According to our research, the American tool manufacturer Black and Decker has three 40V leaf blowers and three 20V blowers in its assortment. In this review, we will look into the characteristics of these six power tools. In the first chapter we are introducing the Black and Decker 40V blowers, including a detailed review of the 40V Black + Decker cordless blower LSW36B. This is followed by a presentation of the three 20V tools in the second chapter. Afterwards, we are presenting the most important tool features and specifications so that you can make an informed decision (chapter 3). We will cap it with a brief history of the company in chapter 4.
I. Black and Decker 40V Leaf Blowers
The three 40V blowers are the Black and Decker Cordless Blower LSW 36B, the Black and Decker LSWV 36, and the Black and Decker Cordless Blower LSW 40C. In the next sub-chapter, we will introduce the Black and Decker LSW 36B in detail. We would focus on the following key evaluation criteria: performance, ergonomics, technology and delivery scope/price. This will be followed by brief presentations of the other two Black and Decker 40V leaf blowers. In this context we will also highlight the differences between the Black + Decker LSW 36B, the LSWV 36, and LSW 40C respectively.
Black and Decker Cordless Blower LSW36B – Review
The Black and Decker Cordless Blower LSW36B is an efficient leaf blower tool designed to take the stress off clearing leaves and other lawn debris. The battery-powered blower offers a maximum sweep of 120 miles per hour (mph) and features six power command settings so you can control the speed for maximum run-time. Another amazing feature is the blow tube which has a built-in scraper that allows you to remove matted leaves as well as trapped debris from hard-to-reach areas.
The power tool runs with a 40V MAX* Lithium-Ion battery from Black and Decker which is available with three different capacities – from 1.5 ampere hours (ah) to 2.5 ah. The leaf blowers low noise design allows for quiet operation, so you won’t disturb your neighbors’ peace. Since it is battery-operated, you also won’t have to worry about the emissions from using a gas-powered leaf blower.
1. Performance
As stated already before, the device is compatible with a 40V MAX* Lithium-ion battery. It works at an impressive air speed of 120 mph and does a great job of clearing leaves and debris from hard surfaces very quickly. The Power Command feature allows you to optimize the performance of the leaf blower and boost the power as needed.
2. Ergonomics
The 40V leaf blower from Black and Decker weighs 4.7 pounds, which is less than most other cordless blowers in the 36-42V segment, as for example the Ryobi RY40460 or the Kobalt 110MPH. In addition to its portability, the Black and Decker cordless blower has a handle with a soft grip. It is also cordless so no matter where you need to use it, you won’t be disturbed by long cords or a lack of close-by electrical outlets. This well-thought ergonomic design makes the tool comfortable to use and easy to handle with little effort and energy. However, it is best to hold it with both hands for a firm grip and safety purposes as you switch on the device. The noise level is set at only a maximum of 66 Decibels, so the tool produces minimal noise during operation.
3. Battery- & charging technology
Battery technology:
The Black and Decker cordless blower can function using any Black and Decker 40V MAX* Lithium-Ion battery. The maximum initial voltage is 40V, and it has a nominal voltage of 36V. It is also easy to install the battery and remove it when work is complete. The 40V batteries from Black and Decker have different capacities (1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 ah). The run time of a 2.0 ah battery is about 25 minutes, if you use the power-boost feature moderately. Although the battery capacity isn’t large, it still offers enough time for you to tick off your leaf-blowing task.
Charging technology:
The 40V batteries are charged with the Black and Decker 40V Max fast charger. The charging time for the smallest 1.5 ah battery is up to 75 minutes. It takes 90 minutes to charge the 2.0 ah battery and 105 minutes for the 2.5 ah battery pack.
Compatibility with other 40V devices from Black + Decker:
The 40V MAX batteries presented above are compatible with various 36V and 40V MAX outdoor tools from Black and Decker.
4. Scope of delivery & price
Overall, we think that the Black and Decker cordless blower LSW36B is a good value for your money. The full set includes one LSW36 Cordless Sweeper and one blow tube. The 40V battery usually needs to be purchased separately.
Other Black and Decker 40V Blowers
Black and Decker LSWV36 40V Max Cordless Blower
The Black and Decker LSWV36 has many similarities with the LSW36B model presented above. With a maximum air speed of 120 mph, it can blow leaves that are up to 17.5 feet away. The handle is also padded, to give you a comfy grip and also reduce vibration when it’s in use. As with the previously introduced blower, the Black and Decker LSWV36 uses a 40V MAX* Lithium-Ion Battery, and it can last up to 30 minutes after each charge.
The main difference between the Black and Decker LSWV36 and LSW36B is the weight. Unlike the LSW36B, LSWV36 has varying weights of 5.4 lbs and 6.9 lbs. When you need the blower to work in a quick and easy mode, it weighs 5.4 lbs. On the other hand, when it is in vacuum mode it weighs 6.9 lbs. These weights are much larger than Black and Decker LSW36’s weight of 4.7 lbs. The Black and Decker cordless blower LSWV36 also operates louder than the LSW36B. The leaf blower set usually includes an LSWV36 Cordless Sweeper/Vacuum, 40V MAX* Lithium-ion Battery, an LCS36 Fast Charger, a Blow Tube, a Vacuum Tube, and a collection bag.
