Greenworks 80v 21 Self-propelled Mower Review


Alright, let’s get real. I’m a regular homeowner, just like you, with a decent-sized yard and a serious dislike for the noise and fumes of gas mowers. So, when I decided to make the switch to electric, the Greenworks 80V 21″ cordless mower caught my eye. “Brushless,” “80V,” “60-minute rapid charge” – it all sounded fantastic. But, as we all know, marketing hype isn’t always reality.

After weeks of using this thing, I’m here to give you the straight scoop. No fluff, just my honest experience. Did it live up to the promise of a powerful, quiet, and convenient mowing experience? Did the battery last? Was the mulching actually effective? And most importantly, was it worth the investment? I’ll be diving into everything from assembly and maneuverability to cutting performance and battery life. If you’re considering ditching your gas guzzler and going cordless, stay tuned. I’ll share my thoughts on whether this Greenworks mower is truly a game-changer or just another gadget that falls short.

Greenworks 80v 21 self-propelled mower review

Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless 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

The Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower specifications Table

FeatureSpecification
BrandGreenworks
Power Source80V Lithium-Ion Battery
Motor TypeBrushless
Cutting Width21 Inches
Cutting Height Positions7 Positions
Height AdjustmentSingle Lever
Cutting System3-in-1 (Mulch, Rear Bag, Side Discharge)
Start TypePush Button
Run Time (up to)60 Minutes (with 4.0Ah battery, varies by conditions)
Battery Included80V 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
Charger Included60-Minute Rapid Charger
Material (Deck)Alloy Steel
ColorBlack/Green
StylePush Lawn Mower
Weight74.1 Pounds
CompatibilityCompatible with 75+ Greenworks 80V Tools
Included ItemsMower, Grass Collection Bag, Battery, Charger, Operator’s Manual

The Greenworks 80V 21″ mower is built around a robust alloy steel 21-inch cutting deck. This width is a sweet spot for medium-sized yards, offering a balance between efficiency and maneuverability. The alloy steel construction is a welcome feature, providing durability against impacts and corrosion, crucial for a tool exposed to the elements.  

At the heart of this mower is the 80V brushless motor. Brushless motors are a significant upgrade from their brushed counterparts, offering several advantages: increased efficiency, longer lifespan, and quieter operation. The 80V platform provides ample power, comparable to some gas-powered mowers in this class, but without the noise and emissions. This power is essential for tackling varying grass thicknesses and conditions.  

The mower features a 3-in-1 cutting system, allowing for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge. This versatility is a major plus, catering to different lawn care preferences. The mulching function finely chops grass clippings, returning them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. The rear bagging system efficiently collects clippings for a clean finish, while the side discharge is useful for quickly dispersing clippings when mulching isn’t desired.  

The single-lever 7-position height adjustment is a user-friendly feature, allowing for easy and precise cutting height changes. This is crucial for adapting to different grass types and conditions. The push-button start is another convenience feature, eliminating the need for pull cords and making startup effortless.  

Battery and Charging System:

The included 80V 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery is a key component of this mower. Lithium-ion batteries are known for their high energy density and long lifespan. The 4.0Ah capacity provides a decent runtime, although it can vary depending on grass conditions and usage.  

The 60-minute rapid charger is a significant advantage. It allows for quick recharging, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. The charger also incorporates cooling technology to prevent overheating, extending battery life.

Greenworks 80v 21 self-propelled mower review

Assembly and Initial Impressions:

Upon unboxing, I was impressed by the build quality. The assembly was straightforward, with clear instructions. The components felt solid and well-made. The handle assembly was simple, and the grass collection bag attached easily.

Cutting Performance:

In terms of cutting performance, the 80V brushless motor delivered consistent power. On normal, dry grass, the mower performed flawlessly, providing a clean and even cut. The 21-inch deck covered a good amount of ground, reducing the number of passes required.

When tackling thicker or slightly damp grass, the mower maintained its power, although the battery drained a bit faster. The single-lever height adjustment was easy to use, allowing me to quickly adapt to different grass conditions.

The mulching function was effective, producing fine clippings that dispersed evenly across the lawn. The rear bagging system performed well, collecting clippings efficiently. The bag was easy to remove and empty. The side discharge worked as expected, dispersing clippings away from the mower.  

Maneuverability and Handling:

The mower is relatively easy to maneuver, thanks to its large wheels and balanced design. It handled turns and tight spaces reasonably well. However, pushing uphill required some effort, as expected with any push mower. The handle grip was comfortable, reducing fatigue during prolonged use.

