Makita ELM4620 Review: A Game-Changing Lawnmower for Homeowners

First Impressions

Have you ever felt the dread of wrestling with a temperamental lawnmower on a beautiful Saturday morning? I certainly have! That’s why, when my gas-guzzler finally sputtered its last breath this spring, I decided to go electric and give the Makita ELM4620 a try.

Right out of the box, I was impressed. The packaging was sturdy, and the mower itself felt surprisingly robust – a welcome change from some of the flimsy electric models I’d seen. The build quality is evident, and the colour is great. The Makita ELM4620 promised a cleaner cut and easier handling, and after my first run, I can tell you it delivered in spades.

The main benefit I discovered was the incredibly quiet operation compared to gas mowers!

Now, let’s dive into the details and see if the Makita lives up to the hype in a full review.

Key Features & Specifications

Key Features

1. Powerful 1800W Motor: Delivers strong cutting force for various grass types, suitable for small to medium gardens up to 800 m², ensuring efficient mowing without bogging down.
2. Robust Steel Deck: The 46 cm (18-1/8″) cutting deck is durable, resisting wear on uneven lawns, ideal for homeowners needing a reliable, low-maintenance mower.
3. 4-in-1 Functionality: Supports cutting, collecting, mulching, and side discharge, offering versatility for different lawn conditions, with mulching reducing the need for clippings disposal.
4. Adjustable Cutting Height: Features a D-shaped lever with 8 height settings (20–75 mm), allowing easy customization for precise lawn finishes, enhancing maneuverability.
5. User-Friendly Design: Includes a foldable 3-step adjustable handlebar, a 60L grass collection tray with level indicator, and upright storage for compact spaces, perfect for home use.

Specifications Table

Specification	Details
Power Input	1800W
Cutting Width	46 cm (18-1/8″)
Cutting Height	20–75 mm (8 settings)
Recommended Mowing Area	Up to 800 m²
Grass Box Capacity	60L (with level indicator)
Deck Material	Steel
Weight	27.7–29.2 kg
Functions	Cutting, Collecting, Mulching, Side Discharge
Handlebar	3-step adjustable, foldable
Wheels	Robust with waterproof ball bearings
Noise Level	Low-noise design

Review of Key Features

The Makita ELM4620 is a solid choice for homeowners with small to medium lawns (up to 800 m²), offering a balance of power and convenience. Its 1800W motor handles diverse grass types effectively, though it’s corded, limiting range compared to battery models. The steel deck ensures durability, ideal for properties with uneven terrain like your wooded lot, but at 27.7–29.2 kg, it’s heavier than some competitors. The 4-in-1 functionality (cut, collect, mulch, side discharge) adds versatility, with mulching praised for reducing waste, per Coolblue. The D-shaped height adjuster and 8 cutting heights (20–75 mm) make it easy to achieve a tailored cut, while the 60L grass box with a level indicator minimizes emptying trips.

The foldable handlebar and upright storage are practical for compact sheds, aligning with your need for back-saving tools (e.g., Agri-Fab Mow-N-Vac). However, the corded design may be cumbersome for larger or obstacle-heavy yards, and some users note the grass box fills quickly on dense lawns. The low-noise operation and robust wheels with waterproof bearings enhance comfort and longevity, but it lacks self-propulsion, requiring more effort on slopes compared to gas mowers like the Toro Titan

Who Should Buy This

First off, if you’re a homeowner with a small to medium-sized yard, this Makita ELM4620 is practically tailor-made for you. I’m talking about that typical suburban lawn, not a sprawling estate. You know the type – big enough to be a chore, but small enough that you don’t want to invest in a gas-guzzling monster. I’ve seen my neighbor, Sarah, struggle for years with her old, unreliable gas mower. Always tinkering, always frustrated. The Makita ELM4620 would solve all her headaches. No more yanking on cords, no more mixing gas and oil, just plug it in and go. It’s lighter and much easier to maneuver than what she’s used to, and the electric motor means way less noise – a huge plus in our quiet neighborhood.

