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Top-rated 40V 21-inch cordless self-propelled lawn mower on green grass – front view for detailed review
Testing the 40V 21″ cordless battery self-propelled lawn mower for power, runtime, and cutting performance

 

I never thought I’d say this about a lawn mower, but I was actually excited to mow the yard. After using the Greenworks 40V 21″ cordless mower here in Austin, Texas, I had to share my experience. I’ve used it through thick grass, uphill slopes, and dry patches, and it impressed me each time. I’ve worked with many types of mowers over the years, but this one really feels like it was built for ease and comfort. So if you’re tired of the noise, fumes, or pull-start drama, this might be worth a look.

Now let’s talk about what actually makes it different—and where it could be better.

My Real Life Experience: 40V 21″ Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review

Using this mower in my Austin backyard was a bit like switching from a stick shift to a smooth electric car. No gas smell. No tug-of-war with a starter cord. Just press, push, and go. But that’s not to say everything was perfect—so here’s the full story from someone who’s used it hands-on.

Battery Test: Surprisingly Strong, But Could Be Smarter

Each 40V 4Ah battery gave me about 30 to 35 minutes on a full charge, depending on the terrain. I tested it mowing both a flat lawn and a sloped side yard. The battery drained faster uphill, especially when using self-propel and turbo mode. One minor headache? It only comes with one charger, so charging both batteries back-to-back took a while. I really wish they’d included a dual charger. Still, the fact that it auto-switches from one battery to the next is a small but useful touch.

RPM & Blade Performance: Light Duty, But Gets the Job Done

I tested the blade speed by listening and observing—not with high-end gear, but you can tell it’s optimized for quiet operation, not raw power. It cuts evenly in one pass across basic lawn grass and handles winter thatch or soft weeds well. But I wouldn’t recommend it for overgrown or rocky areas. After just one mow over a rough patch, the blade picked up small nicks. It’s a “light-duty warrior”—reliable for regular upkeep but not meant for jungle-clearing missions.

Noise Level: Whisper Compared to Gas

Honestly, this was one of my favorite things. It’s quiet—think electric toothbrush versus chainsaw. I used to wait for late morning so I wouldn’t disturb the neighbors, but now I can mow before breakfast if I want. There’s a faint hum, but no loud roaring. If you’re noise-sensitive or live in a neighborhood where silence matters, this is a real perk.

Speed Test: Smooth and Adjustable

The self-propel feature feels like cruise control on a gentle hill. I used it mostly on uphill patches, and even then, I kept it on the second-lowest setting—it pulled me along easily. You can control your pace without feeling dragged or rushed. But here’s a heads-up: if you try turning without releasing the self-propel handle, it’ll try to take you for a spin. Took me a few tries to get used to that.

What I Struggled With

I did mess up the first time. I forgot to remove the rear mulching plug before attaching the bag—so the grass clippings had nowhere to go. That’s on me, but it shows the learning curve isn’t zero. Also, I had to manually swap battery charges, which interrupted the flow.

What’s Good

It’s light and clean. It’s intuitive once you know the steps. You don’t need to be mechanically inclined to handle it. The cutting height adjusts with one lever that moves all four wheels. That alone saves a lot of hassle.

What’s Not So Great

Plastic parts underneath feel a bit fragile. I found debris collecting near the motor and battery area, especially on dry days. It’s easy to clean, but I’d prefer more protection in that zone. Also, local repair shops won’t touch it, so long-term support may be limited.

How It Could Be Better

Give us two chargers. Or one that handles both batteries. Reinforce the underside with tougher materials for peace of mind. And please, make local service more accessible—people want to feel supported, not stranded.

What I Like Most

Honestly, I love how little effort it takes. For someone who used to dread mowing days, this mower made the task feel more like a stroll with purpose. The brand may not have the longest track record in heavy-duty tools, but for home use, Greenworks feels like it’s stepping up with practical, eco-conscious design.

If you’re someone who wants quiet, clean mowing and doesn’t need to cut through wild terrain, this mower might be your new best yard buddy. Just know what you’re getting into: light-duty performance, long battery life, and a bit of learning up front. Keep your lawn clear, stay on top of maintenance, and it’ll serve you well.

My Bittersweet Experience: Is a 21″ Cordless Mower Big Enough for Large Lawns?

I’ve mowed my fair share of grass in Austin, and let’s just say—my yard isn’t shy about showing its size. Using a 21″ cordless mower on a larger lawn has been a mixed bag. Some days it felt like a smooth ride, other days I felt like I was chasing daylight.

Covering Ground Takes Time

I expected the mower to breeze through, but I had to split the job in two.

Problem:
The 21-inch cutting width sounds wide, but when you’re dealing with a sprawling lawn, it adds up to more passes than expected. I ended up running out of battery before finishing everything in one go.

Solution:
If your lawn is on the bigger side, mow in sections. Charge one battery while using the other. Also, consider a backup battery or investing in a dual charger to keep the pace going.

Battery Burnout Mid-Mow

I was halfway through the back when the motor just stopped.

