For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a symphony of frustration. It started with the ceremonial hunt for the gas can, followed by the messy, fume-filled process of refueling. Then came the dreaded pull-cord lottery—a sweaty, shoulder-straining gamble that often ended with more cursing than cutting. The noise, the vibration, the constant maintenance of oil changes and spark plugs… it all felt like a relic from a bygone era. I knew there had to be a better way to achieve a manicured lawn without the noise pollution and mechanical headaches. This search for a modern, powerful, and user-friendly solution is what led me to dive deep into the world of high-voltage cordless mowers, and specifically, to test the promising Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.
- CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 80V self-propelled mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of run-time on a fully charged...
- DURABLE 21” STEEL DECK – The 21” steel deck allows you to handle large areas of grass quickly and easily. Brushless motor provides more torque, quiet operation, and a longer life.
- SELF-PROPELLED – Rear wheel drive and variable speed control for maximum traction, maneuverability, and control
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
A cordless electric lawn mower is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for homeowners seeking a peaceful, powerful, and low-maintenance approach to yard care. The primary benefit is liberation from the gas engine’s tyranny: no more fumes, minimal noise, and zero trips to the gas station. With a simple push-button start and a battery you can charge like a phone, these mowers transform a chore into a more pleasant, almost therapeutic, task. They offer a cleaner cut for your lawn and a cleaner experience for you and your neighbors.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to a half-acre) who values convenience, quiet operation, and environmental friendliness. If you’re tired of the annual tune-ups and the unpredictability of a gas engine, a battery-powered model is a perfect fit. However, it might not be suitable for those with exceptionally large properties (over an acre) where even the longest-lasting batteries might require multiple charges to complete the job. For those users, a gas-powered riding mower might still be a more practical, albeit less pleasant, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Voltage & Battery Capacity: This is the heart of a cordless mower’s performance. Voltage (V) is a measure of power, akin to horsepower in a gas engine. An 80V system like this Greenworks model is on the high end, promising gas-like cutting force. Battery capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah), dictates runtime. A 4.0Ah battery is a solid starting point for lawns up to 1/3 acre, but always check if higher-capacity batteries are available for your model if you have a larger yard.
- Deck Size & Material: The cutting width, or deck size, determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 21-inch deck is a sweet spot, offering a great balance of coverage and maneuverability. The deck material is equally important for longevity. While some mowers use plastic or composite decks to save weight, the alloy steel deck on the Greenworks 80V promises superior durability against rocks, roots, and general wear and tear.
- Drivetrain & Features: Self-propelled functionality is a game-changer, especially on hills or larger properties. Look for rear-wheel drive, as it provides better traction and control than front-wheel drive. Variable speed control allows you to match the mower’s pace to your own. Other crucial features include single-lever height adjustment for quick changes, and 3-in-1 capability (mulch, bag, side discharge) for versatile grass clipping management.
- Ease of Use & Storage: Beyond cutting, consider the ownership experience. How easy is it to start? Is the handle comfortable and adjustable? One of the standout features of many modern electric mowers is vertical storage. The ability to fold the handle and stand the mower on its end can save up to 70% of its footprint, a massive benefit for those with crowded garages or sheds.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to...
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
First Impressions: Heavy-Duty Build with Plug-and-Play Simplicity
Unboxing the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower was a refreshingly simple affair. Unlike gas mowers that often require some fiddly assembly, this machine was practically ready to go. The main unit is solid and substantial, the 64-pound weight and 21-inch steel deck immediately conveying a sense of durability that cheaper, plastic-bodied mowers lack. Assembly consisted of little more than unfolding the handle and tightening two locking knobs—a process that took less than five minutes. Some users have reported issues with banged-up packaging leading to flimsy-feeling handles, and while our box showed some wear, the handle locked into place securely. The included 4.0Ah battery is hefty, feeling like a small car battery, which further reinforces the “gas-like power” promise. The rapid charger is compact and straightforward. My initial feeling was one of relief and anticipation; this felt like a serious piece of equipment designed to tackle real yard work, not a toy.
Advantages
- Powerful 80V brushless motor delivers true gas-like cutting performance.
- Incredibly quiet operation compared to any gas-powered equivalent.
- Push-button start and minimal maintenance offer ultimate convenience.
- Vertical storage capability is a massive space-saver in the garage.
Drawbacks
- Self-propel speed is very slow, even at the highest setting.
- Reports of inconsistent build quality and long-term durability issues.
Deep Dive: Putting the Greenworks 80V Mower to the Test
A mower’s true worth is proven on the turf, not in the box. We spent several weeks testing the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower across different grass types, terrains, and conditions—from a rain-soaked, overgrown lawn to a weekly trim on a pristine quarter-acre lot. Our goal was to push it to its limits to see if the battery-powered promise holds up to real-world demands.
