The Gtech CLM50 Cordless Rotary Lawnmower has been strong in the UK garden tools market, both for its white design and for being among the growing number of cordless products. At around £600 at the time of going to publish, it's by no means a cheap alternative, but lots of purchasers have found the expense to be worth it on the basis of Gtech's reputation and the ease provided by contemporary battery-powered gardening.
Some Criticisms
All that aside, however, with all its popularity, the CLM50 has not remained unscathed by criticism. While numerous reviewers extol its simplicity of use, lightness and quietness, certain users have expressed legitimate reservations over runtime, durability and cutting power under more challenging conditions. Like any top-end garden tool, it's a good idea to dig both the advantages and disadvantages out thoroughly before handing over cash.
This review digs deeper into the Gtech CLM50, not only its headline features but also in real-life use, battery life, comfort, and against others in this price bracket.
Key Features
At first glance, the CLM50 looks to be a contender in the high-end cordless lawnmower sector. It boasts a 48V lithium-ion battery, which is purported to provide 25 to 40 minutes of runtime, depending on lawn conditions and grass thickness. The battery can be extracted and recharges for some one hour, a godsend for those who don't like mowing in extended spells without having to wait an eternity between refills.
Width & Heights
A 42cm cutting width is suitable for medium to large gardens, and six adjustable cutting heights ranging from 3cm to 8cm offer reasonable flexibility. A plastic rotary blade is fitted to the mower, which is quieter and lighter than metal blades but at a cost that has meant some contradictory feedback as to its long-term stamina and cutting accuracy.
Handle & Grass box
In spite of the motor and battery, the mower weighs only 13.5kg, which means it is easy to push around and move compared to many petrol or even electric corded models. A 50-litre grass box provides good mowing capacity before needing to be emptied, while the fold-down, height-adjustable handle accommodates both convenient storage and more secure use for a variety of users.
Positive Reviews
Despite its outlandishly high cost, the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Rotary Lawnmower has collected an enormous amount of favourable customer feedback, most notably from customers who appreciate ease of use, quiet operation, and the convenience of a cordless design. Buyers across all age groups but most notably older gardeners or individuals with mobility issues consistently sing the praises of the mower for simple operation and smoothness as significant advantages.
Build Quality
Some users posted positively on the cutting process delivery of the mower itself and overall build quality. One user summarized their first impressions by writing, "Quick delivery, great features and cutting ability. Sounded strangely quiet in action." This idea of convenience was repeated quite often, particularly from older reviewers or those looking for a petrol-free model that didn't sacrifice performance.
To others, the key selling point was its light weight, which was easier to deal with than the heavier petrol or wired versions. "I purchased it for the weight. Having arthritis myself, it is wonderful, easy to manoeuvre around," commented one customer, mirroring numerous other sentiments from individuals with similar physical limitations. Another 70s-year-old reviewer wrote, "It's great. My lawns are small and neat.". I can mow our three lawns now and the verges around our house with no problem."
Versus Petrol Lawnmowers
Patients of petrol models generally found a boost in both comfort and convenience. "Absolutely fantastic. Wish I'd bought this mower years ago. Much better and easier to use than my petrol mower. Does a brilliant job," wrote one. Another said, "As an older lady who now has lawn mowing duties, this is perfect. Easy to handle, quite lightweight and charges quickly. Looks tidy as well!"
Varied Terrains
Some reviewers praised the quality of cutting over various terrain for the mower. One, who owns an older version of Gtech as well as the CLM50, wrote: "I have a very large area to mow. this model with the quick charge is an excellent machine, pleasure to use. It speeds up on different lengths of grass and then picks up again, brilliant.". This is one big slice from a mini mower. The same reviewer also enjoyed the green credentials and cordless construction of the mower, especially as they did not have access to mains and did not wish to use petrol.
Battery Life
Battery life and quick recharging were also positives. "Battery charges very quickly," one 83-year-old reviewer wrote. Another commented, "From a full charge, I was able to cut everything twice on the second-to-lowest setting." Consumers regularly reported that the runtime was sufficient for typical garden sizes, especially for small and medium lawns.
Handle Comfort
Others liked the handle's comfort and adjustability as well. One customer said, "I particularly enjoy the handle heights because I prefer it more upright, but it can be dropped." Coupled with the quiet motor and push-button ignition of the mower, this made it an absolute delight to use for many other consumers.
Storage Practicality
Positive reviews tended to comment on the appearance and ease of storing the mower. "Small to store and kind to the environment," one user commented. Others commented similarly, appreciating that the mower was not only functional but also neat and easy to stow away when not in use.
