We recently tested two of the new Greenworks PRO 60 Volt 16″ Cordless Chainsaw. Editor Todd Fratzel and I both received samples to test around the house with some tree and log cutting and this is a compilation of our collective thoughts. If you want to select the height you cut your grass, many mowers have adjustable settings where you can choose how short to trim your lawn.
The tools also have less vibration, allowing customers to use their outdoor power equipment for longer. Additionally, battery-powered equipment does not need to be winterized. A single nut holds each of the 23.75-inch cutting blades in place underneath the steel deck. Like the commercial version, the Greenworks Pro 60V 25-inch self-propelled lawn mower overlaps the blades to cover a full 23.75” cutting width. Each blade is smaller and weighs far less than any single blade sported by a standard 21-inch mower. That seems to give this mower an advantage in power though it must drive both blades at once.
If you need a number to go with, Greenworks says you can get 150 cuts in 4×4 with one 4.0Ah battery. What’s more, the Pro 21 features a Turbo Mode, as well. When it came to run time, though, we did run into a few issues. When we operated this leaf blower on its highest setting, it lasted precisely 13 minutes.
It sports a lime green and matte black finish and uses two 9-inch rear wheels and two swiveling 3.5-inch front wheels to traverse lawns with inclines of up to 35%. Greenworks Pro 21-in Cordless Self Propelled Lawn Mower offers up to 40 minute runtime with fully charged 5.0 Ah battery . Plus, this mower is capable of housing 2 batteries so that when one drains it automatically switches over and engages the second battery, so you don’t have to stop to recharge. When you look at other battery-powered mowers in that price range, Greenworks is one of the most compelling models considering its performance and coverage. Greenworks gives you an LED for the battery level so you don’t have to open the lid and check each battery as you mow. The indicator lights up if you hit the power button, self-propel bar, or blade bar.
Similar to the SmartCut technology discussed above I imagine if you want to go faster you’ll use the battery much quicker than 60 minutes. I guess that’s the price you pay for not wanting to use gas powered mowers. Greenworks also uses a SmartCut technology that lets you control how fast your blade spins, thereby impacting how long your battery lasts as well.
The one thing that bugs me about battery-powered tools, is that there are no generic one-design-fits-all batteries. Each company has its own proprietary battery designs, so once you buy that first tool, you are locked into that brand if you wish to swap batteries. If you decide to mulch, there’s a safety plug that goes where the bag catches grass at the rear of the deck. Bagging requires that this plug be removed and the bag be inserted under a large lift-up door—much like every other mower available today. Designed for lawns of up to half an acre, the Optimow 50H measures 12.2 by 20.0 by 25.0 inches , weighs 26.4 pounds, and has an IPX5 water-resistance rating that means you can wash it off with a hose.
The Security LED flashes yellow when a PIN code is required, and the Error LED flashes red when the mower has been stopped due to an error such as a break in the wire or when the mower has been lifted. All other programming and settings are handled via the Greenworks Tools mobile app for Android and iOS. Since 2002, Greenworks has been the leader in battery-powered outdoor equipment and offers the most comprehensive collection of battery-powered tools for homeowners and landscaping professionals alike. Greenworks broad line of rugged, powerful tools deliver best-in-class power, performance, and runtime without the noise, hassle, or harmful emissions.
The Optimow 50H did a fantastic job of keeping my entire lawn evenly trimmed. It was very quiet, never once wandered out of the perimeter, and navigated inclines and depressions in my lawn without issue. The sensors did their job, stopping the mower when it encountered garden barriers, tennis balls, and large fallen branches, and the Rain Guard feature worked as intended after a particularly heavy downpour. The machine is so quiet and features LED headlights.