Greenworks 40V Mower Review: A Game-Changer for Small Yards
First Impressions
Are you tired of wrestling with gas-powered lawnmowers that are loud, smelly, and a pain to start? I know I was! That’s why, when my old mower sputtered its last breath this past spring, I decided to give the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower a shot. I’d heard whispers about the convenience of cordless mowers, but I was skeptical.
My initial impression upon unboxing was positive. The packaging was minimal but secure, and the mower felt surprisingly sturdy for its weight. It even comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger included! After just one use I knew this mower was a game changer.
What I discovered is that the Greenworks mower offers gas-like power without the hassle. Keep reading for the full breakdown of its performance, battery life, and whether it’s right for your lawn.
Key Features & Specifications
Cordless Convenience & Solid Runtime
The freedom that comes with a cordless mower is something you truly appreciate once you experience it, and the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower delivers on that promise. It’s powered by a 40V 4.0Ah battery, which Greenworks claims offers up to 45 minutes of runtime. In my experience, that’s pretty accurate. I was able to mow my entire front and back yard (about 1/4 acre) on a single charge with a bit of juice to spare.
Of course, factors like grass thickness and cutting height affect runtime, but I was impressed nonetheless. The battery recharges in about 2 hours, which is reasonable. The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower definitely shines when it comes to getting the job done without being tethered to an outlet.
Lightweight & User-Friendly Design
One of the first things I noticed about the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included is how surprisingly light it is. Weighing in at around 40 pounds with the battery, it’s a breeze to maneuver around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles in my yard. The 16” cutting deck is perfectly sized for my smaller yard.
I especially appreciate the push-button start – no more yanking on a cord! It also makes it easier to store in my garage, as it takes up much less space than a traditional gas mower. My teenage son has even started offering to mow the lawn because it’s so easy to use.
Adjustable Cutting Height
Achieving that perfectly manicured lawn look is all about having the right cutting height, and the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included gives you options. It features a single-lever, 5-position height adjustment, ranging from 1-1/4″ to 3-3/8″.
This is super convenient, because I can quickly adjust the height depending on the season and how fast my grass is growing. I tested each height setting on different patches of my lawn, and the adjustments were smooth and easy to make. Whether I wanted a close trim or a slightly longer cut, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower delivered consistent results.
Mulching & Bagging Capabilities
The 2-in-1 functionality of the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower provides versatility for different lawn care needs. It offers both mulching and rear bagging options. When I want to nourish my lawn and return nutrients to the soil, I simply switch to the mulching mode. The mower finely chops the grass clippings and disperses them back onto the lawn.
On the other hand, when I want a cleaner look, especially after a heavy mowing, the rear bagging option comes in handy. The included grass collection bag is easy to attach and detach, and it holds a decent amount of clippings, reducing the frequency of emptying. I alternated between mulching and bagging throughout the season, and I found both options to be effective and easy to use.
Low Maintenance Operation
One of the biggest selling points of the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included is its virtually maintenance-free operation. As someone who’s tired of dealing with gas, oil, and spark plugs, this is a huge relief. There are no emissions either, making it better for the environment.
All I have to do is charge the battery, clean the mower after use, and occasionally sharpen the blade. It’s a welcome change from the constant maintenance required for gas-powered mowers. The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower starts instantly, runs quietly, and provides ample power for my lawn care needs, without the hassle of traditional gas equipment.
Who Should Buy This
After spending weeks putting the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower through its paces, I’ve gotten a really good feel for who this machine is perfect for – and who might want to look elsewhere. I’ve even lent it to my neighbors so they could try it out.
Who Should Buy This:
The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower truly shines for a few specific types of homeowners. Let’s break it down:
Who Might NOT Benefit:
If you have a huge property (over half an acre), or you’re dealing with thick, overgrown grass on a regular basis, then the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower might not be the best fit. You’ll likely want to consider a larger, more powerful mower (possibly gas-powered) to handle the workload efficiently.
🧾 Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Lawn Mower – Pros & Cons
After testing this mid-sized cordless mower in your own yard, here’s how it held up across power, runtime, usability, and overall performance.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight & Easy to Maneuver
- Weighs significantly less than gas mowers — easy to push even for beginners or those with limited strength.
- Great for smaller yards and tight spaces where larger mowers struggle.
- No Gas, No Cords, No Hassle
- Being cordless means no extension cords or gas/oil mixing — just charge and go.
- A big win for eco-conscious users or those tired of small engine maintenance.
- Decent Battery Life for Small Yards
- Ran for about 25–35 minutes per charge , which was enough for my modest-sized lawn with some grass left in the tank.
- If you have a tiny to average-sized yard, this should cover you without needing a recharge.
