For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a symphony of frustration. It started with a trip to the shed, wrestling a heavy, gas-guzzling beast from its corner. Then came the pre-flight check: was there enough fuel? Was the oil level okay? The inevitable search for the gas can, the smelly fumes, and finally, the Sisyphean task of yanking the pull-cord, praying the engine would turn over. The noise, the vibration, the pollution—it all felt like a brutish, outdated way to achieve a simple, neat lawn. This weekly struggle is a shared reality for countless homeowners who just want a clean yard without the headache. Leaving the problem unsolved means more wasted time, more frustration, and a lingering feeling that there has to be a better, smarter way to mow the lawn in the 21st century.
- 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...
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 aesthetics of your property. For those of us with small to medium-sized yards, these machines offer the perfect balance of power, maneuverability, and control. The primary benefit is freedom—the freedom from the high costs and maintenance of riding mowers, and the freedom to navigate tight corners, garden beds, and landscaping features with precision. A good walk-behind mower transforms a chore into a satisfying task, delivering a crisp, uniform cut that elevates your home’s curb appeal. It’s about taking pride in your outdoor space without dedicating your entire weekend to its upkeep.
The ideal customer for a battery-powered model like the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries is someone facing the classic suburban lawn challenge: a yard up to about 1/8th of an acre, perhaps with some slopes, tight spots, or noise-sensitive neighbors. It’s for the homeowner who is tired of the maintenance, fumes, and noise of gasoline engines and values convenience, ease of storage, and eco-friendliness. 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 or a larger, self-propelled gas model. Similarly, someone on a very tight budget with a tiny, flat patch of grass might consider a manual reel mower as a more basic alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Consider both the cutting width (deck size) and the mower’s physical footprint. A wider deck like 20-21 inches cuts faster but is harder to maneuver in tight spaces. A 17-inch deck, like the one on the WORX, is a sweet spot for small yards with obstacles. Also, think about storage; models with fully collapsible handles are a godsend for crowded garages or sheds.
- Capacity/Performance: For cordless mowers, this comes down to battery voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Voltage is like the engine’s horsepower, while amp-hours represent the fuel tank size. A 40V system provides ample power for typical residential grass, and dual 4.0Ah batteries, as included here, offer a respectable runtime, usually sufficient for lawns up to 1/4 acre on a single charge.
- Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of either steel or a hard composite plastic (like polypropylene). Steel is heavier and more durable against major impacts but can rust if scratched. Composite decks are rust-proof, significantly lighter, and resistant to dents, making the mower much easier to push and lift.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify your life. A single-lever height adjustment is far superior to changing each wheel individually. Push-button start is a massive upgrade from a pull-cord. And the biggest long-term benefit of battery power is the near-zero maintenance: no oil changes, no spark plugs, no stale gas—just keep the blade sharp and the underside clean.
Keeping these factors in mind, the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries stands out in several areas, particularly for its target audience. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.
While the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-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...
First Impressions: This Lightweight Wonder Means Business
Unboxing the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries was a refreshingly simple affair. Compared to the hulking, oil-stained boxes of gas mowers past, this was compact and manageable. Assembly was almost laughably easy; it consisted of unfolding the handle and tightening a few cam locks. There were no tools required, and we went from sealed box to ready-to-mow in under five minutes. Our immediate impression was dominated by its weight, or lack thereof. At just over 35 pounds, we could easily lift it with one hand using the integrated carry handle—a feat unimaginable with any gas mower. The polypropylene deck feels sturdy and robust, not cheap, and the classic WORX black-and-orange color scheme gives it a modern, capable look. Sliding the two 20V 4.0Ah batteries into their compartment produced a satisfying click, and the push-button start with the safety key felt futuristic and effortless. It immediately set a new standard for user-friendliness in our book.
Key Benefits
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, even on slopes
- Intellicut technology provides power on demand, conserving battery
- Quiet operation is neighbor-friendly
- Excellent for small spaces with a fully collapsible handle for storage
- Batteries are part of the extensive WORX PowerShare platform
Limitations
- Not powerful enough for very large yards or extremely overgrown, wet conditions
- Some plastic components, like the start lever, raise long-term durability concerns
A Deep Dive into the WORX WG743’s Real-World Performance
A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a mower, you have to get it out on the turf and put it through its paces. We tested the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries across various conditions—from the first cut of spring on slightly damp, thick grass to mid-summer maintenance cuts and even a challenging, leaf-covered lawn in the fall. After extensive testing, we can confidently say this mower punches well above its weight class, but it’s crucial to understand where it excels and where its limits lie.
