For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a noisy, fume-filled chore. It involved a trip to the shed, wrestling with a heavy, gas-powered beast, checking the oil, and inevitably, multiple frustrating pulls on a stubborn starter cord. The roar of the engine would drown out the neighborhood’s calm, and the smell of exhaust would linger long after the job was done. I wanted something different—a tool that made lawn care less of a battle and more of a satisfying task. I dreamed of a mower I could store easily, start with a button, and push without feeling like I was in a strongman competition. This desire for simplicity, quiet operation, and freedom from fossil fuels is what led me to explore the world of cordless electric mowers, and specifically, to get my hands on the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah.
- 【2 Batteries】This push lawn mower is powered by 2*20V Li-ion batteries, for doubled performance. Get more work done, faster.
- 【Upgraded Brushless Motor】2*20V battery powered lawn mowers with brushless motor has 40% higher efficiency than traditional models, offering durable powering experience that is quiet, stable and...
- 【Lightweight & Cordless】Weighing at only 30 lbs (bare mower), this mulching lawn mower with easy-start button is best for pushing around yard. No gas, no oil, no emissions with our cordless...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health, beauty, and curb appeal of your property. For many, it’s the cornerstone of weekend yard work. The primary benefit of going cordless electric is the radical simplification of this process. You eliminate the recurring costs and messy logistics of gasoline and oil, the complex maintenance of combustion engines, and the significant noise and air pollution. Instead, you get a clean, quiet, and user-friendly experience that transforms a dreaded task into a more pleasant activity. It’s about reclaiming your weekend peace without sacrificing a well-manicured lawn.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a small to medium-sized yard (typically up to a quarter of an acre). This includes new homeowners dipping their toes into lawn care, older individuals who need a lighter, more manageable machine, or anyone living in a suburban setting where noise can be a nuisance to neighbors. It’s perfect for those who value convenience and eco-friendliness. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who have sprawling properties exceeding half an acre, deal with very hilly or rough terrain, or need to cut through exceptionally thick, wet, or overgrown brush regularly. In those cases, a more powerful gas mower or a high-voltage, self-propelled electric model might be a better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Cutting Width: The cutting width, or deck size, dictates how many passes you’ll need to make. A 17-inch deck, like the one on this LiTHELi, is nimble and excellent for navigating around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. However, for a wide-open lawn, a larger deck (20-21 inches) would finish the job faster. Consider the trade-off between maneuverability in complex yards and efficiency in open spaces.
- Capacity & Performance: In the cordless world, performance is measured in voltage (V) and battery capacity (Ah, or Amp-hours). Voltage is like the engine’s horsepower, while Amp-hours represent the gas tank’s size. The LiTHELi’s 2x20V system effectively operates as a 40V unit, providing solid power for its size. The included 4.0Ah batteries offer a decent runtime, but you must match this capacity to your yard size to avoid running out of charge mid-mow.
- Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of either steel or a hard composite plastic. Steel is heavier and more durable against impacts, but it can rust. Plastic decks, like the one on the LiTHELi, make the mower significantly lighter and are immune to rust, but they can be more susceptible to cracking from a severe impact with a rock or root. For standard residential use, a quality composite deck is more than adequate.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify your life. A single-lever height adjustment, which changes all four wheels at once, is a massive convenience over adjusting each wheel individually. Push-button start is standard on electrics. Maintenance is minimal—just keep the underside clean, sharpen the blade annually, and properly store the batteries.
Keeping these factors in mind, the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah stands out in several areas, particularly for its weight and user-friendly design. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah is an excellent choice for its target audience, 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: Unboxing a Surprisingly Nimble Machine
The LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah arrived securely packaged in a double-walled box, a thoughtful touch that prevented any shipping damage. Upon opening it, the first thing that struck me was its compact size and vibrant green color. The second, and more profound, realization was its weight. At a mere 30 pounds without the batteries, I could lift the entire unit out of the box with one hand—something utterly impossible with my old gas mower. This immediately signaled that maneuverability was going to be a key strength.
Assembly was refreshingly simple and largely tool-free. The instructions were clear, and the process mainly involved unfolding the handle and securing it with a few cam locks. The grass catcher bag clipped onto its frame easily, and the batteries slid into their designated compartment with a satisfying click. The entire process took less than 15 minutes. Some users have noted confusion regarding the mulch plug, but we found it straightforward: it’s a plastic insert that blocks the rear discharge chute, and it must be removed before attaching the collection bag. The overall build feels solid for its weight class; the composite deck is tough, and the metal handles feel sturdy and comfortable in hand.
Key Benefits
- Extraordinarily lightweight design (30 lbs) makes it effortless to push and maneuver.
