In the sprawling world of lawn care, I’ve had the pleasure of testing a myriad of machines. Lawnmowers, in particular, have always held a fascination for me, evolving rapidly in response to the growing demand for eco-friendly, efficient products.
Today, I’ll walk you through my experience with the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, a model that has gained significant traction in the market.
What I Like
- The brushless motor provides improved efficiency, longevity, and overall better performance.
- With less friction and wear, brushless motors often have a longer lifespan than their brushed counterparts.
- Being an electric mower, it produces zero carbon emissions. This not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also avoids the smell of gas emissions.
- As an electric mower, it allows more flexible mowing times without disturbing neighbors.
- Without the need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or air filter cleaning, the upkeep is minimal compared to gas mowers.
- The push-button start is hassle-free, removing the strain and unpredictability of pull-cord starts found in many gas mowers.
- The 48V battery system ensures steady power throughout the mowing session, giving an even cut.
- The adjustable cutting height settings offer flexibility in how you want your lawn to look.
- The 20-inch cutting deck means fewer passes, making the mowing process quicker.
- It is made with alloy steel which is durable and resistant against the typical wear and tear of lawn care.
What I Don't Like
- It’s a bit on the heavier side which can be difficult to maneuver for some users
- While the mower itself doesn't require a lot of storage space, the batteries and charger might need a dedicated spot in your garage or shed.
Features of the Greenworks 48V 20" Brushless Cordless Push Mower
Unboxing and Assembly
Upon receiving the Greenworks 48V 20″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, the first thing that stood out was the packaging.
Like the Greenworks 25302, it’s clear that Greenworks has made a concerted effort to ensure that every component is securely packed, which protects the parts from any potential damage during shipping.
Assembly is a breeze. The manual provided is straightforward with clear instructions and illustrations.
Most of the mower is pre-assembled, so it’s mostly about attaching the handles and ensuring everything is securely in place. It might take about 15 minutes tops; for machine newbies perhaps 30 minutes.
The Brushless Advantage
Brushless motor technology is not just a buzzword. It offers tangible benefits. Traditional brushed motors suffer from friction and voltage drops, leading to a loss in energy efficiency.
With the Greenworks brushless motor, there’s a distinct improvement in power delivery. During extensive tests, the mower ran longer and with more torque, ensuring a clean, consistent cut.
Battery Life and Power
This mower operates on a 48V system powered by two 4.0Ah batteries. For an average-sized lawn (about a quarter of an acre), a single charge sufficed.
The transition from gas-powered engines to battery-driven ones has not been easy for many, but with mowers like these that deliver reliable performance, the future looks promising.
Cutting Efficiency
A lawn mower’s prime function, the actual cutting must be impeccable. The 20-inch wide cutting deck of this Greenworks model allows for fewer passes, saving time and energy.
I was also impressed with the ease of adjusting the cutting height, giving me full control over the final lawn appearance.
Maneuverability
Weighing in at 67.9 pounds, the Greenworks 48V 20″ mower is neither the lightest nor the heaviest in its class.
However, its weight is well-distributed, making it easy to push around obstacles. It’s not self-propelled, which might be a downside for some, but its straightforward push mechanism quite reliable. On sloping terrains, a bit of muscle might be required, but it’s manageable.
Eco-friendliness
With the growing concerns about environmental degradation, the Greenworks 48V mower shines as an eco-friendly option. Its battery-operated system emits no harmful pollutants, ensuring that your lawn care routine doesn’t harm Mother Nature.
In addition, electric mowers, like the Craftsman CMEMW213, in general, have a smaller carbon footprint [1] compared to their gas-powered counterparts, and Greenworks has done an exceptional job in ensuring their product leads the way in this respect.
Maintenance and Durability
Brushless motors inherently require less maintenance. Without brushes to replace and no oil changes to worry about, upkeep is minimal.
The alloy steel build promises durability, but only time will truly tell. Still, based on my experience, Greenworks products have a commendable lifespan. (But Black+Decker’s MM2000 mower is a good contender, too!)
