I remember those Saturday mornings all too well. The ritual began with a trip to the shed, wrestling a monstrously heavy, grease-stained gas mower out from behind the shovels. Then came the pre-flight check: was there gas? Was it the right oil mix? The inevitable, shoulder-wrenching battle with the pull-cord would commence, sometimes taking five, six, or even ten frustrating yanks before the engine sputtered to life with a deafening roar and a plume of blue smoke. The noise, the vibration, the smell—it was a full-sensory assault just to get the lawn cut. After wrestling it up and down the slight incline in my yard, I’d be left exhausted, smelling of fumes, and my ears ringing. This weekly battle is a familiar story for many, a chore that feels more like a punishment than satisfying yard work. The search for a quieter, cleaner, and simply *easier* way to maintain a tidy lawn is what leads many of us, myself included, to the burgeoning world of battery-powered equipment.
- CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 2 x 24V (48V) push mower provides up to 45 minutes of run-time with (2) fully charged 4.0Ah batteries (varies...
- DURABLE / LIGHTWEIGHT 17” POLY DECK – 17 in. rust-resistant lightweight deck designed for easy maneuverability
- VERSATILE – Single lever, 5-position height adjustment for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 design allows you to mulch, and rear bag grass clippings
What to Consider Before Going Cordless with a Walk-Behind Mower
A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health and aesthetic of your property. It provides a level of precision and control that larger riding mowers can’t offer, especially in yards with intricate landscaping, tight corners, or obstacles. The primary benefit of moving to a cordless electric model is the radical simplification of the entire process. You eliminate the cost and mess of gasoline and oil, the complex annual maintenance, the struggle with pull-cords, and the overwhelming noise and pollution. It transforms lawn care from a heavy-duty chore into a quiet, almost therapeutic activity.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact frustrations I described: a homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically under half an acre) who values convenience, low maintenance, and a quieter neighborhood. It’s a perfect fit for those who may lack the physical strength to handle a heavy gas machine, or who simply want an eco-friendlier solution. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large properties (over half an acre), as battery runtime becomes a significant obstacle. Likewise, if your property consists of rough fields with incredibly thick, tall weeds, the raw, uncompromising power of a high-end gas mower might still be necessary. For those users, alternatives like powerful gas self-propelled mowers or even riding mowers should be considered.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The cutting width, or deck size, dictates how many passes you’ll need to make. A 17-inch deck, like the one on this Greenworks mower, is nimble and excellent for navigating around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles. It’s also easier to store. Consider how the handle collapses and if the mower can be stored vertically, which is a massive space-saver in a crowded garage or shed.
- Capacity/Performance: In the cordless world, performance is synonymous with battery life. Pay close attention to the voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah) of the batteries. A 48V system offers solid power, while the 4.0Ah rating indicates the fuel tank’s size. Scrutinize the manufacturer’s runtime claims (e.g., “up to 45 minutes”) with skepticism, as real-world conditions like grass height, thickness, and moisture will always reduce that number.
- Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of steel or a high-impact polymer (plastic). Steel is heavier and more durable against major impacts like hitting a large rock, but it can rust if not cared for. A poly deck, as featured on the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries, is significantly lighter, making the mower easier to push, and it’s completely rust-proof. For most residential lawns, a poly deck offers the perfect balance of durability and low weight.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is where cordless electric mowers truly shine. Look for features like a push-button start and single-lever height adjustment, which allows you to change the cutting height of all four wheels simultaneously. Long-term maintenance is minimal, typically involving only cleaning the underside of the deck after use and periodically sharpening the blade.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries 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...
Unboxing the Greenworks 48V Mower: A First Look at a Simpler Solution
Opening the box for the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries was a refreshingly simple experience. Unlike the complicated assembly required for some gas mowers, this unit was nearly ready to go. The main mower deck was fully assembled; the only task was to unfold the handle and lock it into place with a pair of cam locks. The entire process took less than five minutes and required no tools. Inside, we found the mower itself, a grass collection bag, a mulching plug, the dual-port rapid charger, and the two 24V 4.0Ah batteries that are the heart of this system. The initial impression is one of intelligent, lightweight design. The poly deck feels sturdy yet light, and the foam-padded handle is comfortable to grip. At just over 42 pounds, I could easily lift the entire machine with one hand—a feat that is simply impossible with its gas-powered cousins. It immediately felt less like a piece of heavy machinery and more like a modern, user-friendly appliance for the yard.
What We Like
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, even on slopes
- Whisper-quiet operation allows for mowing at any time of day
- Effortless push-button start and single-lever height adjustment
- Compact, foldable design for incredibly easy storage
- Zero emissions and no gas/oil maintenance
What We Didn’t Like
- Battery runtime is often insufficient for lawns over 1/4 acre
- Can stall or struggle in overly tall, thick, or wet grass
Putting the Greenworks 48V 17″ Mower to the Test: A Real-World Performance Breakdown
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true measure of a lawn mower is how it performs out on the grass, week after week. We put the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries through its paces on a typical suburban lawn—about a quarter-acre with some gentle slopes, a few trees to navigate around, and a mix of fescue and bluegrass. We wanted to see if its real-world performance lived up to its promise of convenience.
