I still remember the Sunday morning ritual: the trip to the gas station with the red can, the careful mixing of oil, the inevitable spills, and the frustrating, shoulder-straining pulls on a starter cord that seemed to have a mind of its own. For years, the roar of a gas engine was just the price we paid for a well-kept lawn. It meant fumes, noise pollution that annoyed the neighbors, and constant maintenance—spark plugs, oil changes, winterization. We just accepted it. But what if that entire exhausting, messy, and loud process could be replaced by the simple click of a battery? That’s the promise of the battery-powered revolution, a promise that has often felt just out of reach, plagued by weak performance and short runtimes. The search for a cordless mower that doesn’t just compete with gas but actually surpasses it has been a long one, but it’s a search that might finally be over.
- [80V 21” LAWN MOWER] - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 80V lawn mower cuts up to 1/2 acre with a fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and...
- [BRUSHLESS MOTOR / DURABLE STEEL DECK] - This electric mower features a durable 21" deck, and a highly efficient brushless motor that provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- [LED HEADLIGHT] – High visibility LED lights allow for early morning and late evening mowing. 3x quieter than gas!
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, appearance, and usability of your outdoor living space. It’s the difference between a chaotic, overgrown yard and a manicured oasis for family gatherings and relaxation. The main benefit of a high-quality mower is efficiency—turning a multi-hour chore into a manageable task. For homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns (typically up to half an acre), a walk-behind model offers the perfect balance of power, maneuverability, and storage convenience. It solves the problem of relying on expensive lawn services or struggling with underpowered, frustrating equipment that leaves an uneven, unprofessional-looking cut.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the weekly or bi-weekly challenge of lawn maintenance who values their time and desires a hassle-free experience. This includes new homeowners setting up their first yard care routine, families wanting a quieter and safer machine around children and pets, and environmentally conscious individuals looking to eliminate the emissions and fuel consumption of gas engines. Conversely, this type of mower might not be suitable for those with multiple acres of land, who would be better served by a riding mower. Likewise, individuals with extremely small turf patches or non-grass yards might find a simple string trimmer or reel mower to be a more practical alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider both the cutting width (deck size) and the physical footprint of the mower itself. A wider deck, like the 21-inch deck on this Greenworks model, means fewer passes to cover your lawn, saving time. Equally important is storage space; look for features like folding handles that allow for compact, vertical storage in a crowded garage or shed.
- Capacity/Performance: For cordless mowers, performance is a two-part equation: cutting power and battery runtime. Voltage (like 80V) is a strong indicator of power, determining how well the mower will handle thick, tall, or wet grass without bogging down. Battery capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah), dictates how long you can mow on a single charge. Ensure the mower’s stated runtime aligns with your yard size.
- Materials & Durability: The mower deck is the foundation of the machine. Steel decks offer superior durability and rigidity compared to plastic/polymer decks, resisting impacts and providing a stable platform for a clean cut. Also, inspect the quality of the handles, wheels, and adjustment levers, as these are the components you’ll interact with most.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for user-friendly features like single-lever height adjustment, which changes all four wheels at once, and simple push-button starting. A major advantage of battery power is the near-elimination of maintenance. There’s no gas, oil, spark plugs, or air filters to worry about, making long-term care as simple as keeping the blade sharp and the deck clean.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah 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, including a comparison of gas versus electric, 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: Built Like a Tank, Quiet as a Whisper
Unboxing the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah was a refreshingly simple affair. Unlike gas mowers that often require fiddly assembly and an initial oil fill-up, this machine was nearly ready to go out of the box. We found the assembly took less than 15 minutes, primarily involving unfolding the sturdy aluminum handles and locking them into place with the large, easy-to-grip knobs. The immediate impression is one of robustness. The 21-inch deck is solid steel, not flimsy plastic, giving the mower a reassuring weight and presence that feels substantial, not cheap. At 68 pounds, it’s lighter than most comparable gas mowers but has enough heft to feel planted and stable on the turf.
Sliding the 4.0Ah battery into its compartment gives a satisfying click, and with the press of a button and pull of the bail bar, the brushless motor spins to life with a low hum rather than a rattling roar. It’s shockingly quiet; you can hold a normal conversation while it’s running. The single-lever height adjustment is crisp and definitive, clicking securely into one of the seven positions. From the bright LED headlights to the comfortable handle grips, the initial look and feel suggest a well-thought-out machine designed for serious work.
