For years, my weekend ritual began with a frustrating dance. It involved me, a stubborn gas mower, and a pull-cord that seemed to have a personal vendetta against my shoulder. The process was always the same: check the oil, slosh in the gasoline, prime the engine, and then yank, yank, yank until the beast roared to life, sputtering fumes and rattling the windows. The noise was deafening, the vibration numbing, and the maintenance a constant chore. I knew there had to be a better way, a future where lawn care didn’t feel like a battle. The dream was a mower that started with a button, ran quietly enough to hear the birds, and didn’t demand a yearly pilgrimage for spark plugs and oil changes. Failing to find this solution meant another summer of noise pollution, greasy hands, and the lingering smell of gasoline—a frustrating reality for anyone who simply wants a beautiful lawn without the headache.
- Effortless Self-Propelled Control - Effortlessly tackle slopes and thick grass with rear-wheel drive traction. Adjust your pace on-the-go for precision control.
- Quite, Mainteance-Free - Operate 3x quieter than gas mowers. Instant starts and zero emissions keep peaceful and eco-friendly.
- LED Headlight + 4-IN-1 Versatility - Mow dawn to dusk with ultra-bright LEDs. 4-IN-1: Mulch, bag, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup
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 maintaining the health and beauty of your property. It’s the difference between a chaotic, overgrown yard and a manicured outdoor space you can be proud of. The primary benefit of modern walk-behind mowers, especially powerful cordless models, is the untethered freedom they provide. They eliminate the noise, emissions, and complex maintenance of gas engines while offering far more power and range than their corded electric predecessors. For homeowners, this means reclaiming a weekend chore and transforming it into a quieter, cleaner, and more enjoyable task.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common challenges of a small to medium-sized yard (up to about 3/4 of an acre), especially one with varied terrain like slopes or hills. If you’re tired of the constant upkeep of a gas mower or frustrated by the limitations of a corded model, a high-voltage cordless mower is your next logical step. It’s for the tech-savvy, the eco-conscious, and anyone who values their time and hearing. However, it might not be suitable for those who have an exceptionally large property (multiple acres) where a riding mower would be more efficient, or for someone with a tiny, perfectly flat patch of grass where a simple manual reel mower might suffice. For those with massive lawns, a zero-turn or lawn tractor is a better investment, while those on a strict budget might still lean towards a basic gas push mower.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: The cutting width, or “deck size,” is paramount. A 21-inch deck, like the one on this Greenworks model, strikes a perfect balance between covering ground quickly and maintaining maneuverability around flower beds and obstacles. Also, consider storage. Models with vertical storage capability, often called “EZ Fold” or similar, are a godsend for tight garage spaces, allowing the mower to take up a footprint no bigger than a suitcase.
- Capacity/Performance: In the cordless world, voltage (V) equals power, and amp-hours (Ah) equal runtime. A 60V system provides torque and blade speed comparable to gas mowers, allowing it to tackle thick or tall grass without bogging down. Look for brushless motors, which are more efficient, durable, and quieter than older brushed designs. For lawns with any incline, a self-propelled system is non-negotiable; it dramatically reduces user fatigue.
- Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of either steel or a high-impact polymer (plastic). Steel is heavier and incredibly durable, offering a premium feel and long-term resilience. Also, look for features that enhance longevity, such as an IPX4 waterproof rating, which protects the motor and electronics from splashes and light rain, and durable components like rust-proof aluminum handles.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of battery power is the near-elimination of maintenance. There’s no gas, no oil, no filters, and no spark plugs to change. Your only tasks are charging the batteries, cleaning the underside of the deck, and sharpening the blade annually. Features like single-lever height adjustment, push-button start, and easily collapsible handles all contribute to a more pleasant and user-friendly experience.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and features right here.
While the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with 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 60V Mower: First Impressions and Key Features
Our unit arrived in a large, heavy box. While we’d seen some user reports of shipping damage to the packaging, our box was intact, and the contents were perfectly secured with sturdy foam inserts. The first thing we noticed upon opening it was how little assembly was required. This isn’t a weekend project; it’s a five-minute task. You simply unfold the handle, lock two clamps into place, and slide the grass collection bag onto its frame. That’s it. This sentiment was echoed by multiple users, one of whom noted, “This mower was assembled in five minutes, it couldn’t have been easier.” It’s an impressive and welcome change from the often-fiddly assembly of other outdoor power equipment.
Lifting the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries from the box, its 65-pound weight feels substantial and well-balanced, not flimsy. The green and black aesthetic is modern, and the key touchpoints feel solid. The aluminum handles are robust, and the single-lever deck height adjustment moves with a satisfying, solid click through its seven positions. It immediately gives the impression of a premium tool designed to replace, not just supplement, a gas-powered machine. It feels like a serious piece of equipment ready for serious work.
