Greenworks 24252 40V Review

Introduction

I’ve spent years testing leaf blowers, vacuums, and outdoor power tools for YardToolLab, and I’ve come to appreciate the balance between power, noise, and price. The Greenworks 24252 40V Leaf Blower Vacuum caught my attention because it promised cordless convenience with the added utility of a vacuum and mulcher. After using it for several weeks across different yard conditions, I’m ready to share my honest take. This isn’t a lab report or a marketing pitch – it’s my real experience with a tool that tries to do a lot for a modest investment.

How I Tested It

I wanted to put the Greenworks 24252 through a realistic set of challenges that reflect what most homeowners face. I didn’t run timed wind tunnel tests or use decibel meters in a soundproof room. Instead, I used the blower and vacuum in my own yard and a neighbor’s property over a three-week period. Here’s what I did:

• Leaf clearing on a half-acre lawn: I used the blower mode to clear dry oak leaves, wet maple leaves, and light debris like grass clippings and twigs from a concrete driveway, a gravel path, and a Bermuda grass lawn.
• Vacuum and mulching on flower beds and patios: I switched to vacuum mode to clean up leaves around bushes, under a deck, and along a brick patio. I emptied the collection bag multiple times to assess capacity and mulching efficiency.
• Battery life and charging cycles: I ran the blower at full speed and variable trigger settings to see how long the included 2.0Ah battery lasted. I also tested with a larger 4.0Ah battery from another Greenworks tool to compare runtime.
• Noise measurement: I used a consumer-grade sound meter app on my phone (calibrated with a reference tone) to check noise levels at operator ear height and at 50 feet.
• Edge case tests: I intentionally used the blower on damp leaves and light snow to see how it handled moisture. I also tried vacuuming pine needles and small sticks to test the mulching mechanism.

Throughout testing, I paid close attention to ergonomics, ease of switching modes, and overall build quality. I didn’t abuse the tool, but I didn’t baby it either.

Performance

Blowing Power and Airspeed

Let’s start with the obvious: the Greenworks 24252 is not a high-velocity monster. It produces a maximum airspeed of around 110 mph (manufacturer claim) and about 300 CFM. In real-world use, that means it moves dry leaves on pavement and short grass effectively, but it struggles with wet leaves, thick piles, or heavy debris like acorns and wet mulch. On my concrete driveway, it cleared a single layer of dry oak leaves with one pass. On the lawn, I had to work slower and closer to the ground, especially when leaves were matted down by rain.

The variable speed trigger is a genuine plus. It allows you to feather the power for light cleanup around flowers or sensitive plants, then pull fully for tougher jobs. I found myself using the trigger at about 70% for most tasks and only going full throttle for stubborn piles. The trigger lock is convenient for sustained use, but it’s easy to disengage accidentally if you grip the handle high. That’s a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.

Compared to top-tier gas or high-end cordless blowers (like the EGO 650 CFM models), this Greenworks feels underpowered. But for a 40V cordless tool at this price, the airspeed is acceptable. It won’t blow leaves across a football field, but it will handle a typical suburban yard without leaving you frustrated.

Vacuum and Mulching

Switching from blower to vacuum is straightforward. You remove the nozzle, attach the vacuum tube (which clicks in with a simple locking mechanism), and clip on the collection bag. The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you’re familiar with it. The vacuum tube is wide enough to handle most leaves, but it will clog if you try to suck up large twigs or wet, clumpy piles. I learned to keep the tube moving and avoid overloading it.

The mulching ratio is advertised as 10:1, which means it reduces leaves to about one-tenth their original volume. In my testing, I got closer to 8:1 with dry leaves and about 5:1 with slightly damp leaves. The mulched material is fine and dry, perfect for compost or garden bed cover. The impeller is made of metal, which gives me confidence it won’t crack if a small stick gets sucked in. I did accidentally vacuum a few acorns, and the mulcher handled them without issue, though they made a loud rattling noise.

The collection bag is the weakest part of the vacuum system. It holds about 1.5 bushels (roughly 12 gallons), which is small for a yard with many trees. I found myself emptying it every 5 to 10 minutes during heavy leaf cleanup. The bag is made of a stiff canvas-like material with a clear plastic window, so you can see when it’s full. But the zipper closure is flimsy and prone to jamming if you overfill. I had to unzip it carefully to avoid spilling mulch. A larger bag or a shoulder strap would make this much more comfortable.