Noise Level:

One of the most significant advantages of this electric mower is its quiet operation. Compared to a gas mower, it was significantly quieter, making it more pleasant to use and less disruptive to neighbors.  

Battery Runtime and Charging:

The 4.0Ah battery provided a decent runtime for my medium-sized yard. I was able to mow the entire lawn on a single charge under normal conditions. However, when tackling thicker grass or pushing uphill, the battery drained faster.

The rapid charger lived up to its name, fully charging the battery in about an hour. The cooling technology prevented the battery from overheating, which is a crucial safety feature.

Compatibility with 80V Platform:

The compatibility with other Greenworks 80V tools is a significant advantage. This allows for a unified battery platform, reducing the need for multiple batteries and chargers. This is particularly useful for homeowners who already own or plan to purchase other Greenworks 80V tools.

Storage:

Storage was convenient. The folding handle design allowed for compact storage in my garage. The mower took up minimal space, which is a plus for those with limited storage.  

Greenworks 80v 21 self-propelled mower review

Pros:

  • Powerful 80V brushless motor
  • Durable 21-inch alloy steel deck  
  • 3-in-1 cutting system (mulch, bag, side discharge)  
  • Single-lever 7-position height adjustment  
  • Push-button start
  • Quiet operation
  • 60-minute rapid charger
  • Compatibility with Greenworks 80V platform
  • Relatively easy maneuverability
  • Folding handles for compact storage

Cons:

  • Battery runtime can be limited in thick or wet grass
  • Pushing uphill requires effort
  • Plastic components are durable but still plastic.

Value and Recommendation:

The Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower offers excellent value for its price. It provides the power and performance of a gas mower without the noise and emissions. The cordless convenience and rapid charging make it a user-friendly option.  

I would recommend this mower to homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who want a convenient, quiet, and eco-friendly mowing solution. The compatibility with other Greenworks 80V tools makes it a versatile addition to any tool collection.

Why This Is the Best Choice

If you’re looking to ditch the noise, fumes, and hassle of a gas-powered mower, the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is a compelling choice. This mower delivers the power you need for a well-maintained lawn, thanks to its robust 80V brushless motor, which provides consistent performance comparable to many gas models. The cordless design offers unparalleled freedom of movement, allowing you to navigate your yard without being tethered to an outlet or wrestling with a pull cord. The convenience of a push-button start and the quiet operation make mowing a less daunting task. The 3-in-1 cutting system gives you flexibility in how you manage your clippings, whether you prefer mulching, bagging, or side discharge. Furthermore, the 60-minute rapid charger minimizes downtime, ensuring you can quickly get back to your lawn care. The compatibility with the Greenworks 80V platform means you can build a versatile tool collection using a single battery system, making it a smart investment for homeowners. If you value eco-friendly, convenient, and powerful lawn care, this Greenworks mower is a solid option.

FAQs

How long does the battery last, and how long does it take to charge?

“The Greenworks 80V 4.0Ah battery provides up to 60 minutes of runtime, though this can vary depending on grass thickness, cutting height, and terrain. Thicker grass and uphill mowing will use more power. The included 60-minute rapid charger efficiently recharges the battery, minimizing downtime.”

Can this mower handle thick or wet grass?

“The Greenworks 80V brushless motor is designed to handle various grass conditions. While it performs exceptionally well on dry and normal grass, it can also tackle thicker or slightly damp grass. However, in very thick or wet conditions, you may need to adjust the cutting height and expect a shorter battery runtime. For best results, it’s recommended to mow when the grass is dry.”

What are the benefits of the 3-in-1 cutting system?

“The 3-in-1 cutting system offers versatility in how you manage grass clippings. The mulching function finely chops clippings and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, promoting healthy growth. The rear bagging system collects clippings for a clean, debris-free finish, ideal for those who prefer a tidy lawn. The side discharge option disperses clippings away from the mower, useful for quickly covering large areas or when mulching isn’t desired.”

Is this mower compatible with other Greenworks 80V tools?

“Yes, the Greenworks 80V 21″ lawn mower is part of the Greenworks 80V platform, which is compatible with over 75+ tools. This allows you to use the same 80V battery and charger with other Greenworks 80V products, such as leaf blowers, string trimmers, and chainsaws, providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for your lawn and garden care needs.”

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Greenworks 80V 21″ mower. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance, convenience, and value. The brushless motor provides ample power, the 3-in-1 cutting system offers versatility, and the rapid charger minimizes downtime. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient cordless lawn mower, the Greenworks 80V 21″ is definitely worth considering.   Sources and related content

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