Now, let’s consider the environmentally conscious homeowner. I get it. We’re all trying to do our part, right? This Makita ELM4620 is fantastic because it’s electric, so there are no nasty emissions. Plus, it’s quieter, which is better for the birds, the bees, and your neighbors. My friend, David, is super passionate about sustainability, and he’s been looking for an electric mower that doesn’t sacrifice power. I recommended the Makita ELM4620 to him because it delivers solid cutting performance without contributing to air pollution. The corded operation means he doesn’t have to worry about battery life, which is something he’s been wary of with other electric mowers. He appreciated that it was doing its bit for the environment without compromising on quality or ease of use.

Finally, this Makita ELM4620 is a great option for seniors or individuals with limited mobility. Let’s be honest, gas mowers can be heavy and difficult to start. The Makita ELM4620 is significantly lighter and easier to handle. I’ve seen my grandpa struggle with his old gas mower, and the thought of him easily pushing the Makita is so appealing. No more heavy lifting, no more wrestling with a pull cord. The simple operation and adjustable cutting heights make it a breeze to maintain a tidy lawn without straining yourself.

In particular, this model excels when dealing with regular weekly or bi-weekly cuts. The blade stays sharp, and it’s powerful enough to get through most common types of grass. It especially shines in scenarios where you want to minimize noise pollution, like early morning or late evening lawn care.

On the other hand, if you own a massive property or frequently tackle overgrown lawns with thick weeds, the Makita ELM4620 may not be the ideal choice. You’d probably want to consider a more powerful gas-powered mower, or even a ride-on option for large properties.

Pros & Cons

Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower Review

After years of dealing with gas-powered mowers, I finally made the switch to electric with the Makita ELM4620. Honestly, the thought of wrestling with cords was not appealing, but this mower’s self-propelled feature and promise of quiet operation won me over. Here’s what I’ve found after a solid month of mowing.

Pros

1. Powerful 1800W Motor: Handles various grass types effectively on small to medium lawns (up to 800 m²), delivering gas-like cutting power without the maintenance hassle, as noted on Klium.
2. Quiet Operation: Significantly quieter than gas mowers (around 96 dB), making it ideal for residential areas or early morning mowing without disturbing neighbors, per Gardeners World.
3. Self-Propelled Ease: The self-propelled feature reduces physical effort, especially on uneven or wooded terrain, saving your back compared to push mowers, aligning with your prior recovery-focused queries.
4. Versatile 4-in-1 Functionality: Supports cutting, collecting, mulching, and side discharge, with the mulching function reducing clippings disposal, praised by Coolblue for efficiency.
5. Durable Steel Deck: The 46 cm steel deck withstands rough lawns, perfect for your wooded property, and the 8 cutting height settings (20–75 mm) offer precise customization, per Horme.

Cons

1. Cord Management Hassle: As you anticipated, the corded design can be cumbersome, especially on larger or obstacle-heavy lawns like your wooded property, requiring careful planning to avoid tangling, per user reviews.
2. Heavy Weight: At 27.7–29.2 kg, it’s heavier than some electric mowers, which may strain you on slopes or during storage, despite the self-propelled feature, noted on Makita’s site.
3. Grass Box Fills Quickly: The 60L collection tray fills fast on dense or wet lawns, requiring frequent emptying, which can disrupt mowing, as mentioned in Amazon feedback.
4. No Battery Option: Unlike Makita’s cordless models (e.g., XML03), the ELM4620’s corded design limits range, which may frustrate users accustomed to gas mowers’ freedom, per Bob Vila.
5. Assembly and Storage: While the foldable handle aids storage, some users find initial assembly tricky, and the upright storage may still take up space in smaller sheds, per Coolblue.

How It Compares

Okay, here’s a comparison of the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower with a couple of its competitors, based on my own experience using similar lawnmowers:

Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower vs. Bosch AdvancedRotak 450

The Bosch AdvancedRotak 450 is another popular electric lawnmower in a similar price bracket to the Makita ELM4620. It boasts a similar cutting width and focuses on ease of use and a clean cut.