Battery Life and Charging

The Greenworks 24252 comes with a 2.0Ah battery and a standard charger. On a full charge, I got about 18 minutes of continuous blowing at full speed. That’s enough for a small to medium yard if you work efficiently. With the variable speed trigger set to medium, I stretched it to about 28 minutes. In vacuum mode, runtime drops to around 12 to 15 minutes because the motor works harder to pull air through the bag and mulcher.

If your yard is larger than a quarter acre, you will need a second battery. I tested it with a Greenworks 4.0Ah battery (sold separately) and got 35 minutes of full-speed blowing and about 25 minutes of vacuuming. That’s much more practical. The charger takes about 90 minutes to fully charge the 2.0Ah battery, which is average for this class. The battery slides on and off easily and has a LED charge indicator, which is helpful for checking remaining power.

Noise Level

At 64 dB (as measured at operator ear height), this is one of the quietest leaf blower vacuums I’ve used. For context, a typical gas leaf blower runs at 90 to 100 dB, and most cordless models are in the 70 to 80 dB range. At 64 dB, you can hold a conversation while using it, and your neighbors won’t glare at you. I tested it early on a Saturday morning and felt comfortable that I wasn’t disturbing anyone. The sound is more of a whir than a scream, which is easier on the ears. If noise sensitivity is a priority for you, this is a strong selling point.

Build and Value

Construction Quality

The Greenworks 24252 is built to a price point. The body is made of hard plastic that feels sturdy enough for regular use but not rugged enough for commercial or abusive handling. The nozzle and vacuum tube are also plastic, with simple friction-fit connections. They held up fine during my testing, but I wouldn’t recommend dropping them on concrete repeatedly. The metal impeller is a nice touch for durability. The handle is ergonomic with a soft rubber grip, and the overall weight (about 8.5 pounds with battery) is manageable for most adults. It’s well-balanced in blower mode, but the vacuum mode makes it a bit front-heavy because of the bag attachment.

The battery port is sealed with a rubber gasket to prevent debris ingress, and the venting seems adequate to prevent overheating. I ran the blower continuously for 15 minutes in 85 degree weather and didn’t notice any performance drop. The charger is basic but reliable, with a cooling fan built in. One thing I appreciated is that the 40V battery is compatible with other Greenworks 40V tools, so if you already own a Greenworks trimmer or chainsaw, you can share batteries.

Value for Money

This is where the Greenworks 24252 shines. It’s one of the most affordable 40V leaf blower vacuums on the market. You get a blower, a vacuum, a mulcher, a battery, and a charger for a price that’s often half of what competitors like EGO or Toro charge for similar kits. If you’re on a tight budget or just starting to build a cordless outdoor tool collection, this is a compelling entry point.

However, the low price comes with compromises. The small bag, modest airspeed, and short runtime (with the included battery) mean you may need to buy extra accessories or a larger battery to get the most out of it. If you factor in the cost of a 4.0Ah battery, the total price approaches mid-range models that offer better performance. So while the base kit is a great value, you should consider your total cost of ownership.

Who Should Buy It

This blower vacuum is best suited for specific users. I recommend it for:

• Homeowners with small to medium yards (under a quarter acre): The runtime and bag capacity are adequate for light to moderate leaf cleanup. If you have a postage stamp lawn or a city lot, this will serve you well.
• Noise-sensitive users: At 64 dB, it’s quiet enough for early morning or late evening use without annoying neighbors or family members.
• Budget-conscious shoppers: If you want a cordless blower and vacuum without spending a lot, this is a solid entry-level choice.
• Greenworks ecosystem users: If you already own Greenworks 40V tools, the battery sharing makes this a cost-effective addition.

I do not recommend it for:

• Large properties or heavy leaf loads: The small bag and modest airspeed will frustrate you if you have many trees or a big yard.
• Commercial or heavy-duty use: The plastic construction and limited runtime aren’t built for daily professional work.
• Users who need high airspeed for wet debris or gravel: This blower is best for dry leaves on hard surfaces or short grass.

My Verdict

After weeks of testing, I see the Greenworks 24252 as a capable, honest tool that knows its limits. It won’t replace a gas backpack blower or a premium cordless model, but it doesn’t try to. What it offers is a quiet, affordable, and reasonably effective way to handle leaf cleanup in a small to medium yard. The variable speed trigger and mulching function are genuine highlights, and the low noise level is a welcome change from the roar of gas equipment.

The downsides are real: the bag is too small, the airspeed is below average, and the included battery limits your runtime. But for the price, these are trade-offs I can accept. If you’re willing to buy a larger battery and manage the bag emptying, this tool will serve you well for years. If you want maximum power and convenience, save up for a higher-end model. For everyone else, the Greenworks 24252 is a smart, practical choice that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank.