I remember the old weekend ritual all too well. Dragging the heavy gas mower from the shed, priming the engine, yanking the cord until my shoulder ached, and then finally being greeted by a sputtering engine and a cloud of blue smoke. The noise was deafening, the vibrations numbing, and the smell of gasoline clung to my clothes for hours. Then came the trimmer, another gas-powered beast to wrestle with. And the blower, an extension cord nightmare, always getting snagged on a bush or fence post. It felt less like maintaining a lawn and more like wrangling a collection of loud, needy, and inefficient machines. This disjointed approach to yard care wasn’t just annoying; it was a time sink. I wanted a single, unified system—a quiet, powerful, and clean solution that would turn a dreaded chore into a satisfying task.
- 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...
What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
A Walk-Behind Lawn Mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for achieving a pristine and healthy lawn, the centerpiece of your home’s curb appeal. The right mower transforms a weekend-long battle with overgrown grass into a quick, almost therapeutic activity. The main benefits are clear: control over your lawn’s health, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the freedom from relying on expensive lawn care services. By choosing a modern, battery-powered system, you also gain the immense advantages of reduced noise, zero emissions, and significantly lower maintenance. No more oil changes, spark plug replacements, or frantic trips to the gas station.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to medium-sized yard, typically up to half an acre, who values convenience, low maintenance, and a quieter, more eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s for the person who wants to grab their tools and get the job done without fuss. Conversely, this type of system might not be suitable for those who manage very large properties (an acre or more), where the runtime limitations of batteries could become a significant obstacle. For those users, a gas-powered riding mower or a zero-turn mower might be a more practical investment. Similarly, professionals who need all-day, non-stop performance will likely stick with commercial-grade gas equipment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The mower’s deck size directly impacts how quickly you can mow. A 20-inch deck, like the one on this Greenworks model, is a sweet spot for efficiency in small to medium yards without being too cumbersome to maneuver around obstacles. Also, consider storage. Many battery mowers feature vertical storage capabilities, a game-changer for saving precious garage space.
- Capacity/Performance: In the world of cordless tools, power is a function of voltage (V) and runtime is determined by battery capacity (Amp-hours or Ah). A 48V system provides ample power for thick grass, while a brushless motor, like the one in this mower, offers greater efficiency, longer life, and more power than older brushed motor designs. Always check the included battery capacity—4.0Ah is a solid starting point for decent runtime.
- Materials & Durability: The mower deck is the backbone of the machine. A steel deck, while heavier than plastic or poly alternatives, offers superior durability and rigidity, resisting impacts from rocks and roots far better. For the handles and wheels, look for sturdy construction that feels solid and doesn’t flex under pressure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of battery power is its simplicity. Look for features like push-button start, single-lever height adjustment, and easy-to-manage battery swapping. Long-term care is minimal—just keep the underside of the deck clean and sharpen the blade annually. A system with a dual-port charger is a huge plus, cutting down on charging downtime.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit stands out in several areas, offering a compelling blend of power, convenience, and value. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit 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: A Complete Yard Arsenal in One Box
The arrival of the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit felt like Christmas for a homeowner. The box is substantial, hinting at the robust equipment inside. Unboxing revealed a thoughtfully packed system with the main mower unit, the string trimmer, the leaf blower, two 4.0Ah 24V batteries, and the crucial 4A dual-port charger. Assembly was refreshingly simple. For the mower, it was a matter of unfolding the handle and tightening a few cam locks—no tools required, taking less than five minutes. The trimmer and blower snapped together just as easily.
My first impression was dominated by the mower’s build quality. The 20-inch deck is solid steel, a reassuring sign of durability that immediately sets it apart from cheaper, all-plastic models. It feels substantial without being excessively heavy. The other tools, while primarily high-impact plastic to keep them lightweight, felt well-balanced and ergonomic in hand. Placing the two 24V batteries onto the dual-port charger, it was satisfying to see both begin charging simultaneously. This entire package immediately communicates its core promise: a cohesive, easy-to-use system designed to replace every gas-powered tool in your shed.
Key Benefits
- Complete 3-tool system offers outstanding value and convenience.
- Powerful brushless motor in the mower cuts through thick grass with ease.
- Durable 20-inch steel deck ensures long-term reliability.
