Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah Review: The Gas-Free Powerhouse We’ve Been Waiting For?

I still have vivid memories of my dad’s old gas mower. The weekend ritual began with a trip to the shed, the hunt for the oily gas can, the careful, splash-prone pouring, and then the inevitable battle with the pull cord. It was a symphony of sputtering, coughing, and finally, a deafening roar that announced to the entire neighborhood that the lawn was about to be tamed. The process was messy, loud, and frankly, a chore I dreaded. For years, this was just the accepted reality of lawn care. But what if it didn’t have to be? The frustration of maintenance, the cost of fuel, and the environmental impact are pushing homeowners to seek a better solution. Neglecting this search means staying stuck in a cycle of fumes, noise, and mechanical headaches, turning a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. The promise of a powerful, quiet, and hassle-free alternative is what led us to get our hands on the latest generation of battery-powered mowers.

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 main benefits of modern mowers, especially battery-powered models, are convenience and performance without the traditional drawbacks. They eliminate the need for gasoline, oil changes, and tune-ups. With the press of a button, you have a machine ready to work, offering a quieter, cleaner, and more pleasant mowing experience for both you and your neighbors. This shift represents a fundamental improvement in how we approach one of the most common home maintenance tasks.

The ideal customer for a cordless electric push mower like this Greenworks model is someone with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically up to half an acre. They value simplicity, low maintenance, and reduced noise. This includes first-time homeowners, older individuals who find gas mowers too heavy and cumbersome, or anyone who is environmentally conscious. On the other hand, it might not be the best fit for those with exceptionally large properties (over an acre) or fields with extremely dense, tall, or wet brush that require the relentless torque of a high-end gas or commercial-grade mower. For those users, a riding mower or a more powerful self-propelled gas model might still be the more practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Deck Width & Yard Size: The cutting width, measured in inches, determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A wider deck, like the 21-inch deck on this Greenworks model, means fewer passes and less time spent mowing. Match the deck size to your yard: 16-19 inches is great for small lots, while 20-22 inches is ideal for the average suburban lawn up to 1/2 acre.
• Power & Runtime: For cordless mowers, power is measured in volts (V) and battery capacity in amp-hours (Ah). A higher voltage generally means more power to tackle thicker grass, while a higher Ah rating translates to longer runtime. The Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah hits a sweet spot, offering substantial power and a large capacity battery designed for extended use.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of plastic, polymer, or steel. Steel is the most durable but also the heaviest and prone to rust. High-impact polymer or plastic decks, like the one on this model, offer a fantastic balance of durability and light weight, making the mower easier to maneuver and resistant to rust and corrosion. Also, check for quality components like sturdy wheels and robust handles.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the mowing experience. A single-lever height adjustment is far superior to changing the height on each wheel individually. Push-button start is a non-negotiable feature for electric mowers. Finally, consider storage; models with folding handles, like the EZ Fold system here, can be stored vertically to save significant garage space.

Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a mower that not only meets the demands of your lawn but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

While the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah 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, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Sleek, User-Friendly Mowing Machine

Unboxing the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah was a refreshingly simple affair. It arrived in a large, sturdy box, and to our delight, assembly was practically non-existent. After lifting the unit out, the only steps were to unfold the aluminum handles and lock them into place with two easy-to-grip knobs. There were no tools, no confusing diagrams, no frustration. This immediately sets it apart from gas mowers that often require some initial setup. The build quality felt solid; the plastic deck is thick and robust, not flimsy, and the aluminum handles lend a premium, sturdy feel. Sliding the 5.0Ah battery into its port produced a satisfying click, and the push-button start brought the blades to life with a quiet hum, not a roar. This first interaction was a powerful statement: modern lawn care is here, and it’s incredibly user-friendly. It felt significantly lighter than any gas mower we’ve handled, a point echoed by numerous users who praise its maneuverability. It was clear from the start that this machine was designed with the user’s convenience as a top priority. You can see the full feature set and design details here.

