Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review: The Gas-Powered Killer We’ve Been Waiting For?

For years, the weekend ritual was the same: drag the heavy gas mower from the shed, check the oil, prime the engine, and then pull, pull, pull on that stubborn cord until my shoulder ached. The roar of the engine would shatter the neighborhood’s peace, and I’d spend the next hour enveloped in a cloud of fumes, wrestling a vibrating machine across the lawn. It did the job, but it was a noisy, messy, and frankly, unpleasant chore. We knew there had to be a better way. The early battery-powered mowers we tried were underwhelming—they felt like toys, struggling with thick grass and dying halfway through the yard. The dream was simple: the raw power of gas combined with the clean, quiet, push-button convenience of electric. Failing to find this solution meant another season of maintenance headaches, costly fuel, and contributing to neighborhood noise pollution. This is the very problem that led us to investigate the new generation of high-voltage battery mowers, and specifically, to this in-depth Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower review.

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 a healthy, beautiful lawn, which in turn enhances your home’s curb appeal and creates a more enjoyable outdoor space. The primary benefit of a powerful, modern mower is efficiency. It saves you time and physical effort, turning a dreaded chore into a satisfying task. The right mower provides a clean, even cut that promotes grass health, preventing the ragged, torn blades that can lead to disease and browning. For many, transitioning to a battery-powered model like the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower also means eliminating the recurring costs and environmental impact of gasoline and oil, not to mention the significant reduction in noise.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to large suburban lawn, typically up to 3/4 of an acre, who values convenience, quiet operation, and reduced maintenance. They are tired of the hassle of gas engines and are ready to invest in a premium electric solution that doesn’t compromise on power. Conversely, this mower might not be the best fit for someone with a very small, postage-stamp-sized yard where a simpler, non-propelled push mower would suffice at a fraction of the cost. It’s also likely not suitable for commercial landscapers who require all-day, non-stop runtime, or for those managing multiple acres of rough, uneven terrain where a lawn tractor or a specialized string mower would be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the mower’s physical footprint, not just when in use, but also in storage. A wider deck, like this model’s 25 inches, means fewer passes to finish your lawn, but it also requires more space to maneuver and store. A standout feature to look for is vertical storage capability, which can drastically reduce the space needed in a crowded garage or shed.
• Capacity/Performance: For battery mowers, performance is a function of voltage (V) and battery capacity (Amp-hours, Ah). Higher voltage generally means more power, comparable to engine displacement (cc) in gas mowers. Runtime is dictated by the battery’s Watt-hours (Wh) and factors like grass thickness and self-propel usage. Be skeptical of “up to” claims and look for real-world feedback on how long a single charge lasts.
• Materials & Durability: The deck material is critical. Steel decks, like the one on the Greenworks 80V model, are heavier but offer maximum durability and impact resistance compared to polymer or plastic decks. Also, inspect the handle construction; aluminum handles are a premium feature that offers strength without the rust risk of steel or the fragility of plastic.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the mowing process. Single-lever height adjustment, variable-speed self-propel, and push-button start are massive quality-of-life improvements. The biggest long-term benefit of battery power is the near-elimination of maintenance—no oil changes, no spark plugs, no fuel stabilizers, just a charged battery and clean blades.

Making the right choice means enjoying your lawn care for years to come, and the Greenworks 80V platform is a formidable contender in the high-power electric space.

While the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled 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:

First Impressions: A Heavyweight Contender Arrives

The Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower arrives in a substantial box weighing around 90 pounds, signaling from the outset that this is no lightweight toy. Unboxing revealed a well-packed machine that feels incredibly robust. Assembly was refreshingly simple and tool-free; it mostly involved unfolding and locking the sturdy aluminum handles into place and attaching the grass catcher bag. The moment we clicked the 80V 4.0Ah battery into its port, the unit felt solid and ready for serious work. The 25-inch steel deck is impressively wide, immediately suggesting faster mowing times. Compared to older electric mowers, the build quality feels like a significant leap forward. The single lever for adjusting the cutting height moves with a satisfying, solid click through its 7 positions. Our initial impression is that Greenworks designed this machine to go head-to-head with premium gas mowers, not just other electrics. It has the weight, the wide cutting path, and the powerful battery system to back it up, which you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

Deep Dive: Performance Under Pressure

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, we had to put it through its paces on different types of turf, at varying heights, and in real-world conditions. We focused our testing on the three areas that matter most to a homeowner: raw cutting power, battery endurance and usability, and the overall design and ergonomics that define the user experience.

