Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower Review: The Gas-Killer We’ve Been Waiting For?

For years, my weekend lawn care ritual was a noisy, fume-filled battle. It started with the ceremonial ten-pull struggle to coax my old gas mower to life, followed by an hour of engine roar that announced my chore to the entire neighborhood. I dealt with messy oil changes, last-minute trips for gas, and the constant smell of exhaust clinging to my clothes. The frustration was palpable; a pristine lawn came at the cost of a peaceful Saturday morning and a layer of grime. I knew there had to be a better way—a solution that delivered the raw power needed for a thick, healthy lawn without the headaches, noise, and pollution of a traditional gas engine. The search was on for a mower that could cut the cord (and the gas can) for good, without sacrificing performance.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Walk-Behind Mower

A cordless walk-behind lawn mower is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your weekend and simplifying your lawn care routine. These machines solve the core problems of their gasoline counterparts: excessive noise, high maintenance, difficult starting, and environmental impact. The main benefits are clear: push-button starting, whisper-quiet operation that won’t disturb the neighbors, zero emissions, and the elimination of gas, oil, and spark plugs. By choosing a battery-powered model, you are investing in convenience, peace, and a cleaner approach to maintaining your outdoor space. The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower represents the peak of this evolution, offering gas-equivalent power in a smarter, cleaner package.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn, typically up to half an acre, who values convenience and is tired of the maintenance and noise of gas mowers. It’s perfect for someone living in a suburban neighborhood with noise considerations or anyone who wants a more environmentally friendly option. This mower might not be the best fit for professionals managing huge commercial properties who need all-day runtime without stopping to recharge, or for those with extremely large, multi-acre estates where a riding mower would be more practical. For those users, a commercial-grade gas mower or a zero-turn rider remains the more efficient choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the mower’s physical footprint, both in use and in storage. A 21-inch cutting deck is a great all-around size for balancing maneuverability and efficiency. We particularly appreciate models like this one that feature a vertical storage option, thanks to a collapsible handle. This can reduce the storage footprint by up to 70%, allowing it to be tucked away neatly against a garage wall.
• Capacity/Performance: The power of a cordless mower is often indicated by its voltage (V) and the battery’s amp-hours (Ah). An 80V system, like the one we’re reviewing, sits at the high end of the residential market, providing torque comparable to gas engines. A 4.0Ah battery offers a solid balance of runtime and weight, typically sufficient for lawns up to half an acre. Also, look for a brushless motor, which is more efficient, quieter, and longer-lasting than older brushed designs.
• Materials & Durability: The deck material is a critical indicator of a mower’s longevity. While plastic or polymer decks are lighter and won’t rust, a steel deck offers superior durability and rigidity, protecting the blade and motor from impacts. The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower uses a durable steel deck, signaling its build quality and long-term resilience, a feature that really sets it apart.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of electric mowers is their minimal maintenance. Look for features that enhance usability, such as a single-lever height adjustment system that changes all four wheels at once. Self-propelled functionality with variable speed control is a must-have for hilly terrain or larger yards to reduce user fatigue. Long-term care is simple: keep the underside clean, sharpen the blade annually, and store the battery properly.

Making the switch to a powerful cordless mower can transform your lawn care experience from a chore into a pleasure. The key is finding the right balance of power, runtime, and features for your specific needs.

While the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower 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:

Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions and Key Features

From the moment the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower arrived, it was clear this was a serious piece of machinery. The box was substantial, and at 75 pounds, the mower has a reassuring heft that speaks to its durable steel construction. To our delight, assembly was practically non-existent. Many users confirm our experience: it’s ready to go almost straight out of the box. We simply unfolded the handle, locked it into place with the intuitive cams, and slid the charged 4.0Ah battery into its compartment. The entire process took less than five minutes, with no tools required. The build quality feels excellent; the steel deck is robust, the single-lever height adjustment moves with a satisfying click, and the controls are logically laid out. It immediately feels like a premium product, a significant step up from the often flimsy feel of lower-voltage, budget-oriented electric mowers. This machine is built not just to cut grass, but to last.