Power and Cutting Performance: Taming the Suburban Lawn
With both 4.0Ah batteries clicked into place, starting the mower is a simple, anti-climactic pleasure: you press a button, pull back the safety bail bar, and the blade spins to life with a low whir. The sound is truly remarkable; as one user aptly put it, it “sounds like a big window fan.” We could hold a normal conversation while it was running. On our regularly maintained lawn, the cut quality was excellent. The mower left clean, even lines, and the 17-inch deck proved to be a strategic advantage, allowing us to easily weave between landscaping and get close to fence lines without hassle. We tested both the mulching and bagging functions. The mulching plug was effective, chopping clippings finely and returning them to the lawn without leaving noticeable clumps. The rear bag attached and detached effortlessly, and while its capacity is modest, it’s appropriate for the mower’s intended small-to-medium yard size.
However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. This is not a brush hog. Several users noted it has “definitely less power than my small gas powered mower,” and our testing confirmed this. To challenge it, we moved to a patch of lawn that had been left to grow for an extra week and was slightly damp from morning dew. Here, we discovered the machine’s limits. Pushing it at a normal pace into this taller, thicker grass caused the motor to bog down and occasionally stall, a safety feature to prevent overheating. We quickly learned the correct technique: raise the deck height to the highest setting for a first “trim” pass, then make a second pass at the desired lower height. This two-pass method allowed the mower to handle the tougher conditions without issue. This is the key compromise of a lightweight electric mower: it may require a little more strategy than a gas mower’s brute-force approach, but the trade-offs in noise and ease of use are, for many, well worth it.
The Elephant in the Yard: Battery Life and Charging
This is the most talked-about aspect of any cordless yard tool, and the single biggest point of contention in user feedback for the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries. The manufacturer claims “up to 45 minutes of run-time.” In our tests, under ideal conditions—a flat, dry lawn with grass cut to a medium height—we achieved a continuous runtime of about 32 minutes before the batteries were depleted. When we tackled the taller, thicker grass that required more power, that number dropped closer to 22 minutes. This experience directly mirrors the feedback from countless users. One owner stated, “My yard is pretty small but the batteries only last about 20 mins so it took me 3 tries to get it all mowed.” Another was more direct: “Would buy again but definitely need an extra set of batteries.”
Let’s be clear: this is not a defect, but a reality of the current state of battery technology. For a small yard of 1/8 to 1/4 of an acre, the included twin 4.0Ah batteries are generally sufficient to get the job done on a single charge. If your lot approaches 1/3 of an acre or larger, or if you frequently let your grass get overgrown, you will almost certainly run out of power before you finish. The included dual-port charger is a thoughtful addition, replenishing both batteries simultaneously in about two hours. The critical takeaway here is to assess your yard size honestly. If you have a larger yard but are set on the benefits of this mower, planning to purchase a second set of batteries is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity for a frustration-free experience. The good news is that these batteries are part of Greenworks’ extensive 24V platform, compatible with over 125 other tools, adding significant value if you’re invested in their ecosystem.
Ergonomics and Usability: A Mower That’s Genuinely Easy to Use
While the battery life defines its limits, the user experience within those limits is where the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries truly excels. This machine is a game-changer for anyone who has ever struggled with a traditional mower. Its standout feature is its featherlight weight. At 42.5 pounds, it feels more like pushing a large toy than a powerful piece of equipment. This was powerfully articulated by a user with a breathing disability and a steep incline, who said, “I was able to mow all of that long, horrible patch easily! The mower is lightweight so I can actually pick it up.” This ease of maneuverability reduces physical strain, making it possible to mow areas that felt daunting or unsafe with a heavier machine.
The operational simplicity is just as impressive. The single-lever height adjustment is a brilliant design choice. A single, easy-to-move lever adjusts all four wheels in unison across five distinct cutting heights. It’s intuitive and takes seconds to change. We did note one user’s report of the adjustment button getting slightly stuck at the highest setting, so we advise operating it smoothly without forcing it. Finally, the storage capability cannot be overstated. With a quick release of the cam locks, the handle folds down completely over the mower’s body. This creates a remarkably compact package that can be stored on a shelf, in a corner, or even hung on a wall. As another user confirmed with photos, “Stores well too.” For those with limited space in a garage or shed, this feature alone can be the deciding factor.
Voices from the Lawn: What Other Users Are Saying
Across hundreds of experiences, a clear consensus emerges about the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries. The positive feedback is overwhelmingly focused on its user-friendly design. One owner, who switched from gas, summed it up perfectly: “This is the perfect mower for our small yard… this mower is so lightweight. Mowing was easy!” Another user, who bought the mower to handle a sketchy slope that was dangerous with their riding mower, reported, “Did a good job cutting the grass and is super quiet and very light weight.” This theme of it being the ideal tool for specific, challenging situations—like hills or for users with physical limitations—is a constant refrain.
