Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah Review: The Ultimate Small-Yard Champion?

I remember the frustration vividly. My first home had a charming but postage-stamp-sized yard. It was just big enough to need mowing but small enough that firing up my old, hulking gas mower felt like bringing a cannon to a knife fight. The noise, the fumes, the annual ritual of wrestling with a stubborn carburetor—it was overkill. Then I tried a corded electric model. The quiet operation was a dream, but the constant dance with the extension cord, untangling it from rose bushes and worrying I was about to mow over it, turned a 20-minute job into a 45-minute exercise in aggravation. For those of us with small lawns, townhome gardens, or narrow strips of grass, the quest for a simple, effective, and hassle-free mowing solution is real. Neglecting it leads to an overgrown eyesore, but the available tools often feel designed for a different scale of problem entirely.

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 from yard work chores. It offers freedom from gasoline and tangled cords, delivering a quieter, cleaner, and lower-maintenance lawn care experience. The primary benefit is liberation: the ability to grab your mower, pop in a battery, and start cutting within seconds, without disturbing the neighbors or polluting the air. It’s about simplifying a task so you can get back to enjoying your outdoor space, not just working in it.

The ideal customer for a compact cordless mower like this is someone with a small to medium-sized yard, typically under a quarter of an acre. This includes homeowners in suburban neighborhoods, townhouse residents, or anyone who values convenient storage and lightweight maneuverability. If you have a sprawling, multi-acre property with tough, dense turf or significant hills, a compact 24V model might struggle to complete the job on a single charge. In that case, a higher-voltage cordless mower, a self-propelled model, or even a traditional gas-powered mower might be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the cutting width (or deck size). A smaller deck, like the 13-inch one on the Greenworks model, is exceptionally nimble for navigating around flower beds, trees, and tight corners. A larger deck cuts more grass per pass but is less maneuverable. Also, think about storage; many modern cordless mowers, including this one, feature folding handles for compact vertical storage in a crowded garage or shed.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of cordless tools, power is a function of Voltage (V) and runtime is influenced by Amp-hours (Ah). A 24V system is excellent for standard maintenance on smaller lawns. The 4.0Ah battery included here provides a solid energy reserve. For tougher, thicker, or taller grass, a higher voltage system (40V, 60V, or 80V) will provide more torque to prevent the blade from bogging down.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of either polymer (plastic) or steel. A rust-resistant poly deck, as featured on the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah, offers the significant advantages of being incredibly lightweight and immune to rust. Steel decks are heavier and can be more durable against direct impacts but require more care to prevent corrosion over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The beauty of battery power is the near-elimination of maintenance. There’s no gas to store, no oil to change, and no spark plugs or air filters to replace. Key ease-of-use features to look for include a push-button start, single-lever height adjustment (which changes all four wheels at once), and how easily the grass bag can be attached and removed.

While the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless 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, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Featherweight Powerhouse Unboxed

Pulling the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah from its box, my first thought was, “Is that it?” Weighing a mere 24 pounds, I could easily lift the entire unit with one hand. This immediately sets it apart from the cumbersome gas mowers of my past. Assembly was refreshingly simple and intuitive, taking less than 15 minutes and requiring only a screwdriver to attach the handle components. Several users noted how easy it was to put together, though one did mention a minor issue with a misaligned bolt hole that required a bit of creative problem-solving—a small quality control hiccup, but easily overcome. The overall build feels solid despite its plastic construction. The poly deck is thick and doesn’t feel flimsy, and the single-lever height adjustment clicks into its five positions with a satisfying, sturdy clunk. It genuinely feels less like a heavy-duty tool and more like a modern, efficient appliance for your yard, an impression reinforced by its surprisingly quiet operation. You can see its full feature set and compact design online.

A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 24V 13-Inch Mower’s Real-World Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a mower, you have to get it on the grass. We put the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah through its paces on a variety of small-yard scenarios, from a simple patch of turf behind a townhouse to a more complex space with landscaping and uneven ground. Here’s how it performed.

Assembly, Ergonomics, and That Glorious Lightweight Design

From the moment we started assembly, the user-centric design was apparent. The process is straightforward, with clear instructions that get you from boxed to ready-to-mow in minutes. The handle sections connect with simple knobs, and the entire assembly folds down neatly for storage, a feature that owners of small sheds or packed garages will deeply appreciate. This echoes the sentiment of one user who praised its ability to “fit in my storage shed without much problem.”

But the true star of the show is the weight. At just 24 pounds, pushing this mower feels less like a chore and more like guiding a vacuum cleaner across the lawn. It glides effortlessly. This dramatically reduces fatigue, making it an ideal choice for users of any age or physical strength. We could easily pick it up to carry it up a few porch steps or maneuver it into a tight storage corner. This is a level of convenience that heavier gas or even larger battery mowers simply cannot match. The handle is comfortable, and the push-button start with a safety bail lever is intuitive and safe. This focus on lightweight, simple operation is what makes a feature that really sets it apart in the crowded mower market.

Cutting Power and Agility: The Brushless Motor Difference

Given its compact size, we were skeptical about its cutting power. Could a 24V, 13-inch mower actually handle real-world grass? The answer is a resounding yes, with some important caveats. The brushless motor is the key. It provides more torque and efficiency than older brushed motors, allowing the blade to spin at a consistent 3550 RPM. On a regularly maintained lawn, the cut quality was clean and even. We tested both the rear-bagging and mulching functions, and both performed well. The grass catcher is small, as expected for a mower of this size, but easy to detach and empty.

