Greenworks GLM801601 80V 21 inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

Greenworks makes battery-powered lawn equipment such as lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. The line of products is powered by lithium-ion batteries, which provide higher run times compared to lead-acid batteries used in traditional battery-powered units. The Greenworks GLM801601 is an 80V 21-inch self-propelled cordless electric walk-behind lawn mower with 2 x 2.5Ah batteries and a charger included.

It is designed for residential use to handle up to 1/3 acre of lawn. This model comes with smartphones features like the Digital Smart Cut Technology which optimizes individual cutting sessions based on grass condition and thickness while cutting power is delivered efficiently. The brushless motor delivers gas-like power to cut through tall, thick grass without bogging down.

Design & Build Quality

This electric lawn mower features a robust design with a nicely sized 21-inch steel cutting deck. At 64 pounds, it is lightweight for an electric mower giving it good maneuverability and making it easy to push around the yard.

The steel construction of the deck appears durable and resistant to impacts from rocks or debris, yet the overall weight keeps this mower nimble and easy to control. The nontortuous handle allows you to adjust the cutting height from 1-1/8 to 3-3/8 inches in 1/4-inch increments so you can customize cut for your grass length and needs.

The compact frame for Greenworks means this mower won't hog space if you need to store it in a garage or shed between mows. You still get a 21-inch width deck with dual ported steel construction for stratight line edging and effective clippings collection. Polymer wheels are durable but also quiet going over concrete or pavement. Overall, the design is solid for both maneuverability and durability.

Cutting Deck

The Greenworks GLM801601 features a 21 inch cutting deck made from lightweight, durable steel that delivers high performance and long-lasting sharpness. The steel blade spans the full 21 inch deck width and measures in at 3.5 inches long. This substantial blade length is able to cut wide passes on each run and provides enough depth for excellent mulching capabilities to leave a clean, even finish.

Cutting height can be adjusted between 1.75 - 4 inches in quarter inch increments. This offers a wide range of height customizations for various lawn conditions and grass types. The 21 inch deck size also gives the mower a high single pass cutting velocity to speed up the mowing process. The integrated rear clipping discharge flap neatly mulches and disperses shorter grass cuttings back into the lawn for effective fertilization. While longer grass clippings are bagged into the included durable nylon grass collection bag for removal once full. This dual clipping management helps maintain peak cutting performance and healthy even grass coverage after mowing.

For safety, the side discharge chute can be closed while mulching to prevent debris being ejected during operation. Users praise the effectiveness of the cutting deck for quiet, quick cutting across bumpy, uneven lawns - leaving a professional quality cut each time.

Motor & Battery Performance

The lawn mower is powered by a high performance 80V 21-inch Max Lithium battery. This provides a long charge life and powerful performance for cutting grass. The battery takes up to 2 hours to fully recharge.

With 80 volts of power and a brushless motor, the lawn mower delivers enough torque and efficiency to handle tough grass cutting jobs. The run time on a full charge can last over 60 minutes, giving ample time to work on even larger lawns. The motor outputs up to 8.8 ft-lbs of torque, which is sufficient for cutting through moderately dense and thick grass.

Overall, the battery and motor combination delivers strong results - quick cutting speeds, long enough run times per charge for efficient lawn maintenance, and robust construction that will last across seasons of use. The high voltage battery prevents power drop offs during cutting sessions.

Features

The Greenworks GLM801601 mower comes with some nice features that improve the user experience.

• Start Button: There is an easy push button electric start that allows you to power on the mower without pulling any cords. This makes starting very convenient.

• Variable Speed Control: The mower has a variable speed control dial that allows you to adjust the mowing speed from a slow walk behind pace up to a faster speed. This gives you more control over the mowing experience.

• LED Headlights: Bright LED headlights are mounted on the front of the deck. This allows you to see clearly when mowing in low light conditions or at night. The lights illuminate the path ahead for improved visibility and safety.

• 21-Inch Cutting Deck: The wide 21-inch cutting deck allows you to mow more grass in fewer passes, saving you time. It uses dual blades to cut grass evenly.

• 7-Position Height Adjustment: The cutting height can be adjusted across 7 settings from 1.5 inches up to 4 inches high. This accommodates different grass lengths.

Operation & Handling

The Greenworks 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower is designed for easy assembly and operation. Most users report taking about 30 minutes to fully assemble the mower out of the box using the included tools and clear instructions.