Putting the Greenworks 80V Mower to the Test: An In-Depth Performance Analysis

A mower’s true worth is proven on the lawn, not in the spec sheet. We put the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower through a series of real-world tests on a quarter-acre lot with varied terrain, thick patches of grass, and a few challenging slopes. We wanted to know if this machine could truly replace a trusty gas mower without compromise. The results were, in a word, impressive. This isn’t just a good *electric* mower; it’s a great mower, period.

The 80V Powerhouse: Taming Overgrown Lawns with Ease

The heart of this mower is its 80V power system, centered around a high-efficiency brushless motor. This is where the magic happens. Unlike lower-voltage systems that can struggle and bog down, this Greenworks mower chewed through everything we threw at it. To simulate a worst-case scenario after a rainy week, we tackled a patch of dense, slightly damp grass that was over 6 inches tall. The mower didn’t flinch. Its smart-sensing technology automatically ramps up the blade speed when it detects a heavier load, providing a “turbo boost” of power precisely when needed. We found this to be incredibly effective. As one user noted after letting their yard get “knee high in areas,” the mower “performed great” with “lots of power.” While it did stall once or twice in the absolute thickest, wettest clumps—a challenge that would stall many gas mowers as well—it was a testament to its capability that it handled the rest with such authority. The power feels immediate and consistent, delivering a clean, precise cut from the start of the battery to the end. It completely shatters the old stereotype of cordless mowers being weak or underpowered.

Effortless Mowing: The Self-Propel System and Ergonomics

Power is useless if the machine is a pain to operate. Fortunately, the ergonomics and user-friendly features of the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower are top-notch. The variable-speed, rear-wheel self-propel system is a game-changer. Controlled by a simple lever on the handle, you can dial in the perfect pace, from a slow crawl for careful edging to a brisk walk for open areas. We found the rear-wheel drive provided excellent traction, confidently pulling the 75-pound machine up a moderately steep hill in our test yard without slipping. One user in Costa Rica, who mows a steep hill year-round, called it “superior quality in every respect.” This is a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. Another standout feature is the single-lever height adjustment. Instead of fumbling with four individual levers, one simple, sturdy handle adjusts all four wheels simultaneously through 7 distinct cutting heights. It’s a small detail that you truly appreciate every time you use it. When the job is done, the handle folds down in seconds, allowing the mower to be stored vertically. This is a massive space-saver in a crowded garage or shed, a feature that simply isn’t possible with a gas mower that would leak fluids. You can explore these convenient features and check the latest pricing online.

Cut Quality and Versatility: The 4-in-1 Cutting System

A great mower must do one thing exceptionally well: cut grass. The 21-inch steel deck and factory blade on the Greenworks 80V mower combine to produce a fantastic cut quality. In both mulching and bagging modes, we observed a clean, even finish with no stragglers left behind. The mulching function worked particularly well, chopping clippings into fine bits that disappeared back into the lawn to act as a natural fertilizer. The included bag is large and easy to attach and empty. The mower also offers side discharge for when the grass is too long or wet to mulch effectively, and a unique “Turbo” button which, in addition to boosting power, increases suction for excellent leaf pickup in the fall. This 4-in-1 capability makes it a true year-round tool. For power users seeking the absolute best performance, we were intrigued by an online community tip: replacing the stock blade with a high-lift aftermarket blade can trick the mower’s sensor into running at its “turbo” speed continuously. While this will reduce runtime, it provides maximum cutting power and lift at all times—a great expert hack for those who prioritize performance above all else.