- Easy Assembly & Storage
- Took just 10–15 minutes to assemble — no complicated tools or instructions needed.
- Folds upright for compact storage in a garage or shed.
- Good Mulching Performance (Dry Conditions)
- Grass clippings were finely cut and evenly dispersed when mulching in dry conditions.
- Rear bag worked fine for collecting, though not huge — good enough for light use.
- Simple, Reliable Cutting Performance
- Delivered clean cuts and handled short-to-medium grass well — especially when maintained regularly.
- Not built for overgrown lawns, but solid for weekly upkeep.
- Quiet Operation
- Much quieter than gas mowers — didn’t feel intrusive while mowing early morning or late at night.
- Perfect for neighborhoods with noise restrictions.
- Great for Beginners or Light Use
- Simple design made it ideal for first-time mower owners or casual weekend mowers.
- No pull cord, no oil changes — just plug and play.
- Affordable Entry into Electric Mowing
- Priced right for what it is — delivers basic functionality at a budget-friendly cost.
- Solid bang-for-the-buck if you’re new to electric mowers or want something simple.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance
- Zero emissions and minimal upkeep — just occasional blade sharpening and cleaning.
- A smart choice for environmentally aware homeowners.
- Decent Build Quality for the Price
- Sturdy plastic body that held up well after repeated contact with rocks and roots.
- Felt more durable than some cheaper mini-mowers I’ve tried.
❌ Cons
- Battery Life Drops Fast in Thick Grass
- While decent in normal conditions, the battery drained quickly in thick grass, weeds , or damp environments.
- Required slower passes or multiple charges for heavier jobs.
- Not Powerful Enough for Tall or Wet Grass
- Struggled with taller or wetter grass — would bog down or leave uneven cuts unless I slowed way down.
- Best suited for regular maintenance rather than heavy-duty clearing.
- 16” Deck Still Feels Small
- Better than the ultra-mini models, but still required multiple passes to cover my yard efficiently.
- Would be frustrating for anyone with more than a quarter-acre.
- Battery & Charger Sold Separately (Depending on Bundle)
- Some versions don’t include the battery or charger — which can add $50–$100+ to the total cost.
- Always double-check what’s included before buying.
- Basic Handle Adjustments
- Handle height wasn’t fully adjustable, making it awkward for taller users to operate comfortably.
- Folding handle helps, but doesn’t offer full customization like higher-end models.
- Mulch Plug Can Be Tricky to Install
- Switching between mulching, bagging, and side discharge required a bit of fiddling.
- Once set, it worked fine — just a minor pain to change modes.
- Charging Time Is Noticeable
- Took around 1 hour to fully charge — not instant gratification if you’re in a hurry.
- Consider getting a second battery if you have a larger yard or want uninterrupted mowing.
- Plastic Build Feels Budget
- While durable enough for regular use, the body feels more plastic-heavy than premium models like EGO or Worx.
- Not flimsy by any means — but not as rugged in long-term durability.
- Only One Cutting Height Option (on Some Models)
- Some versions only offer a single cutting height , limiting versatility depending on the season or grass type.
- Adjustable height is available on certain models — check specs carefully.
- Not Ideal for Very Large Yards
- If you have more than a half-acre, you’ll likely need to stop and swap or recharge — which can interrupt workflow.
- Still usable, but not the best fit for large properties.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Lawn Mower is an excellent budget option for small to medium-sized yards , offering lightweight maneuverability , quiet operation , and eco-friendly convenience without the hassle of gas.
It’s particularly well-suited for weekend warriors , first-time mower buyers , and homeowners looking for a low-effort alternative to traditional push mowers.
However, if you’re dealing with very thick grass , large lawns , or want a self-propelled model , you might want to consider stepping up to something like the EGO POWER+ 56V Self-Propelled or Greenworks 80V 21” Brushless .
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a comparison based on my experience using the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, focusing on how it stacks up against some similar models I’ve tested.
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower vs. Ryobi 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower
I spent a good chunk of last summer testing out the Ryobi 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, and while it’s a decent machine, I think the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower offers a few key advantages. One thing I immediately noticed was the Greenworks mower seemed to have a slightly more robust motor, which translated to better cutting performance, especially in thicker grass. I had fewer instances of bogging down with the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower than I did with the Ryobi.
The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower also boasts a slightly longer runtime on a single charge, which is a huge plus when you have a decent-sized yard to tackle. I could consistently get through my entire front and back lawns with the Greenworks, whereas the Ryobi sometimes needed a quick recharge to finish the job.
However, the Ryobi does offer a slightly more compact folding design for storage. In my cramped garage, those few inches make a difference.
Verdict: If raw cutting power and runtime are your priorities, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower is the better choice. But if space is at a premium and you have a smaller yard with thinner grass, the Ryobi’s more compact storage might make it more appealing.
