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Introduction
Imagine gliding through your yard with a powerful, whisper-quiet lawn mower that eliminates the hassle of gas, cords, and endless maintenance. No more pulling starters, spilling fuel, or dealing with smoky exhaust—the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower promises a greener, easier way to achieve that perfectly manicured lawn. Priced at 9, this battery-powered beast boasts a 4.5-star rating from over 2,264 Amazon reviewers, making it a standout in the cordless mower market.
As someone who’s tested countless electric lawn mowers, I was skeptical about whether an 80V cordless model could match the torque of gas-powered rivals, especially for yards up to half an acre. But after diving into its specs, real-world performance claims, and a deep analysis of customer feedback, this Greenworks mower impressed with its brushless motor, self-propelled drive, and versatile 4-in-1 cutting system. In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything from its key features to honest pros and cons, so you can decide if it’s the best cordless self-propelled lawn mower for your needs.
Product Overview
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is designed for homeowners seeking professional-grade performance without the environmental impact or upkeep of gas mowers. At its core is an 80V brushless motor paired with a durable 21-inch steel deck, delivering more torque, quieter operation, and extended lifespan compared to traditional brushed motors.
Key highlights include:
- Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive: Variable speed control for superior traction, maneuverability, and ease on inclines—perfect for hilly terrains.
- LED Headlights: Illuminate your path for dawn or dusk mowing sessions, adding safety and convenience.
- 4.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger: Runtime covers up to 1/2 acre on a single charge (depending on grass conditions and technique), with compatibility across 75+ Greenworks tools for battery-sharing versatility.
- 4-in-1 Cutting System: Mulch, rear-bag collection, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup modes adapt to any yard task, from routine cuts to fall cleanup.
- Ultra-Quiet Operation: Up to 3x quieter than gas mowers, reducing noise pollution and neighbor complaints.
Weighing in heavier than basic push mowers for stability, it folds easily for storage and features a “double-on” safety system to prevent accidental starts. At $699, it positions itself as a premium cordless option, backed by Greenworks’ reputation for reliable electric outdoor tools.
What’s in the Box?
Out of the box, expect the mower, 4.0Ah battery, rapid charger, grass bag, side-discharge chute, mulching insert, and basic assembly tools. Setup is straightforward—most users report under 30 minutes—though some note the instructions could be clearer.
Performance Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 80V |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches |
| Deck Material | Steel |
| Battery Life | Up to 1/2 acre |
| Cutting Heights | 1.5–3.75 inches (7 positions) |
| Weight | ~75 lbs (with battery) |
Pros
With a stellar 4.5-star average, this mower shines in several areas. Here’s what stands out based on specs and user experiences:
- Impressive Power from the 80V Brushless Motor: Reviewers rave about its torque, handling longer grass without stalling. One user noted, “The 80V brushless motor has plenty of power, even when the grass was a bit longer in spots, and it handled everything smoothly.”
- Excellent Battery Life for Medium Yards: The 4.0Ah battery lasts through small to medium lawns (under 1/2 acre) without interruption, with rapid charging under an hour. Ideal for those ditching gas.
- Self-Propelled Feature Excels on Hills: Variable speed rear-wheel drive makes inclines effortless. A retiree shared, “The self-propelled was very good especially the controls on the handle.”
- Versatile 4-in-1 System: Switch seamlessly between mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf pickup—great for year-round use.
- LED Lights and Quiet Operation: Mow early or late with visibility, and enjoy 3x quieter performance than gas models.
- Solid Build Quality: Steel deck and hefty weight convey durability; users upgrading from push mowers appreciate the stability.
- Battery Ecosystem Compatibility: Works with 75+ Greenworks tools, saving money on extras like trimmers or blowers.
Cons
No mower is perfect, and this one’s 4.5 rating reflects some honest drawbacks, particularly for overgrown or large properties. Common complaints from reviewers:
- Limited Power in Tall or Thick Grass: It struggles with knee-high weeds, stalling occasionally. A user with half-acre overgrowth said, “Stalled twice due to thick grass… needed mowing back and forth.”
- Battery Runtime Falls Short for Big Yards: Only ~30 minutes in demanding conditions; multiple charges needed for 1/2 acre of tall grass. Extra battery recommended.
- Tricky Backing and Maneuverability: Rear wheels lock briefly when reversing, requiring a pause. One reviewer: “My biggest complaint is the way you backup… wheels would lockup.”
- Subpar Instructions and Setup Quirks: Pamphlets are small and unclear; mulching block can obstruct bagging if not removed properly.
- Safety Double-On System Takes Getting Used To: Minor annoyance for some, plus foam handles may wear over time.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 2,264 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for everyday use, but performance varies by yard conditions. About 70% are 5-star, praising power and convenience, while 1-2 star reviews (~10%) focus on battery and tall grass issues.
Positive Themes
Power and Ease: New homeowners downsizing from riding mowers love it: “Just bought a new house with a smaller yard… performed way better than I thought. Charge holds up really well… self-propelled makes it easy to get up inclines.” Another: “Started right up and it had plenty of power… battery usage was exceptional, only one indicator light used out of 4.”
Quiet and Low-Maintenance: “I always thought I was a gasoline man, this electric mower certainly held up… very quiet.” Even on overgrown lots, users adapted: “Performed great. Lots of power… developed a technique of tilting back at 45 degrees for high grass.”
Negative Themes
Tall Grass Woes: A 4-star review: “Great lawnmower but was a little under powered when it came to tall grass… I returned this product.” Overgrown half-acres drained the battery fast: “Battery lasted about 30 minutes… had to do this five times.”
User Experience Hiccups: “Instructions needed to be together, and they were too small… plastic block for mulching was blocking the opening into the bag.” Backing issues frustrated initially but were learned around.
Overall, it’s ideal for maintained lawns but demands extra batteries or prep for neglect. Return rates seem low, with many recommending spares for larger properties.
Who Should Buy This Product
This Greenworks 80V mower is a game-changer for specific users:
- Small to Medium Yard Owners (Under 1/2 Acre): Perfect for weekly maintenance on flat-to-moderate slopes.
- Eco-Conscious Homeowners: Zero emissions, no gas smells, and quiet enough for neighborhoods with restrictions.
- Greenworks Ecosystem Users: Leverage the battery across 75+ tools for full-yard efficiency.
- Early Birds or Night Owls: LED lights enable flexible scheduling.
- Those Tired of Gas Mowers: Upgraders seeking power without pull-starts or oil changes.
Avoid if you have a large, overgrown property—opt for higher-voltage models or gas. Families with steep hills or heavy leaf fall will appreciate the self-propel and turbo mode most.
Final Verdict
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from me, mirroring its Amazon rating. It excels as a powerful, user-friendly cordless option for most homeowners, with brushless torque, smart features, and ecosystem perks outweighing minor flaws like tall-grass struggles and instruction gaps. At $699, it’s a worthwhile investment for cleaner, quieter mowing—especially if you snag an extra battery for $200-300.
Recommendation: Buy it if your yard fits the profile above. It’s one of the best cordless self-propelled lawn mowers for 2023, delivering gas-like performance with modern conveniences. Prep your lawn, follow setup tips from reviews, and enjoy the upgrade.
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