An honest, experience-led look at Greenworks 60V 21" self-propelled cordless lawn mower user reviews, covering real-world performance, strengths, and limitations for US homeowners.
Key Features at a Glance
The Greenworks 60V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower sits firmly in the premium battery mower category, with a typical price range between $500 and $600. On paper, it offers a lot: a brushless motor, self-propelled rear-wheel drive, dual 4.0Ah batteries, LED headlights, and compatibility with over 75 tools in the Greenworks 60V ecosystem. For homeowners looking to move away from gas, this kind of setup is naturally appealing.
Medium Sized Yards
With a 21-inch cutting deck and a total weight of just over 65 pounds, this mower is clearly aimed at medium-sized yards, including lawns with gentle slopes. The self-propelled system is designed to reduce physical effort, while the 4-in-1 cutting options, mulching, bagging, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup, add flexibility across seasons.
Mixed Feedback
That said, while many users report strong cutting performance and appreciate the quieter operation compared to petrol mowers, reviews are not universally glowing. Runtime expectations, long-term battery durability, and consistency on thicker grass come up regularly in user feedback. The claimed 45 to 60-minute runtime may be achievable in ideal conditions, but not everyone experiences that in real-world use.
Price on the High Side
At first glance, I think this mower looks well thought-out and competitively specified. Still, it is not cheap, and for that kind of money, buyers are rightly cautious. In the sections that follow, I will break down what real users like, where opinions are mixed, and where frustrations tend to appear, so you can decide if it fits your lawn and expectations.
Positive User Reviews
Overall, positive feedback for the Greenworks 60V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is both widespread and detailed. Many owners come from long-term gas mower use and describe this model as a genuinely satisfying transition to battery power. The themes that come up most often are quiet operation, ease of use, solid cutting performance, and relief from ongoing gas mower maintenance.
Quiet Operation and a More Pleasant Mow
One of the most consistent positives is how quiet the mower feels compared to petrol alternatives. Several users highlight the absence of engine noise as a major quality-of-life improvement. One reviewer summed it up simply:
- “This battery driven lawn mower works great. I don’t have to wear earmuffs either.”
- “Quiet. No gas. No oil. Cuts grass. What’s not to like.”
For early morning or neighbourhood-conscious mowing, many owners clearly see this as a major advantage.
Cutting Performance That Matches Gas Mowers
A large number of users say the cutting performance either meets or closely matches their previous gas mowers. That reassurance seems especially important for first-time electric mower buyers. One reviewer noted:
- “It cuts every bit as good as my past gas mowers but now I don’t have to change oil and fill up gas cans anymore.”
- “This mower did better than I thought it would.”
- “Cuts extremely well, speed control and maneuverability is excellent.”
- “Excellent mower with turbo option to go through longer thick grass.”
Battery Life That Works for Many Yards
Battery performance is another area where many users report positive results, especially for medium-sized lawns. Several owners mention completing their mowing on a single battery, despite having two included:
- “The battery completes my yard with only 1 of the 2 needed.”
- “I cut our yard with 1.5 batteries.”
- Others appreciated the flexibility of charging one battery while mowing with the other “Yes it can run on one battery while the other charges.”
While not everyone has the same lawn size, many reviewers feel the dual-battery setup offers enough breathing room for typical suburban properties.
Self-Propelled System and Maneuverability
The self-propelled rear-wheel drive receives strong praise, particularly from users with slopes or uneven ground. One reviewer with a challenging lawn shared:
- “My yard is very bumpy and has slight incline… be careful when changing the speed lol it will go pretty fast.”
- Smaller or less physically strong users also mention that the mower feels manageable “I am petite and can easily maneuver this mower. It helps to have the self propelled feature.”
Several comments describe the mower as lightweight for its size and easy to guide rather than push.
Easy Assembly and Storage
Ease of setup comes up frequently, with many users saying the mower was simple to assemble out of the box…
- “Easy to assemble and easy to use.”
