Black and Decker - BV4000 BV4000 type 4

[Dave]

This blower is, without question, a piece of junk. After minimal periodic use, it started sparking and smoking heavily. I stopped it right away and avoided a fire. I opened the housing and discovered that the brushes had disintegrated, chewed up the motor armature, and broke some of the motor windings. As many of us have discovered, the replacement for this motor has been discontinued; Black & Decker didn't recall this model, and will do nothing to replace the blower. Apparently, they can't see the forest for the trees. They will not have to replace a few blowers, but they'll lose a lot of good will, and many customers, including me and everyone I can tell about their faulty product and short sighted decision.

[Mario]

Definitely a piece of crap. Mine blew up the week I bought it in summer 08, they naturally gave me a new one and a warning to use a 12-gauge extension cord. Now the motor blew even after babying the sucker, and my repair shop (who is excellent) confirmed there are no replacement electrical parts available. In the third year of a product's life cycle, this is nothing short of shameful, and proof that B&D drew the line and will take bad PR rather than spend another dime. Off to Facebook I go!