The mower features two smooth-gliding 7-inch wheels on the front and two large 10-inch rear wheels, allowing you to easily maneuver the mower around landscaping features and terrain. The dual lever height adjustment makes it simple to choose from the 1-1/2 to 4-inch cutting height range in 1/4-inch increments.

Controls on the mower are intuitive and easy to reach while operating the machine. There is a safety key that must be inserted for the mower to start, ensuring accidental starts don't occur. The start button and power save mode button are within thumb's reach on the top of the handlebar. The mower blades can be engaged and disengaged via a power drive bar on the underside of the handlebar.

The Greenworks 80V mower operates at a quite 60 decibels, the equivalent of a normal conversation. This makes the mowing experience much quieter and more pleasant than a noisy gas mower.

When it comes to storage, the mower folds up vertically to take up minimal space. The handlebar locks into place so the mower can be conveniently stored in a garage, shed or against a wall while not in use.

Maintenance

The Greenworks 21-Inch Cordless Mower requires minimal maintenance to keep it operating smoothly each season. Here are some tips:

Cleaning - It's important to clean the mower deck after each use to prevent a buildup of clippings and debris. Use a garden hose to spray off the underside of the deck. For especially dirty areas, use a stiff brush. Make sure the mower has fully dried before storing.

Blade Sharpening/Replacement - The mower blades should be checked each season and sharpened or replaced as needed. Dull blades result in poor cutting performance. Replacement blades can be purchased directly from Greenworks. Remove the old blade by taking off the blade bolt. Install a new or sharpened blade, making sure it is oriented correctly. Tighten the blade bolt securely.

Storage - Properly storing the mower between seasons ensures it will start up smoothly next year. Fully charge the batteries before storage to prevent deterioration. Clean the mower thoroughly before storing. Store the mower in a dry, covered area protected from weather and direct sun. Avoid storing it directly on concrete floors. To reduce corrosion, rub a lightly oiled rag over any exposed metal surface.

Safety Features

The Greenworks 21-Inch electric lawn mower is designed with safety in mind, offering protection for the user as well as including important fail-safes.

The mower housing completely encloses the spinning blades for safety. The blades will not spin unless the rear flap is lowered into place. There is also a blade brake clutch that stops the blades within seconds if the operator releases their grip on the handlebar. This is an important fail-safe to prevent accidents if the mower needs to be released in an emergency.

An automatic power-off feature will shut down the mower if it tips more than 30 degrees, preventing potential injuries. This is especially useful when mowing steep hills or uneven terrain.

The mower handle is designed to prevent finger contact with the blade. It also folds down for safe and compact storage when not in use.

Thick durable wheels provide stability and traction while mowing. The mower housing design also helps prevent flying debris during operation.

Overall, Greenworks designed this mower with multiple safety features and failsafes to protect the user during operation and prevent accidents. The enclosed blade housing, automatic power-off if tipped, and blade brake clutch are important innovations that make this electric mower safe and reliable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful 80V lithium-ion battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime
• Brushless motor is quiet yet powerful enough to handle tough mowing jobs
• 21-inch wide cutting deck allows for faster mowing compared to smaller decks
• 3-in-1 design - can side discharge, mulch or bag clippings
• Height adjustable from 1.5 to 3.75 inches in 6 increments
• Large 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels roll easily over uneven terrain

Cons

• Heavy and bulky design at nearly 70 lbs total weight
• Battery and charger cost extra - adds to already high purchase price
• Small grass catcher bag may require frequent emptying
• Short 45 minute max runtime requires additional charged battery for larger yards

Conclusion

The Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is a great option for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly and quiet mowing solution. Its dual battery system provides up to 60 minutes of runtime, allowing you to mow larger yards on a single charge. The washout port makes cleaning the deck fast and easy.

Overall, the Greenworks mower delivers solid performance and maneuverability at an affordable price point compared to other cordless electric models. It's a great choice if you have a small to mid-sized lawn and want to avoid the hassles of gas mowers.

For larger yards or more heavy-duty use, you may want to consider a model with a larger cutting deck and more powerful motor like the EGO Power+ 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Mower or Toro 60V 21-Inch Cordless Electric Mower. But the Greenworks GLM801601 offers excellent value for typical suburban lawn needs.

It's a quiet, eco-friendly mower suitable for most homeowners looking to ditch gas and cords. The dual battery system provides ample runtime for small to mid-sized yards. If you don't need extra power or a wider cutting deck, the Greenworks 21-Inch 80V is an affordable and capable cordless electric mower worth considering.