Black and Decker LSW40C 40V Max Cordless Blower
With an air speed of 125 mph, the Black and Decker LSW40C is the most powerful 40V leaf blower on this list. It is also the lightest Black and Decker cordless blower at only 4 pounds. However, unlike the other two 40V cordless blowers, it does not have the Power Command feature.
II. Black and Decker 20V Leaf Blowers
Black and Decker has three different 20 V blowers. These are the Black and Decker Cordless Blower LSW 321, the Black and Decker LSW 221 as well as the BCBL700D1 Axial Leaf Blower. We will first introduce the Black and Decker LSW 321 and then present the other two models.
Black and Decker 20V Blower LSW 321 – Review
The Black and Decker LSW 321 is designed with comfort and easy handling in mind. Therefor it offers a great combination of power, endurance and ease. The cordless leaf blower is part of the Powercommand Family of tools by Black and Decker, helping solve common user frustrations while using Outdoor Power Equipment.
A huge advantage of the Black and Decker Powerboost Sweeper is that all 20 Volt batteries from the companies 20V MAX System can be used interchangeably to power the Black and Decker 20V blower. You can purchase the batteries together with the tool or separately. Subsequently you can decide on simply having one Black and Decker 20V battery for all your 20V MAX System Tools, or getting a few back-up batteries in order to always have fully charged spares, for example when working on bigger projects.
Overall rating
-
1. Performance - 8/108/10
-
2. Ergonomics - 10/1010/10
-
3. Battery & charging technology - 9/109/10
-
4. Scope of delivery & price - 9/109/10
1. Performance: 8/10
The tool is operated with a 20 Volt battery. It impresses with a maximum air speed of 130 miles per hour (mph) and a maximum air volume rating of 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm). The air volume may be on the lower end but this is still more than enough for private use. The performance data shows that this tool can be easily compared to other leaf blowers of the 18-/ 20 Volt category, for example the Dewalt DCE100B, the Makita DUB 182 and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 450 CFM . All in all, you will be adequately equipped to free your porch and sidewalk of grass clippings, debris and leaves.
The Black and Decker 20V blower has one speed setting and a powerboost. You can easily operate the powerboost while holding the tool with one hand, giving you complete freedom of your other hand. The powerboost setting is activated by a push-and-hold mechanism, ensuring that no unnecessary energy is wasted.
2. Ergonomics: 10/10
The device from Black and Decker weights less than other 20V blowers and all leaf blowers from the 40V category. Its sleek design and quality lightweight materials are main reasons for the comfortable 3.7 lbs. In addition to its comparably low weight, the Black and Decker cordless blower has a micro texture soft grip and an ergonomic design. As a result you can easily operate the tool with only one hand. But for safety reasons be sure to firmly hold it with both hands when initially turning on the machine. The top noise level of the Black and Decker 20V blower is at only 66 Decibel, putting it on average terms on the very lower end of the category.
3. Battery- & charging technology: 9/10
Battery technology:
The device can be operated by any Black and Decker 20V battery from the 20V MAX System. The system includes batteries with different capacities of ampere-hours (ah). The ah rating measures how much energy can be stored in the battery. The different batteries included in this system have capacities starting at 1,5 and going up to 4 ah.
The runtime of a 2.0 ah battery is up to 25 minutes, when using the powerboost very sparingly. This might not be the largest battery capacity, but from a user’s perspective, it’s rare to use the powerboost for more than a minute here or there. If a 4.0 ah battery is used, the run times are increased by nearly double. That is to say up to 45 minutes.
Charging technology:
Overall, it takes around 10 hours to fully charge a Black and Decker 20V battery with the included standard charger. However using a Black and Decker fast charger reduces the charging time one hour or two, depending on the battery size.
The Black and Decker 20V battery and charger set, which can be purchased separately even comes with some convenient technology. With the 20C MAX battery you can power the entire family of 20V MAX tools. With its SMARTECH technology you can use the app to locate and lock your tools. Furthermore, you can use the app for general monitoring purposes. In addition, it can charge up your phone and other mobile devices.
Compatibility with other 20V devices from Black + Decker:
As mentioned before, any Black and Decker 20V battery from the 20V Max System will work with the Black + Decker 20V blower LSW 321.
4. Scope of delivery & price: 9/10
Above all, we think that the Black and Decker cordless blower LSW 321 is offered at a reasonable price. The full set includes the tool, one Black and Decker 20V battery (usually the 2.0ah pack) and a charger. Even if you purchase the separately sold gutter attachment and a more powerful battery, this still makes the Black and Decker LSW 321 one of the more reasonably priced battery leaf blowers on the market.
Other Black and Decker 20V Blowers
Black and Decker 20V Blower LSW 221
The Black and Decker LSW 221 has a very similar design to the LSW 321, which means that easy handling is par for the course. Offering the same great combination of power, endurance and ease.