Marvellous Comment
A few customers purchased the CLM50 on recommendation or from family experience. "Purchased as my father-in-law has one and I was in need of a cordless mower. Great piece of kit that's a joy to use," one reported. Another added they had given it to their grandson, who said it was "marvellous wide range of cutting heights, and battery lasts long enough."
Brand Reputation
The Gtech brand reputation seemed to play a part in influencing buyers' trust as well. One author wrote, "As with all our other Gtech appliances, it came on time, was easy to put together and does the trick." Another wrote, "Replaced my one that was at least 11 years old. Not cheap, but so far proving to be worth it. Easy to use, very quiet, cuts nicely. I can recommend."
Edge Cutting
Even in the case of those who had minor criticisms (e.g., edge cutting quality or weight not so light as expected), overall satisfaction was high. One reviewer said: "My only niggle is it doesn't cut as close to the edge as my old lawnmower… I would recommend it."
Garden Investment
Overall, shoppers cited ease, reliability, comfort, and cordless freedom as main factors they were satisfied with the CLM50. While it is certainly an outlay, many were willing to pay the cost, especially when purchased during promotion periods.
Mixed Reviews
Although the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Rotary Lawnmower has been generally well praised, many customers have provided more cautionary or mixed reviews. These do not necessarily bemoan the mower in general but comment on performance, build, or expectation trade-offs specific to earlier Gtech models or high-end lawnmowers at this price point.
Battery Life and Power Performance
One of the repeated reviewer themes was disappointment with the real runtime and cutting capacity of the battery. Some perceived the 40-minute claim as optimistic. One customer noted, "Battery does not seem to last as long and the cutting blade comes on at varying speeds at times." Another had similar issues, observing, "Battery charge is only just about 10 minutes long, so isn't suitable for a large garden as we have." These comments suggest that while the mower performs reasonably well on short or medium cuts, it might struggle with larger or more challenging lawns.
Battery fluctuations were also faulted. "The motor runs rapid then slow often for no apparent reason and wilts if grass collector box is unlevel," said one reviewer. While this behaviour can be ascribed to safety measures within the motor, or power regulation, it gave some users pause for concern in terms of reliability when it comes to long mowing sessions.
Cutting Height Limitations
Perhaps the most common concern raised was that the mower failed to cut low enough for the closely cut, manicured grass that some were looking for. A number of customers had noted this deficiency. "Height adjustment does not allow me to perform close cut like old lawnmower," said one. Another just stated: "Does not cut low enough.". Does not cut to edge of lawn.” Some were clearly expecting the lowest 30mm setting to produce a neater finish than it delivered. A customer remarked, “Several mower cut height options masks the fact that at 30mm being the lowest you’re never going to produce a neat close-cut manicured lawn.”
Frustrating Shortcomings
This lack was particularly infuriating for customers upgrading from earlier Gtech models, the CLM001 among them. "Not as good as the original CLM001 and doesn't cut as well. I thought I was buying its equal so was disappointed," said one reviewer. Others were also in want of certain features from earlier models, such as "the Easy folding handle system like the first-generation Gtech mower."
Build Quality and Materials
Although some appreciated the mower's light weight, others felt this came at the expense of power. Comments regarding build quality were fairly common among the negative comments. One reviewer wrote, "I was disappointed in the build quality. The plastic is flimsy and not robust.". The clip holding the battery in position snapped at the second use.
Even though they managed to fix it, they added a warning: ".f it snaps apart again I will have to exchange it."
Flimsy
A second critic summed up their objections to the statement, "A bit more flimsy than I had hoped but at least the mower is lightweight!" Some were also negative, with comments like "Cheaply constructed handle," and "It's not so powerful. Feels rather weak."
Unmet Expectations
There was also disappointment from established Gtech users who believed in the brand. "Very disappointed. I had hoped that a company like Gtech would produce a higher quality product," one shopper posted. Another commented, "Disappointed that I spent so much on it."
Performance on Uneven or Difficult Ground
Several users noted that CLM50 is perfect for level, flat lawns and might not cope with more uneven or overgrown ground. "It's not suitable for dealing with really lush grass or more than an inch long," a user wrote. Another said, "I have grounds that are undulating, and I think it is for a nice flat spot!"
This means that while the mower is adequate for average lawns, customers with uneven ground or extreme overgrowth may have to use a more heavy-duty or specialist model.
Delivery Delays and Expectations
Where not product-specific, delayed delivery also influenced some users' opinions. One customer commented, "Very disappointed with the next day delivery, I waited 3 days for mine." Others simply didn't feel the experience was worth paying for, even when the mower was on offer: "A rather disappointing purchase and expensive mistake."
Negative Reviews
Though rare, some customers have had entirely disappointing experiences with the Gtech CLM50. Such negative reviews tend to cite grievances beyond slight niggles, relating to serious concerns regarding power, construction quality, ease of use, and value for money. Many consumers, the majority of whom were seasoned Gtech buyers, were disappointed and let down that this model did not meet their standard they had come to expect from the brand.
