For years, my weekend mornings started with the same frustrating routine: the trip to the garage, the hunt for the gas can, the messy oil check, and then the inevitable, shoulder-straining tug-of-war with a stubborn pull-cord. The roar of the gas engine would shatter the neighborhood peace, and I’d spend the next hour vibrating, breathing in fumes, and wrestling a heavy, clumsy machine across the lawn. It felt less like yard care and more like a battle. We knew there had to be a better, quieter, and cleaner way to maintain our lawn without sacrificing performance. This search for a modern solution led us directly to the burgeoning world of battery-powered mowers, and specifically, to the model we’re examining today.
What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for maintaining the health and aesthetic of your property. For homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns, it represents the perfect balance of control, affordability, and storage efficiency. The main benefit is the ability to achieve a precise, clean cut while getting a bit of light exercise, without the storage footprint or cost of a large riding mower. They offer unparalleled maneuverability for navigating around flower beds, trees, and intricate landscaping, ensuring every corner of your yard looks its best. The move towards battery power has revolutionized the category, eliminating the noise, emissions, and constant maintenance associated with traditional gas models.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a lawn up to a half-acre, who values simplicity, quiet operation, and environmental consciousness. If you’re tired of storing flammable liquids, performing annual engine tune-ups, and shouting over the noise of your mower, a battery-powered push mower is an exceptional upgrade. However, it might not be the best fit for those with very large properties (over an acre), extremely hilly terrain, or fields with exceptionally thick, rough brush that may require the brute torque of a high-end gas engine. In those cases, a powerful self-propelled gas mower or a riding mower might be a more suitable, albeit more expensive and maintenance-heavy, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Power Source & Runtime: The biggest decision is between gas, corded electric, and battery-powered. Battery technology, particularly with brushless motors and high-capacity lithium-ion cells, has closed the performance gap significantly. Pay close attention to the battery’s voltage (V) for power and its amp-hour (Ah) rating, which indicates runtime. For a battery mower, ensure the provided battery capacity is sufficient for your lawn size, or consider purchasing a second battery.
- Deck Size & Material: The cutting width, or deck size, determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 20-inch deck, like the one on the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah, is a sweet spot for balancing efficiency and maneuverability. Deck material is also vital for longevity. While plastic decks are lighter, a steel deck provides superior durability and rigidity, protecting against impacts and ensuring a stable cutting platform for years to come.
- Cutting Features & Adjustments: Look for versatility. A good mower should offer options for bagging, mulching, and side discharge. A single-lever height adjustment system is a massive convenience, allowing you to change the cutting height of all four wheels simultaneously with one hand. The range of height options is also important for adapting to different grass types and seasonal growth.
- Ease of Use & Storage: Since this is a push mower, weight and ergonomics are paramount. Look for comfortable, adjustable handles and a lightweight design that’s easy to maneuver. One of the standout features of modern battery mowers is their storage capability. Models with handles that fold down easily for compact, vertical storage can save a tremendous amount of space in a crowded garage or shed.
With these factors in mind, it becomes easier to evaluate if a specific model meets your unique lawn care needs.
While the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah 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: Solid Build, Simple Setup
Unboxing the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah was a refreshingly simple affair. Unlike gas mowers that often require some fiddly assembly, this machine was nearly ready to go straight out of the box. The main task was unfolding and locking the sturdy EZ Fold aluminum handles into place, a process that took less than two minutes and required no tools. The immediate impression is one of surprising solidity. Where some electric mowers can feel plasticky and toy-like, this Greenworks model boasts a durable 20-inch steel deck. This immediately gives it a sense of seriousness and durability, confirmed by one user who noted, “I especially love that it has a metal housing… It makes it feel much more serious.”
The included 4.0Ah battery and charger felt well-made. The battery clicks into its compartment with a satisfying and secure feel. The overall aesthetic is clean and modern, with the brand’s signature green and black color scheme. It’s noticeably lighter than our old gas mower, a fact that promises easier maneuverability around the yard’s obstacles. The addition of an LED headlight is a thoughtful touch, hinting at the flexibility of mowing in the cooler hours of the early morning or late evening without disturbing anyone. Our initial take is that this is a well-considered machine designed for user convenience from start to finish. You can see its full feature set and thoughtful design elements on its product page.