In-Depth Analysis: How the Greenworks 60V Mower Performs in the Real World

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a mower’s capabilities, you have to put it to the test on real lawns with varied conditions. We spent weeks with the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah, evaluating everything from its raw cutting power in overgrown patches to its battery endurance on a half-acre lot. Our goal was to push it beyond the ideal marketing scenarios and see if the gas-like power claims held up under pressure. The results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.

Gas-Level Power Without the Fumes: SmartCut Technology and Dual Blades

Greenworks claims this mower delivers power comparable to a 150cc gas engine, and frankly, we were skeptical. But after our first pass through some thick, slightly damp spring grass, we were converted. The brushless motor is the heart of this machine, providing consistent, high-torque power. Where this mower truly shines is with its SmartCut Technology. We could literally hear it working; as we moved from a thin patch of grass into a denser, tougher section, the motor audibly ramped up its speed to maintain blade velocity. This intelligent power management is brilliant—it conserves battery in lighter conditions and unleashes full force only when needed, preventing the mower from bogging down. This experience aligns with one user who noted it “took on this very over grown hill with ease!”

The dual-blade system is another standout feature. Instead of a single cutting bar, it uses two smaller, overlapping blades. In our testing, this resulted in a noticeably finer mulch. The grass clippings were chopped into tiny pieces that disappeared back into the lawn, which is fantastic for turf health. When bagging, this finer cut also seemed to allow more clippings to be packed into the collection bag before it needed emptying. The cut quality was exceptionally clean and uniform across the entire 21-inch deck. While some users mentioned having to overlap their passes slightly to avoid missing spots, we found that maintaining a steady pace produced a perfect, carpet-like finish. The raw power is there, making this machine a genuine contender for those looking to ditch gas for good.

Battery Life and Charging: The Core of the Cordless Experience

The single biggest question for anyone switching to electric is: “Will the battery last?” With the included 60V 5.0Ah battery, the answer for most suburban lawns is a resounding yes. Greenworks advertises up to 60 minutes of runtime or coverage of up to 1/2 acre. In our real-world test on a roughly 1/3-acre lot with moderately thick grass, we completed the entire job in about 40 minutes, and the battery indicator still showed one bar (out of four) remaining. This is excellent performance and confirms what many users have found. One reviewer stated, “battery is still on 4 lights after cutting .25 acres,” while another was able to mow their entire yard in 30 minutes with battery to spare.

A crucial feature is the Dual Port Auto Switch Technology. The mower has two battery slots. If you purchase a second battery, the mower will run the first one down completely and then automatically, and seamlessly, switch to the second. This effectively doubles your runtime, making it a viable option for properties closer to the 3/4-acre mark. However, it’s critical to note that the kit only includes one battery. This was a common point of feedback from users, with one saying they’d “suggest to get a second battery if you don’t want to take a break and recharge.” The good news is that the included rapid charger is incredibly efficient. We timed a full recharge of the depleted 5.0Ah battery at just under 50 minutes, which is fast enough to take a short break and get back to mowing if you have a larger yard. The versatility of the 60V battery system, compatible with over 75 other Greenworks tools, adds significant long-term value to this powerful cordless mower.

Designed for Humans: Usability, Handling, and Storage

Power is useless if the machine is a pain to operate. Fortunately, the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah is a masterclass in user-friendly design. Weighing just under 60 pounds, it is remarkably lightweight for its size and power. This makes a huge difference. We found it effortless to push and navigate around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles. One user, a self-described “older lady,” praised how easy it was to push, even on a hill. Another stated, “it’s so light you really don’t need self propelled.” We wholeheartedly agree; for a level or moderately sloped yard, the lightweight design makes a self-propelled model unnecessary, saving you cost and complexity.

