As a homeowner tired of wrestling with gas-powered tools, I decided to make the switch to battery-powered lawn care, and the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) combo seemed like the perfect solution. This kit, boasting a 17″ brushless mower, a 12″ string trimmer, and a 320CFM blower, along with two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, promised to simplify my yard work. I was particularly drawn to the convenience of a unified battery system and the eco-friendly aspect of electric power.
Like many, I had concerns about whether battery-powered tools could truly match the performance of their gas counterparts. Would the mower handle my thick grass? Would the trimmer be powerful enough for stubborn weeds? And would the blower deliver enough force to clear leaves effectively? My goal was to find a comprehensive lawn care solution that was not only efficient but also user-friendly. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the Greenworks 48V combo, covering everything from assembly and performance to battery life and overall value. I’ll delve into the real world practicality and usability of this set, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your lawn care needs.
As a homeowner with a penchant for understanding the “why” behind product performance, I decided to put the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 17″ Brushless Mower, 12″ String Trimmer, and 320CFM Blower combo through its paces. Beyond the surface-level user experience, I wanted to delve into the technical aspects and see how they translated into real-world performance.
Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo Ratings
Overall Performance: 4/5 Stars, Mower Performance: 4.5/5 Stars, Trimmer Performance: 4/5 Stars, Blower Performance: 3.5/5 Stars, Battery Life: 4/5 Stars, Ease of Use: 4.5/5 Stars, Durability: 4/5 Stars, Value for Money: 4/5 Stars
Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo Specifications
| Feature | Mower | String Trimmer | Blower | Battery & Charger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo | Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo | Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo | Greenworks 48V (2x24V) Combo |
| Power Source | 48V (2x24V) Battery | 48V (2x24V) Battery | 48V (2x24V) Battery | Battery Powered |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushed | Brushed | N/A |
| Cutting Width | 16.5 Inches | 12 Inches | N/A | N/A |
| Deck Size | 17-inch Poly Deck | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cutting System | 2-in-1 (Mulching/Rear Bagging) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Height Adjustment | 6 Positions | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cutting Line | N/A | 0.065″ | N/A | N/A |
| Line Feed | N/A | Auto-Feed | N/A | N/A |
| CFM | N/A | N/A | 320 CFM | N/A |
| Air Speed | N/A | N/A | Up to 90 MPH | N/A |
| Runtime (Approx.) | 20-30 minutes (Varies by grass type) | Varies, depending on use. | Up to 20 minutes | Varies depending on tool. |
| Batteries Included | 2 x 4.0Ah 24V Batteries | 2 x 4.0Ah 24V Batteries | 2 x 4.0Ah 24V Batteries | 2 x 4.0Ah 24V Batteries |
| Charger | 2A Dual-Port Charger | 2A Dual-Port Charger | 2A Dual-Port Charger | 2A Dual-Port Charger |
| Features | Robust build, 3-Year Warranty | Lightweight, easy line replacement | Lightweight, variable speed dial | Dual port charging, indicator lights |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Plastic, Electronic components |
| Color | Green & Black | Green & Black | Green & Black | Black |
| Item Weight | 59.5 Pounds (Combo) | Part of combo | Part of combo | Part of combo |
| Product Dimensions | 40.94″D x 17.52″W x 20.47″H (Combo) | Part of combo | Part of combo | Part of combo |
The Power Platform: 48V (2x24V) System
Greenworks utilizes a 48V power platform, achieved by combining two 24V batteries. This design offers a significant advantage in terms of power delivery compared to single-battery systems. The increased voltage allows for higher torque and sustained performance, particularly crucial for the mower’s brushless motor.
The included 4.0Ah batteries are a decent capacity for typical residential use. The dual-port 2A charger is a welcome addition, allowing for simultaneous charging and reducing downtime. The charging time of approximately 2 hours for both batteries is reasonable, and the indicator lights on the charger provide clear status updates.
Mower: Brushless Efficiency and Design
The 17-inch poly deck is a good compromise between maneuverability and cutting capacity. Poly decks offer durability and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for various weather conditions. The 16.5-inch cutting width is adequate for small to medium-sized yards.
The brushless motor is a key feature. Brushless motors offer several advantages over brushed motors, including:
- Increased Efficiency: Reduced friction leads to lower energy consumption and longer runtime.
- Higher Torque: Improved performance, especially under load.
- Extended Lifespan: Fewer moving parts result in less wear and tear.
The 6-position height adjustment is straightforward and provides a good range of cutting heights. The 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging system adds versatility. The mulching performance was satisfactory, effectively chopping clippings into fine pieces. The rear bag, while functional, could benefit from a wider opening for easier emptying.
Performance Analysis
Based on my testing, the mower handled various grass types with varying degrees of efficiency. The data I collected showed that grass height and density significantly impacted runtime and battery usage. For example, tall Zoysia grass required significantly more power and time compared to short Fescue. This highlights the importance of matching the cutting height to the grass type for optimal performance.
The brushless motor maintained consistent power even when encountering thick grass. There was no noticeable drop in RPMs, indicating good torque delivery. This is a testament to the motor’s efficiency and the 48V power platform.
String Trimmer: Brushed Power and Convenience
The 12-inch cutting path is suitable for edging and trimming around obstacles. The brushed motor provides sufficient power for typical trimming tasks. The 0.065″ cutting line is a standard size and offers a good balance of durability and cutting performance.