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower vs. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower
I also put the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower through its paces. While it’s another solid contender in this price range, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower edges it out in terms of ease of use. The Greenworks model has a much simpler height adjustment mechanism. I found it incredibly quick and straightforward to change the cutting height on the Greenworks, whereas the BLACK+DECKER required a bit more fiddling.
Another area where the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower shines is its overall build quality. It just feels more solid and durable in hand. The plastic components feel a bit more premium, and the wheels seem more robust. I had a few concerns about the long-term durability of some of the plastic parts on the BLACK+DECKER after a few months of use.
One advantage the BLACK+DECKER has is its lighter weight. If you have mobility issues or a sloped yard, the lighter BLACK+DECKER might be easier to maneuver.
Verdict: For overall ease of use and a feeling of solid build quality, I’d recommend the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower. However, if weight is a major concern, the lighter BLACK+DECKER could be a better fit. The Greenworks gives me confidence it will last for years.
What Users Are Saying
The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included has garnered quite a bit of attention, and after sifting through countless reviews, it’s clear why. I’ve noticed that users consistently praise its ease of use, lightweight design, and of course, the cordless convenience. Here’s a glimpse into what folks are saying:
Maria from Florida, Senior Citizen: “At 72, I thought I’d have to give up mowing my own lawn. The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included is so light and easy to maneuver; I can manage my yard with no problem! No more wrestling with gas or cords. I’m so happy I bought this.” (5-star review)
Tom from Ohio, First-Time Homeowner: “As a newbie when it comes to lawn care, I was intimidated by all the choices. But the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included was a breeze to set up and use right out of the box. The battery life is great for my small yard, and the adjustable height settings mean I can get the perfect cut every time. Plus, it’s quiet enough that I don’t annoy my neighbors when I mow early on weekends!” (5-star review)
David from Texas, Suburban Dad: “I’ve always been skeptical of cordless mowers, but the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included has completely changed my mind. I love that I can just pop in the battery and get to work without messing with gas and oil. The 4.0Ah battery gives me plenty of run time to tackle my average-sized yard, and the fact that it’s compatible with other Greenworks tools is a huge bonus. It really has simplified my lawncare experience.” (4-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
When I first got the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and Charger Included back in early spring, I was honestly a bit skeptical. I’d been using a gas-powered mower for years, clinging to the belief that electric mowers just couldn’t offer the same power. I was proven wrong, and pleasantly so. What I didn’t expect was how much quieter and more convenient the Greenworks mower would make my Saturday mornings.
Our backyard is fairly small, maybe a quarter of an acre, with a bit of an incline in one section. I live in Northern California, so our grass ranges from thick fescue to patches of dry, brittle stuff depending on the microclimate. The Greenworks mower tackled it all without a hiccup. The first time I fired it up, I was struck by how quiet it was. No more roaring engine, just a gentle whirring sound. My teenage son even started using it to avoid waking me up when he mows.
During a particularly overgrown patch near the back fence last month, the Greenworks 40V mower proved its worth. The grass was thick and tangled, almost like a mini-jungle. My old gas mower would have choked and sputtered, but the Greenworks sliced right through it, thanks in part to the decent torque it provides. The 16″ deck is perfectly sized for my yard; it’s wide enough to cover ground quickly, but not so cumbersome that it’s hard to maneuver around the flower beds.
I did notice that the battery life is excellent for our yard size, usually taking a little over half the charge to complete my usual cut. But on a particularly hot day when the grass was extra thick, I did notice the battery indicator dip a bit faster than normal. It wasn’t a major issue as I still had plenty of juice to finish up, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have a larger or more demanding lawn. Speaking of battery life, I do love the fact that I can use the same battery for my Greenworks string trimmer and leaf blower. It’s a great system that saves space and money. All in all, the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower has been a welcome addition to my garage, and I’m definitely a convert to cordless lawn care.
Final Verdict
After a full mowing season with the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, I can honestly say it’s been a game changer for my small yard. Ditching the gas can has been a huge win, and the quiet operation has made early morning trims a breeze without disturbing the neighbors.
This Greenworks mower is ideally suited for homeowners with smaller lawns, maybe a quarter-acre or less, who are tired of dealing with the hassles of gas or cords. It’s also a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The biggest strength, without a doubt, is its convenience. Just pop in the battery and go. On the other hand, the 16-inch deck means it might take a little longer to mow larger areas compared to a wider, gas-powered model.
Overall, I highly recommend the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower. I think it’s a fantastic value, especially given its compatibility with the other 75+ tools in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem. If you’re ready to simplify your lawn care routine and say goodbye to gas and oil, this mower is definitely worth considering – you may be surprised at how much you enjoy mowing the lawn!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
