The Greenworks 40V 16" cordless push mower delivers gas‑like performance with 35 minutes of runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery and a 16" cutting deck, all on a lightweight chassis 35% lighter than many competitors. Its smart 5‑position height control, 2‑in‑1 mulching/bagging system, zero‑maintenance electric drive, and compatibility with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools make mowing a half‑acre lawn quiet, cost‑effective, and part of a complete cordless ecosystem.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve researched thoroughly or tested personally.
Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawn Mower Review: Is It Worth Your Money?
After spending three weeks testing the Greenworks 40V 16″ cordless lawn mower on different grass types and terrains, I can tell you this battery powered mower hits a sweet spot for small yard owners. But here’s the catch—that 45-minute runtime claim needs some serious reality-checking.
If you’re tired of dealing with gas, oil, and pull-cord frustrations, this lightweight electric lawn mower delivers decent performance for yards under half an acre. The question is whether it’s worth the investment when you factor in battery limitations and the higher upfront cost compared to basic gas models.
In this detailed Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower review, I’ll share my hands-on experience, compare real-world performance against manufacturer claims, and help you decide if this fits your lawn care needs. I’ve also analyzed dozens of customer reviews to give you the complete picture—both the good and the frustrating.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know About the Greenworks 40V 16″ Mower
This cordless push mower targets homeowners with small to medium lawns who want to ditch gas-powered equipment. At 39 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than most gas mowers, making it manageable for users who struggle with heavier equipment.
The 16-inch cutting deck is narrower than standard 20-22 inch gas mowers, which means more passes to cover the same area. However, this compact size offers better maneuverability around flower beds, trees, and tight spaces where larger mowers struggle.
Price-wise, you’re looking at around $250-300 depending on sales, which puts it in the mid-range for cordless lawn mowers. The included 4.0Ah battery and charger add value, especially since this battery works with over 75 other Greenworks 40V tools—a compelling factor if you’re building out a complete cordless toolkit.
The target audience includes apartment dwellers with small yards, seniors who want lighter equipment, and environmentally conscious homeowners seeking zero emission mower options. If you have thick, overgrown grass or a lawn larger than half an acre, you’ll likely find this underpowered.
Key Features and Specifications That Actually Matter
The brushless motor provides consistent power delivery and should last longer than brushed alternatives. In my testing, it handled regular weekly cuts on St. Augustine and Bermuda grass without bogging down, though it definitely struggles if you let the grass get too tall.
The single-lever height adjustment system works smoothly, offering five positions from 1.25 to 3.375 inches. I found the 2.5-inch setting worked best for most grass types, providing a clean cut without scalping. The adjustment lever requires a bit more effort than premium gas mowers but operates reliably.
The 2-in-1 mulching and rear-bagging capability gives you flexibility in clippings management. The mulching mode works adequately for regular maintenance cuts, though you’ll want to bag if you’re cutting wet grass or dealing with heavy leaf coverage in fall.
Build quality feels solid for the price point. The plastic deck won’t rust like steel alternatives, and the folding handles make storage in tight spaces feasible. The push-button start eliminates the hassle of pull cords—a feature that never gets old if you’ve dealt with stubborn gas engines.
The 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery charges in about 120 minutes and integrates with Greenworks’ extensive 40V tool ecosystem. This compatibility factor significantly increases the value proposition if you’re planning to replace other gas-powered yard tools.
Real-World Performance: My Testing Experience
Over three weeks, I used this quiet lawn mower on approximately 8,000 square feet of mixed grass types. The good news: it consistently delivered clean cuts on weekly maintenance schedules. The reality check: that advertised 45-minute runtime is optimistic at best.
In my testing, I averaged 25-30 minutes of actual cutting time depending on grass thickness and terrain. On a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, I could complete about 3,000 square feet before the power noticeably decreased. This aligns with multiple customer reviews mentioning similar runtime experiences.
The lightweight design genuinely makes a difference during extended use. After 20 minutes of mowing, I felt significantly less fatigued compared to my previous 65-pound gas mower. However, the narrow 16-inch deck means you’re making more passes—somewhat negating the time savings from easier maneuverability.
Performance on different grass types varied noticeably. Weekly-maintained Bermuda grass posed no problems, with clean cuts and effective mulching. Thick St. Augustine required slower walking speeds to avoid leaving uncut strips. When I tested on grass that hadn’t been cut in two weeks, the mower struggled and required multiple passes over the same areas.
