Greenworks 24V G-MAX Review

Introduction

After years of wrestling with gas trimmers and tripping over extension cords, I decided it was time to join the battery powered revolution. My yard isn’t massive, but it has its share of fescue, clover, and the occasional stubborn patch of crabgrass. I needed something that wouldn’t leave my arms sore and my ears ringing. That’s when I picked up the Greenworks 24V G-MAX battery string trimmer. I’ve now spent three full mowing seasons using this trimmer for weekly edge work, fence line cleanup, and even some heavier duty brush clearing. Here is my honest, real world take on this lightweight cordless trimmer.

How I Tested It

I didn’t run this trimmer through a lab or a test field with controlled conditions. Instead, I used it exactly how a typical homeowner would. My property is about a third of an acre with a mix of Bermuda grass in the sunny areas and fescue in the shaded spots. I have a long concrete driveway that needs edging, a wooden fence line that collects tall grass, and a few flower beds where precision trimming is critical.

Over the course of two summers, I used the Greenworks 24V G-MAX for at least 15 full trimming sessions. Each session involved roughly 30 to 45 minutes of actual runtime. I tested it on damp grass, dry grass, and even some light overgrowth that had been neglected for two weeks. I also deliberately ran the battery down to zero multiple times to gauge the true runtime. I used the included 2.0 Ah battery for most tests, but I also swapped in a larger 4.0 Ah battery from my Greenworks blower to check compatibility. I did not use any aftermarket batteries, only genuine Greenworks packs.

For the edge of the driveway, I used the trimmer at a 45 degree angle as recommended. For the fence line, I let the trimmer run at full speed and walked at a normal pace. I also tried to force the trimmer into thick, woody weeds to find its breaking point. I did not modify the trimmer or use any third party attachments. I simply charged the battery, snapped it in, and started trimming.

Performance

Cutting Power and Grass Type

The Greenworks 24V G-MAX uses a 24 volt motor that spins a dual line bump feed head. On standard lawn grass, it cuts cleanly and quickly. The 12 inch cutting swath is enough for most residential trimming tasks. I found that it handles fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass without any hesitation. The line does not stall or slow down noticeably when moving through a normal thickness of grass.

However, the limited power becomes very apparent when you encounter thick weeds. I have a patch of wild blackberries and some stubborn thistle near my compost pile. When I tried to cut through stems thicker than a pencil, the trimmer struggled. The motor would bog down, and the line would either snap or simply stop spinning. I had to use a saw or pruners for those areas. This is not a machine for heavy brush clearing. It is strictly for grass and very light weeds.

One thing I noticed is that the trimmer is very sensitive to wet grass. If the grass is damp, the line tends to wrap around the cutting head more often. I had to stop and clear the head several times during a wet morning trim. Dry grass is no problem at all.

Battery Runtime and Charging

This is the biggest trade off with the Greenworks 24V G-MAX. With the included 2.0 Ah battery, I get about 20 to 25 minutes of continuous trimming on a full charge. That is enough for a small to medium yard if you are efficient. For my third acre lot, I can trim the edges and the fence line, but I barely have enough juice to finish the flower beds. If I let the grass get too tall, the runtime drops to around 15 minutes because the motor works harder.

Charging the 2.0 Ah battery takes about 45 minutes to an hour. That is not terrible, but it means you cannot do a full trimming session without a break unless you have a second battery. The good news is that the Greenworks 24V G-MAX uses the same battery as many other Greenworks tools. I already had a 4.0 Ah battery from my leaf blower, and that gave me a solid 40 to 45 minutes of runtime. That was much more usable for my yard.

If you are considering this trimmer, I strongly recommend buying a second battery or stepping up to a larger Ah pack. The runtime is the weakest link in this otherwise capable tool.

Line Feed and Adjustment

The bump feed head works as expected. You tap the head on the ground, and the line advances. It is not perfect. Sometimes the line does not feed evenly, and you get one long line and one short line. That creates an unbalanced cut. I had to manually pull the line a few times per session. The head holds about 10 feet of line total, which is standard for this class of trimmer.

