Greenworks 60V 21-inch Self-Propelled Review

Introduction: Making the Switch to Electric

For years, I was a gas mower loyalist. I liked the noise, the smell, and the raw power. But after a particularly frustrating spring of carburetor cleaning, stale fuel, and a pull cord that refused to cooperate, I decided it was time to look at electric options. My yard is about a third of an acre, with a slight slope and a mix of thick Bermuda and fescue. I needed something that could handle that without feeling like a toy. That is when I started testing the Greenworks 60V 21-inch Self-Propelled mower. I have now run this machine through an entire growing season, and I am ready to give you the full, honest breakdown.

This is not a lab test. I am not a scientist. I am an editor who spends his weekends cutting grass and his weekdays thinking about how to do it better. I bought this mower with my own money, and I have used it on wet grass, dry grass, overgrown patches, and everything in between. Let me walk you through exactly what it is like to own and operate this machine.

How I Tested It

My testing protocol is simple: I used the Greenworks 60V as my primary mower for three full months, from early May through late July. That covers the heavy spring growth and the hot, dry summer stretch. I mowed on a schedule of every five to seven days, which is typical for my lawn. I also deliberately let the grass get about six inches tall on two occasions to test the machine’s ability to handle heavy, wet clippings.

I tested the self-propulsion on my slope, which is roughly a 15-degree grade in the back corner. I also used it on flat ground to compare how the variable speed trigger felt. I timed the battery charge cycles from a dead stop to full charge using a standard wall outlet. I also weighed the mower on a bathroom scale to verify the manufacturer’s claims. I did not use any special tools or software. This is just a real-world account of what you can expect if you buy this mower.

Performance

Power and Cutting Ability

Let me start with the most important thing: this mower has genuine power. The 60V battery system is not a gimmick. When I engage the blade, it spins up to speed almost instantly, and it stays there even in thick grass. I have cut through patches of crabgrass and clover that were easily three inches tall and damp from morning dew. The 21-inch steel deck handled it without bogging down. The cut quality is excellent. It leaves a clean, even finish with no ragged edges, which is something I used to associate only with gas mowers.

I did notice that if you try to mow grass that is excessively wet or tall, you will get some clumping. That is true of any mower, but the Greenworks does a better job than most electric models I have tested. The rear bagger fills evenly and does not clog easily. I also used the mulching plug, and it produced fine clippings that disappeared into the lawn within a day or two. The side discharge works well for when you are cutting really tall grass and do not want to stop to empty the bag every five minutes.

Self-Propulsion System

The self-propulsion is controlled by a variable speed trigger on the handlebar. You squeeze it to engage the drive, and the more you squeeze, the faster you go. It is a rear-wheel drive system, which I prefer because it gives you better traction on slopes. On flat ground, it is smooth and responsive. On my 15-degree slope, it handled well. It did not slip or struggle, and I never felt like I was fighting the mower to keep it moving uphill.

One thing to note: the trigger is a bit sensitive. If you have a heavy hand, you might find yourself lurching forward at first. It took me about three mowing sessions to get used to feathering it just right. Once you dial it in, it is very natural. The self-propulsion also disengages when you release the handle, which is a nice safety feature.

Battery Life and Charge Time

This is where the biggest tradeoff lives. The 60V battery is powerful, but it takes a full two hours to charge from empty. That is a con, and I cannot sugarcoat it. If you have a large lawn, you will need to plan ahead. For my third of an acre, I can mow the entire lawn on a single charge if I use the self-propulsion sparingly and keep the blade speed at max. I typically use about 80 percent of the battery capacity for a full mow. If the grass is wet or thick, I might need to finish the last strip with a partial charge.

I recommend buying a second battery if your lawn is over a quarter acre. That way, you can swap batteries and keep mowing while the first one charges. The charger itself is reasonably compact and plugs into a standard outlet. It does not have a cooling fan, so it runs warm but not hot. The battery indicator on the mower handle shows three LED lights, so you always know how much juice you have left. That is a simple but useful feature.

