GreenWorks Cordless Lawn Mowers

Let’s face it: Having a cordless mower has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, there’s no cord in the way. Of course there’s also no gas or oil to deal with, whether it’s buying, storing or leaking.

On the minus side, the batteries used in place of an electric cord make the mower heavier. Though it’s just by a little bit, this can really matter to some users. Also, you need to remember to keep the batteries charged, or you’re going nowhere.

Given the pro and con column, having a good powerful cordless lawn mower is just the right fit if you don’t mind a tiny bit of extra weight and don’t want a cord in the way. Just make sure you buy one with enough voltage (power) to get the job done and batteries that suit both your yard and your lifestyle. That said, these are the cordless mowers offered by GreenWorks that might work best for you.

Quick Facts

GLM801602

  • 80 volts
  • Comes with 1-4AH battery and charger
  • Brushless motor
  • 3 in 1 design for mulching, rear bagging and side discharge
  • Up to 60 minutes of run time

 

GLM801601

  • 80 volts
  • Comes with 1-2AH battery and charger
  • Brushless motor
  • 3 in 1 mulching, side discharging and rear bagging
  • Up to 45 minutes of run time

 

GLM801600

  • 80 volts
  • Low price but battery and charger must be purchased separately
  • Brushless motor
  • 3 in 1 design mulches, rear bag discharge and side discharge without bag
  • Up to 60 minutes of run time (after you purchase 4AH battery & charger)

The GreenWorks GLM series of mowers are their top of the line cordless models and differ very slightly from each other. The only difference is what’s in the package – the machines themselves are the same. They all come with the 3-in-1 lawnmower that mulches, side discharges and bags (bag included), but they come with different battery options of either the 2AH or 4AH variety.

Pros

  • Great power for even the toughest job
  • Great run time
  • Sturdy construction
  • Batteries charge quickly
  • Easy to store and maintain
  • No cord, gas or oil to get in the way

Cons

While complaints on these models are few and far between in user reviews, one big concern is that they are not self-propelled. If you have a fairly flat yard, you probably won’t even notice. However, if you have a deep ditch to mow or a really steep hill, it might take some extra effort to get it up the hill.

FAQs

How long do the batteries run?

One 2AH battery is estimated to run for about 20 minutes and can run as long as 45 minutes, while one 4AH battery should last about 45-60 minutes. Keep in mind you’ll use up the battery power faster if you have really tough grass or if it’s particularly long or wet. It’s important to note both types of batteries are 80v and have the same power – the only difference is in how long they will run before needing a recharge. In fact, the batteries run at about 81.5 – 83.5 volts right off the charger.

Are these models self-propelled?

Short answer: No. However, users who have been asked to review the GLM series say that they are very smooth and light to operate, so they don’t miss not having this feature. One user who has a steeply sloped yard says it does take more effort to push it up the hill than the self-propelled models she has tried.

What size is the bag?

The included rear grass catcher bag holds a volume of 50 liters, or about 13 US gallons. In size, it’s approximately 12” high x 24” long x 18” wide.

How long is the blade?

These mowers all have a 20” single blade encased in a 21” 14 gauge steel deck. The blade is held in place with a steel bolt. The blade’s no load speed is 2800, and it rises to 3200 when under a heavy load.

What size are the wheels?

The GLM series has standard 10” rear wheels and 8” front wheels. They are made of a hard thick plastic.

Is it comparable to a gas mower?

If you needed to do a side by side comparison between these models and a gas engine lawn mower, one user review says these cordless rechargables would far outperform a 160cc mower. He uses it to cut St. Augustine and Kikuyu grass with no problems. The equivalent horsepower is 2.5.

What is the maximum cutting height?

The max cutting height according to the manufacturer is 3.5”. Remember that setting is on completely flat ground. If your yard is very bumpy, it can make it a little more or less depending on the ruts you have. The minimum cutting height is 1 3/8”.

Do I need to deplete the battery to make it last longer?

This used to be the case, but now new lithium ion battery technology has finally caught up. This means you can top off the batteries every time you mow even if they’re not completely depleted, and it won’t shorten their life. Of course, running them down all the way is fine too.

Keep in mind that the manufacturer does warranty both the batteries and charger for two years, and according to them, the batteries have a 1000 life cycle charge, which should last 2-3 years with normal use.

Are the batteries compatible with other models?

Yes – you can swap these batteries with those from any other GreenWorks tool. However, it is not recommended to swap batteries from any other manufacturer.

How good is it at mulching leaves?

