Craftsman has a long-standing reputation for their exceptional gas-powered home lawn mowers. However, their foray into the battery-powered realm is relatively recent. In our extensive comparison of gas and battery lawn mowers, we were pleasantly surprised by the performance of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower. Operating on a maximum 60V battery, this lawn mower offers a truly electric experience.
Advantages of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
- Impressive blade speed, even with a light load
- Steel deck ensures durability
- Clear battery fuel gauge for easy monitoring
- Long battery life with the potential to cover up to half an acre
- Great value for money
Drawbacks of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
- Charging time is relatively slow
- Brushed motors are less responsive to heavy loads compared to brushless models
Shootout Result
While the brushed motors in the Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower are priced similarly to brushless motors in the market, this mower still manages to deliver commendable performance across all scoring categories. Although there is room for improvement, it remains a worthwhile investment.
We are confident that Craftsman will make strides by incorporating brushless motors in their future models. With this upgrade, we anticipate higher rankings for their battery-powered lawn mowers.
This mower kit, equipped with a 7.5Ah battery, is capable of handling most tasks with ease. It is an ideal choice for homeowners who value lawn care and occasionally deal with overgrown grass.
Cutting Performance of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
Curious about how we determined the scores and final rankings for the Craftsman V60 Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower? Take a look at our detailed cordless lawn mower shootout!
Cutting Force
Under no load, the Craftsman self-propelled battery mower’s 60V max motor showcases impressive speed, with blade tip velocities surpassing those of both gas and battery-powered mowers in our test. It achieves a tip speed of 198.7 MPH, narrowly edging out the gas-powered Troy-Bilt by a mere 0.3 MPH. The next best battery-powered competitor lags behind by over 20 MPH.
When the Craftsman mower faced a lighter load, simulating routine maintenance cuts, its speed dropped slightly to 188.5 MPH. Nonetheless, it still outperformed other mowers by a significant margin.
However, the blade speed decreased further under heavy loads, stabilizing at 164.1 MPH. Among the battery mowers we tested, only a few experienced a decline in speed. The Craftsman mower exhibited the most significant drop. In contrast, most mowers actually demonstrated increased blade speeds under heavy loads, some by over 30 MPH. This discrepancy arises due to the brushed motor utilized in this Craftsman model. As it lacks the advantages of brushless motor electronics, the V60 motor behaves more like a gas engine. Consequently, the rpm drop decreases as resistance increases. Additionally, since the blades of an electric lawn mower possess less mass than those of a gas lawn mower, and the motor’s momentum and power are comparatively lower, the decrease in speed is even more pronounced.
Despite this observation, it’s important to note that the Craftsman mower is still well-equipped. Its high blade speed effortlessly handles regular weekly mowing and effectively manages moderate overgrowth. To maintain optimal performance, avoid letting your lawn grow beyond a certain point.
Torture Test
To test its capabilities, we subjected the Craftsman self-propelled battery mower, along with several other models, to two weeks of growth, maintaining a steady 2.5 MPH walking pace with a cutting height set to 2.5 inches. We continued until the mowers became stuck or halted.
The Craftsman self-propelled battery mower effortlessly covered a distance of 21.5 feet. While a few mowers fell short of this mark, we began contemplating the potential performance of this mower with a brushless motor.
Cutting Area
In our cutting-area tests, the Craftsman V60 mower operated at a drive speed of 2.5 MPH until the batteries were depleted. With its substantial 7.5Ah battery, it provided an impressive runtime of 61 minutes, allowing the 20.25-inch blade to traverse over half an acre (22,646 sq. ft.).
This performance is commendable and surpassed only by a few cordless competitors. However, its efficiency is relatively lower with its 405 Wh battery.
It’s worth mentioning that this battery has one of the slowest charging times we’ve encountered. While this may not be a crucial factor if your lawn can be mowed on a single charge, it’s important to note that a full charge cycle takes less than 4 hours for those who require on-the-go charging.
Noise Level
Although the Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower isn’t the quietest on the market, it still generates significantly less noise compared to gas-powered alternatives. With no load, the motor and blade produce 85 decibels. The noise levels increase slightly while cutting.
While this is relatively louder for a battery lawn mower, it falls within the range of 74-88 decibels. Most models operate at 77-82 decibels, with only one being louder than the Craftsman. However, it’s important to note that the majority of gas lawn mowers exceed 90 decibels, giving the Craftsman V60 a comfortable advantage.
Feature Set of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
Drive by Yourself
We appreciate self-propelled mowers, and the Craftsman V60 delivers on this front. Its variable speed drive is easily adjusted using a lever on the mower handle.
Deck Material
The Craftsman self-propelled battery mower utilizes a steel deck instead of plastic or composite alternatives. This not only boosts durability but also adds a bit of weight. However, since the mower propels itself, weight becomes less of a concern. Durability is enhanced in this aspect.
Height Adjustment and Range
Craftsman V60 offers two-point height adjustment. Controlling levers on the front and rear of the mower allow for easy adjustments.
Pro tip: To optimize collection efficiency during bagging, raise the front wheels one notch higher than the rear wheels.
Handle Position and Storage
With three different handle positions, the Craftsman V60 accommodates users of varying heights. For space-saving storage in garages or sheds, simply fold the handle over the top and position the mower upright.
Discharge Option
The mower kit includes everything necessary for mulching, bagging, or side discharging clippings.
Additional Features
- Battery indicator is clearly visible during mowing
- Security key for added safety
Value of the Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
The Craftsman Self-Propelled Battery Mower Kit, complete with a 7.5Ah battery, charger, and a 4-year warranty, is available for $499 at Lowe’s. While currently out of stock, it can be found on Amazon at a slightly lower price. As the mowing season draws to a close, this price drop might indicate the arrival of an updated model for the upcoming spring.
For those interested in the Craftsman 60V platform, the brand offers a growing range of products including a walk-behind mower, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, blower, and lawn mower. With these options, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle various lawn care tasks. We hope to see dedicated edgers and chainsaws added to the lineup in the near future.
The Bottom Line
The primary drawback of the Craftsman cordless lawn mower is its brushed motor, which competes with brushless motors dominating the market at a similar price point. However, the Craftsman V60 demonstrates commendable performance across all scoring categories, indicating that the brand has achieved significant success. Considering the features it offers, the Craftsman self-propelled battery lawn mower remains an excellent value.
We are confident that the addition of a brushless motor will further elevate Craftsman’s standing in the rankings. When this upgrade is implemented, we anticipate even greater performance.
With the included 7.5Ah kit, this mower is more than capable of handling most tasks, making it ideal for homeowners who prioritize lawn care but occasionally encounter overgrown grass.
Craftsman V60 Self-Propelled Battery Lawn Mower Manufacturer Specifications
- Model: CCMMW270Z1
- Cutting Tape: 21″
- Height Adjustment: Central
- Cutting Height: 6″
- Coverage: Yes
- Ideal Property Size: 1/4 acre
- 100% Charge Time: 1.8 hours
- Power: 60V max battery
- Transmission Mode: Self-propelled
- Discharge Position: Side
- Bagging Machine Included: Yes
- Start Type: Electric
- Warranty: 4-year limited
- Price: $499
For a complete overview of the V60 line, please visit Craftsman.com.