Power and Cutting Performance: The Dual-Blade Difference

The heart of this machine is its 80V brushless motor paired with a dual-blade cutting system under that expansive 25-inch steel deck. This is a combination designed for one thing: efficiently cutting a lot of grass, fast. On our first pass through moderately tall, dry grass, the mower didn’t hesitate. The brushless motor delivered consistent power, and the rear-wheel self-propel system moved the nearly 80-pound unit forward with ease. The variable speed control is intuitive, allowing you to match your walking pace perfectly. The true test came in a thicker, slightly damp section of the lawn. Here, we engaged the “Turbo” mode with a press of a button. The motor audibly ramped up, and the blade speed increased, allowing the mower to power through the tough patch without bogging down. This is the on-demand power that gives you confidence that this mower can handle more than just a perfect, manicured lawn.

However, our findings on cut quality were mixed, echoing the sentiments of some users. In most conditions, the dual blades provided a clean, level cut, and the mulching function worked exceptionally well, leaving fine clippings with no noticeable clumps. Yet, we did encounter a situation similar to what one user described, where in certain types of fine-bladed grass, the mower seemed to push some blades over rather than cutting them, requiring a second pass to achieve a perfect finish. This was more pronounced when moving quickly. We found that slowing our pace slightly and ensuring the blades were clean and sharp largely mitigated this. While it may not consistently match the vacuum-like lift of a high-end Honda gas mower, its overall cutting capability is formidable and a significant step up from smaller, single-blade electric mowers. For the vast majority of lawn conditions, this mower’s power is more than sufficient.

Battery Life and Runtime Realities: Decoding the Specs

This is arguably the most critical and debated aspect of any battery-powered lawn equipment. Greenworks claims the included 4.0Ah battery can power the mower for up to 3/4 of an acre. In our testing, we found this claim to be highly optimistic and dependent on ideal conditions. With the self-propel set to a moderate walking speed and cutting 2 inches off a dry, flat lawn, we achieved approximately 48 minutes of continuous runtime. This was enough to handle our test lawn of just under 1/2 an acre, but with little power to spare. This aligns perfectly with a user who reported getting 45-50 minutes, but it also validates the concerns of others who found one battery insufficient for their half-acre lots.

Several factors drastically impact runtime: using the self-propel at its highest speed, engaging Turbo mode, and cutting tall or wet grass will drain the battery much faster. This is where the dual battery port design becomes a crucial feature. The mower holds two batteries and automatically switches to the second one when the first is depleted, seamlessly extending your runtime. For anyone with a yard over 1/3 of an acre, we consider a second battery to be an essential purchase, not an optional accessory. One user with a 1/4 acre lot noted they only used half of a single battery while bagging and using a lawn striper, which shows that for smaller, well-maintained lawns, the runtime is excellent. The confusion over advertised runtime is a valid criticism, but the machine’s potential, especially with two batteries, is undeniable. You can check the latest price and availability here and factor in the cost of a potential second battery.

Design, Usability, and Durability: Clever Features and Questionable Flaws

Beyond raw power, the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is packed with user-friendly design choices. The single-lever height adjustment is a dream to use, allowing for quick changes without fumbling with four individual wheels. The high-visibility LED headlights are surprisingly bright and genuinely useful for finishing up a mow at dusk. But the star of the show is the EZ Fold aluminum handle system. With two simple levers, the handles collapse, and the mower can be tilted upright and stored vertically against a wall. Greenworks claims this saves 70% of its footprint, and we believe it. This feature alone is a game-changer for anyone with limited garage space.