What We Like
- Incredible cutting power that rivals and even surpasses gas mowers in thick grass
- Impressively quiet operation, making for a more pleasant mowing experience
- Robust build quality with a 21-inch steel deck and sturdy aluminum handles
- Excellent 4-in-1 versatility for bagging, mulching, side discharge, and leaf pickup
- Virtually zero maintenance—no gas, oil, or tune-ups required
Drawbacks
- Customer service and parts availability have been reported as inconsistent by some users
- Occasional quality control issues noted, such as malformed bolts during assembly
A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 80V Mower’s Real-World Performance
A mower can look great in the garage, but its true worth is measured in stripes on the lawn and clippings in the bag. We put the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah through a series of demanding tests, from a routine weekly trim to tackling a wildly overgrown patch of wet, thick grass left neglected for weeks. This is where the machine truly revealed its character, proving it’s far more than just a convenient alternative to gas—it’s a legitimate contender for the throne.
Power and Cutting Performance: Taming the Overgrown Beast
The heart of this mower is its 80V brushless motor, and let me be clear: this thing is a beast. We were skeptical that any battery-powered mower could handle the tough spots without stalling. To test this, we wheeled it into a section of our test lawn that was over a foot high and damp from recent rain—a scenario that would choke many gas mowers. The Greenworks didn’t flinch. As the blades hit the thick grass, we could hear the motor’s “governor” kick in, automatically increasing blade speed and torque to power through without bogging down. This intelligent power delivery is a game-changer. One user perfectly captured our experience, stating it “worked like a beast” on a foot of grass and thick brush after moving into a new home. Another was “blown away” when it effortlessly leveled a neglected yard.
The cut quality itself is impeccable. The 21-inch steel deck creates powerful airflow, lifting the grass blades for a clean, even cut. Whether mulching or bagging, we observed no stray uncut blades or messy-looking rows. Furthermore, its leaf-pickup capability is phenomenal. In our autumn test, it acted like a lawn vacuum, shredding and bagging leaves along with the grass, leaving the lawn looking spotless. This aligns with feedback from a user who was thrilled that the days of “bagging 40+ bags of leaves” were over. While this is a push mower, its manageable weight and smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver. For those looking for a mower with truly impressive, gas-like power without the fuss, the performance of this machine is a must-see.
Battery Life and the 80V Ecosystem
Power is useless without adequate runtime. The included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger form a formidable team. Greenworks claims it can cut up to 1/2 acre, and in our testing on a standard suburban lawn with moderate grass height, we found the battery life to be excellent. We consistently achieved around 45-50 minutes of continuous mowing on a single charge. This was echoed by several users, one of whom noted the first battery lasted 40 minutes on their hilly 1/4-1/2 acre lot. For most homeowners, this is more than enough to get the job done. If you have a larger property, the wisdom of having a second battery becomes clear.
The rapid charger is another key component. We timed it, and it brought a fully depleted 4.0Ah battery back to 100% in just under an hour (the claim of 30 minutes seems to apply to the smaller 2.0Ah batteries). This means with two batteries, you can achieve virtually continuous operation—mow with one while the other charges. This “swap and go” capability is a massive advantage. It’s also crucial to remember this battery is part of the extensive Greenworks 80V platform, compatible with over 75 other tools like string trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. This creates a versatile, single-battery ecosystem for all your yard work, adding immense long-term value to the initial investment.
Design, Usability, and Storage
Greenworks nailed the user-experience details. The push-button start is instantaneous and effortless—a stark contrast to the temperamental pull-cords we’ve all wrestled with. The single-lever height adjustment is a feature we can’t live without; changing the cutting height across all four wheels with one hand in a matter of seconds is a luxury. We tested it across all seven height positions (from 1.38″ to 3.75″), and it was smooth and secure every time.
The EZ Fold aluminum handles are another standout feature. After mowing, you simply release two levers, and the handle folds forward, allowing the mower to be stored vertically. This reduces its storage footprint by a claimed 70%, and in our garage, it made a huge difference. It can be tucked away against a wall, freeing up valuable floor space. While the mower feels robust, we did encounter some user feedback mentioning quality control issues, such as a malformed bolt for the handle assembly. This seems to be an infrequent but notable issue that prospective buyers should be aware of. The integrated LED headlights, which initially seemed like a gimmick, proved genuinely useful for finishing up a mow during twilight hours, a scenario one user happily shared pictures of while “night mowing.”