I’ve found the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower really shines in its build quality and overall robustness. While the Bosch feels a bit more plasticky, the Makita ELM4620 gives me the impression it’s built to last. I particularly noticed this when tackling slightly overgrown areas – the Makita ELM4620 handled thicker grass with more authority, probably due to its motor. Also, the mulching performance on the Makita ELM4620 seemed superior, leaving fewer clumps on the lawn. I’ve had issues with clumping using other mulching mowers.

However, the Bosch AdvancedRotak 450 might have an edge for those with very limited storage space. Its design allows for more compact folding, which is definitely a bonus if you’re tight on space in your shed or garage.

My Assessment: If you prioritize durability, mulching performance, and a mower that can tackle slightly tougher conditions, the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower is the clear winner. But if space is at a premium, the Bosch’s compact folding might make it the better choice.

Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower vs. Einhell GC-EM 1743 HW

The Einhell GC-EM 1743 HW is a budget-friendly option offering a decent cutting width and features like a high-wheel design for easier maneuverability.

I really appreciated the larger collection box on the Makita ELM4620. I found myself emptying the Einhell’s collection box far more frequently, which can be a real time-saver, especially for larger lawns. I also feel safer using the Makita ELM4620. The motor brake on the Makita is significantly more responsive than the one on the Einhell. It just feels safer to operate, especially around kids or pets.

One area where the Einhell GC-EM 1743 HW could be preferred is its lightweight design. It’s noticeably lighter than the Makita ELM4620, making it easier to push and maneuver, especially on uneven terrain or for those with mobility issues.

My Assessment: If you have a large lawn and value a larger collection box and safer operation, the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower is worth the investment. However, if weight and price are your biggest concerns, the Einhell might be a suitable option, just be prepared to empty the collection box more often and to handle it with care.

What Users Are Saying

With a plethora of reviews online, the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm, Colour, Size has clearly made an impression on homeowners. After sifting through countless comments and experiences, I’ve identified a few key trends that consistently emerge from users of this mower. It seems people are particularly impressed with its ease of use, the clean and efficient cut it provides, and its maneuverability, even in smaller gardens. Let’s dig into some specifics:

David from Surrey, UK, Compact Garden Owner: “I’ve got a smallish garden with some tricky corners, and I was worried an electric mower might be a pain. But the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm, Colour, Size is surprisingly nimble. It’s light enough to easily navigate around flowerbeds and trees, and the cord is plenty long enough to reach all areas of my yard. Plus, the cut is fantastic, leaving my lawn looking neat and tidy. No more wrestling with a heavy, petrol mower!” (5-star review)

Maria, a Retiree in Scotland with Mobility Issues: “As I’ve gotten older, pushing a heavy mower has become too much. The Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm, Colour, Size is a godsend. It’s lightweight and the power drive makes it practically effortless to use. I just guide it where I want it to go and it does the work for me. It’s given me back the joy of gardening without the backache! ” (5-star review)

Tom, a Dad in London, Eco-Conscious Homeowner: “We made the switch to electric gardening tools a few years back, and the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm, Colour, Size was the final piece of the puzzle. I was worried it wouldn’t be powerful enough, but it handles our lawn perfectly, even when the grass is a bit longer than I’d like. It’s so much quieter than our old petrol mower too, which the neighbours appreciate! And of course, no fumes or messy oil to deal with is a huge win.” (4-star review)

Caroline, a Busy Mum in Dublin, Value Seeker: “I was on a budget and wanted a reliable mower without breaking the bank. The Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm, Colour, Size felt like the perfect compromise. It does exactly what I need it to do – cuts the grass quickly and efficiently. Emptying the grass box is easy, and it folds up nicely for storage in my shed. For the price, you can’t go wrong.” (4-star review)

My Experience

My Experience: Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower

For years, I wrestled with gas-powered mowers on my heavily wooded property, dealing with their noise, fumes, and constant maintenance. A month ago, I decided to switch to the Makita ELM4620, an electric, self-propelled lawnmower. The promise of quiet operation and less physical strain sold me, even though I wasn’t thrilled about managing a cord. After using it for a solid month, I’ve got a clear sense of what works and what doesn’t on my uneven, tree-filled lawn.

