You ever push a gas mower through wet grass on a 90-degree day, wishing it would just explode so you’d never have to touch it again?
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Cordless Mower is built for people who are done with fumes, maintenance, and cranky pull-cords. It’s electric. It’s push-powered. And it runs like it has something to prove.
I put it through the wringer—tall grass, dry patches, wet spots, pine needles, and a few stealthy weeds. Here's how it handled real life, not just the back of the box.
Who This Is For
This mower doesn’t try to please everyone.
It’s a great match if:
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You’ve got a quarter to half an acre.
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You want power but hate noise.
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You don’t want to store gas, change oil, or play “Why won’t it start?”
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You already have (or plan to build out) a Greenworks 80V ecosystem.
If your yard has steep slopes or an acre of tall grass with rocks, this probably isn’t your dream tool. But for the average homeowner who wants clean lines and zero headaches—it’s solid.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, this thing doesn’t look flimsy.
The 21″ steel deck has weight to it. The handle folds down easily and locks in place without a fight. The body isn’t plastered with neon green plastic—it feels made for real work, not just shelf appeal.
Assembly took less than 5 minutes. Pull the handlebar up. Snap a few clips. That’s it.
The 80V 4.0Ah battery clicks into the slot like it means business. And there’s a second dummy slot if you’ve got a backup battery you want to store onboard.
Let’s Talk Power
The brushless motor here isn’t shy. It spins up to 10,000 RPM equivalent torque—somewhere around 160cc in gas mower terms.
Translation: It doesn’t stall out on thick grass. You push, it cuts.
I ran it over wet grass two days after rain. It didn’t even grunt. Tall, dry weeds? Handled.
The blade keeps a steady spin thanks to SmartCut technology. That’s not just a marketing word—it ramps up power when it senses resistance and dials it down when the load is light.
Good for the grass. Good for the battery.
Cut Quality
You get seven height settings via a single lever—no fumbling with each wheel. It ranges from 1¼″ to 3⅝″, which is more than enough for regular residential lawns.
The cut itself? Clean. Even. Consistent.
I ran it across bumpy terrain and only saw one missed blade of grass after an entire strip. Bagging worked well with dry clippings. With pine needles, though, you’ll see some fallout.
Mulching was great—especially with fresh spring grass. It turned everything into fine bits, no big clumps left behind.
Battery Life: Truth vs Marketing
Greenworks says you’ll get up to 60 minutes per charge with the 4.0Ah battery. Real-world use? More like 40–45 minutes if you're mowing normally. Kick on Turbo and it drops a bit.
Still, it was enough for me to mow ⅓ of an acre, with juice left in the tank.
Charging takes around 40–45 minutes on the included charger. And it doesn’t overheat thanks to the fan-cooled system.
You can absolutely mow most small- to medium-sized yards on one charge. But if your grass is overgrown or wet, maybe keep a second battery in your back pocket.
Ease of Use: Push, Don’t Wrestle
This is a push mower, not self-propelled. But it rolls smooth.
The 10″ rear wheels and 8″ front wheels help with uneven yards. It felt balanced and didn’t drag, even on uphill pushes.
Weight-wise, it’s lighter than a gas mower of similar size. I didn’t feel like I was doing squats while mowing, which is always a plus.
Starting it? Press the button. Pull the handle. No swearing required.
Noise, Storage & Smell
One of the biggest wins here is noise. It hums more than roars. My dog didn’t freak out once, and I could still hear birds while mowing. If you’ve ever had to wear ear protection while cutting grass, this is refreshing.
There’s no fuel smell. No fumes. And your storage shed won’t smell like an old garage.
The handle folds up with a twist and lets you store it vertically. Big space-saver, especially in narrow garages.
Features Worth Mentioning
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LED headlights: Kind of overkill for day mowing, but handy for early morning jobs.
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Dual battery port: Only one is active, but nice to have storage for a second.
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Turbo button: Boosts suction and cutting—use it sparingly or the battery weeps.
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4-in-1 options: Bag, mulch, side discharge, and Turbo leaf mode. Versatile setup.
Pros and Cons
✅Pros
Gas-like cutting power without the noise, fumes, or oil mess
Solid 21″ steel deck gives durable performance
SmartCut tech adjusts blade speed based on grass density
Quiet operation — no need for earplugs or neighbor apologies
Battery charges fast (around 45 minutes) and lasts up to an hour
Folds up for vertical storage, saving space in tight sheds
❌Cons
No self-propel feature — you’ll feel it on hills
Pine needle pickup in bagging mode is hit or miss
One battery might not cut it for bigger yards
Best Use Scenarios
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Small to mid-size flat yards: One battery, no problem.
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Front + backyard combo: Mow one while the battery charges.
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Tool-sharing setups: Already have Greenworks gear? You’re golden.
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Early morning mow sessions: Quiet enough to not wake the house.
Tips to Keep It Running Long
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Clean the deck after every mow. Grass buildup = blade drag.
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Don’t store the battery fully charged for months. Half-charge for off-season.
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Sharpen or replace blades yearly if you want a clean cut.
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Check wheel locks and handle screws every few months. Nothing wild—just a quick once-over.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
For most homeowners, this mower hits the sweet spot.
It’s powerful enough to cut like a gas mower. It’s cleaner. It’s quieter. And it won’t punch you in the nose with fumes. The steel deck feels legit. The battery system is fast and flexible. And it makes mowing feel like less of a chore.
Yes, it’s a push mower. Yes, it costs more than some gas options. But if you value clean cuts, fewer moving parts, and a quieter yard—this thing’s worth your time.