The auto-feed line system is a convenient feature, eliminating the need for manual line advancement. However, like most auto-feed systems, it occasionally feeds too much line. This can be mitigated by adjusting the trimming technique and avoiding excessive trigger use.
Performance Analysis
The trimmer effectively cut through weeds and thick grass. The brushed motor maintained consistent RPMs, ensuring clean and efficient cuts. The lightweight design and ergonomic handle made it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Blower: Airflow and Ergonomics
The 320 CFM and 90 MPH air speed provide ample power for clearing leaves and debris. The brushed motor delivers sufficient airflow for most residential tasks. The variable speed dial allows for precise control, enabling users to adjust the airflow for different tasks.
The blower’s ultra-lightweight design is a significant advantage. It reduces fatigue and makes it easy to maneuver. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip.
Performance Analysis
The blower effectively cleared leaves, grass clippings, and other light debris. The variable speed dial allowed for precise control, enabling me to adjust the airflow for different tasks. The 20-minute runtime was sufficient for quick cleanup tasks.
Battery and Charger Analysis
The 4.0Ah batteries provided consistent power output throughout their runtime. There was no noticeable drop in performance as the batteries discharged. The dual-port charger is a valuable addition, allowing for simultaneous charging and reducing downtime.
The battery usage across the tools was as follows
- Mower: Highest battery usage, depending on grass type and height.
- Trimmer: Moderate battery usage, sufficient for typical trimming tasks.
- Blower: Lowest battery usage, suitable for quick cleanup tasks.
Overall Technical Assessment
The Greenworks 48V (2x24V) combo offers a well-designed and efficient lawn care solution. The 48V power platform provides ample power for all three tools. The brushless motor in the mower offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and performance.
The brushed motors in the trimmer and blower provide sufficient power for their respective tasks. The lightweight design and ergonomic features of all three tools enhance user comfort.
The dual-port charger is a valuable addition, reducing downtime and improving overall convenience. The 4.0Ah batteries provide sufficient runtime for typical residential use.
Pros:
- Unified Battery Platform
- Brushless Mower
- Dual-Port Charger
- Lightweight Design
- Quiet Operation
Cons:
- May be limited for larger yards or thick grass.
- Auto-feed can sometimes dispense too much line.
Areas for Improvement
The rear bag on the mower could benefit from a wider opening for easier emptying.
The auto-feed line system on the trimmer could be improved to reduce excessive line feeding.
While the blower is sufficient for general cleaning, a more powerful blower option would be welcomed.
Why This Is the Best Choice
If you’re seeking a seamless and efficient transition to battery-powered lawn care, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) combo is a compelling choice. This comprehensive set offers the convenience of a unified battery platform, eliminating the hassle of multiple power sources. The robust 17″ brushless mower delivers consistent power and efficient cutting, while the versatile 12″ string trimmer tackles edges and weeds with ease. The powerful 320CFM blower simplifies cleanup, leaving your yard pristine. With two included 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, downtime is minimized, allowing you to complete your tasks efficiently. The combination of user-friendly design, reliable performance, and eco-conscious battery power makes this Greenworks combo an excellent investment for homeowners seeking a hassle-free and effective lawn care solution.
FAQs
What is the advantage of the 48V (2x24V) battery system?
The 48V system, achieved by using two 24V batteries, provides increased power and torque compared to single-battery systems. This allows for more efficient operation, especially for the mower when dealing with thicker or taller grass. It also helps to maintain consistent power output throughout the battery’s runtime, ensuring reliable performance across all tools in the combo.
How long does it take to charge the batteries, and how long do they last during use?
The included 2A dual-port charger can fully charge both 4.0Ah batteries in approximately 2 hours. Runtime varies depending on the tool and the task. The mower, being the most power-intensive, will typically run for 20-30 minutes, depending on grass conditions. The trimmer and blower will offer longer runtimes, sufficient for typical trimming and cleanup tasks. Having two batteries allows for minimal downtime as one can be charging while the other is in use.
Is the brushless motor in the mower worth it, and what are the benefits?
Yes, the brushless motor is a significant advantage. It offers increased efficiency, higher torque, and a longer lifespan compared to brushed motors. This translates to better cutting performance, especially under load, and extended runtime on a single charge. The reduced friction in brushless motors also means less heat generation and less wear and tear, contributing to the overall durability of the mower.
How easy is it to switch between the mulching and bagging functions on the mower?
Switching between mulching and bagging is designed to be straightforward. The mower includes a simple plug or lever mechanism that allows you to quickly transition between the two functions. The included instructions provide clear guidance on how to make the switch, and it can typically be done in a matter of seconds without the need for tools. This feature provides versatility for different lawn care needs.
Final Thought
From a technical standpoint, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) combo is a well-engineered and efficient lawn care solution. The 48V power platform, brushless motor, and lightweight design contribute to its overall performance and user-friendliness. The inclusion of two batteries and a dual-port charger adds to the value and convenience of the kit.
For homeowners seeking a reliable and versatile battery-powered lawn care solution, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) combo is a worthy consideration. The combination of power, performance, and convenience makes it a valuable addition to any tool shed. I found the technical aspects of each tool to be well designed, and for the average home owner, this is a very good set of lawn tools.