- Dual-port charger and two 4.0Ah batteries provide a solid power foundation.
- Quiet, fume-free operation is a massive quality-of-life improvement over gas tools.
Limitations
- Battery runtime may be insufficient for yards larger than 1/3 acre on a single charge.
- Trimmer and blower use less efficient brushed motors.
- Some users have reported issues with long-term battery health and finding replacement parts.
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Greenworks System to the Test
A combo kit is only as good as its weakest link. We spent several weeks putting every component of the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit through its paces on a quarter-acre suburban lot with varied terrain and grass types. From the first push of the button, it was clear this system was designed to impress, though it’s not without its specific limitations.
The Heart of the Kit: The 20″ Brushless Mower’s Performance
The lawn mower is undoubtedly the star of this show. The brushless motor is the key. Paired with the two 24V batteries to deliver a true 48V of power, it provides torque that genuinely rivals, and in some cases surpasses, a comparable gas push mower. We intentionally let a section of the lawn get overgrown and a bit damp before the first test, and the mower plowed through it without bogging down. This experience mirrors that of one user who was amazed it could “mow down small trees and overgrown yards,” a sentiment we found to be only slightly exaggerated. It has the muscle for challenging conditions.
The 3-in-1 functionality is versatile and effective. The rear bagging option works flawlessly, with the bag being easy to attach and empty. For mulching, you insert a plastic plug, and the mower does an excellent job of chopping clippings into fine bits that disappear into the lawn. The side discharge chute is also included for times when the grass is too long or wet to effectively mulch or bag. We did, however, note a tendency for clippings to build up behind the mulch plug, as one detailed user review pointed out. This requires a quick cleaning after each use to prevent mold and decay, a minor but valid point of critique. The single-lever height adjustment, offering seven positions, is a dream to use, allowing for quick changes to find the perfect cutting height for any part of your lawn.
Maneuverability is excellent. Despite its sturdy 71-pound weight and steel deck, the mower feels balanced and easy to push. It’s a manual push mower, not self-propelled, but we never found it strenuous on flat or gently sloped ground. For those who prioritize a simple, reliable, and powerful cutting experience, the mower in this Greenworks combo kit is a fantastic piece of engineering.
Battery Life and Charging: The Double-Edged Sword
The power system is the most critical aspect of any cordless tool, and it’s where the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit both shines and shows its limitations. The innovative 2-x-24V system is clever, allowing the batteries to be used in Greenworks’ broader 24V tool lineup, adding a layer of versatility. With the two included 4.0Ah batteries fully charged, we consistently managed to mow our entire quarter-acre lot, which took about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the grass height. This aligns perfectly with user reports of getting 35-40 minutes of runtime.
This runtime is adequate for many suburban homes, but it’s the edge of the envelope. For anyone with a yard approaching half an acre, you will almost certainly need to stop and recharge, or invest in a second set of batteries. As one Florida-based user noted, on a 3/4 acre yard, the mower quit after about an hour, requiring a recharge to finish the job. Another user highlighted a more significant concern: battery degradation over time. They found that after a year, the batteries wouldn’t hold enough charge to complete their small yard, and the mandatory cool-down period before recharging could turn mowing into an all-day affair. This is the Achilles’ heel of nearly all battery-powered equipment and a crucial factor to consider. The dual-port charger is efficient, topping up both 4.0Ah batteries in about 60-90 minutes, but you can’t defy the laws of physics—if you need more runtime, you need more batteries.
The Supporting Cast: Trimmer and Blower Capabilities
While the mower is the main event, the included 12″ string trimmer and 320 CFM blower are what elevate this package from a single tool to a complete yard care solution. It’s important to note a key technical detail: while the mower has a high-efficiency brushless motor, the trimmer and blower in this specific kit use standard brushed motors. For the average homeowner, this isn’t a dealbreaker. They still perform their jobs well for typical post-mowing cleanup.
