Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah Review: The Compact Powerhouse for Small Lawns?

I remember those summer mornings all too well. The ritual of dragging the heavy, hulking gas mower from the shed. The frustrating search for the gas can, realizing it’s empty, and the subsequent trip to the station. Then came the messy oil checks, the fumes, and the multiple yanks on a stubborn pull-cord that seemed to mock my efforts. Mowing the lawn felt less like a satisfying chore and more like a battle against a noisy, polluting machine. It was a process that filled the peaceful neighborhood air with a racket and left me smelling like exhaust fumes. I knew there had to be a better, quieter, and cleaner way to maintain my lawn without sacrificing performance. This search for a modern solution is what led us to extensively test battery-powered mowers, and specifically, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah.

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 aesthetic of your property. It’s the difference between a chaotic, overgrown yard and a manicured, inviting outdoor space. The primary benefit of choosing the right mower is reclaiming your time and energy. Modern mowers, especially battery-powered models, eliminate the cumbersome maintenance and startup procedures of their gas-guzzling predecessors. They offer a quieter, more pleasant experience, allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors rather than endure it. A quality mower provides a clean, even cut, which is crucial for grass health, preventing disease and promoting lush, dense growth. It’s an investment in your home’s curb appeal and your own weekend sanity.

The ideal customer for a cordless electric push mower, like the Greenworks model we’re reviewing, is someone with a small to medium-sized yard, typically up to a half-acre, who prioritizes convenience, low noise, and minimal maintenance. This includes homeowners in suburban neighborhoods with smaller lots, townhouse residents, or anyone tired of the complexities of gas engines. It’s perfect for the person who wants to simply pop in a battery and go. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those with very large properties (over half an acre) or lawns with extremely tough, dense, or frequently overgrown grass. In those cases, the limited runtime of a single battery and the raw torque of a gas engine might be more appropriate. For them, a more powerful gas mower or a riding mower would be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Deck Size & Weight: The cutting deck width determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 16-inch deck, like this Greenworks model has, is nimble and excellent for navigating around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. For wide-open, larger lawns, a 20-inch or wider deck would be more efficient. Weight is equally important; at just 37.5 pounds, this mower is incredibly easy to push and maneuver, reducing user fatigue significantly compared to heavy gas models.
• Power Source & Runtime: The choice is primarily between gas, corded electric, and cordless battery power. Cordless offers the ultimate freedom, combining the untethered mobility of gas with the clean, quiet operation of electric. The key metric here is battery runtime. The included 4.0Ah battery in the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah is rated for up to 45 minutes, which is ample for smaller yards, but you must realistically assess your lawn size and consider if a second battery is a wise investment.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of steel, aluminum, or a high-impact polymer/plastic. Steel is durable but heavy and prone to rust. Plastic decks, as seen on this Greenworks model, make the mower exceptionally lightweight and immune to rust. While some users express concern about long-term plastic durability, modern polymers are incredibly tough, and for residential use, they often hold up very well while providing significant handling benefits.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is where cordless mowers truly shine. Look for features like push-button starting, single-lever height adjustment, and easy-to-fold handles for compact storage. The near-zero maintenance—no gas, no oil, no spark plugs, no air filters—is arguably the biggest long-term benefit. Simply keep the blade sharp and the underside of the deck clean, and you’re good to go.

While the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 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, including more powerful self-propelled options, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing Simplicity and Lightweight Design

Pulling the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah from its box was a refreshingly simple experience. Unlike the multi-part assembly required for many gas mowers, this was practically ready to go. The main mower deck is fully assembled; the only task is to unfold the handle and secure it with two included screws and hex nuts. As one user noted, “Its easy to put together with just 2 screws… You will need a Philips screw driver. Thats it!” This entire process took us less than five minutes. The first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At 37.5 pounds, it feels more like a robust toy than a serious piece of lawn equipment, but that initial impression is deceiving. The handles are ergonomic and comfortable, and the entire unit feels balanced. The bright green plastic deck is sturdy to the touch, and while it doesn’t feel as indestructible as a steel deck, it’s clearly made from a durable, thick polymer. The single lever for height adjustment moved crisply through its five positions, and the battery clicked into its compartment with a satisfying, secure snap. It immediately presents itself as a tool designed for absolute ease of use.