According to user reviews, these machines seem to do very well when mulching leaves. They will even mulch smaller twigs without a problem. You’ll get the best result when the leaves are as dry as possible.

What is the warranty?

All these models include a 4 year manufacturer warranty on the mower and a 2 year warranty for any included batteries or chargers.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the heartiest cordless rechargeable lawn mower on the market today, you’ve probably found it in the GreenWorks GLM series of 21” mowers. They’re super easy to use and maintain, cut a nice wide path and have a good extended mowing time. If you have a larger yard, buying one of these will be a great investment for you well into the future.

GreenWorks Electric – Corded Lawn Mowers

While having a cordless lawn mower can be really freeing, some people prefer the consistency of an electric lawn mower. You still don’t have to deal with oil and gas, but you also don’t have to always worry about keeping fully charged batteries on hand. While you will have a cord in the way, it’s so easy to just plug it in and go.

If you love the idea of a corded electric lawnmower, GreenWorks is one of the best selling brands, and these are their top models. They are all built with quality, and some of the main differences are in the width of the deck and cutting blades. While it doesn’t seem like a few inches would make that much of a difference, it can to some people.

For instance, if you have a large yard, the less passes you need to make the better. In this case you’d probably want to buy the widest model available. However, this model is going to be a little bit heavier and larger to store than a smaller one.

On the flip side, if you live in a condo or townhouse and have a postage-stamp size of grass to cut, you probably don’t want the largest model. That’s why GreenWorks makes mowers as small as 16” wide. They have a smaller footprint and are easier to store and handle for smaller jobs.

That said, here are the corded electric lawn mowers offered by this popular manufacturer:

25112

Quick Facts

  • 21” Steel Deck
  • 13 Amp Motor
  • 3 in 1 – Mulches, Rear Bagging, Side Discharge
  • 7 Single – Lever Height Positions (1 ¾” – 3 ¾”)
  • 10” Rear Wheels
  • 7” Front Wheels
  • Weighs 55 Pounds
  • 4-Year Warranty

What’s in the Box?

  • 21” Mower
  • Side Discharge Chute
  • Mulch Plug
  • Rear Grass Clippings Bag
  • Owner’s Manual

FAQs

How long is the cord?

The cord on this machine is very short. In fact, to do any mowing you’ll need to use an extension cord. The manufacturer recommends using only up to a 100’ extension cord. Any longer and you might risk damaging the motor, so this is good to keep in mind if you have a large yard.

If you need to purchase an extension cord just for this use, the manufacturer recommends getting a 100’ cord that’s 14-gauge or a 50’ cord that’s 16-gauge. You can use a 2 or 3-prong cord, but in those gauges, 3-prong is generally what you’ll find.

The connection on the mower is a 2-prong female connector, so any 2 or 3 prong connector should work fine.

Can I use it to mulch leaves?

You absolutely can, as it comes with the mulching feature. It works best on leaves when they’re dry, and you can use it either in the lawn or on the lower height setting for the driveway or other hard surface. In user reviews, it is repeatedly noted that this mower doesn’t work as well at mulching leaves as a dedicated blower or vacuum, but they say it does a good job.

Will it aggravate honey bees?

Interesting question, but it has been asked. According to the manufacturer, it may aggravate bees, and it’s not recommended to use it in area where there’s a hive. The decibel rating at three feet is 90 DBA, and the RPM is 3600. If you’re concerned about this, many cordless mowers have a lower RPM and vibration so they aren’t as likely to irritate the bees.

Is it self propelled?

While it is not self-propelled, the GreenWorks 25112 is still easy to push according to user reviews from people who use it regularly. One review says that the electric motor is so much lighter than a gas engine block that it’s no problem to push.

Do I have to use the bag?

Since this is a 3 in 1 model, you can use it without the grass clippings bag when you mow. It has a side discharge where the grass will be thrown back into the yard. In this way, it works as a mulching mower.

Is it easy to move when folded?

This question was asked in a review by a user who likes to store his mower in the basement between uses. In fact, it’s not very easy to lift and carry when it’s folded up. While it’s not extremely heavy, it is awkward. If you need to carry it, the easiest way is to hold it by the rear and front of the deck. Wearing gloves is recommended because the edges of the deck may tend to dig into your hands when carrying it.

How is the engine vs a gas motor?

If you had to compare this electric model to a gas lawn mower, it would have about 2 horsepower, so it would be equivalent to about a 100cc gas engine.

How does it compare vs the 25022 model?

The 25022 has a 20” as opposed to the 21” deck in this model. Also, this one has 13 amps instead of 12. The cutting deck also looks a little bit different, as the manufacturer redesigned it to make the mower more efficient when mulching. However, they both mulch, side discharge or bag the grass.