Key Benefits
- Brushless motor provides impressive torque and quiet operation
- Extremely lightweight and easy to push and maneuver
- EZ Fold aluminum handles allow for compact vertical storage
- Versatile 4-in-1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge, leaf pickup)
- Single-lever height adjustment is quick and convenient
- No gas, oil, or emissions for maintenance-free, clean mowing
Potential Drawbacks
- Cut quality can be inconsistent on certain tough grass types like St. Augustine
- A single 4.0Ah battery may not be sufficient for overgrown or very large 1/3 acre lawns
A Deep Dive into the Greenworks Mower’s Performance
A mower’s true worth is proven on the turf. We put the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah through its paces over several weeks, testing it on different grass lengths, in various conditions, and utilizing all its features to see if the real-world performance matched the promising specs.
Power and Runtime: The Brushless Heart of the Machine
The single most impressive aspect of this mower is its brushless motor. This technology, a significant step up from older brushed motors, translates directly into more efficient power delivery, longer motor life, and dramatically quieter operation. When we first pressed the start button and pulled the bail lever, the near-silent whir was startling. As one user aptly put it, “My vacuum is louder and as hard to operate!” This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a game-changer. We were able to mow early in the morning without worrying about waking the neighbors, a task unthinkable with our old gas model.
But quietness doesn’t mean a lack of power. We were skeptical at first, but this mower has surprising torque. It handled our regular weekly mow with ease, leaving a clean, even cut. To really test its limits, we let a section of the lawn become overgrown for two weeks. The Greenworks mower plowed through the thicker, taller grass without bogging down, though the motor audibly ramped up its speed to compensate, drawing more battery power. This experience was mirrored by a user who tackled grass that was almost a foot long, stating, “The mower plowed through it even while it was wet from the sprinklers.” This is the smart power of the brushless system at work. The included 4.0Ah battery consistently gave us enough runtime to mow our entire 1/4 acre lot with power to spare. For those with lawns pushing the 1/3 acre limit or who frequently tackle very long grass, we echo the advice of several users: having a second battery on hand is a wise investment for uninterrupted mowing.
Design, Ergonomics, and Usability
Greenworks clearly designed this mower with the user’s comfort and convenience in mind. At its core, being a non-self-propelled model, its light weight is a massive advantage. Pushing it across the lawn feels more like taking a brisk walk than doing a strenuous chore. We navigated around trees, garden beds, and along fence lines with a level of precision that our heavy gas mower could never match. This sentiment was shared by a reviewer with an injured wrist, who found it manageable and “will likely be easier, like just walking across the lawn.”
The feature we came to appreciate most is the single-lever height adjustment. With seven distinct positions ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches, changing the cutting height takes literally two seconds. This is a far cry from the tedious process of adjusting each wheel individually. Just as crucial is the storage solution. The EZ Fold aluminum handles are brilliant. With two quick-release levers, the handle folds down, allowing the mower to be stored vertically against a wall. This reduces its garage footprint by a claimed 70%, and in our experience, that feels accurate. It transformed a bulky piece of equipment into something that can be tucked away neatly in a corner. These user-centric features, from the easy start to the compact storage, are a feature that really sets it apart in a competitive market.
Cut Quality and Versatility: The 4-in-1 System Examined
A mower can be powerful and easy to use, but it’s all for naught if the cut quality is poor. The Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah, with its 20-inch steel deck, generally delivers a very good cut. For most common grass types, it leaves a clean, uniform finish that looks fantastic. The versatility of the 4-in-1 system is a major strength. We tested the mulching function first, and it did an excellent job of finely chopping clippings and returning them to the lawn, leaving no clumps behind. The rear bagging attachment is easy to clip on and off, and it collects clippings efficiently until the bag is full.