- Simple, tool-free assembly gets you mowing in minutes.
- Quiet and efficient brushless motor provides a pleasant user experience.
- Convenient single-lever height adjustment with 6 distinct cutting levels.
Limitations
- Battery runtime can be inconsistent and may fall short on larger or thicker lawns.
- The all-plastic deck, while lightweight, may not withstand heavy-duty or rugged use over time.
A Deep Dive into the LiTHELi Mower’s Real-World Performance
A mower can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed on the lawn. Over several weeks, we put the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah through its paces on a typical suburban lot with varied conditions—from thin, sunny patches to thicker, shaded areas. We tested its cutting power, battery endurance, and overall user experience to see if its performance matched its promising design.
Assembly and Ergonomics: The Definition of User-Friendly
From the moment we started assembly, it was clear that LiTHELi prioritized a frictionless user experience. The handles unfold and lock into place with large, easy-to-grip knobs. The height adjustment is managed by a single, prominent lever on the side of the deck. With one motion, you can cycle through the six cutting heights, from a low 0.98 inches to a lush 2.95 inches. This is a game-changing feature compared to older mowers that require adjusting each of the four wheels separately. It allows for on-the-fly changes if you move from one part of your yard to another with different grass lengths.
However, the standout feature is undoubtedly its weight. Pushing this 30-pound mower feels more like guiding a large vacuum cleaner than operating yard equipment. Weaving around landscaping, making tight 180-degree turns at the end of a pass, and navigating slight inclines required minimal effort. This was confirmed by numerous user accounts, with one reviewer noting, “I was looking for something that would be light and easy for me to use. I’m 59 and on the short size so I didn’t want to be driven by the mower. This is perfect.” This lightweight nature makes it an accessible tool for a much broader range of people, removing the physical barrier that traditional mowers often present. When the job is done, it’s easy to lift for storage or cleaning, and the folding handle allows it to be stored vertically, taking up very little floor space in a garage or shed.
Cutting Performance and Power: Punching Above Its Weight Class
For a machine this light, we were thoroughly impressed with its cutting capability. The brushless motor is the star of the show. It’s noticeably quieter than both gas mowers and older brushed electric motors, producing more of a high-powered fan sound than a disruptive roar. More importantly, it’s efficient. The motor intelligently adjusts its power output, spinning faster when it encounters thicker grass to maintain blade speed and ensure a clean cut.
The 17-inch steel blade delivered a consistently even and healthy cut on our moderately maintained lawn. It didn’t tear or scalp the grass, even on lower height settings. We pushed it into some taller, slightly damp sections, and while you could hear the motor spool up to meet the demand, it chewed through without stalling. As one user aptly put it, it handled “some spot with thicker and dry grass… well.” This isn’t a brush hog designed to reclaim a neglected field, but for weekly maintenance of a typical residential lawn, its power is perfectly calibrated. The 17-inch deck is the ideal compromise for smaller properties, offering the agility needed to get into tight spaces that wider-deck mowers simply can’t reach. If you’re tired of going back with a string trimmer to clean up around every obstacle, the agility of this mower is a significant advantage.
The Elephant in the Yard: A Deep Dive into Battery Life and Runtime
This is the most critical aspect of any cordless tool, and it’s where we saw the most variance, both in our testing and in user feedback. The LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah is powered by two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, running in series to deliver 40V of power. On a full charge, under ideal conditions—a dry, flat lawn cut at a moderate height (setting 3 or 4)—we consistently achieved about 35-40 minutes of runtime. This was enough to mow a front and back yard totaling around 4,000 square feet with battery to spare. This aligns with one happy customer who reported they “was able to cut my front yard and my neighbors front and back yard on one charge.”
However, the story changes when the conditions get tough. When we tasked the mower with taller, thicker grass, or used the bagging function which requires more power to throw the clippings, the runtime dropped closer to 20-25 minutes. This is where the negative user reviews find their voice. One user reported a dramatic decline in runtime over several mows, from 30 minutes down to less than 10. While this could indicate a faulty battery, it also highlights how sensitive battery performance is to load. The key takeaway is this: the battery life is entirely dependent on your specific lawn conditions. For a small, well-kept yard, it’s more than sufficient. For a larger lot or a lawn that gets overgrown between cuts, you will likely need a second set of batteries to complete the job in one go.
Mulching vs. Bagging: Versatility and Convenience
The LiTHELi offers both mulching and bagging capabilities, adding to its versatility. Switching between the two is simple. For mulching, you insert the included plug into the rear discharge opening. In our tests, the mower did an excellent job of mulching, chopping the clippings into fine pieces that disappeared back into the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer. The cut was clean, and there were no noticeable clumps left behind on dry grass.