How does it handle tall grass and weeds?

If you have really high weeds and grass to mow, it’s best to go with a heartier model, as this one tends to clog when faced with those types of obstacles. If you need to mow this type of greenery, set it to the top height adjustment and use the side discharge feature. Go slowly. After you’ve made a pass or two, you can then adjust it to a lower height.  In user reviews, however, people say it does a good job handling small twigs and sticks.

Anytime you’re not using the bag, you should have the mulching plug in. If you don’t use it, clippings can get caught and not be discharged thoroughly.

How much power does it consume? Will it trip my breakers?

The 25112 pulls 13 amps of power and is approximately 1560 watts. According to user reviews, a common 20-amp circuit breaker should have problem handling its load.

What’s the best way to clean it?

With most mowers, the best way to clean them is to hose them off. However, that’s not recommended with an electric motor. In one review, the user says he shakes or brushes any debris from the underside, then wipes everything with a damp cloth when he’s going to store it away for the winter.

Another user in her review has a great tip – wait until the day after you’ve mowed so any debris under the unit is dry. Then it pretty much falls out when you shake the machine. No matter how you clean it, make sure you keep the electric motor dry.

Can I store it outside?

While you can store it outside for the winter, it’s not recommended for complete long term exposure to the elements. The deck is made of steel, so it can rust and while the motor is covered, there is an opening at the bottom of its plastic cover where water and debris can get in. In other words, it’s best to keep it stored in a dry place like a shed or basement even if you have a cover for it.

What’s the best way to store it?

Since there is no oil or gas to leak, you can (in theory) store it in either the upright or down position. The handle folds up so it’s fairly compact either way. However, the manufacturer recommends storing so it is sitting on all four wheels.

25022

Quick Facts

  • 20” Steel Deck
  • 12 Amp Motor
  • 3 in 1 Mulches, Side Discharges or Rear Clippings Bag
  • 7 Single Lever Height Adjustments (1 ½” – 3 ¾”)
  • 10” Rear Wheels
  • 7” Front Wheels
  • Weighs 56 Pounds
  • 4 Year Warranty

What’s Included in the Box?

  • 20” Mower
  • Mulch Plug
  • Side Discharge Chute
  • Rear Clippings Bag
  • Owner’s Manual

FAQs

How easy it to assemble?

Assembly of this model is very simple. All you need to do is raise the handle – there are no screws or bolts to deal with. There are a few knobs you need to tighten to attach the upper and lower parts of the handle but that’s all. After that, just plug it in and you’re ready to go.

Do I need to buy a cord?

Yes, you’ll need to buy a good extension cord if you don’t have one on hand. The cord that comes with the mower is pretty short. Make sure you use one that’s rated for outdoor use. You can use up to a 150’ extension cord that is 12 gauge or heavier. If you’d prefer to use a 100’ cord, 14 gauge or heavier is recommended. If 50’ is enough for you, use 16 gauge or heavier.

Do I have to worry about mowing over the cord?

That’s about the only disadvantage to having an electric mower vs. a cordless model – you have to be careful not to run over the cord while the blade is spinning. Otherwise, you risk ruining your cord at the very least. The best way to avoid mowing over the cord is to start at the point in your grass that’s closest to the electrical outlet.

Then, keep the cord to one side of you as you’re mowing. That way you won’t lose track of it and you can reel out the cord as necessary so it’s not lying in the areas you’re trying to mow.

How many watts is it?

The 25022 is rated at 1,440 watts. This is calculated by multiplying the amps by the volts. (12 amps x 120 volts – 1440.)

How big is the bag?

The bag holds about 50 liters or 4.42 bushels of grass clippings.

Does it work on damp or wet grass?

Yes, although it’s always easier to cut grass and mulch leaves when it’s dry, and the cuttings won’t gum up underneath the deck as much. If you do cut wet grass, you’ll probably need to stop a few times, unplug the mower and clean out any accumulation around the blade and under the housing.

How well does it mulch leaves?

This model mulches leaves just as well as it cuts grass. However, if you have leaves that are entrenched, it won’t work quite as well as it will on the loose ones on the surface.

Is this mower self propelled?

No. However, in user reviews, owners say it’s still easy to push. The only time it’s really noticed is if the bag is full, making the whole unit heavier. One user in her review says she has no problem because the rear wheels are large so they help propel the machine forward.

We’ve seen reviews from several users who are small, a few 105-122 pound women for instance, and they say they haven’t had a problem pushing it. However, it also depends on how long the grass is and if you have hills to mow. If you are going up a steep hill, you’ll have to work a bit more to get it to go.

