PowerSmart HB2826A 80V 26-Inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The PowerSmart HB2826A is an 80V cordless electric walk-behind lawn mower designed for residential use. This mower features a powerful brushless motor and large 26-inch steel cutting deck, making it suitable for mowing up to 1/2 acre lawns.

Key features of the HB2826A include the load sensing technology which helps maximize runtime by only drawing the power needed for optimal cutting performance. It has a dual port fast charging system that allows the mower to be fully recharged in under an hour.

With its quiet operation, zero emissions, and low maintenance requirements, the PowerSmart HB2826A offers an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns efficiently. Its maneuverability and folding handle design make storage and transportation easy.

Overall, the HB2826A is a feature-rich cordless electric mower well-suited for small to medium sized yards. This review will provide an in-depth look at the mower's design, features, performance and ease of use.

Design and Build Quality

The PowerSmart HB2826A electric lawnmower has a rugged and durable build quality designed for residential use. The steel deck feels sturdy and solidly constructed to withstand bumps and knocks during lawn mowing.

The mower deck housing is made of 13-gauge steel that is powder coated for extra protection against rust and corrosion. At 66 lbs, the mower has a reasonable weight for an electric model with an 80V battery. The weight distribution feels balanced and makes the mower easy to maneuver.

With dimensions of 32.5 x 25.5 x 16 inches, the mower has a slim profile to access tight spaces and easily cut around landscaping and flower beds. The compact size makes storage easy in a small shed or garage. Overall the materials, weight and dimensions make this an ideal residential electric mower.

Cutting Deck

The PowerSmart HB2826A electric mower has a 26-inch wide cutting deck made of stamped steel. This width is sufficient for mowing small to medium yards up to 1/4 acre.

The cutting deck height is adjustable between 1.2 to 4 inches in 7 different positions, allowing you to cut your grass at the ideal height for the season or your lawn type. Lower heights like 1.5-2 inches are best for cool season grasses like fescue, while higher heights around 3-4 inches are recommended for warm season grasses like bermuda.

The mower deck height is adjusted easily using a single lever on the side. The cutting height indicators are marked right on the mower deck for convenience. Overall, the range of height adjustments should accommodate most homeowners' needs.

Motor and Battery

The PowerSmart HB2826A is powered by an impressively potent 80V brushless electric motor, which provides more than adequate power and torque for cutting even thick and overgrown grass without bogging down or straining.

This mower comes equipped with 4 high-capacity 20V lithium-ion batteries bundled together to deliver the full 80V for maximum run time. The batteries are easily removable for convenient charging and storage. The full 80V voltage allows for a strong momentum that doesn't lose power even in dense and tough grass.

The manufacturer states that on a full charge, the included batteries can run continuously for 45 minutes of mowing time on average, providing sufficient runtime to mow up to a quarter acre lot in one session. However, actual runtime can be influenced by a number of factors like grass thickness, mowing speed, terrain, and cutting height. With extra batteries on hand, users can continue mowing for longer without having to pause to recharge.

Overall, the 80V high-capacity battery system delivers excellent sustained power to handle mowing jobs of various sizes while minimizing downtime that comes with frequent recharging. The brushless motor runs quieter and more efficiently than previous generations of electric mowers as well.

Features

The PowerSmart HB2826A electric lawn mower comes with several useful features that enhance the mowing experience.

Self-Propel System - This mower has a variable speed self-propel system, allowing you to adjust the speed based on your preferences and the mowing conditions. Once engaged, the self-propel will move the mower forward without you needing to push it manually. This makes mowing larger lawns much easier.

Mulching and Bagging - The mower deck allows you to either mulch or bag your grass clippings. Mulching cuts the clippings into tiny pieces that get distributed back into the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Bagging collects the clippings in a rear bag for easy disposal. Conveniently, the mower allows you to switch between mulching and bagging modes as needed.