The 12-inch string trimmer is lightweight and perfectly balanced for edging driveways, sidewalks, and trimming around flower beds. The 0.065″ line and auto-feed head worked reliably in our testing, advancing the line with a simple tap. It’s not designed for clearing heavy brush, but for its intended purpose of tidying up, it’s more than sufficient. The 320 CFM / 90 MPH blower is similarly competent. It has enough power to clear grass clippings from hard surfaces and blow dry leaves out of garden beds. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to handle with one hand, and the variable speed dial allows for more delicate work around mulch or flowers. While a pro might scoff, for the homeowner this kit targets, these tools are perfectly matched and mean you don’t have to spend another dime to have a fully manicured lawn.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from other owners, a clear picture emerges that mirrors our own findings. The overwhelming majority of praise is directed at the convenience and power of the system. One user, new to electric mowers, was “amazed” and found it “mowed much more beautifully” than their old gas Toro. Another stated it was “easy to assemble” and loved the simplicity of not having to “struggle pulling on a cord to start it up.” The quiet operation is a recurring theme, with people appreciating the ability to mow early in the morning without disturbing neighbors.
However, the criticism is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on the batteries. One long-term owner stated, “Battery started draining very fast after very first year; it wont last long enough to complete my yard which is not big at all.” Another user called the batteries the “Achilles Heel of this product,” showing photos of them discharging at different rates after less than a full season. Beyond batteries, a few isolated but important issues were raised, including one user’s frustration with finding the correct replacement blade with the specific “v like alignment holes,” and another who experienced a faulty starter switch after about a year of use, highlighting potential long-term reliability concerns that are covered by the 3-year warranty.
How Does the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit Compare to Alternatives?
The Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit offers a compelling package, but it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your specific needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. LawnMaster 16″ Electric Dethatcher
- 2-IN-1 FUNCTION: Dethatch your lawn to remove thick thatch and allow your lawn to get more nutrients and sunlight. Scarify to cut grooves that improve water and air movement through the soil
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: The 13 Amp motor, gets up to 3700RPM. This gives adequate power to dethatch or scarify some of the toughest lawns
- 16” WIDE PATH: Equipped with 16“ dethatcher/scarifier attachments to tackle the job faster
This LawnMaster tool is not a direct competitor but rather a complementary piece of equipment for the serious lawn care enthusiast. While the Greenworks kit handles the weekly cutting, trimming, and cleaning, a dethatcher like this is a specialized tool used once or twice a year to remove the layer of dead grass (thatch) from your lawn, improving air, water, and nutrient flow to the soil. It’s a corded electric model, meaning you’ll have to manage a power cable, but it provides a specific function that no tool in the Greenworks combo can. If you’re aiming for a golf-course-quality lawn and already have a mower, this is an excellent next step.
2. Greenworks 48V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower
- 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
This is essentially the little brother to the mower in our reviewed combo kit. It operates on the same powerful 48V (2x24V) battery platform but features a smaller, 17-inch cutting deck. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners with very small yards, townhouses, or properties with tight, complex landscaping where the maneuverability of a smaller deck is a huge advantage. If you don’t need the wider 20-inch cut and already own a trimmer and blower, this standalone mower is a more focused and affordable way to get into the Greenworks 48V ecosystem without paying for tools you don’t need.
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 13-inch model represents a step down in both size and power, targeting a different segment of the market. Its 13-inch deck and 24V single-battery system are designed for the smallest of lawns—think tiny courtyard gardens or narrow strips of grass between row houses. It’s significantly lighter and more compact than the Greenworks model, making it incredibly easy to store and handle. For someone on a tight budget or with minimal storage space and a very small patch of grass to maintain, the Greenworks combo would be complete overkill, making this LawnMaster a much more practical and economical choice.
The Final Verdict: A Smart, Complete System for the Modern Homeowner
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit is an outstanding value and a brilliant solution for new homeowners or anyone looking to make a clean break from the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas-powered equipment. The mower itself is the highlight, offering robust, brushless power and a durable steel deck that punches well above its weight. The inclusion of a competent trimmer and blower creates a comprehensive, single-battery ecosystem that handles all basic lawn care tasks with ease.
The primary consideration is, without a doubt, your yard size and expectations for battery life. For lawns up to a quarter-acre, the included batteries are sufficient. For anything larger, you should budget for a second pair of batteries to avoid frustrating downtime. While the long-term health of the batteries and the brushed motors in the accessory tools are valid points of consideration, the overall convenience, power, and quiet operation make this kit a transformative upgrade for the right user. It successfully turns a collection of chores into one streamlined, satisfying process.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Mower Combo Kit is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API