As with the previously introduced blower, all 20V batteries from 20V MAX System can be used interchangeably to power the Black and Decker LSW 221. A battery is included in the set together with the tool but can also be purchased separately. Consequently, you can simply utilize the one Black and Decker 20V battery for all your 20V MAX System Tools, or purchase multiple back-up batteries if you prefer to have a continuous supply of fully charged batteries.
The Black and Decker LSW 221 can boast the same stats as the LSW321: a maximum air speed of 130 mph and a maximum air volume rating of 100 cfm. The blower also has the same ergonomic stats coming in at a comfortable 3.7 lbs and only 66 Decibel. Just as the LSW 321, the Black and Decker LSW 221 only has one speed setting. The only difference between the Black and Decker LSW 221 and LSW 321 lies in the powerboost functionality. The first mentioned device lacks this option which is, however, reflected in a cheaper purchasing price.
Black and Decker 20V Blower BCBL700D1
The Black and Decker axial leaf blower BCBL700D1 has a different design than the two other sweepers. This leaf blower has a shorter yet wider blow tube, and the design is more compact. As the Black and Decker LSW 221 and LSW 321, the device is designed with efficient yardwork in mind, exhibiting a great combination of power, endurance and comfort.
As with the two previously introduced sweepers, all 20V batteries from the Black and Decker 20V MAX System can be used interchangeably to power the axial leaf blower. A Black and Decker 20V battery is included in the standard set together with the tool but there are also sets which include an extra 3.0 ah battery.
The Black and Decker cordless blower BCBL700D1 does have some very different stats than the previous sweepers. It only comes in at 90 mph but it does move air at up to an impressive 320 cfm, clearing debris and grass clippings from your yard or porch. A huge advantage the device has over the Black and Decker LSW 221 and LSW 321 is that the blow tube has an integrated scraper at its lip, designed to loosen suborn and dried up debris.
The tool does not have a power boost, but it does have 2 speed control settings. The two speed settings let you select between a more delicate option for work around flowerbeds and the more powerful setting for cleaning up more stubborn debris from your backyard. The Black and Decker axial leaf blower is a little bulkier in design than the two other tools, but only comes in at 3.8 lbs, making it only slightly heavier The noise rating of only 61 Decibel also makes it somewhat quieter than the Black and Decker LSW 221 and LSW 321.
III. Black and Decker Cordless Blower Data
| Technical Data | Black and Decker LSW36B | Black and Decker LSWV36 | Black and Decker LSW40C | Black and Decker LSW 321² | Black and Decker LSW 221² | Black and Decker BCBL700D1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||||||
| Max. air speed | 120 mph | 120 mph | 125 mph | 130 mph | 130 mph | 90 mph |
| Max. air volume | n/a | n/a | n/a | 100 cfm | 100 cfm | 320 cfm |
| Variable speed trigger | + | + | - | - | - | + |
| Performance boost | - | - | - | + | - | - |
| Ergonomics | ||||||
| Weight (tool only) | 4.7 lbs | 5.4 lbs | 4 lbs | 3.7 lbs | 3.7 lbs | 3.8 lbs |
| Max. noise level | 66 db(a) | 66 db(a) | 65 db(a) | 66 db(a) | 66 db(a) | 61 db(a) |
| Soft-grip | + | + | + | |||
| Max. battery run times¹ | 1.5 ah: n/a 2.0 ah: up 25 min 2.5 ah: | n/a | n/a | 1.5 ah: n/a 2.0 ah: up to 25 min 3.0 ah: n/a 4.0 ah: up to 45 min | n/a | n/a |
¹ Battery run times times partially calculated.
² Only difference between Black and Decker LSW 221 and LSW 321 is the performance boost functionality.
| Battery- and & Charging Technology | Black and Decker 40V | Black and Decker 20V |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Technology | ||
| Voltage | 40 Volt | 20 Volt |
| Battery range | Li-Ion 1.5 ah Li-Ion 2.0 ah Li-Ion 2.5 ah | Li-Ion 1.5 ah Li-Ion 2.0 ah Li-Ion 3.0 ah Li-Ion 4.0 ah |
| Electricity use | 1.5 ah: 60 wh 2.0 ah: 80 wh 2.5 ah: 100 wh | 1.5 ah: 30 wh 2.0 ah: 40 wh 3.0 ah: 60 wh 4.0 ah: 80 wh |
| Charging Technology¹ | ||
| Charging times (standard charger) | n/a | up to 10 hours |
| Charging times (fast charger) | 1.5 ah: 75 min 2.0 ah: 90 min 2.5 ah: 105 min | 1.5 ah: n/a 2.0 ah: around 60 min 3.0 ah: n/a 4.0 ah: around 120 min |
¹ Charging times times partially calculated.
IV. Black and Decker history
Black and Decker is an American company founded in 1910 and headquartered in Townson, Maryland. The company is a popular manufacturer of home appliances and home improvement products. In 2010, Black and Decker merged with Stanley Works to become Stanley Black and Decker.