On the other side of the coin, constructive criticism is almost exclusively centered on battery life. The sentiment is not typically that the product is bad, but that the expectations set by runtime claims don’t always match reality. As one person pragmatically noted, “Great mower! We don’t have too big of a lawn however the 2 batteries that come with it don’t last the whole lawn. Highly recommend getting an extra battery pack.” A few users also experienced the mower stalling, confirming our findings: “it doesn’t like when the grass is too tall it seems to stall if you try to do too much at a time.” This feedback isn’t a deal-breaker but serves as a crucial guide for potential buyers to match the mower’s capabilities with their own lawn’s demands.
How Does It Compare? Greenworks 48V 17″ Mower vs. The Competition
No product exists in a vacuum. To fully understand the value of the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular options that cater to different needs and philosophies of lawn care.
1. Greenworks 48V Lawn Mower Trimmer Blower Combo
- Powerful & Efficient Performance：The electric lawn mower, equipped with a brushless motor, offers up to 2X more torque, delivering gas - like power but with reduced noise and zero emissions. It can...
- User - Friendly Design：The cordless lawn mower features a push - button start, self - propelled function, 4 - in - 1 operation (rear bag, mulch, side discharge, Turbo button), and 7 - position...
- Convenient Operation：Thanks to the cordless design, you can move freely around the yard. The battery lawn mower allows for vertical storage and has collapsible handles with effortless single - lever...
This is the logical “step-up” for someone committed to the Greenworks battery ecosystem but needing more power and features. This combo kit bundles a larger, 21-inch self-propelled mower with a string trimmer and a leaf blower. The key upgrades are the wider cutting deck, which reduces the number of passes needed, and the self-propelled feature, which makes mowing hills and larger areas effortless. This is the ideal choice for homeowners with medium-to-large yards (up to 1/2 acre) who want to purchase a complete, high-performance yard care system in one box.
2. Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Mower
- The Great States motor-less lawnmower with an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75" for a clean, even cut
- 18" cutting width 5-blade manual push mower with 5-blade ball-bearings, and 10" composite wheels
- Push mower blades are made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp longer
This alternative represents a completely different approach to lawn care. The Great States Reel Mower is entirely manual, using the power of you pushing it to spin the blades. It is the quietest, most eco-friendly, and lowest-maintenance option available. There are no batteries, no gas, and no motors—just a simple, effective cutting mechanism. It’s best suited for those with very small, flat, and well-maintained lawns who enjoy the exercise and simplicity. It struggles with tall weeds or bumpy terrain, but for the right user, it’s an elegant and timeless solution.
3. Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 Scarifier and Dethatcher Kit
- Powerful 48V Cordless Power: Dual 24-V 4.0-Ah batteries deliver up to 48V of runtime, allowing you to dethatch, scarify and care for your lawn with a brushless 600W motor for extended, gas-free...
- Tailored Depth Control: Adjust the 5-position depth control knob from -0.375" to 0.4" to precisely control scarifying and dethatching depth, promoting thicker, greener grass growth.
- Maximize Thatch Pickup with AirBoost Technology: The 24-tine dethatching cylinder with spring steel tines maximizes thatch removal, while the 7-blade scarifying cylinder slices through thick moss and...
This Sun Joe tool is not a direct competitor but a complementary product for the serious lawn enthusiast. A dethatcher (or scarifier) is designed to remove the layer of dead grass and roots (thatch) that builds up at the soil level, which can choke out healthy grass. While the Greenworks mower cuts the grass, this tool improves the underlying health of the lawn. Someone might choose this product *in addition* to their mower to perform seasonal lawn maintenance, promoting better water, nutrient, and air penetration to the soil. It’s a specialized tool for those looking to achieve a truly pristine, golf-course-quality lawn.
The Final Cut: Is the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries is clear: it is an absolutely outstanding machine for the right person and the right yard. Its strengths are profound and genuinely life-improving. For anyone with a small yard (roughly 1/4 acre or less), limited storage space, or a desire to escape the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas, this mower is a top-tier choice. Its lightweight nature makes it incredibly easy to handle, opening up lawn care to individuals who may have struggled with heavier equipment.
Its primary weakness, the battery runtime, is not a flaw in its design but a fundamental constraint that users must be aware of. For larger properties, the out-of-the-box experience can lead to the frustration of a half-mowed lawn. Therefore, we wholeheartedly recommend this mower for small-yard homeowners. For those with medium-sized yards who are captivated by its benefits, we recommend it with the strong caveat that you should plan on purchasing a second set of batteries to ensure you can complete the job in one go. It’s a fantastic tool that delivers on its promise of a simpler, quieter mow, as long as you respect its limits.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2×4.0Ah Batteries is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API