Weak Performance and Short Battery Life
The most persuasive negative theme throughout the reviews was that the CLM50 is weak under any load heavier than short, neatly trimmed lawns. Several owners experienced repeated motor stalling, sluggish power delivery, and batteries that were significantly short of the claimed 40-minute runtime.
One critic capsulized it thus: "Lawnmower is a disaster, battery life less than 10 mins… Keeps cutting out and is not worth the extortionate price. I would not recommend anyone buy this lawnmower." Another annoyed consumer explained, "Battery keeps cutting out, won't hold charge when switched off. Lucky I have a small garden."
A particularly damning comparison came from a long-time user: “Gtech took a brilliant lawn mower, the CLM001, and turned it into the appalling CLM50… it constantly stalls on moss or patchy grass… I’ve gone back to the original CLM001.”
Even when used on shorter grass, some customers noted poor consistency. “Sluggish power even though the battery was fully charged… Overly sensitive to bumps or longer grass,” wrote one buyer.
Build Quality and Low-Quality Materials
Discontentment with the build quality of the mower also outweighed negative posts. While a few enjoyed its light weight, others saw this as evidence of cost-cutting.
"Terrible quality. Flimsy plastic casing, small cutting blade and thin plastic handles and wheels. Not worth the price," one posted. Another described it as "like a child's toy" and wondered if it would "last any time.".
There were some complaints too about some of the design features, such as the configuration of the blade: "Surprised only one cutting edge to blade. All the previous machines had two. Think this may be impacting the cut."
Another customer added, "Handles were of an unsuitable length… if you vary from mowing in straight lines the handle clips start to come loose."
Even small flaws angered users: "The tips over at an uncomfortable angle when you're pouring out the grass… A legit design flaw."
Usability and Accessibility Problems
Some customers perceived the mower as bulkier or physically demanding to handle than expected especially those upgraded from a cord or petrol mower anticipating greater convenience.
One of the reviewers, who was in his seventies, described his letdown. "It is heavy (I am 76), it is not easy to turn and because the front wheels are well forward of the cutter, it is not easy to do the edges." He also noted, "The battery installation is difficult, my wife cannot do it… A poor buy, wished I hadn't given my old one away."
Another repeated this call to challenge, saying, "Didn't find the battery easy to slot in… definitely took a few attempts to get the right position for it to slide in and connect."
High Hopes Dashed for Loyal Gtech Customers
A few of the negative reviews were from regular users of Gtech products who were disappointed by the lower perceived quality of the CLM50. "Having a few other Gtech products, I was surprised how dreadful this was," one complained. Another complained, "I never thought that I would feel so dissatisfied with one of your products.".
It was described in this way by one reviewer of their disappointment: "I waited prior to this review… the mower did not perform well… battery only lasted 25 mins… On fifth use spongy handle is already burst. I don't see this lasting any time." They concluded by hoping the warranty would be sufficient, as they "might be needing it."
Who the Gtech CLM50 Is Best For
The Gtech CLM50 cordless lawnmower seems to be ideally suited for a particular segment of users mostly those possessing smaller, level gardens and not very high expectations regarding cut quality. If you are in favor of simplicity, convenience, and portability over brute force or accuracy, this lawnmower could be up to the task.
1, Small Gardens: The majority of the contented users describe lawns "the size of half a tennis court" or "a small back and front garden" as a perfect fit. Its compact nature and typical battery life are ideal for such circumstances.
2, Lightweight Handling Requirements: Being under 14 kg in weight, the mower is easily portable and lift. People with arthritis or those who wanted an easier model tended to adore its lightweight. "Very light and easy to use," one user said, and another stated it was "amazing" due to being easy to handle.
3, Easy Assembly and Maintenance: Some customers mentioned how quickly it transitioned from box to ready-to-use. The lack of bells and whistles renders it low-maintenance.
4, Gtech Brand Loyalists: If you own other Gtech products and like them, you may enjoy the same design language and customer support. Some customers mentioned good experiences when exchanging or returning the mower.
As a whole, the CLM50 is right for someone who desires an inaudible, trouble-free, cordless option to maintain brief, trimmed lawns and has an understanding of its limitations.
Who the Gtech CLM50 Is Not For
On the other hand, many negative and mixed reviews point to where the CLM50 falls short specifically for users that need more power, durability, and cutting precision. This lawnmower will definitely irk owners of thicker or harder lawns, or for those that are switching from a heavier-duty model.
