Solaris
The Solaris was the only self-propelled mower we tested and the only one with a separate charging station for the batteries. Apart from extra batteries, you can also get a high-speed charger or a solar-powered charger to get you completely off the grid. The multi-position handle was a big hit with Siedlaczek, who thought it “allowed for excellent ergonomic positioning.” His large, hilly yard made the self-propelling feature popular with him. However, we all thought it moved a little too slowly. McDonald liked that the bag was “easy to attach and detach, and the opening was of sufficient size to prevent blockages.” The Solaris is a big machine, and its wheelbase is long, so it is not as easily manoeuvred around obstacles and plantings, which I think makes it better suited to larger lawns that require less intricate turning. The Solaris is the only mower that involved some minor assembly—putting together the charging station and attaching the blade—but the detachable batteries are a definite plus if you want to add extra capacity.
Black & Decker
The Black & Decker mower scored well on ergonomics, but it was the only mower to fall just short of being able to cut Siedlaczek’s 8,000 sq.-ft. lawn. It is possible that the battery had not yet had enough charging and discharging cycles to develop full capacity. McDonald and I had no problems with our smaller properties. Siedlaczek thought it was “good at negotiating curves and obstacles.” I agreed, and I thought that the lower position of its ergonomic handle suited my shorter stature very well. Also, the business end of the mower has a low, unencumbered profile, so it passes under rose bushes without snagging. The Black & Decker’s height adjustment was unique: instead of a lever with detents that you use to pull up the mower to a desired height, it is spring-loaded for the highest setting. Using it requires squeezing the handle and pushing down. Squeeze the handle again, and it floats back up effortlessly to whichever setting you’d like. Unfortunately, one wheel fell off in testing and had to be reattached. The little key for the safety switch is a bit tricky to use, which turned off Siedlaczek and me. However, it does its job well, ensuring a little effort is needed to get the mower powered up.
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