. 800 feet divided by 2 feet per second equals 400 seconds. 400 seconds divided by 60 equals 6.67 minutes of handle time.

The sums, differences, products, and unit conversions check.

Use this result only to choose width. It shows why a 12-inch string deck takes more passes than a 20-inch blade deck. It does not prove battery runtime or corded power. Real time changes with turns, thick grass, slope, and stops.

5 common mistakes

1. Buying the model number without reading the cut type

BESTA512CM is a trimmer-plus-deck system. It does not cut like a 20-inch blade mower. If you expect bagging, buy a deck that lists a bag.

2. Assuming cordless means ready to mow

Two listings here state battery and charger not included. A black & decker cordless electric lawn mower can be tool only too. Read included components first.

3. Assuming batteries cross brands

DeWalt, Greenworks, and Black and Decker platforms are separate. Buy only the compatibility stated in the listing. Never force a pack onto another brand mount.

4. Ignoring height limits

A fixed 1.6-inch height scalps uneven turf. A 1-inch to 2.6-inch or 1.5-inch to 4-inch range gives more control. Match the range to your grass and season.

5. Forgetting cord, storage, and shield care

Corded mowers need a safe cord path. All walk-behind mowers need guards in place. A US consumer product safety standard prescribes safety requirements for certain walk-behind power mowers, including labeling and performance requirements, with performance requirements applying to rotary mowers and labeling to rotary and reel mowers. Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/1205.1. The standard defines a walk behind power lawn mower as a grass cutting machine with a minimum cutting width of 12 in that employs an engine or motor as a power source. It is intended to reduce injury risk from contact with the rotating blade. Shields are tested so a foot probe cannot enter the blade path and must withstand a 50 lb static tensile force for at least 10 seconds. Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/16/1205.4. Follow the manual, disconnect power before clearing clippings, and store batteries per the manual.

FAQ

Is the BESTA512CM cordless?

No. The listing states corded electric power. If you want a cordless Black and Decker format, search the listing for battery voltage, amp-hours, and whether battery and charger are included.

What comes with the BESTA512CM?

The listing states one BESTA512 string trimmer, one MTD100 detachable mower deck, one AF-100 spool, one auxiliary handle, and one guard. Check the listing for cord, spool spares, and warranty terms.

Is the BESTA512CM good for a large lawn?

It is not a good primary mower for a large lawn. A 12-inch string cut and fixed 1.6-inch height take many passes and leave clippings down. Choose a wider bagging deck for larger turf.

Can I use any battery with a tool-only mower?

No. Use only the batteries stated as compatible in that listing. The Heinpro listing names DeWalt 20V MAX packs and states battery and charger not included. Confirm your exact pack model before you buy.

How much runtime will a small cordless mower give?

The Greenworks bullet claims up to 30 minutes on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, varying with grass and technique. The Heinpro bullet claims 15 to 20 minutes with a single 4.0Ah pack, with actual coverage varying. Treat both as manufacturer claims. Tall, damp, or thick grass shortens runtime.

How do I handle wet grass with electric mowers?

Wait until the grass dries when you can. Wet clippings clog decks and bags. For more context, see Best Electric Lawn Mower Wet Grass.

Do I need a special extension cord for a corded mower?

Use only what the manual and listing allow for outdoor use, length, and gauge. The BESTA512CM listing states a cord retention system to reduce accidental disconnects. It does not state cord gauge in the data shown, so check the manual.

Should I repair a mower battery myself?

No. Do not open or repair packs. Store and charge batteries per the manual, keep contacts clean and dry, and ask the maker or a qualified shop about faults.

Bottom line

Choose the black decker besta512cm electric lawn mower if your lawn is tiny, broken into strips, and you want mowing, trimming, and edging from one corded head with a 12-inch width and 1.6-inch height. Choose the Craftsman 20-inch corded deck if you want 20 inches, 1.5 inches to 4 inches height control, and bag, mulch, and discharge options. Choose a small cordless kit only when the listing confirms battery and charger inclusion and the deck width fits your time. Before you buy, confirm cutting width, height range, bag status, box contents, and battery compatibility on the listing.

Sources

• CPSC walk-behind mower safety standard: what walk-behind mowers are and labeling/performance scope
• Shield and foot-probe test: foot probe and 50 lb shield test