- Storage is another pleasant surprise, especially for those coming from bulky gas models “Stores much better than my gas powered mower.”
One long-form review highlighted how easy it is to fold and move for off-season storage, even carrying it into a basement to save garage space.
Low Maintenance and Gas-Free Ownership
For many owners, the move away from fuel and oil is just as important as cutting performance. Long-time gas mower users repeatedly mention the convenience:
- “No more gas, no more oil and light weight.”
- “Never having to deal with gas cans, oil changes, or frustrating pull starts again is pure bliss.”
- That sense of freedom appears to be a big emotional win for electric converts.
Build Quality and Overall Satisfaction
Several reviewers comment on build quality and engineering, especially compared to older equipment…
- “Nicely engineered. Controls straightforward with no surprises.”
- “Built well… reliable.”
Overall satisfaction is high among positive reviewers, with many feeling the mower met or exceeded expectations:
- “Very satisfied with this mower’s performance!”
- “Total satisfaction to this point after two mowings.”
Taken together, these reviews suggest that under the right conditions, medium lawns, reasonable grass height, and expectations aligned with battery mowing, many users feel the Greenworks 60V 21" self-propelled mower delivers a genuinely enjoyable mowing experience.
Mixed User Reviews
Mixed reviews for the Greenworks 60V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower tend to come from users who genuinely like the mower overall, but have encountered specific design quirks, performance inconsistencies, or expectation gaps, particularly around battery life, maneuverability, and the self-propelled system. These are not outright deal-breakers for everyone, but they do show patterns worth paying attention to.
Battery Life - Good On Paper, Variable in Practice
Battery performance is one of the most discussed mixed points. Some users report excellent runtime, while others find it falls short of expectations, especially on larger or thicker lawns.
One reviewer noted the flexibility of dual batteries but still needed mid-mow charging…
- “My yard usually took 2 and a half batteries to complete… it was charged quickly, so I am able to complete the mowing without waiting.”
- Others found runtime declining over time or inconsistent between batteries “It appears that the more it’s used the more often I have to recharge the batteries. Is this my imagination?”
- “One battery seems to last much longer than the other one. I'll keep an eye on this.”
A few users questioned the advertised coverage…
- “I can only do about 3/4 of the yard on a single charge. Ended up buying 2 more batteries.”
At the same time, some reviewers were pleasantly surprised:
- “Battery life exceeded my expectations, running for roughly 70 minutes.”
This suggests battery results may depend heavily on grass type, thickness, self-propelled usage, and cutting height.
Self-Propelled System - Helpful but Not Always Refined
The self-propelled feature is widely appreciated, but many mixed reviews point to how it behaves rather than whether it exists. A recurring complaint is delayed disengagement…
- “The self-propelled clutch does not disengage immediately when the lever is released.”
- “When releasing the speed lever… there’s a 1–2 sec delay before the wheels release.”
This delay makes reversing or tight maneuvering more awkward than some users expect, especially for those coming from gas mowers:
- “You can’t immediately pull the mower in reverse… you have to rock it back and forth.”
Speed control wandering is another repeated issue
- “The drive/speed lever constantly moves from the vibration of the mower.”
- “The speed slide control isn’t uniform… then it gets really sensitive at the high-speed level.”
For smaller users, even the slowest speed felt fast…
- “The ‘turtle’ mode is extremely fast for a small person… it literally ran away with me.”
Maneuverability and Weight Concerns
Despite being marketed as relatively lightweight, several users still describe the mower as heavy in real-world handling, particularly in tight spaces or when turning.
- “This mower is heavier than my other mower and thus a little more challenging to maneuver.”
- “Heavy and hard to maneuver in tight spaces.”
- Rear-wheel drive also divides opinion. While it helps on slopes, it makes sharp turns harder “When the back wheels are spinning, it makes it hard to make turns.
- Multiple reviewers expressed a preference for front-wheel drive instead.