However, it’s important to address a point raised in some user feedback regarding specific grass types. We noticed, as did one detailed reviewer, that on our small patch of tough, wiry St. Augustine grass, the mower occasionally left a few stray, uncut blades standing. The user noted, “The other 5% is all the random solo blades of grass it leaves standing up EVERYWHERE.” While we found the issue to be less pronounced, it was present. This seems to be a common challenge for some battery mowers where the blade speed and suction aren’t quite as aggressive as a high-powered gas model. We found that a slightly slower walking pace and ensuring a small overlap between passes minimized this issue significantly. For the vast majority of lawns, this will be a non-issue, but it’s a crucial consideration for those with particularly challenging turf. Despite this, its overall versatility, including a turbo leaf pickup mode, makes it a true four-season tool for yard cleanup. You can check the latest price and availability and decide if its feature set matches your lawn’s specific needs.
What Other Users Are Saying
After sifting through numerous real-world testimonials, a clear consensus emerges about the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah. The overwhelming majority of praise centers on the transition away from gas. One owner summed it up perfectly: “My wife and I wanted a mower that wasn’t as loud and noisy as a gas mower, didn’t require burning oil, and didn’t vibrate as much. This mower fulfilled all of our wishes.” This theme of quiet, clean, and hassle-free operation is echoed constantly.
Users are also consistently impressed by its light weight and maneuverability, which makes mowing less of a physical burden. Many, like one long-time Greenworks user, were pleased with the build quality, especially the steel deck, which adds a feeling of durability often missing in the category.
On the critical side, the most common constructive feedback aligns with our findings on cut quality for certain grass types. As mentioned, the St. Augustine grass issue is a specific but important data point. Additionally, a few users have reported issues with battery or charger longevity, with one noting they had to contact customer service for a replacement. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they highlight the importance of registering the product to ensure warranty coverage, a standard practice for any major power tool purchase.
How Does It Compare? The Top 3 Alternatives
The Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah occupies a fantastic middle ground, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your lawn size, budget, and philosophy on lawn care, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.
1. Scotts 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
For the ultimate in eco-friendly, quiet lawn maintenance, the Scotts Push Reel Mower is in a class of its own. This is a completely manual mower—no gas, no batteries, no cords. It provides a precise, scissor-like cut that is exceptionally healthy for your grass. It’s best suited for small, flat, and well-maintained lawns. If your yard is less than 1,500 square feet and you enjoy the light physical activity and near-silent operation, this is an incredibly affordable and simple solution. However, it struggles with tall weeds, uneven terrain, and twigs, and requires more physical effort than the Greenworks model.
2. BLACK+DECKER 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower
If you have a small to medium-sized yard and don’t want to worry about battery runtime ever, the BLACK+DECKER Corded Mower is a compelling choice. It offers a similar 20-inch cutting width and powerful 13-Amp motor that can handle thick grass without issue. The main benefit is unlimited runtime as long as you’re plugged in. The significant drawback, of course, is managing the extension cord. Navigating around trees, bushes, and other obstacles can become a frustrating dance. It offers great power for a low price, but sacrifices the freedom and convenience that make the cordless Greenworks mower so appealing.
3. Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower
The Fiskars Reel Mower is a premium take on the manual mower concept. It features an advanced design that makes it easier to push and provides more cutting power than traditional reel mowers like the Scotts. Its blades don’t make contact with the reel, which reduces friction, improves blade life, and keeps them sharp longer. It’s an excellent choice for lawn purists who want the perfect cut quality of a reel mower without the maintenance headaches. While it’s more capable than the Scotts model, it still shares the limitations of all manual mowers when it comes to tall, tough grass and uneven ground, making the powered Greenworks a more versatile all-around option.
The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks Mower Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Push Mower 4.0Ah to a wide range of homeowners. It stands out as an exceptionally user-friendly, quiet, and low-maintenance machine that takes the traditional frustrations out of lawn care. Its brushless motor delivers ample power for typical suburban lawns, the build quality is solid, and thoughtful features like the single-lever height adjust and vertical storage make it a joy to own and operate.
It’s the perfect mower for anyone with a lawn up to 1/3 of an acre who is ready to ditch the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas power. While it may not provide a flawless, golf-course finish on the toughest grass varieties, its performance is more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. It strikes a fantastic balance between power, convenience, and modern technology. If you’re ready to embrace a quieter, cleaner, and simpler way to care for your yard, this mower is an outstanding investment in your weekend sanity. You can check its current price and get one for your lawn today.