The creature comforts are equally well-executed. The push-button start is instantaneous. The single-lever height adjustment system allows you to choose from 7 different cutting heights with one simple motion, a massive improvement over fiddling with four individual wheel levers. The IPX4 waterproof rating gives peace of mind if you’re caught in a sudden drizzle or need to wash off the deck after use. But the star of the show for anyone with a crowded garage is the EZ Fold handle system. In seconds, the handles collapse, allowing the mower to be stored vertically against a wall. This reduces its footprint by as much as 70%, freeing up valuable floor space. It’s a simple but transformative feature that makes the mower a joy to live with, not just to use. We did note one user’s concern about an exposed power cable near the handle hinge, which is a valid point for long-term durability, but we didn’t experience any issues with it during our testing.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah is overwhelmingly positive. Many users, especially those transitioning from gas mowers for the first time, are blown away by the convenience and quiet operation. One happy customer noted, “I was tentative to go with a battery mower but I’m glad I did,” praising its dual blades and overall performance. Another celebrated the ease of setup, saying, “I had this lawn mower put together within 15 minutes by myself with no help and I’m not a person that is very skilled in that area.” The lightweight nature and ease of pushing are consistently highlighted as major benefits.

However, no product is perfect, and some users have encountered issues. The most common critique is that the package only includes one battery, making the dual-port feature an added expense. A more concerning trend in a small number of reviews is quality control. One user reported that the height adjustment lever broke after just a few weeks, and they had significant trouble with customer service. Another received a unit with a non-working battery right out of the box. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they are important to consider. Finally, a few users found the bagging performance to be subpar, with one stating, “The basket caught maybe 5% at most.” In our own tests, the bagging worked effectively, so this could be related to grass type or height.

How Does the Greenworks 60V Mower Compare to the Alternatives?

The lawn care market is crowded, and the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah faces stiff competition. To provide context, we compared it against three distinct alternatives that cater to different needs and budgets. Each offers a unique value proposition, making the “best” choice dependent on your specific yard and priorities.

1. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Mower Trimmer Edger

The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 is in a completely different class, designed for ultimate versatility in very small spaces. It’s a corded electric model with a tiny 12-inch cutting deck that can also function as a string trimmer and an edger. This is the ideal tool for someone with a townhouse patio, a small patch of grass, or complex landscaping where a traditional mower is too bulky. It’s incredibly lightweight and affordable. However, it simply cannot compete with the Greenworks 60V on power, cutting width, or convenience. The cord is a major limitation, and its small deck makes it impractical for anything larger than a tiny yard. Choose this if your “lawn” is more of an accent piece and you value its 3-in-1 functionality above all else.

2. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 4.0Ah

This is the big brother to the model we reviewed. Sticking with the Greenworks family, the 80V model offers a significant step up in power and adds a key feature: self-propulsion. The 80-volt platform delivers even more torque, making it better suited for exceptionally thick, tough grass or challenging inclines. The self-propelled drive system takes the effort out of mowing, which is a game-changer for users with hilly terrain or those who simply want the easiest possible experience. The trade-off is a higher price and slightly more weight. If you love the features of the 60V model but have a demanding yard with significant slopes, the upgrade to the 80V self-propelled version is well worth the investment.

3. Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

The Wild Badger Power mower represents a more budget-friendly cordless alternative. It operates on a 40V system and has a smaller 18-inch cutting deck. This makes it best suited for smaller, simpler lawns where the raw power and wide deck of the Greenworks 60V might be overkill. It still offers the core benefits of battery power—quiet operation, low maintenance, and easy starting—but on a smaller scale. Its runtime and ability to tackle very thick grass will be less impressive than the Greenworks 60V. If your budget is tight and your yard is small and relatively flat, the Wild Badger is a competent machine that gets the job done without the premium features and power of our reviewed model.

Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Greenworks 60V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower 5.0Ah is a phenomenal piece of lawn equipment that successfully bridges the gap between battery convenience and gas-like power. Its intelligent motor, excellent battery life, and superb user-friendly design make it an outstanding choice for homeowners with lawns up to a half-acre. It’s quiet, powerful, easy to store, and requires virtually no maintenance. While the inclusion of only one battery is a slight drawback and isolated quality control issues are a minor concern, the overall performance and value are exceptional.

We highly recommend this mower to anyone ready to break free from the noise, fumes, and hassle of a traditional gas mower. It transforms a weekend chore into a quick, quiet, and even enjoyable task. If you’re looking for a powerful, reliable, and thoughtfully designed cordless mower that delivers a pristine cut every time, your search is over. Check the latest price and see if it’s the right fit for your lawn today.