Cutting Width and Missed Strips
Another recurring mixed issue is uneven cutting or missed grass strips, forcing overlap…
- “It didn’t cut evenly missing a small section of the swath every pass.”
- “The 21" cut is more like 15" or less if I do not overlap quite a bit.”
Some users experimented with blade changes to address this, suggesting setup and grass conditions may play a role.
Grass Type and Conditions Matter
Performance seems more reliable on regular, dry grass than on thick, damp, or spongy turf…
- “Works great if the grass isn’t thick or damp, otherwise, it bogs down and shuts off constantly.”
- “Even on max height the weight of the mower causes it to sink deep into the grass.”
- Bagging in thick grass also drew criticism “The rear discharge into the grass catcher will plug up… make sure to empty the bag when 2/3rds full.”
Learning Curve and Instructions
Several mixed reviewers mention that setup and controls take time to learn…
- “It took me awhile before I figured out the button and lever must be pressed simultaneously.”
- “The instruction could be a bit more clear.”
Others needed video guides to complete assembly, or had trouble locating serial numbers or understanding battery indicators.
Still Liked, But with Reservations
Despite these drawbacks, many mixed reviewers still preferred this mower over gas…
- “Way better than using the gas powered mower I had.”
- “Better than gas but could be improved upon.”
- “Overall it’s a great mower… if the speed control was less prone to move on its own, this mower would be perfect.”
In short, these mixed reviews suggest the Greenworks 60V mower performs well under the right conditions, but its self-propelled behaviour, battery consistency, and handling quirks may frustrate users who expect gas-mower familiarity or who have complex, uneven, or thick lawns.
Negative User Reviews
Negative reviews for the Greenworks 60V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower are far more severe and consistent than the mixed reviews. Rather than minor annoyances or learning curves, these reviews highlight core performance failures, reliability issues, battery defects, quality control problems, and poor customer support. Many users report the mower becoming unusable after only a handful of uses, sometimes even after the very first mow.
Reliability and Early Failure
One of the most alarming trends is how often users report the mower failing extremely early in its lifespan. Multiple reviewers describe the mower working once or twice before refusing to start again, often accompanied by error beeps:
- “Worked great the first time… when I went to use it the next time, it will not start, and it just beeps.”
- “Machine worked only 2X.”
- “Dead after one use.”
- Others report intermittent failures that make mowing frustrating or impossible “Occasionally won’t start. Self-propulsion stopped working… then suddenly it began working again.”
- “Quits on me in the middle of mowing multiple times.”
- In some cases, the mower shuts off simply from turning or maneuvering “The mower shuts off after literally TURNING it… I had to disconnect and reconnect the batteries 20–30 times to finish my yard.”
For these users, the mower is not just inconvenient — it’s fundamentally unreliable.
Battery Failures, Overheating and Rapid Degradation
Battery performance is the single most common complaint in negative reviews, and it goes well beyond short runtime. Users report…
- Batteries dying within minutes
- Batteries failing entirely after a few uses
- Batteries overheating and refusing to recharge
- One battery slot draining batteries abnormally fast
Examples include…
- “The batteries will only hold a charge for less than 10 min.”
- “One of the batteries is defective and failed to recharge after about 7 uses.”
- “After every charge the life gets shorter and shorter.”
- “These batteries can’t handle the heat and won’t charge because they are too hot.”
Several users also report uneven battery behavior between ports:
- “The right side slot discharges the battery very fast… within 15 minutes it shows empty while the other is still nearly full.”
This creates the impression of either defective battery management electronics or poor quality control across units.
Underpowered Motor and Poor Performance in Real Grass
A major theme is that the mower struggles badly in anything other than ideal conditions. Many users report stalling, shutdowns, or power loss when grass is…Slightly tall, Thick, Wet, Only a week between mowings
Examples include…
- “Anything over 3 inches will bog it down and kill the motor.”
- “It stalls even in turbo mode, cutting a half-width swath.”
- “Self-propelled struggled on a lawn only one week between mowings.”