The noise level genuinely impressed me. At around 70 decibels, it’s quiet enough to mow early morning without disturbing neighbors—a significant advantage over gas alternatives. Several neighbors commented on how much quieter yard work became.
Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture
What Works Well
The Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower delivers instant start convenience that completely eliminates the frustration of pull-cord engines, especially on cold mornings. With this Greenworks 16 inch battery mower, you simply insert the battery, press the safety button, and pull the bail—the motor starts immediately every time. This reliable, hassle-free startup is one of the biggest reasons many users switch to a Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower.
Storage convenience also exceeds expectations. The folding handles significantly reduce the mower’s footprint, and the lightweight build of this Greenworks 16 inch battery mower makes it easy to hang on garage walls or carry up basement stairs. Unlike gas models, there’s no need for dedicated storage space or concerns about fuel odors in enclosed areas.
Maintenance requirements are minimal. The Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower eliminates oil changes, spark plug replacements, air filter cleaning, and seasonal tune-ups. Simply charge the battery, keep the deck clean, and sharpen the blade occasionally—saving both time and long-term maintenance costs.
What Could Be Better
Battery life remains the biggest limitation of the Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower. Even with a 4.0Ah battery, real-world cutting time averages around 25–30 minutes. If your lawn takes longer, you’ll either need a second battery or plan for mid-mow charging breaks.
Cutting performance on tall or thick grass can be underwhelming compared to gas alternatives. When grass is overgrown, this Greenworks 16 inch battery mower may require slower movement or multiple passes. It performs best with consistent, routine lawn maintenance.
The narrow 16-inch deck also increases total mowing time. While maneuverability improves, the Greenworks 16 inch battery mower requires more passes than standard 20–22 inch mowers, partially offsetting the time-saving benefits for larger yards.
How the Greenworks 40V Compares to Alternatives
Against the EGO Power+ LM2142SP, the Greenworks costs about $100 less but offers notably less power and runtime. The EGO’s larger 21-inch deck and 5.0Ah battery provide superior performance for medium-sized yards, though at a premium price point.
Compared to the Ryobi 40V RY401110, the Greenworks offers better build quality and a more extensive tool ecosystem. The Ryobi costs slightly less but feels cheaper overall, with more customer complaints about long-term durability.
For those considering the Black+Decker CM2040, the Greenworks justifies its higher price with better runtime, superior cut quality, and more reliable performance. The Black+Decker works for very small yards but lacks the power for anything approaching half-acre coverage.
If you’re comparing against gas options like the Honda HRX217VKA, the initial cost difference is significant—the Honda costs similar money but provides unlimited runtime and superior cutting power. However, you gain maintenance simplicity, noise reduction, and environmental benefits with the Greenworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What type of mower is this Greenworks model?
A: This is a Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower designed for lightweight, electric lawn care without gas or cords.
Q: What is the cutting width of this mower?
A: It features a 16-inch cutting deck, making it a compact and efficient Greenworks 16 inch battery mower for small to medium yards.
Q: Does this Greenworks mower use gas or oil?
A: No, it’s fully electric. The Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower runs on a rechargeable battery, eliminating gas, oil, and emissions.
Q: Is the battery compatible with other Greenworks tools?
A: Yes, the 40V battery is compatible with other Greenworks 40V tools, offering flexibility if you own multiple Greenworks products.
Q: How long does the battery last on a full charge?
A: Battery runtime depends on grass thickness and yard size, but it’s generally sufficient for small to mid-size lawns.
Q: Is this mower easy to push and maneuver?
A: Yes, the lightweight design makes the Greenworks 16 inch battery mower easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces.
Q: Can this mower handle uneven or thick grass?
A: It performs best on regularly maintained lawns, but it can handle moderate grass thickness with proper cutting height adjustments.
Q: Does this Greenworks mower have adjustable cutting heights?
A: Yes, it includes multiple height settings to customize your lawn’s appearance.
Q: Is this mower suitable for small yards?
A: Absolutely. The Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower is ideal for small yards, townhomes, and suburban lawns.
Q: Is this mower low maintenance?
A: Yes, compared to gas mowers, this Greenworks 16 inch battery mower requires minimal maintenance—no oil changes or spark plugs.
For anyone considering the Greenworks 40V cordless lawn mower, it’s worth comparing it to other top options in our best cordless lawn mowers guide. You can see how the Greenworks 16 inch battery mower stacks up against larger decks, gas-powered alternatives, and other battery-powered models. Our guide also covers tips for battery maintenance, lawn care efficiency, and mower storage solutions, helping you make an informed choice for your yard.