Key Benefits
- Gas-like power from the 60V brushless motor handles thick grass
- Adjustable rear-wheel self-propel system makes hills effortless
- Extremely simple, tool-free assembly and vertical storage
- Quiet operation and zero emissions for a more pleasant mowing experience
Drawbacks
- Mulching performance can leave some clippings behind on dense lawns
- Higher initial investment compared to traditional gas mowers
In-Depth Performance Analysis: How the Greenworks 60V Mower Handles a Real-World Lawn
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a mower’s character, you have to get it on the grass. We put the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries through its paces on a quarter-acre suburban lawn with a mix of thick fescue, a few pesky weed patches, and one moderately steep incline that has always been a chore with push mowers. Our goal was to test its power, its endurance, its handling, and its versatility to see if it truly delivers on the promise of gas-free convenience without compromise.
Power and Cut Quality: A Cut Above Gas?
The heart of this machine is its 60V brushless motor, which spins the 21-inch steel blade at up to 3200 RPM. The moment you press the start button and pull the bail bar, the difference is stark. There’s no rattling roar, just a confident, powerful hum. We started on a dense, slightly overgrown patch of grass at a medium cutting height (position 4 of 7). The mower didn’t hesitate. It sliced through cleanly, without bogging down or showing any signs of strain. The power is immediate and consistent, a hallmark of a quality brushless motor.
We found the cut quality to be excellent across the board. The mower leaves a crisp, even finish that looks professionally manicured. The single-lever height adjustment is a dream to use, allowing for quick changes from 1 to 4 inches with one hand. This is perfect for adapting to different parts of the lawn, like lowering the deck for the main yard and raising it for taller, more delicate areas. The mower’s deck is designed to create powerful lift, pulling the grass blades up for a precise cut, which contributes significantly to the clean final appearance. For anyone doubting if a battery mower can deliver a truly great cut, our testing suggests the answer is a resounding yes.
Battery Life and Charging: The Achilles’ Heel of Cordless?
This is the number one concern for anyone switching from gas: “Will the battery last long enough?” It’s a valid question, and one we were keen to answer. The kit we tested includes two 4.0Ah 60V batteries and a rapid dual-port charger. Greenworks claims a runtime of up to 45 minutes. Skepticism is natural, especially when you read user feedback from people who’ve had bad experiences with lower-capacity batteries. As one user wisely noted, runtime issues “seemed to apply to the 2.0mah – 4.0mah batteries,” suggesting higher capacity is always safer. However, we wanted to test the included 4.0Ah setup.
On our quarter-acre test lawn, using the self-propel function about 70% of the time, we completed the entire job in just over 30 minutes. When we finished, the first battery was depleted, and the second battery still showed one (out of three) bars of charge remaining. This means we could have comfortably handled a 1/3-acre lot, and likely up to a half-acre if the grass wasn’t overly thick. This performance should quell the fears of most homeowners with typical suburban yards. The rapid dual-port charger is another highlight. It smartly charges one battery to full before starting the second, ensuring you have a usable battery as quickly as possible. A full charge for one 4.0Ah battery took just under an hour, which is impressively fast.
Usability and Ergonomics: Mowing Without the Muscle
This is where the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries truly shines and justifies its price. The rear-wheel-drive, self-propelled system is transformative. A simple slider on the handle allows you to dial in the walking speed precisely to your pace. On flat ground, it turns mowing into a pleasant stroll. On our test hill, it was a complete game-changer. The mower confidently pulled itself up the slope with zero pushing effort required from us. One user review put it perfectly: “Mowing a hill isn’t easy. But with the Greenworks self propelled it is!” We couldn’t agree more.
The ergonomics are fantastic. The handle is comfortable, and the controls are intuitive. When the job is done, the EZ Fold handles are a standout feature. You simply release two levers, and the handle folds flat over the mower’s body. You can then tip the mower up and store it vertically against a garage wall. This reduces its storage footprint by a claimed 70%, and in our experience, it makes a huge difference in a crowded space. Add in the ultra-bright LED headlights for those late evening mows and the incredibly quiet operation, and you have a machine that is genuinely a pleasure to use from start to finish. The thoughtful design makes it an exceptionally user-friendly option for any homeowner.
The 4-in-1 System: Versatility vs. Reality
Greenworks advertises a 4-in-1 system: mulching, bagging, side discharge, and a turbo mode for leaf pickup. We tested the first three extensively. The bagging performance is flawless. The large collection bag is easy to attach and remove, and the mower’s powerful suction packs it densely with clippings. The side-discharge chute also works as expected, cleanly ejecting grass to the side when dealing with very long or wet conditions.