However, the user experience isn’t flawless. We confirmed the observation that making sharp turns while the self-propel is engaged can cause the drive wheels to dig into the turf. As one user wisely advised, releasing the drive lever a second before turning prevents this and protects your lawn. We also noted the issue of grass clippings sometimes leaking from the top of the bag, even when correctly attached, creating a minor but annoying cleanup task. More concerning are the reports from some users about long-term durability. While our test unit felt solid, the account of nuts and bolts falling off into the lawn is alarming and suggests potential quality control inconsistencies. We recommend that any new owner do a quick check to ensure all hardware is properly tightened before the first use. These issues, while significant for those who experience them, are balanced by the overwhelming convenience of push-button starting and whisper-quiet operation—a feature that truly sets it apart from its gas-powered rivals.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from various owners gives a broad and honest picture of the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. The positive sentiment overwhelmingly centers on the quiet operation and the freedom from gas and oil. One user upgrading from an older 21-inch Greenworks model was “extremely glad” and “super happy” with the wider 25-inch deck, noting it cut his mowing time down significantly. Many, like us, found it easy to assemble and operate right out of the box.

On the other hand, the most common point of contention is battery life, with several users finding the advertised claims misleading and confirming the need for a second battery for lawns around the half-acre mark. Cut quality is another divisive topic; while many are satisfied, a notable minority compares it unfavorably to high-end gas mowers, stating it can flatten grass. The most serious criticisms revolve around build quality. We saw isolated but severe reports of the machine falling apart after a short time, with one user having to use painter’s tape to hold a handle on. While this doesn’t seem to be a widespread problem, it’s a significant red flag for potential buyers to consider.

Competitors: Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. The Field

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we must compare the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower against some notable alternatives, each catering to a different user need.

1. LiTHELi 17 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower 2x20V

The LiTHELi mower represents a different class of battery-powered solution. With a much smaller 17-inch deck and a 40V power system (derived from two 20V batteries), it’s designed for smaller, simpler lawns. It can’t compete with the Greenworks model on power or efficiency for larger properties; the 25-inch Greenworks deck removes nearly 50% more grass with each pass. However, the LiTHELi is significantly lighter, more nimble, and comes at a much lower price point. This is an excellent alternative for someone with a small yard (under 1/4 acre) on a tight budget who doesn’t need the raw power or wide cutting path of the 80V Greenworks beast.

2. YARDMAX 201cc 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower

The YARDMAX is a direct gas-powered competitor. Its 201cc engine provides immense power that will never be limited by battery runtime—as long as you have a can of gas, you can keep mowing. It’s built for tough, demanding jobs and will likely muscle through overgrown patches with even more authority than the Greenworks. The trade-off, of course, is significant. The YARDMAX is loud, heavy, requires regular oil changes and fuel runs, and produces emissions. A homeowner should choose this alternative if they prioritize raw, unlimited power above all else and are not concerned with noise, maintenance, or the environmental impact of a gas engine.

3. EARTHQUAKE 160cc Viper String Mower

The EARTHQUAKE mower isn’t a direct competitor for lawn maintenance but rather an alternative for a completely different task. This is a high-wheeled string mower, essentially a heavy-duty string trimmer on wheels. It excels at clearing tall weeds, thick brush, and cutting on uneven, rough terrain where a traditional blade mower would struggle or be damaged. It will not provide a manicured, lawn-like finish. This is the perfect tool for someone who needs to maintain a back field, clear fence lines, or tame an overgrown lot. It’s a specialized machine for land clearing, not for suburban lawn care.

Final Verdict: A Powerful but Imperfect Step into the Future

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Greenworks 80V 25″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is clear: it is a bold and powerful machine that successfully challenges gas mowers in many key areas. Its wide 25-inch dual-blade deck is a massive time-saver, and the 80V brushless motor provides ample power for most residential lawns. The quiet operation, push-button start, and ingenious vertical storage are quality-of-life features that make you wonder why you ever put up with the hassle of gas.

However, it is not without its flaws. Prospective buyers must be realistic about battery life and should consider a second battery a near-necessity for any lawn approaching half an acre or more. While the cut quality is generally good, it may not satisfy perfectionists accustomed to top-tier gas models. The isolated but serious reports of poor durability are also a cause for concern. We recommend this mower to homeowners with lawns up to 3/4 of an acre (with a second battery) who place a high value on convenience, low maintenance, and quiet performance. If you’re ready to ditch the gas can and pull-cord for good and want one of the most powerful and feature-rich electric options available, the Greenworks 80V 25″ mower is a compelling, if imperfect, choice. For those ready to make the leap, we highly recommend you explore its current pricing and user feedback for yourself.