Overview
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a lightweight, corded 3-in-1 tool that mows, trims, and edges your lawn with one compact machine. Powered by a 6.5 Amp motor and POWERDRIVE™ transmission, it delivers increased torque for cleaner cuts. Easily convert between mower deck, string trimmer, and edging wheel for precise lawn care in tight spaces and along borders.
Key Features
- 3-in-1 Versatility: Switch between 12″ mower, trimmer, and edger modes in seconds.
- POWERDRIVE™ Transmission: Maintains cutting power under load for consistent performance.
- Automatic Feed Spool (AFS®): Continuous line feed—no bumping required.
- Compact Cutting Deck: 12″ (30.5 cm) width and 1.6″ (4.1 cm) maximum cutting height for small yards.
- Built-In Cord Retention: Prevents accidental unplugging during use (extension cord not included).
Technical Specifications
| Model | BESTA512CM |
|---|---|
| Power Source | 6.5 Amp corded electric |
| Cutting Width | 12″ (30.5 cm) |
| Max Cutting Height | 1.6″ (4.1 cm) |
| Operation Modes | Mower, Trimmer, Edger |
| Weight | 9.9 lb (4.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 15″ D × 7″ W × 37″ H (38.1 × 17.8 × 93.9 cm) |
| RPM | 8,000 RPM |
| UPC | 885911536011 |
What’s in the Box
- BESTA512CM 3-in-1 unit
- 12″ mower deck
- String trimmer head with AFS®
- Edging wheel
- Operator’s manual
Streamline your yard work with one tool that mows, trims, and edges—choose BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM for efficient corded power.
I'm going to get a wire trimmer line to ensure I don't have to continue to replace them.
Cleans easily. Comes apart easily for storage in a small space.
So, you get a little lawn mower, an edger, and a string trimmer, all in one. Never have to charge batteries, batteries never run out of charge, and it's probably as powerful as the most powerful battery operated ones, since it has an unlimited supply of all the power it needs. Dragging around an electric cord is a little cumbersome but again, as long as the yard is fairly small then it's no big deal. I mow as if I were vacuuming a carpet, moving sideways until that 6' strip of lawn is finished then move on to the next 6' strip. That keeps the cord behind me at all times. The edger takes some practice to do well but it's doable and the end result is nice. And when you're done the handle collapses down to save space, which is nice. The one negative is the cord connector which is designed to be used with only their power cords (sold separately) but I was able to squeeze my cord into it and it works fine. Trimmer string feed has not failed, and I know to keep the string cutter clean and sharp. Mower has 3 height positions for different grass heights, easily adjusted. Mower is of course light enough to easily pick up and swing around into position--something you can't do with a regular mower.
All in all it's really cool. Low cost, compact, easy, light, and it works. I almost feel guilty, given the hassle my neighbors have to go through with their mowers and trimmers.
The LOWEST MOWER HEIGHT (from ground to button pressed): 22-1/2 inches.
The HIGHEST MOWER HEIGHT (from ground to button pressed): 31-1/2 inches.
**Due to my very own physical needs, the lowest height works perfectly for me! Fortunately, I did not have any of the 'troubles' that some have reported with theirs. If it works as it all did with my first use on a small yard today for even a season or two, I would definitely purchase again! Although it does kind of sound like a small shop vac in use, it is absolutely adorable and FUN for me to use. I love it!!
It does look like a toy and is nearly identical to vacuuming (with both physical motions & width). So those that are impatient, hate vacuuming or want to look 'manly', may not appreciate this trimmer/mower like I already do. Did I mention that I I love this thing! :)
However, as not to wear down the thin and very narrow plastic lip that holds the trimmer into the mower attachment, I personally won't be pressing the trimmer into the mower attachment until it "clicks" per the instructions. Instead, I simply press on the pedal and gently seat the trimmer all the way in before releasing the pedal to lock it in place. Noting again, that's just my own suggested solution to hopefully prevent that thin plastic 'lock' from wearing down so easily, or as I see that it probably could otherwise.
Further, the trimmer seems to hold in place just fine when pressing the trimmer handle down to make turns (just like placing the weight on the back wheels to turn a vacuum). To 'lift up' on the trimmer handle when mowing, is when it wants to detach from the mower --so don't do that people lol.
Just like every electric tool that I've ever owned, it does NOT come with an extension cord (and it makes me laugh that anyone would expect it to). However, since I wanted an extension cord designated just for this unit, I also purchased what did NOT work --and that was a 50 ft 16AWG Yellow HUANCHAIN brand through Amazon at the same time as well. To my disappointment and even trying to force it further into the plug hole, that extension cord does NOT and will NOT make a tight enough contact to fit but for 'brief' contact spurts. At first, that was a big GRRR there for me because the mower kept cutting out before I realized it was that extension cord that was barely making contact. Okaaay....
**Instead though and most fortunate for me, I ended up using my older orange extension cord (that most of us have laying around) that has a slightly narrower plug encasement ... which seats all the way into the plug for continuous contact well and fits perfectly tight! With my recent experience: If it feels slightly wobbly, kind of loose or pulls out too easily... just forget it and try another extension cord plug! You're welcome. Lol
Again, before getting super frustrated with the extension cord constantly coming loose from the plug (like I did with the brand new yellow one), you may want to try to find an older style or better fitting extension cord first (even if to take the trimmer to your local hardware store to try one there)!
See my extension cord pics as example: Orange (narrower) = Perfect & Tight Fit! Yellow (chubbier) = Frustrating, Loose & Horrible Fit!!
Lastly, my reason for purchase: Living in an apartment with a small yard has became just too ridiculous annoying every year to 'wait' for yard maintenance not even mowing until the weeds are almost 18" high and allowing the clippings to just fall where they may for their tenants to just track long grass/weed clippings into our cars and apartments -- I finally had ENOUGH when a thorn weed recently caught my pant leg causing me to trip and fall! With this fun to use, light and nifty little edger/mower that I can enjoy taking care of my yard weekly and all by myself... I won't and NEVER will want such careless "yard maintenance" in or around my yard (or vehicle) again now anyway! I'm not done yet but just after mowing the whole yard once & quickly edging to 'test' it today, my yard already looks way better than it ever has before! I'm HAPPY and very pleased with this fun little B&D trimmer/mower being my new 'toy'!
The only reason I'm not including pics of the results with its use on my yard today is due to some privacy concerns but it already looks GREAT! Yet, I hope my lengthy review helps answer some of the questions that I had prior to my having to purchase it to find out for myself anyway. I'm sure glad I did though! I don't enjoy raking so to prevent that, I will just be sure to mow weekly through the growing season because I CAN and will enjoy doing so, too. Just make sure you get a tight fitting extension cord and well then . . . Happy mowing the easy way!! :)