Another review from a 67-year old woman who is under 5 feet tall says the light weight and the tall rear wheels make it easy to push and she’s thrilled that she doesn’t have to worry about storing gas in the house.

How does it handle twigs?

As with any mower, you’ll want to pick any large sticks lying around your yard either before you cut or mulch or while you’re going along. However, this one seems to handle twigs just fine. In a review from a user who has live oaks and pine trees on her property, she says this machine is powerful enough to pick up all the nuts and twigs that accumulate on the ground without any problems at all.

How does it compare vs the 25112 13-amp 21” model?

These machines are very similar. The main difference is in the deck size and the extra amp of power in the 25112 model.

What are the safety features?

As with most cordless or electric mowers, this one has a push button start, but as with any mower, safety is a concern. After pushing the button, you have to pull on the handle to get it to run. Let go of the handle, and it stops. This way if it does tip, let it go and the blade automatically stops spinning.

What maintenance is required?

Very little maintenance is need, actually. You’ll want to keep it cleaned up of course and away from extended moisture as the deck housing is steel and can therefore rust if left out in the elements. Also, even though the electric motor is covered, you won’t want any moisture to accumulate on or around it. No fluids or oil are needed to keep it running.

What’s the best way to store it?

The nice thing about storing this mower is that the handle does fold down, making a smaller footprint for storage. That said, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend storing it upright, so it’s best to keep it on all four wheels. If you’d prefer a machine you can store in the upright position, GreenWorks cordless lawnmowers are all rated for this including the 25302 20”, and two of the best cordless lawn mowers overall, the Pro and the 25223 GMAX models.

25012

Quick Facts

  • 18” Steel Deck
  • 12 Amp Motor
  • 2 in 1 Mulches or Side Discharges
  • 7 (Single Lever) Height Options (1 ¾” – 3 ¾”)
  • 7” Rear Wheels
  • 7” Front Wheels
  • Weighs 46 Pounds

What Do I Get?

  • 18” Mower
  • Mulch Plug
  • Side Discharge Chute
  • Owner’s Manual

FAQs

How do I assemble it?

All you need to do after taking it out of the box is to attach the upper and lower parts of the handle with the included bolts and nuts and attach the exhaust guard, then you’re ready to mow.

How does it do on Zoysia or other tough grass?

Users say the 25012 works well on tough grass. One review from a man in New York says he uses it on tall fescue and in this respect it seems to rate right up there with a gas mower. Those that live in Florida where there is a lot of Zoysia grass say they’ve had no problems cutting it with this machine.

Is it easy to push?

While it has no self propelling feature, users say it’s still easy to push. At only 46 pounds, even those of a smaller stature say they haven’t had any problems. It’s a great solution for those who are smaller or can’t or don’t want to handle a big gas mower and don’t want to worry about charging batteries.

As far as lifting it (for storage or transport), it is a bit awkward. One reviewer says he has to carry it up five steps to get from the back to front yards, and while it is awkward, it’s not very heavy if he grabs it near the base.

How do I keep the cord from coming apart or falling out?

There’s a nifty trick to this. There’s a cross bar with a clip on it on the bottom of the machine. After plugging in your extension cord, clip it in and it’s secure. If you find the clip isn’t enough as some users have stated, you can use a twist tie or zip tie in addition to it.

Is there a flap over the side discharge opening?

Yes. If you have the chute attached, it remains open. When it’s removed, that side opening has a flap that goes over the top to close it to allow for mulching.

What’s the big difference between the 12-amp vs. 10-amp models?

As it turns out a couple of amps don’t really make much of a difference. The bigger difference in these is that this is a 2-in-1, meaning you can mulch or use the side discharge only. There is no bag. The 25022 model is also a 12-amp unit, but it does include a bag for your grass clippings.

The 25142 10-amp model is similar to this one in that it’s only a 2 in 1, but this one has seven height adjustments and goes up to 3.75”, while the 25412 has only five height adjustments up to 2.6”.

Does the heat affect the plastic?

While the deck on this model is steel, there are still a lot of plastic parts. While these make it nice and lightweight, some people are concerned that the heat generated will ruin them. This doesn’t seem to be a problem. In fact, one review from a man who’s used his mower for two years says no parts of his are showing any fray or wear in spite of heavy use.

Another user who lives in subtropical heat says his works “like a champ”. The blade enclosure is steel, though, so if you don’t clean out the underside after mowing damp grass, the paint underneath can begin to chip over time. In his review he says he hasn’t been diligent about doing that and the paint is starting to flake off. He says the cover for the grass chute and the skirt attached to the back (both plastic) remains in great shape.