Power and Cutting Performance: A Quiet Brute
The first thing you notice upon pressing the start button is the lack of drama. There’s no roar, just a confident, low hum as the 21-inch blade spins to life. This quietness is deceptive. We aimed it at a patch of thick, slightly damp grass that would have made our old gas mower sputter and choke, and the Greenworks 80V plowed right through it. The brushless motor, combined with Greenworks’ SMARTCUT Technology, is genuinely impressive. You can hear the motor audibly ramp up its speed when it hits a dense patch, then throttle back down in lighter grass to conserve battery. This intelligent power management results in a remarkably consistent and clean cut, leaving behind a professionally manicured look rather than torn or frayed grass blades.
Our findings are echoed by numerous users. One happy customer noted how it “tore it up and churned through stuff that would have bogged down” their old gas mower. Another stated simply, “It really does have gas like power.” However, the performance isn’t flawless for everyone. We did observe that on certain grass types like St. Augustine, even at its highest setting of 3.38 inches, it can cut a little too low, potentially scalping the lawn. One user with this grass type was even considering drilling new holes to raise the deck height further. Additionally, while the 3-in-1 functionality is great, we found its bagging performance to be merely adequate. The suction isn’t as powerful as some high-end gas mowers, meaning the bag doesn’t fill completely and can leave trails of clippings if you let it get more than halfway full. For those who prioritize bagging, this could be a minor annoyance requiring more frequent stops.
Battery Life and The 80V Ecosystem
The soul of any cordless tool is its battery, and the 80V platform is Greenworks’ heavyweight champion. The included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger form a potent combination. In our testing on a standard 1/4-acre suburban lot with moderate obstacles, we consistently finished the entire lawn with power to spare—usually one out of the three LED indicator lights was still lit. This aligns with Greenworks’ claim of up to 45 minutes of runtime, though this can vary significantly based on grass thickness and use of the self-propel feature. One user with a 1/3-acre lot confirmed they cut their entire lawn on a single charge “every time.” The rapid charger is also a highlight, bringing a fully depleted battery back to 100% in about 60 minutes. This means if you did need more runtime, you could get back to work after a short break, a huge advantage over chargers that take 3-4 hours.
However, the battery experience is a point of division among users. While many, like us, find the runtime sufficient, others have been disappointed, with one reporting only “12 to 15 minutes” before needing a charge. This stark difference suggests that lawn conditions play a massive role, and perhaps there are inconsistencies in battery quality. More concerning are the rare but serious reports of batteries failing prematurely after only a few months or, in one alarming instance, a user reporting a battery fire. While this appears to be an extreme outlier, it highlights the importance of following all charging and storage instructions carefully. The upside is that this 80V battery is part of a massive ecosystem of over 75 other tools, from trimmers to blowers to snow throwers, adding significant value to your investment if you plan to build out a cordless yard tool collection. The power and convenience this battery platform offers are truly remarkable, and for those who want to ditch gas across all their outdoor tools, this mower is a fantastic starting point.
Design, Ergonomics, and Day-to-Day Use
Living with the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower reveals a design focused on convenience. The single-lever height adjustment is a joy to use, allowing you to change all four wheels simultaneously through seven distinct positions with one simple motion. The push-button start is flawless. The handle is comfortable, and the controls are intuitive. But the standout feature for us is the vertical storage. With a quick fold of the handle, the mower can be tipped back and stored upright against a garage wall, taking up no more floor space than a small suitcase. This is a revolutionary feature for anyone with limited storage space.
Unfortunately, the design isn’t without its flaws, and the self-propel system is the most significant. While the rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction on slopes, the speed is disappointingly slow. Even at its maximum setting, it felt like a leisurely stroll, forcing us to push the 64-pound mower to maintain a normal walking pace. As one user aptly put it, “it’s like walking in slow motion.” For a mower marketed as self-propelled, this is a major letdown. Furthermore, we encountered some build quality concerns that were also raised in user feedback. The plastic handle components and knobs feel less robust than the steel deck, with some users reporting screws falling out or plastic parts breaking within the first year. One user even had to use a mallet to bend the handle into shape right out of the box due to shipping damage. These issues suggest that while the core cutting components are solid, some of the peripheral parts could be more durable.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across hundreds of reviews, a clear picture of the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower emerges. The positive sentiment is overwhelming for users making the switch from gas. They consistently praise its raw power, with one reviewer stating it was the “Best $500 I’ve spent” after struggling for years with an underpowered 18V mower. The ease of use is another major highlight. “So easy to operate,” said one user, who also celebrated having “No Gas. No oil. No spark plugs. No anger management issues in the middle of summer.” The quiet operation is a recurring theme, allowing for early morning mowing without disturbing the neighborhood.