Some users compared it unfavorably to much older or lower-voltage mowers…
- “My old 36-volt Black & Decker runs circles around the 60-volt Greenworks.”
For users expecting this mower to replace a gas model, this was a major disappointment.
Self-Propelled System Problems
Beyond power issues, the self-propelled system itself is frequently reported as defective or inconsistent. Common complaints include…
- Self-propel not working at all
- Self-propel cutting out mid-mow
- Lag when disengaging
- Mower continuing to drive when released
User feedback includes…
- “The self propel functionality does not work.”
- “It would work for approx 5 minutes, then stop, forcing me to push the mower.”
- “Really annoying lag when switching from automatic movement to manual.”
For some, the mower essentially becomes a heavy push mower, defeating the purpose of buying a self-propelled model.
Quality Control and Shipping Issues
Several negative reviews describe receiving the mower in poor physical condition, suggesting inconsistent packaging or handling. Examples include…
- Bent metal components during assembly
- Ripped or damaged boxes
- Signs of prior use
- “The metal where you slip on the handlebar was severely bent.”
- “Box is ripped apart… second-hand use flopper.”
While not universal, these reports contribute to concerns about overall build quality.
Mulching and Cut Quality Complaints
Some users challenge the mower’s advertised capabilities…
- “This is not a mulching mower… it leaves lines of grass on the lawn.”
- “Won’t cut grass evenly.”
These users felt the mower failed to meet basic expectations, especially compared to previous mulching mowers they owned.
Customer Support and Warranty Frustrations
Customer service experiences are a major contributor to 1-star ratings. Users report…
- Long hold times
- Unreturned calls
- Refusal to replace defective parts
- Being asked to return entire units instead of simple components
- Being required to provide videos to prove obvious failures
Examples include…
- “Good luck getting someone to pick up the phone for parts or warranty.”
- “They refuse to replace this expensive machine.”
- “Be on phone on hold 6 hrs till I hung up.”
- “They asked me to video myself mowing the lawn.”
Several users felt abandoned once the return window closed, especially when failures appeared just weeks or months after purchase.
Buyer Regret and Harsh Final Judgments
Unlike mixed reviews, these users overwhelmingly recommend not buying the mower. Strong statements include…
- “Worst lawn mower ever owned.”
- “Practically a scam.”
- “Waste of money… not even worth $100.”
- “I’ll use the Greenworks mower as a doorstop.”
- Many ultimately returned to gas mowers or vowed to switch brands entirely.
Overall Pattern in Negative Reviews
Taken together, the negative reviews suggest that while some units may work acceptably, there is a significant risk of receiving a defective or unreliable mower, particularly regarding:
- Battery longevity
- Electronics and error handling
- Self-propelled system durability
- Post-purchase support
For buyers with larger lawns, thicker grass, or limited tolerance for troubleshooting and warranty friction, these negative experiences represent serious red flags.
Pros for the Greensworks 21 Inch SP Lawnmower
1, Ease of Use – Lightweight and easy to assemble, even for first-time electric mower users. Multiple reviewers appreciated the minimal learning curve.
2, Self-Propelled Feature – When working properly, it reduces the physical effort required to mow, especially on flat or gently sloped lawns.
3, Dual Batteries – Comes with two batteries, allowing for longer mowing sessions without waiting for a recharge. Batteries also charge relatively quickly.
4, Electric Convenience – No gas, oil, or winterisation needed. Quiet operation and low maintenance compared to gas mowers.
5, Foldable Design – Easy to store in garages due to compact folding capability.
6, Adjustable Cutting Height – Users could set mower height with relative ease.
7, Mulching Capabilities (Conditional) – Some reviewers noted effective mulching with the supplied blade under ideal conditions.
8, Compact for Small Yards – Easy to handle in smaller areas or for storage in tighter spaces.
Cons for the Greensworks 21 Inch SP Lawnmower
1, Battery Issues – Batteries often fail early, overheat, or lose charge rapidly. Some units showed uneven performance between battery slots.