1, Medium to Large Gardens: While categorized as requiring up to 40 minutes, some users reported times as low as 10 to 15 minutes, not low enough to handle anything over a small lawn. "Battery life less than 10 mins… not even long enough to cut an average domestic lawn," posted one reviewer.
2, Damp or Tall Grass: Many customers complained that the mower bogged or stalled when cutting slightly long or uneven grass. "Anaemic power… too sensitive to bumps," and "constantly stalls on moss or spotty grass," were common complaints.
3, Users Wanting a Short Cut: The shortest cut height was 30mm, which some buyers did not think was short enough. "Does not cut low enough," was a common comment, especially from users who wanted a closer cut lawn.
4, Those In Search Of Solid Build Quality: While some appreciated the light weight, others felt it was flimsy and poorly made. Testimonies like "feels like a child's toy," and "flimsy plastic body… not worth the value," reflect in disappointment the material quality.
5, Precision or Power Tool Enthusiasts: If you're upgrading from a petrol mower or need frequent, high-cutting operation, the CLM50 may not be for you. One reviewer summed it up bluntly: "I thought I was buying its [CLM001's] equal… I was just slightly underwhelmed."
To us, this is not for the person who is seeking premium build, extended battery life, or consistent results on all types of grass. It is an ultra-light, reduced-power device for maintaining simple gardens, not a replacement for heavy machinery.
Pros of the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawnmower
1, Light and Easy to Push - At around 13.5 kg, the CLM50 is also praised by the majority of users as light and easy to push, even for older gardeners or people with low physical strength. "Very light and easy to use," and "easy to assemble and lift" were common compliments.
2, Simple and Quick Assembly - Most customers had a simple installation straight from the box, with others needing no tools at all. This is perfect for people who do not like complex installation.
3, Silence - Compared to petrol mowers, the CLM50 is a silent machine, ideal for use around houses or evening use. A reviewer noted the "quieter noise" as a better feature than the last model.
4, No Petrol, No Leads - Being battery-operated means no spill of fuel, oil, or trailing extension leads. The majority of customers appreciated the ease that this presented to them, especially in small to medium gardens.
5, Gtech Customer Support - Where things did go wrong, some users complimented Gtech's customer support. Sometimes returns or exchanges were handled promptly.
6, Foldable Handle for Storage - Though not as elegant as other Gtechs, the CLM50 still folds down quite nicely for easy storage.
Cons of the Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawnmower
1, Battery Life Is Often Short - The most common complaint was that the battery rarely lasted out the entire 40 minutes as advertised. "The longest I've had is 15 minutes," and "less than 10 mins" were the frequent responses. This severely limits usefulness for larger lawns.
2, Long or Wet Grass Problems - Many customers found the mower cut out, stalled, or didn't cut well on higher, denser, or wet grass. "Sluggish power," "cuts out repeatedly," and "stalls constantly on moss or patchy grass" were common complaints.
3, Cheap Build Quality - Most customers criticized the plastic case and flimsy parts, particularly the wheels, handles, and battery clip. "Cheaply made," "feels like a toy," and "not sturdy" suggest that this is not a commercial-grade product.
4, Narrow Cutting Height Range - The lowest setting is 30mm, which was a letdown for those looking for close-cut finish. "Does not cut low enough," and "can't get a clean, manicured lawn" were frequent criticisms.
5, Single Edge with Only a Single Cutting Edge - Unlike previous Gtech mowers which come with double-edge blades, the CLM50 comes with a single-edge blade, which some analysts felt was a worse cut.
6, Delicate Edge Performance - Because of cutting and positioning of blades, some critics found it difficult to cut on the border edge or path exactly.
7, Fitting Battery Can Be Tricky - Some users experienced battery fitting as being unnatural or uncomfortable, sometimes taking multiple attempts to fit it in.
8, Not an Improvement over Older Gtech Machines - Current Gtech owners were most disappointed. Most found it a backwards step from the CLM001, with less power, fewer modes, and poorer cuts.
Conclusion - Is the Gtech CLM50 Worth It?
The Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawnmower has its positives light handling, convenience, quietness, and easy assembly. For small, level lawns and everyday use by occasional users, prioritising convenience over power, it can be a pleasing choice.
Drawbacks
But its shortcomings are evident when the mower is used for anything other than short, parched grass. Battery life tends to fall below what is promised, the mower struggles with harder ground and build quality doesn't match its high price point of around £600. Against earlier Gtech models, many loyal customers feel that this is a step in the wrong direction.
Buy or Not to Buy
If you have a tiny garden, are prepared to do without petrol or cables, and have no problem shelling out more cash on a large brand, then the CLM50 could still be your option. However, if you need performance, durability, or value, there is probably better elsewhere on this price band.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars)
Fine for light gardening but fails to deliver at this higher price point, would expect better for this premium price level
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