However, the negative feedback, though less frequent, points to some significant potential problems. The most common complaint, which we confirmed in our testing, is the sluggish self-propel speed. Durability is another major concern. One user reported that after just under a year of use, “handle plastic and screw pieces popped right off,” deeming it a “bad investment.” Another couldn’t find a replacement for a warped plastic fan blade and gave up after being on hold with customer service for over an hour. This points to potential long-term ownership headaches that detract from the mower’s excellent cutting performance.
How Does the Greenworks 80V Compare to the Alternatives?
The cordless mower market is competitive, and while the Greenworks 80V is a strong contender, it’s not the only option. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. EGO Power+ LM2130SP Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower
- SELECT CUT MULTI-BLADE CUTTING SYSTEM - Customize your cut with interchangeable lower blades; battery lawnmower includes mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended runtime lower blades, plus an upper...
- TOUCH DRIVE SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY - Engage the self-propel function with a touch of your palm, change speed with the scroll of a dial at your fingertips
- EXCEEDS POWER OF GAS - This EGO push mower features a brushless motor that delivers up to 7.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque for performance that exceeds gas-powered mowers
The EGO POWER+ line is often considered the benchmark for premium cordless outdoor equipment, and the LM2130SP is a direct competitor. EGO is known for its exceptional build quality, powerful performance, and innovative features like the Select Cut multi-blade system for superior mulching. Its self-propel system is also generally regarded as more responsive and faster than the Greenworks model. The primary downside is typically cost and the fact that this model is often sold “tool-only,” meaning you have to purchase the expensive battery and charger separately. This mower is the better choice for a user who prioritizes top-tier performance and features and is willing to pay a premium for it.
2. Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Kit
- Powerful Mower: This Greenworks combo kit features a mower with dual 24-Volt batteries, a 20-inch steel deck, and a push hand design. The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side...
- Efficient String Trimmer: The kit includes a string trimmer with a 12-inch cutting path, equipped with a brushed motor. It uses a 0.065" cutting line and features an auto-feed system for convenience....
- High-Performance Blower: The blower in this combo kit has a brushed motor, capable of delivering 320 CFM airflow and speeds up to 90 MPH. It offers up to 20 minutes of runtime and is ultra-lightweight...
For those who like the Greenworks brand but have a smaller lawn or a tighter budget, this 48V kit is an excellent alternative. It operates using two 24V batteries simultaneously. While it has slightly less power (48V vs 80V) and a smaller cutting deck (20″ vs 21″), it’s lighter and more maneuverable. The major appeal of this specific package is its value; it comes bundled with a string trimmer, a blower, and two batteries that can power a whole ecosystem of 24V tools. This is the ideal choice for a homeowner with a small-to-medium yard looking for an all-in-one, budget-friendly solution to electrify all their yard work.
3. LawnMaster CLM2413A 13-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
- [12.4-INCH CUTTING WIDTH] With 13-inch high impact rust resistant deck
- [POWERFUL ENGINE] Powered by a 24V MAX* li-ion battery(ASIN:B093FJDKFM) provides a speed of 3700 RPM
- [5 CUTTING POSITONS] Effortlessly change the height of cuts between 1-inch to 2.55-inch using the one-touch lever
The LawnMaster is in a completely different class, designed for very small yards, townhouses, or for cleaning up small patches of grass. With its tiny 13-inch deck and 24V power system, it lacks the raw power and coverage of the Greenworks 80V model. It’s not self-propelled and is built primarily of plastic. However, it is incredibly lightweight, easy to store, and extremely affordable. This mower is not a direct competitor for someone considering the Greenworks 80V for a quarter-acre lot, but it’s the perfect alternative for someone with minimal grass who wants the simplest, most compact electric option available.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Mower for the Patient Homeowner
After extensive testing, our verdict on the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is one of qualified recommendation. Its core function—cutting grass—is fantastic. The 80V brushless motor delivers on its promise of gas-like power, slicing through tough conditions with a quiet confidence that is truly transformative. The convenience of push-button starting, zero maintenance, and ingenious vertical storage makes it a joy to use and own day-to-day.
However, it is held back by a few frustrating flaws. The inexplicably slow self-propel system is a major drawback for a mower of this weight and price, and the reports of questionable build quality and poor customer support are concerning for long-term ownership. If you have a relatively flat yard, don’t mind pushing a bit, and prioritize raw cutting power and convenience over all else, this mower is a phenomenal choice that will make you wonder why you ever put up with gas engines. It gets the most important job done exceptionally well.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is the right fit for your lawn care needs, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API