The Cordless Advantage: Battery Life, Quiet Operation, and Maintenance

The entire cordless experience is what truly sets this mower apart. The included 4.0Ah 80V battery delivered on its promise. In our testing on a 0.25-acre lawn with thick grass, we completed the entire job in about 40 minutes and still had one bar of battery life remaining. This confirms the manufacturer’s claim of handling up to a half-acre, though this will vary with grass conditions and self-propel usage. The rapid charger refilled the battery from empty in just about an hour. But the most dramatic difference is the sound. As one user aptly put it, the mower is “about as loud as a box fan.” We could easily hold a conversation while mowing. No more ringing ears or angry neighbors. And the freedom from maintenance is liberating. No more oil, gas cans, filters, or pull cords. Just slide in the battery, push the button, and go. The onboard LED headlights are a nice touch, allowing you to finish the job at dusk if you get a late start. This combination of ample runtime, quiet operation, and zero maintenance makes it hard to ever go back to gas. For those already invested in Greenworks, the battery is also compatible with over 75 other tools, from trimmers to blowers, adding incredible value to the ecosystem. You can see its full feature set and compatibility details to understand the complete system.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback largely validates our exceptional experience with the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower. Many, like the user with a half-acre of “mixed weeds,” are stunned by its power, stating it “performed great” even in overgrown conditions. The ease of setup is a constant point of praise, with one owner noting, “From my door package to first job it took 30 minutes. That was just for recharging its battery, installation took less.” The quiet operation and single-lever height adjustment are also frequently celebrated features that users say they appreciate more than they even expected.

However, no product is perfect. A few users have run into issues with customer service when trying to order rare replacement parts, citing frustration with the process. Others have pointed out that some of the smaller components, like the plastic battery door cover, feel less robust than the rest of the mower’s steel construction. One reviewer noted, “the handle has detached from the handlebars,” indicating a potential weak point for a small number of units. While these negative experiences appear to be in the minority, they are important to consider and highlight the need for careful handling of certain components.

How Does It Compare? Greenworks 80V vs. The Competition

The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is a formidable contender, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other options in the market that might serve different needs or budgets.

1. LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 4.0Ah Battery

The LiTHELi mower is a solid choice for homeowners with smaller, simpler lawns and a tighter budget. Its main differentiators are the smaller 17-inch cutting deck and its 40V power system (derived from two 20V batteries). This makes it lighter and more maneuverable in tight spaces, but it lacks the raw cutting power of the 80V Greenworks model. It’s best suited for well-maintained lawns under a quarter-acre. If your yard is small and relatively flat, and you prioritize a lightweight design and lower cost over maximum power and a self-propel feature, the LiTHELi is a compelling alternative.

2. LawnMaster GVB1316 16″ Electric Dethatcher

It’s important to clarify that the LawnMaster GVB1316 is not a lawn mower. This is a specialized lawn care tool designed for dethatching and scarifying, which are processes that remove the layer of dead grass (thatch) from your lawn to improve its health. This is not a competitor but rather a potential companion tool. A dedicated lawn enthusiast who wants to achieve a golf-course-quality lawn might purchase this in addition to a primary mower like the Greenworks 80V. If your main goal is to improve turf health, not just cut it, then this tool is what you’re looking for.

3. Greenworks 21″ Self-Propelled Mower Kit

This kit from Greenworks itself presents an interesting alternative based on value. It uses a 48V system (two 24V batteries) which offers less top-end torque than the 80V model we reviewed, but it’s still very capable for most residential lawns. The major appeal here is the bundle: you get a 21-inch self-propelled mower, a string trimmer, and a leaf blower, all powered by the same interchangeable batteries. For someone just starting their cordless tool collection, this all-in-one package offers incredible value and convenience. If you don’t need the extreme power of the 80V platform and want a complete yard care solution out of one box, this kit is an excellent choice.

The Final Cut: Is the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Mower Right for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is a triumph of cordless engineering. It successfully closes the performance gap with gas-powered mowers, delivering robust power, excellent cut quality, and unmatched convenience in a quiet, low-maintenance package. Its solid steel deck, powerful brushless motor, and thoughtful ergonomic features make it a genuine pleasure to use. While it carries a premium price tag and is heavier than some competitors, the performance and build quality justify the investment for the right user.

We wholeheartedly recommend this mower to any homeowner with a lawn up to half an acre who is ready to ditch the hassles of gas for good without compromising on power. It’s for the person who values their time, their hearing, and a beautifully manicured lawn. If you’re looking for a top-tier cordless mower that can handle tough conditions and make lawn care feel less like a chore, your search is over. Ready to make the switch? You can check the latest price and availability to bring one home.