Problem:
Even with two 4Ah batteries, a large yard can drain power quickly—especially if you’re using the self-propel feature or mowing uphill.

Solution:
Switch off the self-propel when mowing flat areas to extend battery life. And try mowing early when the grass is dry and light to reduce strain on the motor.

Overheating on Warm Days

Texas heat plus thick patches really pushed it.

Problem:
On hot afternoons, the motor started to feel warm and less responsive. It didn’t shut down, but I noticed a performance dip during longer runs.

Solution:
Mow during cooler hours and avoid pushing the mower through thick, damp grass in one go. Let it rest between sections if needed—it’ll last longer and perform better.

Bag Fills Up Fast

I thought I’d just dump the clippings once—but ended up doing it three times.

Problem:
The rear bag is fine for smaller spaces, but on a big lawn, it fills up quickly. Stopping to empty it repeatedly broke the rhythm.

Solution:
If you’re mowing often and keeping your grass short, try using the mulching plug instead. Less stopping, and you return nutrients to the soil.

Walking Speed vs. Yard Size

At first, I liked the slow-and-steady vibe—until I realized the sun was setting.

Problem:
Even at its fastest, the self-propel speed isn’t very fast. For big yards, it feels like walking in slow motion.

Solution:
Skip the self-propel when on flat, open areas. Push manually to move quicker and conserve power.

 

Alternative Option: Toro Recycler 60V Max 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review

I’ve used many cordless mowers over the years—some good, some not. Living in Austin, I’ve tested them under real heat and real grass. Toro is one of those brands that stood out. The Toro Recycler 60V Max felt strong, smooth, and ready for more. If you want more power than the Greenworks 40V, this one may be worth it.

Toro 60V Self-Propelled Mower Review

I’ve used Toro tools before. Their leaf blower and trimmer both held up well. When I tried this mower, I had a good feeling. And it didn’t let me down. It works great for medium lawns and has the power to keep going, even through thick grass.

Feature Greenworks 40V Mower Toro Recycler 60V Max Mower
Battery Voltage 40V (x2 4Ah batteries) 60V (1x 6Ah battery)
Runtime (avg) ~35 mins per battery ~45–50 mins
Cutting Width 21 inches 21 inches
Self-Propel Speed Slower on flat lawns Quicker and more fluid
Noise Level Very quiet Still quiet, deeper sound
Cutting Power Great for light jobs Handles tough grass better
Mulching/Bagger Option Basic bag + plug Built-in Recycler system
Weight & Handling Light and easy to move Heavier but steady
Charging One charger only Comes with a fast charger

Summary:
Greenworks is light and simple. Toro adds more strength and better runtime.

Quiet Electric Mower for Medium Lawns

Noise is a big deal in my neighborhood. I mow early, so quiet matters. Both brands did well. Toro was just a little louder in tall grass. But still much quieter than gas mowers.

Feature Greenworks 40V Mower Toro 60V Recycler Mower
Startup Sound Soft and fast Quick, with a slight hum
Noise in Use Smooth and low Deeper tone on thick spots
Neighborhood Friendly Great for small homes Great for bigger yards too

Summary:
Greenworks is a bit softer. But Toro is still quiet and strong.

Battery-Powered Mower with Mulching Capability

I like mulching when I can. It saves time and feeds the yard. I tried both brands with this in mind. Greenworks does okay. But Toro made the job easier.

Feature Greenworks 40V Mower Toro 60V Recycler Mower
Mulching Efficiency Good, but needs care Great, built-in system
Ease of Switching Modes Needs manual plug Easy lever switch
Clipping Collection Bag fills fast Bag holds more, easier to dump

Summary:
Toro is better for mulch and bagging. Greenworks works, but takes more steps.

FAQ Section

Is the Greenworks 40V 21″ self-propelled lawn mower worth it?
Yes, if you want a quiet, lightweight mower that’s easy to use and great for small to mid-sized lawns. Learn more about what makes it stand out.

How long does the Greenworks 40V mower battery last?
Each 4Ah battery runs for about 30–35 minutes. With two batteries, you can mow most small yards. See tips on getting the most out of it.

Can the 21″ cordless mower handle large lawns?
It can, but expect more time and battery swaps. For bigger yards, a higher-voltage option might be better. Compare it with other models here.

Is the Greenworks mower good for quiet neighborhoods?
Absolutely. It runs quietly, making it perfect for early mornings or close neighbors. Discover more on its noise level and smooth handling.

Does the Greenworks 40V mower work well for mulching?
It does a decent job, though the bag fills quickly. For better mulching, check plug placement and mowing conditions. Learn how to optimize it.

My Final Thoughts on Greenworks

If you’re someone who values quiet mowing, lightweight handling, and simple setup, Greenworks could be the perfect fit for your yard. But if you need more raw power or want to mow a large lawn in one go, you might want to look into other options. Based on my time using it, this mower made yard work less of a chore and more of a breeze. It’s not perfect, but for everyday lawn care, it gets the job done—quietly, cleanly, and without much fuss.

 

Read More: Top Features of the 40V 20″ Cordless Lawn Mower You Should Know About