25142

Quick Facts

  • 16” Low-Density Polyethylene Deck
  • 10 Amp Motor
  • 2 in 1 Mulches or Bags (Rear)
  • 5 Single-Lever Height Adjustments (5/8” – 2 5/8”)
  • 7” Rear Wheels
  • 6” Front Wheels
  • Weighs 39 Pounds
  • 4-Year Warranty

What Does it Come With?

  • 16” Mower
  • Mulch Plug
  • Rear Bag
  • Owner’s Manual

FAQs

Do I need to buy an extension cord?

Yes. As with most electric mowers, only a very short cord is included, so you’ll need to get one if you don’t already have one on hand. If you purchase a 100-foot cord, it’s best to get one that’s at least 14-gauge. If you get one that’s 50-feet, make sure it’s at least 16-gauge for safety. A 150-foot cord should be at least 12-gauge.

Is it hard to put together?

This is one of the easiest machines to put together. Out of the box, you just need to pull up the handle and tighten the knobs that hold it in place. Otherwise, it comes fully assembled.

Does it use a standard outlet?

Yes – you can plug it into any standard household 110v outlet with a 3-prong (grounded) plug.

Will it handle twigs and pine cones?

Within reason – yes. Like with any lawnmower, you don’t want to be trying to mow over larger sticks and especially rocks that can fly out and hurt you or do property damage. However, if you need to mow over small twigs and pinecones, it handles them very well. If they are large, it’s best to pick them up prior to mowing.

Do I still need a weed wacker, edger or trimmer?

Since the blade is one inch shorter than the deck size (so it’s a 15” blade in this case), it won’t do edging for you. If you have edges that need to be done, you’ll still need to invest in a good string trimmer or other tool for that purpose.

How much does the bag hold?

The bag on this mower is fairly small, and how fast it fills up depends on how thick your grass is, the cutting height and other factors. Also, it won’t hold as much if the grass is damp. However, it’s easy to empty even if you have to do it often. Just lift and pull up, then dump it.

If you notice the grass you’re cutting isn’t getting picked up, then it’s time to empty the bag.

Can it handle really tall or tough grass?

This mower is meant more for maintenance than cutting down tall thick grass and weeds. It also does a good job of going over small sticks, twigs, pine needles and pinecones. However, if you have an area of really tall weeds and grass, it’s best to go over them with a trimmer first prior to mowing. If you try to mow over tall grass, it is more likely to flatten it than to cut it on the first pass.

As far as tough grass like Bermuda, fescue or St. Augustine, it does a great job. If you have really long strands of Bermuda grass, you might find the job goes faster if you go over them with a rake first to get them out of the way.

How heavy is it?

At only 39 pounds, this is one of the lightest mowers on the market today. Some shoppers have had concerns because it’s not self-propelled, but this has turned out to be a non-issue. In user reviews, no one seems to be complaining about pushing it. Even if you’re short or small, it’s really light and easy to handle.

How do I keep it clean?

As with any electric motor, it’s best not to get it wet. So, the easiest way to clean it is to wait until any grass caught on the underside is dry, and then shake it out. Run over the rest of the machine with a damp rag to keep it looking like new.

Do I have to oil it?

Unlike tools like an electric chainsaw, electric mowers have no bars or chains which need regular lubrication. So this is one less thing you have to do! No oiling at all is required or recommended.

Can I use it to bag leaves?

Yes and no. The bag included works best for grass clippings. If you want to mulch leaves, it’s best to use the mulch plug and not use the bag. It will pick them up and put them in the bag, but in user reviews, it’s said quite a bit is still left behind as the bag is small and can only hold so much.

How should I store it?

You can store this mower vertically, horizontally or even hanging on a wall (make sure you have your hooks secured in wall studs for safety). While it’s well-built and has many plastic parts, it does have an electric motor, and letting it get wet can do damage, so it’s best to store it indoors whether in a storage shed, basement or garage.

The Bottom Line

GreenWorks electric and cordless mowers are some of the best available on the market today. Any one of them can be a great investment if you choose the model that works right for you. While they are all good choices, keep your yard size and lifestyle in mind when making a choice.

While cordless models are most convenient, you will have to make sure you keep the batteries charged for when you’re ready to mow. If electric is the way to go for you, make sure you have a sturdy extension cord on hand that’s long enough for your purposes. Either way, say goodbye to messy gas and oil and engines that can leak and require a lot of maintenance!

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