Build and Value

Durable Steel Deck

The deck is made of stamped steel, and it feels solid. I have bumped it against rocks, tree roots, and the edge of my concrete driveway. There are no dents, no rust, and no cracks. The steel is powder coated, which seems to hold up well. I have not seen any peeling or chipping. The 21-inch cutting width is a nice sweet spot. It is wide enough to cover ground quickly but narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds and fence posts.

The wheels are plastic with a rubber tread. They are not the beefiest I have ever seen, but they have held up fine. The rear wheels are larger than the front, which helps with rolling over uneven ground. The handle is a single-piece metal bar with a foam grip. It is comfortable and does not vibrate excessively. The folding mechanism for storage is simple and works well. It folds flat without needing to remove any tools.

Weight and Handling

This is the other major con: the mower is heavier than average. With the battery installed, it weighs about 85 pounds. That is heavier than many gas mowers and significantly heavier than smaller electric models. The self-propulsion helps a lot when you are moving forward, but if you need to lift it to get over a curb or load it into a truck, you will feel it. I am an average-sized guy, and I can lift it, but it is not a one-handed job. If you have physical limitations, this might be a dealbreaker.

On the plus side, the weight gives it stability. It does not bounce or skate on uneven ground. It tracks straight and feels planted. The push handle has a comfortable height adjustment, and the overall ergonomics are good. The controls are all within easy reach. The blade engage lever is a safety bail that you must hold down to start and keep running. That is standard, but it works reliably.

Value for Money

I cannot give you a specific price because they fluctuate, but I can tell you that this mower sits in the upper mid-range for electric self-propelled models. You are paying for the 60V battery system and the steel deck. Compared to cheaper plastic-deck electric mowers, the Greenworks feels much more substantial. Compared to premium gas mowers, it is quieter, lighter (despite being heavier than other electrics), and requires no fuel or oil changes.

The battery and charger are included in the box, which is important. Some brands sell the mower as a “tool only” and make you buy the battery separately. Greenworks includes one 60V battery and the rapid charger. That is good value. The battery is also compatible with other Greenworks 60V tools, like their string trimmers and leaf blowers. If you already own Greenworks tools, you can share batteries, which is a nice ecosystem benefit.

Who Should Buy It

This mower is a great fit for specific types of homeowners. If you have a medium-sized lawn, roughly a quarter to half an acre, and you want to get away from gas without sacrificing cutting quality, this is a strong contender. The self-propulsion makes it usable for people who have slight slopes or who just do not want to push a heavy mower. The steel deck means it will last for years if you take care of it.

It is also a good choice if you already own other Greenworks 60V tools. The battery sharing alone can save you hundreds of dollars over time. If you value a quiet mowing experience, this mower is far quieter than any gas model. You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without bothering your neighbors.

However, it is not for everyone. If you have a very large lawn, over half an acre, the two-hour charge time will be a real pain. You will absolutely need a second battery, and even then, you might be better off with a gas mower or a larger electric model with a bigger battery. If you have a very steep hill, the self-propulsion might struggle. It handles moderate slopes well, but extreme grades are a challenge for any electric mower.

Also, if you are physically unable to lift 85 pounds, this is not the mower for you. Look for a lighter model, even if it means a plastic deck. The tradeoff in durability might be worth it for the reduced weight.

My Verdict

After three months of regular use, I can confidently say that the Greenworks 60V 21-inch Self-Propelled mower is one of the best electric mowers I have tested. The pros are real: the power from the 60V battery is impressive, the 21-inch steel deck cuts cleanly and handles thick grass without complaint, and the build quality is excellent for the price. The cons are also real: it is heavier than average, and the two-hour charge time is a limitation you need to work around.

For my specific situation, it has been a win. I have saved time on maintenance, I do not smell like gas after mowing, and my lawn looks as good as it ever did with my gas mower. I have not had a single mechanical issue. The battery has held its charge well over the season, and the steel deck shows no signs of wear. If you are on the fence about switching to electric, this mower makes a compelling case.

I would recommend it to anyone with a medium-sized lawn who wants reliable, quiet, and powerful performance. Just be honest with yourself about the weight and the charging time. If you can live with those two things, you will be very happy with this mower. It is a solid tool that does exactly what it promises.

That is my honest take. No fluff, no fake lab data, just real experience. I hope it helps you make the right choice for your yard.