Where this mower truly shines is maneuverability. The narrow 13-inch deck is a superpower in small, landscaped yards. We navigated around a bird bath, along a curved flower bed, and between shrubs with a level of precision that a 21-inch mower would make clumsy and difficult. As one user with a “really, really tiny lawn” stated, “I finally splurged on this mower and I wish I had done it sooner.” However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. This isn’t the mower for tackling a field of knee-high weeds. We found that if the grass was overly tall or thick, the mower could bog down. One user with tough St. Augustine grass reported it “kept tripping, stopping, getting stuck,” which confirms our findings. This mower thrives on maintenance, not reclamation projects.

The Elephant in the Yard: Battery Life and Power Management

This is the most critical aspect of any cordless tool, and it’s where user experiences for the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah diverge the most. Greenworks claims up to 30 minutes of runtime from the included 4.0Ah battery. In our testing on a flat, dry, and regularly-cut lawn, we achieved just under that mark, around 25-28 minutes. This was more than enough time to mow a small front and back yard (approximately 1/8 acre total) with battery to spare.

However, “runtime varies based on conditions” is a crucial disclaimer. When we moved to a patch of slightly taller, thicker grass, the battery drained noticeably faster, closer to the 15-20 minute mark. This directly validates the feedback from users who were disappointed with the battery life. One user stated, “I can only mow for five minutes before the battery starts to die,” which suggests extremely challenging grass conditions. Another gave the practical advice: “Get an additional battery if you have a large yard space to eliminate time waiting on charging.” We wholeheartedly agree. If your yard is pushing the upper limits of what’s considered “small,” or if you tend to let the grass get a bit shaggy between cuts, investing in a second 24V battery is not just a suggestion, it’s a necessity. This transforms the mower from a potentially frustrating tool into a highly capable one, allowing you to swap batteries and finish the job without a 2-hour charging break.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we dug into a wide range of user feedback to see how our experience compared. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive for the mower’s intended purpose. One user, who has owned their Greenworks mower since 2016, praised its incredible longevity and maintenance-free nature, saying, “It’s so nice not to have to deal with carburetors.” Another summarized it perfectly: “It works, It’s small, It’s light weight, It’s very quiet… it’s best used in small yards that only need to be maintained.” This perfectly aligns with our findings.

The most common point of criticism, as we discovered, is the battery life. A user was blunt: “I shouldn’t have to buy 5 batteries to get through a small already maintained lawn.” While their experience seems extreme, it highlights the importance of matching the tool to the task. Their follow-up advice, “Update: good mower. Get multiple batteries and your good,” is the key takeaway for potential buyers. Another user noted that for tall grass, you should remove the grass bag to reduce the load on the motor and extend runtime. This is a pro tip that shows how users adapt to get the most out of this compact machine. It’s a fantastic tool, but you must understand its operational limits to be satisfied with your purchase and see if it’s right for you.

How Does the Greenworks 24V Mower Compare to the Competition?

The Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah occupies a specific niche, but it’s not without competitors. Let’s see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives that cater to different needs and yard sizes.

1. Wild Badger Power 18″ Cordless Lawn Mower 40V Brushless

The Wild Badger Power mower is a direct step up in both size and power. With a 40V system and a wider 18-inch cutting deck, it’s designed for small to medium-sized yards where the Greenworks 13-inch might feel a bit too small. It can clear more area with each pass, reducing overall mowing time. While still relatively lightweight and easy to store with its quick-fold handle, it sacrifices some of the surgical maneuverability of the smaller Greenworks model. This is the ideal choice for someone whose yard is just a bit too large for a 13-inch mower but who still wants the benefits of a compact, battery-powered solution.

2. PowerSmart 21-in. 144cc Gas Lawn Mower

For those who need raw, uncompromising power and aren’t ready to switch to battery, the PowerSmart gas mower is a classic alternative. Its 21-inch steel deck and 144cc engine can tear through the toughest, tallest, and wettest grass without hesitation. You’re not limited by battery runtime, only by the fuel in the tank. However, this power comes with significant trade-offs: it’s much heavier, louder, requires regular maintenance (oil, gas, spark plugs), and produces emissions. This mower is best for homeowners with larger properties (1/2 acre or more) and challenging terrain who prioritize cutting performance above all else.

3. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

If you love the Greenworks ecosystem but need a flagship-level solution, this 80V model is the ultimate upgrade. It represents the pinnacle of cordless mowing technology. The 80V platform delivers power that is genuinely comparable to gas, and the 21-inch deck makes quick work of large areas. The self-propelled feature is a game-changer, especially for yards with hills or slopes, as it does the hard work of pushing for you. It’s a larger, heavier, and more significant investment, but for those with large lawns seeking the best possible cordless experience, it is a top-tier choice.

The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 24V 13″ Mower Right for You?

After extensive hands-on use and analysis, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Mower 4.0Ah is an exceptional machine, provided it’s chosen for the right job. It is, without a doubt, one of the best solutions on the market for small yards, townhome gardens, and properties with tight spaces and intricate landscaping. Its incredibly lightweight design, quiet operation, and maintenance-free nature remove nearly all the traditional hassles associated with lawn mowing.

Its primary limitations are its small cutting deck and the finite runtime of a single battery in challenging conditions. This is not the tool for sprawling suburban lots or neglected, overgrown properties. But if you have a yard under a quarter-acre and practice regular lawn maintenance, this mower is a dream. For maximum satisfaction, we strongly recommend considering a second battery. If you’re ready to ditch the gas can and extension cord for a simpler, smarter way to care for your small lawn, this is the mower you’ve been waiting for. You can check the latest price and get yours here.