The line itself is 0.065 inch diameter. It snaps easily on rocks or concrete edges. I found that using a slightly thicker aftermarket line, like 0.080 inch, helped with durability, but it also reduced runtime slightly because the motor had to work harder. Stick with the recommended line size for best performance.

Build and Value

Weight and Ergonomics

This is the standout feature of the Greenworks 24V G-MAX. It is incredibly lightweight. With the battery installed, the trimmer weighs just over 5 pounds. I can hold it with one hand for extended periods without fatigue. The handle is a standard D ring design with a soft rubber grip. It is comfortable for both small and large hands. The trigger is a simple squeeze switch with a safety lockout. There is no variable speed trigger, just a single speed. That is fine for a budget trimmer, but I would have liked a slower speed for delicate edging near flowers.

The shaft is a straight, fixed length design. It is not telescoping, so if you are very tall or very short, you might find the angle awkward. I am 5’10”, and it fits me well. The head tilts easily for edging, and the tilt lock is a simple push button that works reliably.

Build Materials and Durability

The Greenworks 24V G-MAX is built to a price point. The shaft is aluminum, which is good for weight savings, but the head and handle are mostly hard plastic. After two years of use, I have not broken anything, but the plastic does feel a bit thin in places. The battery connection is solid, and the battery clicks in firmly. I have dropped the trimmer twice from waist height onto grass, and it survived without cracks.

The motor is brushless, which is a nice feature at this price. Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors. I have not noticed any loss of power over the two years. The trimmer still starts instantly every time. No pull cords, no gas mixing, no spark plugs to change.

Value for the Price

This trimmer is very affordable. It is one of the cheapest battery powered trimmers from a major brand. You get a brushless motor, a decent battery, and a charger for a price that is often less than a single tank of gas for a gas trimmer. The interchangeable battery system is a huge value if you already own other Greenworks 24V tools. I can use the same battery for my blower, my hedge trimmer, and my chain saw. That alone saves me money and storage space.

The downside is that you get what you pay for in terms of power and runtime. If you have a large yard or heavy weeds, you will quickly outgrow this trimmer. But for the average homeowner with a small to medium lot, the value is excellent.

Who Should Buy It

I recommend the Greenworks 24V G-MAX to three types of people. First, if you are a homeowner with a small yard under a quarter acre, this trimmer will handle your needs easily. You will finish your trimming before the battery dies, and you will appreciate the light weight.

Second, if you already own Greenworks 24V tools, this is a no brainer. You already have the batteries and charger. Buying the trimmer only is very inexpensive, and you can use your larger batteries for extended runtime.

Third, if you are new to battery powered lawn tools and want to test the waters without a big investment, this is a safe entry point. The price is low enough that you are not taking a huge risk, and the battery system is expandable.

Who should not buy it? If you have a large yard with thick brush, poison ivy, or woody weeds, you will be frustrated by the limited power and short runtime. Also, if you need a trimmer for commercial or daily heavy use, look for a higher voltage model or stick with gas. This is a light duty tool for light duty work.

My Verdict

After two years of regular use, I can say that the Greenworks 24V G-MAX is a solid trimmer for its intended purpose. It is not a powerhouse, and it is not a marathon runner. But it is lightweight, affordable, and convenient. The interchangeable battery system is a major plus. The pros of very light weight and low cost outweigh the cons of limited power and average runtime, provided you match the tool to your yard size.

I use it every week for my edges and light trimming. For the occasional thick weed, I grab my manual pruners. That is a fair trade off for a trimmer that costs less than a dinner out and never needs gas or oil changes. If you keep your expectations realistic, you will be happy with this trimmer. If you need brute force, look elsewhere. For the rest of us, the Greenworks 24V G-MAX gets the job done.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Points deducted for runtime and power limitations, but earned back for value, weight, and battery compatibility.