LED Headlights - For mowing at dusk or in shaded areas, the PowerSmart mower has bright LED headlights to illuminate the cutting path. The headlights ensure you can see what you're doing even with low light conditions.

Noise Level

While gas lawn mowers can produce noise levels over 100 decibels, this electric mower runs at just 80 decibels. For comparison, normal conversation is about 60 decibels. So this mower produces about the same amount of noise as a vacuum cleaner running. The quiet operation makes this electric mower a great option if you want to avoid disturbing neighbors early in the morning or later in the evening. The lack of loud engine noise also provides a more pleasant mowing experience if you wear headphones or like to chat with someone while cutting the grass. Overall, the quiet operation is a major benefit compared to noisier gas mowers.

Maneuverability: Handles Well in Tight Spaces and Slopes

The PowerSmart HB2826A has excellent maneuverability thanks to its rear-wheel drive design and balanced weight distribution. The turning radius is tight enough to easily get around trees, flower beds, and other obstacles in your yard. You can make zero-turn maneuvers even in smaller yards.

The mower handles slopes and hills smoothly as well. The rear-wheel motor provides good traction so you don't lose momentum going uphill. The mower feels planted and stable when mowing sideways across inclines. The low center of gravity prevents it from feeling tippy on slopes. Adjusting the cutting height is easy with a single lever, allowing you to raise the deck when needed for uneven terrain.

Overall, the maneuverability of the PowerSmart mower makes it convenient for mowing efficiently in tight spaces and on hilly yards. The ability to turn on a dime and maintain control on slopes takes the hassle out of navigating around obstacles and challenging turf.

Ease of Use

The PowerSmart HB2826A electric lawn mower is designed for quick and intuitive operation. Assembly out of the box is straightforward, with only a few parts to attach before it's ready to mow. The two-lever folding handle provides a compact storage footprint.

Once assembled, the mower is very easy to operate. The dual force variable speed control allows you to choose your preferred pace. The conveniently located button starts the mower, while speed is controlled smoothly via a trigger under the handlebar. The handlebar also contains buttons to adjust the cutting height between 1.18 to 4 inches.

Most users find the PowerSmart mower highly intuitive after just a few uses. The controls are ergonomically placed and clearly labeled. Maneuvering the mower is effortless thanks to rear-wheel drive. For safety, the blade stops spinning when you release the trigger. There is no learning curve for seasoned mower owners. First time buyers may need a few mows to get accustomed to an electric mower, but quickly get the hang of it.

Overall, ease of use is a major highlight of this mower. The assembly is quick and the controls very straightforward. Within a couple hours, you can be mowing your lawn with ease.

Maintenance

Keeping your PowerSmart electric mower well-maintained helps ensure excellent cutting performance and extends the life of the machine. It only takes a few minutes each time you mow to perform basic maintenance tasks.

Cleaning - Remove any built-up grass clippings from under the mower deck using a leaf blower or stiff brush after each use. Check wheels and make sure they spin freely. Wipe the cutting deck with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.

Blade Sharpening/Replacement - The blade should be sharp enough to cleanly cut grass blades rather than tear them. Inspect the blades regularly and sharpen them with a file as needed to restore a clean cut. Replace dull blades that can't be sharpened. The PowerSmart uses standard size blades that are easy to find. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper blade removal and installation.

Performing regular maintenance keeps your mower running smoothly for years to come. Always be sure to disconnect the battery before any maintenance work.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 80V lithium-ion battery provides long runtime
• 26-inch wide cutting deck can handle larger yards efficiently
• Dual-force cutting technology combines mulching and side discharge
• Adjustable cutting height from 1.18 to 3.75 inches
• Push button start and intuitive controls
• Foldable handle for compact storage
• Quieter operation than gas mowers

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately, adding to cost
• Shorter runtime vs gas mowers
• Heavy and bulky compared to some electric mowers
• No self-propelled option available
• Doesn't handle tall or wet grass as well
• 2-3 year warranty is shorter than some competitors