A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 40V 16″ Mower’s Performance

After the simple setup, we put the mower through its paces on several different lawns over a period of weeks, evaluating everything from its cutting ability in different grass types to its battery endurance and overall user experience. This is where the machine’s true character emerged, revealing a capable and surprisingly powerful mower that excels in its intended environment.

Assembly and Ergonomics: The Definition of Effortless Lawn Care

The theme of this mower is simplicity, and that starts with assembly. From box to lawn-ready took us, no exaggeration, under five minutes. This is a massive win for anyone who is intimidated by tools or complex instruction manuals. Once assembled, the ergonomics are immediately noticeable. The feather-light 37.5-pound weight cannot be overstated. We pushed this mower across flat lawns, up slight inclines, and around tight corners with minimal effort. One user with a “hilly backyard” in the mountains specifically chose this smaller size for its maneuverability, and we can confirm it was the right call. The slim 16-inch deck, while requiring more passes on a wide-open lawn, is a surgical tool for complex yard shapes. It allowed us to get in close to fences, garden beds, and play sets, reducing the amount of follow-up work needed with a string trimmer. The handles fold down quickly and without tools, allowing the mower to be stored vertically against a wall or tucked away on a shelf, a fantastic feature for those with limited garage or shed space. The push-button start is the final piece of the puzzle; holding the button and pulling the bail lever brings the blade to life instantly and quietly. It completely removes the strain, guesswork, and frustration of a pull-cord engine.

Cutting Performance and Power: Punching Above Its Weight Class

We were initially skeptical. Could a mower this light, with a plastic deck and a single 40V battery, deliver a quality cut? The answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats. On a regularly maintained lawn with grass at a reasonable height, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah performs beautifully. The blade spins at a high RPM, creating enough lift to pull the grass blades up for a clean, even slice. We tested both the mulching and bagging functions. The mulching plug is easy to insert, and it did a fine job of chopping clippings into small pieces that disappeared back into the lawn. The rear bagging was even more impressive; as one user noted, “bagging is exceptional, very little grass left on lawn, no clumps.” The bag is easy to attach and remove, though a few users with smaller hands found the handle design a bit challenging when full.

The Smart Cut Adjustment System is a key feature. A single, large lever moves the entire deck through 5 height positions, from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. This range is adequate for most common grass types. Where the mower meets its match is in extremely thick, wet, or overgrown grass. We let a patch of St. Augustine grass grow for two weeks, and the mower struggled. Echoing one user’s experience, it would bog down in the heaviest patches before its internal tech would spin the blade back up. It got the job done, but it required a slower pace and sometimes a second pass. This confirms our assessment: it is not a brush hog for reclaiming a wild lawn. It is a maintenance tool, and a brilliant one at that, for the homeowner who mows on a regular schedule. For its intended purpose, its cutting performance is crisp and reliable.

Battery Life and the 40V Ecosystem: A Powerful, Expandable Core

The heart of any cordless tool is its battery, and this is where potential buyers need to be realistic. Greenworks claims a runtime of up to 45 minutes from the included 4.0Ah battery. In our testing on a standard suburban lawn with medium-height grass, we consistently achieved around 35-40 minutes of continuous mowing. This was more than enough to handle a 1/8 to 1/4 acre lot with battery to spare. As many users confirm, this is perfect for small front and back yards. One reviewer stated the 45-minute runtime was “perfect for me” as they mow their yard in two stages.

However, the most common piece of critical feedback revolves around this single battery. If your lot pushes the upper end of the mower’s recommended “up to 1/2 acre” capacity, or if your grass is particularly thick, you will likely need a second battery. As one owner advised, “A 2nd battery is needed if your yard is not small.” The battery takes about two hours to fully recharge, so having a second one ready to swap in eliminates any forced downtime. It’s also critical to note, as one helpful user shared, that the battery has a thermal protection circuit. If it overheats from heavy use on a hot day, it will shut the mower off and will not charge (indicated by a red light on the charger) until it has cooled down. The true value proposition, however, extends beyond the mower. This 40V battery is compatible with over 75 other Greenworks tools, including string trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and even pressure washers. A long-term user confirmed this, saying their Greenworks weedeater and pressure washer were still “working like a champ” years later. Buying this mower isn’t just buying a single tool; it’s an entry point into a comprehensive and well-regarded ecosystem for all your yard care needs, making that potential second battery purchase a much more versatile investment.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah is overwhelmingly positive, especially from users with small- to medium-sized lawns. The most frequently praised attributes are its light weight, quiet operation, and sheer ease of use. One happy customer exclaimed, “OMG, I love love love it!! This is my 1st electric mower… It’s so light, easy to push and pull, not loud and cuts beautifully.” Another was “impressed how well it works as light as it is,” even on their “very coarse, thick grass.”