To use the bagger, you simply remove the mulch plug and hook the 11-gallon (40-liter) grass catcher onto the back. The bag is well-constructed with a hard top and a mesh body, and it includes a fill indicator flap that lets you know when it’s getting full. It attaches and detaches easily, and its capacity is well-suited for the mower’s runtime; on an average lawn, we found we could get through most of the job before needing to empty it. This dual functionality makes the mower adaptable to different seasons and lawn health needs, whether you want to return nutrients to the soil or achieve a perfectly clean, clipping-free finish.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback heavily reinforces our findings. The overwhelming praise is for its lightweight design and ease of use. A particularly compelling review came from a user who was new to managing lawn care on their own: “Divorcing my… landscaper husband. Don’t want to deal with gas and oil so I bought this baby…it’s pretty, powerful, lightweight and easy to assemble and use… It did a kick ass job.” This sentiment is echoed by countless others who call it “perfect for small to medium sized yards” and “super light to push around.”
However, the praise is balanced by criticism focused almost exclusively on battery life. The most critical review stated, “Everything is great about this mower except the battery, which makes it near worthless.” This user described a rapid decline in runtime over just a few uses on a small yard. Another user with a large 0.9-acre property found that even with multiple batteries, the mower was simply not up to the task, as the batteries would drain faster than they could be recharged. This feedback is crucial: it paints a clear picture of the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah as a specialized tool. For the right job (small, maintained lawns), it’s a dream. For the wrong job (large, demanding properties), it can lead to frustration.
How Does the LiTHELi Mower Compare to the Competition?
The LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah excels in the lightweight, budget-friendly category, but how does it stack up against more robust—and more expensive—alternatives? We compared it to three popular models from Greenworks, a leader in the cordless yard tool space.
1. Greenworks 48V Lawn Mower Trimmer Blower Combo Kit
- 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 Greenworks kit is a complete yard care ecosystem in a box. The main draw here is value and convenience. You get a larger 21-inch self-propelled mower powered by a more potent 48V system, plus a string trimmer and a leaf blower that all run on the same batteries. This is the ideal choice for a new homeowner or someone looking to replace all their gas tools at once. While the LiTHELi is a standalone specialist in being lightweight, this Greenworks kit is a powerhouse generalist. You trade the featherweight maneuverability of the LiTHELi for more power, a wider cutting path, self-propel assistance, and the utility of two extra tools.
2. Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 5.0Ah
- 40V 21” LAWN MOWER - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40V self-propelled lawn mower provides up to 45 minutes of run-time with fully charged 5.0Ah battery (varies...
- 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
- SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST - 7 position height adjustment provides the best cut in all environments. 3-in-1 design offers rear bag, side discharge, and mulching capabilities
This model is a direct step up from the LiTHELi in almost every way. It operates on a comparable 40V platform but boasts a larger 21-inch steel deck, a more substantial 5.0Ah battery for longer runtime, and the crucial addition of a self-propel function. This is the mower for someone who likes the cordless concept but has a larger yard, some slopes, or simply doesn’t want to push. The trade-off is significant weight and cost increase. If you find the idea of pushing a mower, even a light one, to be a deal-breaker, this Greenworks model is the logical upgrade.
3. 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...
Similar to the first combo kit, this package bundles a mower, string trimmer, and blower. This specific model features a 20-inch deck, splitting the difference between the nimble 17-inch LiTHELi and the larger 21-inch mowers. It represents a balanced option, offering a wider cut than the LiTHELi while remaining more maneuverable than the 21-inch models. The 48V power system and the inclusion of the other tools make it a compelling package deal. Someone who has a medium-sized yard with a few obstacles might prefer this compromise of power, size, and bundled value over the specialized, lightweight LiTHELi.
Final Verdict: Is the LiTHELi Mower Right for Your Yard?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah is an outstanding machine, provided you have the right lawn for it. Its greatest strengths are its incredible lightweight design, whisper-quiet operation, and supreme ease of use. It makes lawn maintenance less of a chore and more of a simple, quick task. For homeowners with small-to-medium yards (under a quarter acre) that are relatively flat and well-maintained, this mower is an absolute champion. It’s affordable, effective, and a joy to handle.
However, its primary weakness—a limited battery life under heavy load—cannot be ignored. If you have a large property, frequently tackle very tall or thick grass, or have significant hills, you will be better served by a higher-voltage, self-propelled model or a gas-powered alternative. This mower was not designed for those demanding scenarios. It’s a specialist, not an all-rounder. But within its niche, it performs brilliantly.
If you’ve decided the LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V 4.0Ah is the right fit for your needs and you’re ready to say goodbye to gas and oil forever, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API