2, Power Limitations – Struggles with thick, tall, or damp grass. Cannot reliably replace gas mowers for larger or high-growth lawns.
3, Self-Propelled System Problems – Some units fail mid-mow; clutch disengagement and speed control are inconsistent. Difficult to maneuver in tight spots.
4, Build Quality & Assembly – Reports of bent metal components, damaged boxes, and low-quality assembly.
5, Cutting Performance – Several users experienced uneven cutting, missed swaths, or inadequate mulching despite correct setup.
6, Heavy and Hard to Maneuver – Despite being “lightweight” for electric mowers, some users struggled due to rear-wheel drive and heavier-than-expected design.
7, Rear-Wheel Drive Issues – Difficult to turn in small areas, reverse operation requires extra effort or wait due to drive lag.
8, Customer Support Problems – Warranty and support are reportedly unhelpful or difficult to access. Video proof sometimes requested unnecessarily.
9, Accessory/Feature Issues – Headlight drains battery; some advertised features like auto battery switching or mulching are inconsistent.
10, Inconsistent Reliability – Some units stop working after one or two uses, causing severe frustration and wasted money.
Who it is For
- Small Lawns – Ideal for small yards where mowing sessions can be completed with one or two batteries.
- Light Grass Conditions – Works well on lawns with moderate grass height and density
- Electric Mower First-Timers – Easy assembly, foldable storage, and minimal maintenance make it a good introduction to electric mowers.
- Users Prioritizing Convenience – Those who want a quieter, gas-free mower that avoids fuel, oil, and winterisation issues.
- Occasional or Seasonal Use – If used lightly or for short mowing sessions, the mower can meet basic needs.
Who it is Not For
- Large Lawns or Heavy Grass – Struggles with over 1/3–1/2 acre, thick or damp grass, or lawns with uneven growth.
- Users Expecting Reliable Self-Propulsion – Inconsistent or defective drive systems can make mowing difficult or unsafe.
- Anyone Who Needs Long Battery Life – Batteries frequently fail or drain quickly, making long sessions frustrating.
- Those Needing Robust Warranty or Support – Manufacturer support is reported as slow or unhelpful, particularly for defective units.
- High-Performance Expectations – For cutting quality, mulching, or durability comparable to mid- to high-end gas mowers, this unit is unlikely to satisfy.
- Physically Small Users on Rear-Wheel Drive Models – Can be hard to control due to speed sensitivity and weight distribution.
Conclusion
The Greenworks 60V 21" Self-Propelled Electric Mower has a mix of strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, it offers the convenience of electric power, quiet operation, foldable storage, and dual batteries that recharge quickly. For small, lightly maintained lawns, it can provide a pleasant mowing experience, especially for those new to battery-powered mowers.
Recurring Issues
However, recurring issues with battery life, self-propulsion, uneven cutting, and build quality significantly undermine reliability. Several users reported that units failed after just a few uses or had major defects out of the box. Rear-wheel drive and speed control issues also make it challenging to maneuver, particularly for smaller users or those with irregularly shaped yards. Customer support appears inconsistent, adding further frustration if problems arise.
Overall, this mower is best suited for small lawns and light-duty use, but it may disappoint anyone expecting high performance, long-lasting battery life, or dependable self-propulsion.
Recommendations
- Buy if you have a small, lightly maintained lawn, value the convenience of a gas-free mower, and are willing to accept potential minor battery or performance quirks
- Avoid if your lawn is large, has thick or damp grass, or you require a reliable, durable mower that will last multiple seasons. Also, avoid if you anticipate needing responsive customer support or frequent use in challenging conditions.
Final Rating
Considering the frequency and severity of battery and self-propulsion issues, combined with build quality concerns, this mower does not live up to the hype for most users. While it has redeeming qualities for light, small-scale use, its flaws are significant enough that I would give it a 2.3 out of 5 stars. Rounded to a full rating 2 out of 5 stars. Let me know if you agree with this review in the comments section below…
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