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently expressing surprise at its power. One reviewer, who had put off buying a battery mower for years, said it “runs like butter” and “cut flawlessly,” praising its ability to vacuum up leaves. Another who switched from gas after 10 years called it “one of the best ones,” highlighting that it works better than gas in heavy or wet grass without the fumes or weight. The quietness is a common point of praise, with one person joking, “I kind of hate how quiet it is because I don’t think my neighbors know I’m doing yard work.”
However, the experience isn’t universally perfect. The most consistent negative feedback centers on customer service and parts availability. One user who broke a simple tab on the battery cover and lost a bolt was told the parts were not sold, leaving them feeling stranded. Another reported receiving an older generation of batteries and getting the “run around” from support. While these issues don’t detract from the mower’s excellent performance, they represent a valid concern about long-term support should a problem arise.
How Does the Greenworks 80V Mower Compare to the Alternatives?
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah is a powerhouse in its class, but the market offers other compelling options depending on your specific needs and budget. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors.
1. LawnMaster CLMF4819A 19-inch Cordless Mower with 2x 4.0Ah Batteries
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,400 RPM of power and no gas or oil to maintain
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Powered by a 2 X 24V MAX* 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries for up to 40 minutes of runtime while bag collects 15-gallons of grass clippings
- iPOWER TECHNOLOGY DISPLAY: Save energy and gain efficiencies while mowing your lawn with this intelligent and automatic power management system. Display indicates the cutting mode and battery level.
The LawnMaster operates on a 48V system, utilizing two 24V batteries simultaneously. While its power is respectable for routine maintenance, it doesn’t quite match the raw, torque-on-demand performance of the 80V Greenworks model when tackling very thick or overgrown lawns. Its 19-inch deck is slightly smaller, making it better suited for small to medium-sized yards where maximum cutting width is less of a priority. For a homeowner with a smaller, relatively flat lawn who wants a capable cordless mower at a potentially more budget-friendly price point, the LawnMaster is a very solid choice.
2. WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2 Batteries
- QUICK-START 40V POWER: Cordless lawn mower delivers robust 40V power with (2) 20V 4.0Ah batteries, ideal for cutting up to 1/8 acre. Starts fast—simply push a button and pull the bail handle....
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same PowerShare batteries that run this push lawn mower can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the...
- INTELLICUT: Patented sensor technology automatically adjusts cutting speed to match the grass conditions. Intellicut increases cutting speed when it detects dense grass for smoother mowing, but slows...
The WORX 40V mower is designed with compactness and maneuverability in mind. Its 17-inch cutting deck is significantly smaller than the Greenworks’ 21-inch deck, making it ideal for very small yards, townhome lawns, or for navigating complex landscaping with tight turns. It’s exceptionally lightweight and easy to handle. However, the trade-off is power and efficiency; it runs on a 40V system and will require more passes to cover the same area. This is the perfect mower for someone whose primary concerns are minimal storage space and effortless handling for a small patch of grass.
3. CRAFTSMAN 20-Inch Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- 13 Amp Motor with 20 inches Deck - Power through tall grass
- 3-in-1 Capacity - Rear Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge
- Winged Blade - Improved Cutting Performance
The CRAFTSMAN model represents a different approach entirely—corded electric power. Its main advantage is unlimited runtime; as long as it’s plugged in, it will run without ever needing to be recharged. It offers strong, consistent power from its 13-amp motor. The significant drawback, however, is the cord itself. You are constantly managing the extension cord to avoid running it over or getting it tangled on trees and obstacles. For a small, simple, unobstructed yard where the hassle of a cord is minimal, this CRAFTSMAN mower offers reliable power at an extremely attractive price, but it lacks the go-anywhere freedom of the Greenworks.
The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 80V Mower Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah is a truly exceptional machine that closes the performance gap between battery and gas mowers. Its immense power, robust steel deck construction, and thoughtful design features make it a top-tier choice for homeowners with lawns up to half an acre. It effortlessly handles tough conditions, is remarkably quiet, and eliminates the maintenance headaches of its gas-guzzling predecessors. The vertical storage is a brilliant, space-saving bonus.
While we acknowledge some user-reported concerns about customer service consistency and the rare quality control lapse, these issues are overshadowed by the mower’s outstanding day-to-day performance. If you have been waiting for a battery-powered mower that makes no compromises on power and build quality, your wait is over. This is a machine that makes yard work faster, quieter, and genuinely more enjoyable.
If you’ve decided the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower 4.0Ah is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API