The most common critique, as we found in our own testing, centers on battery life. Numerous reviews recommend purchasing a second battery for any yard that isn’t very small. One user with a small HOA lot found they had to charge the battery “2-3 times to do the back yard” because their St. Augustine grass was too thick and demanding. A few users also raised concerns about the long-term durability of the all-plastic construction, with one noting that a plastic part on the handle assembly was starting to break after two years of use. While most find it plenty durable for residential use, it’s a valid point for those who are particularly rough on their equipment. Overall, the user feedback paints a clear picture: for the right yard, it’s a game-changing product that makes lawn care a joy rather than a chore. You can see hundreds of similar user experiences and photos online.

How Does the Greenworks 40V 16″ Mower Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Greenworks mower excels in its niche, it’s important to understand the other options available. Depending on your lawn, budget, and philosophy on yard work, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower

This is the ultimate old-school, eco-friendly solution. The American Lawn Mower reel mower uses no gas, no batteries—just your own power. It’s virtually silent, maintenance-free (aside from blade sharpening), and provides a scissor-like cut that is exceptionally healthy for grass. However, it is only suitable for small, flat, and well-maintained lawns. It struggles mightily with tall weeds, twigs, and uneven terrain. If you have a tiny patch of grass and view mowing as a form of light, peaceful exercise, this is an excellent and incredibly affordable choice. For anyone else, the powered convenience of the Greenworks will be far superior.

2. PowerSmart 21 in. 144cc Gas Lawn Mower

The PowerSmart gas mower represents the traditional power that the Greenworks seeks to replace. With its 144cc engine and wider 21-inch steel deck, it offers significantly more raw cutting torque. This is the mower for someone who frequently tackles overgrown, thick, or wet grass and has a larger yard where efficiency is key. The trade-offs are significant: it’s much heavier, incredibly loud, requires ongoing maintenance with gas and oil, and produces emissions. If you need raw, uncompromising power and a wider cutting path, this gas model is the workhorse to consider. If you value convenience, quiet, and cleanliness, the Greenworks is the clear winner.

3. Greenworks 48V 5-Piece Garden Tool Set

This alternative is for the user who is fully committed to the battery-powered ecosystem. Instead of just a mower, this kit provides a complete yard care solution: a more powerful 48V (2x24V), 20-inch mower, a string trimmer, leaf blower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmer, all running on the same battery platform. This is the “all-in” option. The mower itself is a direct upgrade from the 40V model, offering a wider cut and more power for larger lawns. If you’re starting from scratch and need to equip your entire garage, this bundle offers incredible value and ensures all your tools work together seamlessly, a significant step up from buying just the standalone mower.

The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Push Mower 4.0Ah is an absolutely outstanding machine for its intended user. If you have a small to medium lawn (we’d recommend it most for lots up to 1/4 acre) and you despise the noise, maintenance, and hassle of gas mowers, this product is a revelation. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to push and store, the push-button start is flawless, and the cut quality on a maintained lawn is excellent. It transforms mowing from a dreaded chore into a quick, quiet, and almost pleasant task.

It is not, however, the tool for clearing an overgrown field or for efficiently managing a half-acre or more on a single charge. For those larger or tougher jobs, a more powerful gas model or a higher-voltage cordless mower with a larger deck would be more suitable. But for the vast majority of suburban homeowners looking to simplify their lives, this mower hits the sweet spot of performance, convenience, and value. If you’re ready to ditch the gas can and pull-cord for good, we wholeheartedly recommend this mower. Check the latest price and see if it’s the right fit for your lawn today.