Intelligent Power: The Magic of Intellicut and Battery Life
The heart of this mower is its dual-battery 40V system, powered by two of WORX’s standard 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries. Our first question was about runtime: could it handle a typical suburban lot? The answer is a resounding yes. WORX advertises it for lawns up to 1/8 acre, and we found this to be a conservative estimate. In our tests on a roughly 5,500 sq. ft. lawn with moderately thick grass, we completed the entire job in about 35-40 minutes of continuous mulching and still had one bar of battery life remaining. This aligns perfectly with feedback from other users, one of whom noted, “Cut the entire lawn (mulched) both times with a runtime of about 40 minutes on each cut & still had some juice left.”
The real star, however, is the patented Intellicut technology. Instead of running at full blast constantly, the mower uses sensors to detect grass density. On thinner patches, it operates at a lower, quieter speed to conserve energy. When we pushed it into a thick, overgrown section, we could hear and feel the motor instantly ramp up, increasing blade speed to power through without bogging down. It’s a genuinely smart feature that maximizes every drop of battery power. One owner, initially skeptical of electric, was won over by this, stating it “basically increases power when necessary” and “tackled the tall thicker weeds easily.” The included dual-port charger refilled both batteries from near-empty to full in about two hours, which we found quite reasonable, allowing for a morning and afternoon session if needed for a larger property.
Cut Quality and Versatility in a Compact Frame
For all its clever tech, a mower is ultimately judged by the quality of its cut. The WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries delivers a clean, even cut thanks to its sharp 16-inch steel blade. The 17-inch deck notation refers to the outer width, a common practice, but the cutting path is a solid 16 inches. The standout feature here is the single-lever height adjustment. With one hand, we could cycle through seven distinct cutting heights, from a low 1.5 inches to a high of 4 inches. This made it incredibly easy to adapt on the fly, raising the deck for a rougher area before lowering it again for the main lawn.
The 2-in-1 functionality (mulching and bagging) is well-implemented. The mulch plug is simple to insert and does an excellent job of chopping clippings into fine bits that disappear back into the lawn. One user was particularly impressed with its autumn performance, noting, “I have tons of leaves in the fall and this thing mulches them like nobodies business… mulches up the leaves into small pieces, breaks sticks without problem.” When we switched to the 1.2-bushel collection bag, it attached securely and collected clippings efficiently. The bag-full indicator is a simple but effective flap that stops fluttering when it’s time to empty. The only caveat we found, echoed by users, is that its performance dips with very wet grass. One reviewer rightly advised, “Lawn must be DRY. HIGHLY suggested by Support not to cut wet grass,” as it struggles to bag damp, heavy clippings effectively—a common trait among non-commercial mowers.
Ergonomics and Design: Built for Real People and Real Garages
This is where the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries truly shines and differentiates itself. Weighing a mere 35.3 pounds, it feels less like a heavy piece of machinery and more like a tool. The lack of weight makes it incredibly easy to push and pivot, reducing user fatigue significantly. We navigated around trees, flower beds, and along fence lines with a level of agility that our old gas mower could only dream of. This lightweight nature proved to be a game-changer for one user with a challenging yard: “My backyard is on a very steep slope… the light weight was easier to push up the slopes that are 45 degrees in some places.” This is a significant advantage for older users or anyone who finds wrestling a 70-pound gas mower exhausting.