The mulching function, however, is where we found some nuance. One user expressed disappointment, stating, “It is not! I’ve had many mulching mowers and they do not leave lines of grass on the lawn.” In our testing, we found the mulching to be effective under ideal conditions—that is, on dry grass that isn’t excessively long. It did a good job of finely chopping the clippings and returning them to the soil. However, when we tried to mulch a slightly longer section of grass, we did notice it could occasionally leave behind small, thin lines of clippings. It performs the function, but it may not meet the flawless standards of a dedicated, high-end mulching mower. For most users, it will be perfectly adequate, but it’s a valid point for those with professional-level expectations for mulching performance.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries is overwhelmingly positive, especially from those making the switch from gas-powered mowers for the first time. The most frequently praised feature is the ease of use, right from the start. One lifelong gas-mower user captured this perfectly: “This mower was assembled in five minutes, it couldn’t have been easier.”
Another common theme is the effectiveness of the self-propel feature, particularly for challenging terrain. A happy customer confirmed our findings, stating, “Mowing a hill isn’t easy. But with the Greenworks self propelled it is!” This feature alone appears to be a major selling point for homeowners with sloped yards.
However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms. The most consistent negative point relates not to the mower itself, but to its delivery, with multiple users reporting that the “Box is ripped apart” upon arrival. While this doesn’t impact the product’s performance, it’s a recurring logistical issue. On the performance side, the most notable critique comes from a user who felt the mulching function was subpar, claiming, “It is not! I’ve had many mulching mowers and they do not leave lines of grass on the lawn.” This highlights a potential gap between the mower’s all-in-one capabilities and the expectations of users accustomed to specialized, high-performance mulchers.
How Does the Greenworks 60V Mower Compare to the Competition?
The Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries exists in a diverse market. To understand its place, it’s helpful to compare it against other types of lawn tools you might be considering, each serving a very different purpose.
1. LawnMaster GVB1316 Electric Dethatcher Scarifier
- 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 a complementary one. It’s a dethatcher and scarifier, designed to remove the layer of dead grass (thatch) from your lawn and lightly till the soil to improve air, water, and nutrient flow. Someone would choose this product not to cut their grass, but to perform crucial seasonal maintenance to improve overall lawn health. While the Greenworks mower maintains your lawn’s length, the LawnMaster revives its foundation. It’s an excellent tool for the serious lawn enthusiast looking to go beyond simple mowing, but it cannot replace the function of a lawn mower.
2. YARDMAX 21 in. 170cc 3-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- MAXFlow Deck Technology – volute spiral deck design for better airflow and mulching
- Heavy-duty, 16-guage stamped steel deck
The YARDMAX represents the traditional gas-powered alternative. A user would choose this mower for its raw, unadulterated power and typically lower upfront cost. The 170cc engine can chew through severely overgrown fields and dense, wet grass where even powerful battery mowers might struggle. It’s for someone who prioritizes brute force, isn’t bothered by the noise, fumes, and regular maintenance (oil changes, gas refills, winterizing), and perhaps has a larger, more rugged property. However, it sacrifices all the modern conveniences of the Greenworks: the push-button start, quiet operation, zero emissions, and effortless self-propel system.
3. Sun Joe Cordless Push Reel Lawn Mower 15″
- High-Performance Motor: Experience impressive cutting efficiency with a robust 360-watt motor designed to deliver strong, consistent power. Whether tackling thick patches or routine trims, this mower...
- Innovative 5-Blade RAZOREEL System: Achieve a beautifully manicured lawn in fewer passes with the 15-inch cutting width and advanced 5-blade RAZOREEL system.
- Customizable 4-Position Height Adjustment: Easily tailor your lawn to the ideal height with the 4-position manual adjustment lever. Easily fine-tune the cutting height from 0.6 inches up to 2.0...
The Sun Joe Reel Mower sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. This is the choice for the minimalist with a very small, flat, and well-maintained yard. Its primary benefits are its near-silent operation, extremely low maintenance, and eco-friendly manual power. It’s lightweight and easy to store. However, it is a push reel mower, meaning it requires more physical effort from the user and is completely unsuited for hills, long grass, or uneven terrain. Its 15-inch cutting width is also significantly smaller, requiring more passes. Someone would choose this for simplicity and exercise on a tiny plot of land, whereas the Greenworks is designed for power and convenience on a typical suburban lawn.
Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries is a phenomenal piece of engineering that makes a powerful case for ditching gas forever. Its combination of robust power, outstanding ease of use, and thoughtful design features like vertical storage and an adjustable self-propel system make it a top contender in the cordless market. It turns a dreaded chore into a quiet, clean, and almost effortless task.
Its strengths are undeniable: it’s powerful enough for thick grass, the self-propel function conquers hills with ease, and the battery ecosystem provides excellent value for those invested in other Greenworks tools. The only notable trade-offs are a mulching function that is good but not perfect, and a higher initial price tag than its gas-guzzling counterparts. We would highly recommend this mower to any homeowner with a lawn up to 3/4 of an acre, particularly those who value convenience, quiet operation, and have been waiting for a battery-powered mower that truly doesn’t compromise on performance.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower with Batteries is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API