I just finished mowing the January weeds in the back yard and pulled the charger out for the mower.  Except, the charger case was split open rather spectacularly.  Which means some component in the transformer failed — typically that would be a capacitor.  No matter.  The short answer is I need a new transformer for a discontinued item.  The transformer, sadly, has been discontinued, too.

In the course of searching for a new transformer, I discovered this mower was recalled in September, 2010, because “removal of the safety key may not disable the motor resulting in unintentional starting of the motor, which could result in lacerations.”

Yes.  I think it could.  I called the toll free number.  Black and Decker’s toll free number defaults to English, but allows Spanish and French speaking consumers to press a button for their language.  When the call clicked through, I got a human being I could understand who seemed to understand me.

She was knowledgeable and gave me two options:  Take it to a service center where they would perform the required repair or they’d send a box with a shipping label if a service center wasn’t near by.  The nearest Black and Decker Service Center is in Austin, so we went with the box and shipping label.

When I explained that the reason I found out about the recall was because I needed a new transformer which is no longer available, she assured me they would provide a replacement mower with a working transformer.

I’m waiting for my box and label.  I’ll send the mower, dead transformer and all, and see what comes back.  A refurbished mower with a working transformer would be great.  I have a set of replacement batteries I bought but hadn’t installed yet. That’s probably $100 spent I won’t be able to get any use from, because I imagine the replacement may be a different model.

I’ve always liked Black and Decker, and if the rest of this experience finishes out as positively as it has gone so far, that’s one more reason to stay with Black and Decker stuff.