The thoughtful design extends to storage. The handle features quick-release clamps that allow it to fold down completely, collapsing the mower into a compact block that can be stored upright against a wall or slid onto a shelf. This feature alone makes it a compelling option for those with limited garage or shed space. The push-button start is blissfully simple: insert the safety key, press the button, and pull back the bail bar. It starts every single time, without fail. While we found the system intuitive, we did note the bail bar has a sensitive switch; as one user commented, “if you release it just a bit the mower shuts off.” It takes a minute to get used to but is ultimately a reliable safety feature. If you’re ready to experience this level of convenience, you can find the best offer on the WORX 40V Cordless Mower here.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring feedback from other owners, a clear picture emerges that mirrors our own findings. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users frequently praising the mower’s lightweight design and surprising power. One happy customer, a former gas mower user, summed it up perfectly: “This machine is beyond belief. I had no issues cutting the grass and it was able to do my whole yard on the two batteries… Got tired of dealing with getting the gasoline, storing it and then having oil on hand.” Another was amazed at its efficiency, stating, “This battery mower worked great for my backyard that’s about 1000 Sq Ft. When I was done mowing I had about 60% battery still remaining.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and it’s important to highlight the recurring concerns. The most significant issue relates to durability under extreme stress. One user recounted running over an unseen object, which “caused blade to come to a sudden stop and damage the mower,” diagnosing the problem as a sheared internal gear that was difficult to source for repair. Another user, who pushed the mower to its absolute limit on “6-7 inch high ditch grass,” found that it struggled and kept cutting off, concluding it has “so little power… it fought to stay conscious.” These experiences underscore our assessment: this is a fantastic mower for maintained small lawns, but it’s not an industrial brush hog for clearing neglected fields.
How Does the WORX 40V Mower Compare to the Alternatives?
The WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries exists in a competitive market. To give you a complete picture, we’ve compared it to three distinct alternatives, each catering to a different user need.
1. Greenworks 40V 20″ Twin Blade Mower 4.0Ah + 2.0Ah Battery
- CORDLESS 20” LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40V push mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of run-time on a fully charged 4.0Ah...
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – a lightweight 20” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently
- TWIN BLADES - offer better cut quality, superior mulching, and bagging capabilities
The Greenworks 40V model is a direct cordless competitor that offers a wider 20-inch cutting deck. This is its main advantage over the 17-inch WORX. That wider path means fewer passes to finish your lawn, making it a better choice for those with slightly larger yards who still want the convenience of battery power. However, the larger size and dual-blade system typically come with increased weight, making it slightly less nimble than the WORX. If your yard is closer to the 1/4 or 1/3 acre mark and is relatively open, the Greenworks mower could save you valuable time.
2. BLACK+DECKER 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
- CORDED – Corded design offers unlimited runtime for even the biggest jobs.
- POWERFUL ELECTRIC MOTOR – 13 Amp motor supplies ample power for cutting through thick grass and overgrowth.
- TOOL-FREE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – A single lever adjusts the mower deck’s 7-setting cutting height between 1-1/2 in. to 4 in.
This BLACK+DECKER mower represents a different approach to electric mowing: corded power. Its biggest pro is unlimited runtime; as long as it’s plugged in, it will run. It also boasts a wide 20-inch deck and a powerful 13-amp motor. The significant drawback, of course, is the cord itself. You are tethered to an outlet and must constantly manage the cord to avoid running over it. This makes it best suited for very small, simple, and flat yards where cord management is not a major hassle. It’s a great budget-friendly choice for someone who prioritizes power and price over the freedom of a cordless model.
3. Fiskars 18″ Push Reel Mower
- ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No gas, oil, charging, or cords required; 60% easier to push than other reel mowers and ideal for regular lawn maintenance
- BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade...
- SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness; One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your...
The Fiskars Push Reel Mower is the ultimate eco-friendly, minimalist option. It uses no gas, no oil, and no electricity. It’s virtually silent, requires very little maintenance, and provides a great workout. The scissor-like cutting action of a reel mower is also exceptionally healthy for the grass blades. However, it demands more physical effort from the user and is not effective on very tall, tough weeds or uneven, bumpy terrain. This is the ideal choice for someone with a small, well-maintained flat lawn who enjoys the process of lawn care and values simplicity and sustainability above all else.
The Final Verdict: Is the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower Right for You?
After rigorous testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-Batteries is an exceptional machine for its intended purpose. It is the perfect solution for homeowners with small yards (up to 1/8 acre, possibly more) who are ready to break free from the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas-powered mowers. Its featherlight construction makes it a joy to maneuver, the Intellicut technology provides power when you need it and conserves it when you don’t, and the compact, collapsible design is a storage dream.
It’s not built to tame unruly acres or slash through a foot of wet, heavy grass. But for the weekly task of keeping a typical suburban lawn neat and tidy, it excels. It transforms a dreaded chore into a quick, quiet, and satisfying activity. If you value convenience, ease of use, and a smarter approach to lawn care, we wholeheartedly recommend it.
If you’ve decided the WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2-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