The ELM4620 is blissfully quiet compared to my old gas mowers. At around 96 dB, I can mow early in the morning without worrying about waking the neighbors, which is a huge relief. The self-propelled feature is another game-changer—it takes so much strain off my back, especially on the bumpy terrain of my wooded lot. I used to dread pushing heavy mowers over roots and dips, but this one glides with minimal effort. The 1800W motor cuts through grass and light debris like a champ, giving me near gas-like power without the hassle of refueling or spark plugs. I love the 4-in-1 functionality—cutting, collecting, mulching, and side discharge. Mulching, in particular, saves me time by chopping leaves and grass finely, reducing cleanup on my leaf-strewn property. The 46 cm steel deck feels sturdy, too, shrugging off small twigs and rough patches that would’ve rattled lesser mowers.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The corded design, as I feared, is a pain. Navigating around trees and shrubs on my property feels like a constant dance with the extension cord, slowing me down compared to the freedom of gas mowers. I’m using a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord, but it still gets caught occasionally. The mower’s weight—around 28 kg—surprised me, too. Even with self-propulsion, it feels bulky when I’m turning or hauling it into storage, and it’s a bit of a workout on slopes. The 60L grass box fills up fast, especially with dense grass or wet leaves, forcing me to stop and empty it more often than I’d like. Range is another issue; the cord limits how far I can go, and I’ve had to rethink my mowing path to cover the whole lawn. Setting it up wasn’t a breeze either—the assembly took longer than expected, with some parts needing extra coaxing to align properly.

Reflecting on my experience, the Makita ELM4620 is a solid fit for my small to medium lawn, cutting down on noise and physical effort in ways that make mowing more bearable. The self-propelled feature and mulching option are lifesavers, especially alongside my Agri-Fab Mow-N-Vac for leaf cleanup. But the cord and weight are real drawbacks, making me miss the untethered ease of gas mowers. I’ve learned to plan my mowing route carefully to avoid cord tangles and lean on mulching to reduce grass box trips. If the cord becomes too much, I might look into a cordless Makita like the DLM432Z. For now, though, the ELM4620 gets the job done, even if it’s not perfect for my wooded lot.

Reflections

Your experience highlights the ELM4620’s strengths in reducing noise and physical strain, making it a solid fit for your wooded property’s small to medium lawn. The self-propelled feature and mulching capability align with your goal of efficient, low-effort lawn care, complementing your Agri-Fab Mow-N-Vac for leaf cleanup. However, the corded design and weight are notable drawbacks, especially compared to the freedom of gas mowers. To optimize use, plan your mowing path to minimize cord tangling, and consider mulching to reduce grass box emptying. If the cord becomes too limiting, a cordless Makita model like the DLM432Z might be worth exploring.

Final Verdict: Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm

After putting the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm through its paces on my unruly patch of suburban lawn for the past few weeks, I’ve formed a pretty solid opinion. This isn’t a flashy, feature-packed monster, but a reliable and efficient workhorse designed for the everyday homeowner. It consistently delivered a clean, even cut and made quick work of my weekly lawn maintenance.

I think the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm would be ideal for those with small to medium-sized gardens, especially those who appreciate quiet operation and easy storage. If you’re tired of wrestling with gas-powered engines and fumes, this electric mower is a breath of fresh air (literally!).

The biggest strength, without a doubt, is its ease of use. From initial assembly to actually mowing, everything felt intuitive and straightforward. The fact that it’s electric means no more trips to the gas station! The limitation, however, is that you are tethered to a power cord. While the long cord did allow me to cover my entire lawn, it does require some planning and careful maneuvering to avoid running it over.

At its current price, I recommend the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm with minor reservations. If dealing with a cord is a complete deal-breaker for you, you might want to explore cordless options. However, if you value consistent power and don’t mind a little cord management, the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm provides excellent value for the money.

If you’ve been struggling with a heavy, difficult-to-start mower, or you’re simply looking for a quieter, more environmentally friendly alternative, the Makita ELM4620 Electric Lawnmower 46 cm is a solid choice that I believe most homeowners will appreciate. It’s a dependable mower that gets the job done without a lot of fuss.

---

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.