Performance Summary
- Easy to Use: One of the top advantages of this Greenworks mower is its user-friendly nature. Its self-propelled mechanism means those uphill battles are history.
- Practicality: This mower is a middle-ground marvel. While reel mowers are perfect for small yards, and gas-powered ride-ons are made for expansive estates, this electric mower is ideal for medium-sized lawns, offering significant time savings.
- Gives Better Shape: As someone who's obsessed with the perfect cut, I've noticed that the weight and design of this mower allow for consistent pace and pressure, ensuring a neater finish.
- Emissions of Carbon Dioxide: With environmental concerns on the rise, I can't emphasize enough the importance of mowing practices on lawn health.
Electric mowers, especially ones from Greenworks, stand out with significantly reduced carbon emissions. This not only ensures a greener planet but also a healthier lawn.
Greenworks 48V 20-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower vs. Competitors
Greenworks 48V 20-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower | Competitor A: Leading Gas-Powered Mower | Competitor B: Another Popular Electric Mower | |
Battery and Power | The mower is powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery, delivering solid performance for small to medium-sized lawns. The power output is consistent, ensuring a clean cut throughout its operation. | Being gas-powered, this mower is potent, catering well to larger lawns and tougher terrains. However, it requires frequent refueling and maintenance. | Uses a 40V system, making its performance slightly less robust than the Greenworks 48V mower. Suitable for small lawns but may struggle with larger areas or thicker grass. |
Noise Level | It’s notably quieter than most gas mowers, making it suitable for suburban settings. | It’s significantly louder than the Greenworks model, which can be a concern in quiet neighborhoods. | Comparable to the Greenworks model. Both are quieter than gas mowers. |
Design and Build | The ergonomic design stands out, with a sturdy build, primarily of durable plastic. It strikes a balance between durability and lightweight maneuverability. | Typically more substantial due to the gas engine. The build is robust, but it lacks the ergonomic design seen in the Greenworks model. | Features a sleek design, though some users have reported durability concerns over extended use. |
Environmental Impact | Being electric, it’s eco-friendly, reducing both noise and air pollution. | Gas mowers are not eco-friendly, producing emissions and contributing to noise pollution. | Like the Greenworks mower, it’s eco-friendly, cutting down on emissions and noise. |
Price Point | Offers good value for its features, positioning it as a mid-range electric mower in terms of cost. | Often cheaper initially, but long-term costs (fuel, maintenance) can be higher. | Slightly cheaper, but potential durability concerns might affect its long-term value. |
Customer Reviews
Battery Life & Power
Many users praised the mower’s consistent power and battery life. Some reported managing to mow their medium-sized lawns on a single charge, while others appreciated the quick recharge time.
Ease of Use & Assembly
The majority found the assembly process to be straightforward, and the manual user-friendly. The mower’s lightweight nature and ease of maneuverability also received positive comments.
Quiet Operation
A recurring theme among reviewers was the surprisingly low noise level. Users loved being able to mow without disturbing their neighbors or even having to use ear protection.
Durability & Build Quality
Customer Feedback: While many appreciated the sturdy build and durable materials, a few users expressed concerns about the plastic components, fearing they might not stand the test of time.
Eco-Friendly
A significant number of users were thrilled about making an environmentally friendly choice, highlighting the lack of gas emissions and reduced carbon footprint.
Potential Areas of Improvement
While most feedback was positive, some users mentioned they would appreciate a more extended battery life for larger lawns. A few also indicated challenges with taller or wet grass.
(If you’re looking for other options, check this Scotts 2000-20S review or the Amazon Basics 18″ review to see if this model fits your needs.)
Review Conclusion: Greenworks 48V 20-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower
While the electric mowers come with a bounty of advantages like quieter operation, no emissions, and lesser maintenance, they aren’t without their challenges. The dependency on battery life can sometimes be a limitation, especially for uneven terrains.
However, if you have a small to medium, fairly level yard, the Greenworks 48V 20-inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower could be your lawn’s new best friend!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
