If you’re looking for a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly electric lawnmower, the Greenworks PRO 80v self-propelled lawnmower might just be what you need. In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through the unboxing, assembly, demonstration, and my hands-on experience with the brand-new 2025 model. Plus, I’ll compare it to my trusty old BLACK+DECKER battery-powered mower to help you decide if it’s time for an upgrade.
📦 Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Greenworks PRO 80v lawnmower arrives in a single, well-packed box. A key tip for unboxing: make sure the black bottom of the box stays on the floor when you open it to avoid any hassle. The mower comes mostly assembled with the wheels already attached, so no heavy lifting is required. Just wheel it out and start removing the zip ties, bubble wrap, and other packaging materials.
Included in the box are the battery charger, the battery itself (shipped partially charged), a side discharge chute, grass clipping collection bag, manuals, and a few installation tools. I charged the battery to full before testing, and was pleased to see all four green lights indicating a full charge.
🔋 Battery Compatibility and Features
One concern I had initially was battery compatibility. I have some older 80v Greenworks Pro batteries for other tools, and the new battery looks a little different. It’s designed with a grip on top, making it appear rounded from the front but actually square from the side. I tested it with my 80v backpack leaf blower, and it fit perfectly and worked without issues.
This compatibility is a huge plus because it means you can share the same battery among multiple Greenworks tools, including chainsaws, blowers, and this mower. This convenience reduces the need for multiple batteries and chargers.
🛠️ Easy Assembly and Adjustable Features
Assembly is a breeze. The only step left after unboxing is attaching the handlebar. Rubber caps protect the handlebar ends during shipping. After removing those, gently push the wiring inside the handlebar tubes and connect both sides.
Using the included nuts and bolts, you insert bolts from the outside and then tighten the nuts with a screwdriver—no wrench needed thanks to the nut inserts in the plastic housing. The whole process is straightforward and quick.
One neat storage feature is the foldable handlebar, which is perfect if you have limited space in your shed or garage. Simply pull two levers simultaneously to unlock pins and fold or adjust the handlebar to your preferred height. I’m 6 feet tall, and the highest setting feels very comfortable, while the lower setting works well for someone around 5 feet tall.
🌿 Side Discharge and Grass Collection Options
The mower offers flexible grass management options. Attaching the side discharge chute is very simple—just open the spring-loaded door, latch the chute underneath the bar, and you’re ready to discharge clippings to the side.
If you prefer to collect grass clippings, lift the spring-loaded door, squeeze two tabs on the bag’s handle to remove a plastic piece, and hook the bag onto the bar. Close the door to secure the bag in place.
Adjusting the cutting height is equally easy. A single lever lifts the entire mower, allowing you to set the blade height from 1 inch up to 7 inches, accommodating different grass lengths and preferences.
⚙️ Battery Installation and Safety Features
Installing the battery is intuitive. Lift the door on the battery enclosure, insert a key for safety, slide the battery in with the text facing you, and push it until it clicks. Close the door, which is magnetically held in place for easy access. If you want to prevent unauthorized use (like kids accidentally starting the mower), simply remove the key and store it safely.
Removing the battery is just as simple by pressing the button on top and pulling it out.
🚀 Controls and Operation Features
To start the mower, hold down the power button and pull back on the handles. The front display shows the battery charge clearly, and there’s a turbo mode button that increases blade speed for tougher grass. The mower is self-propelled, with a dial to adjust the drive speed from slow to fast, making it easier to maneuver without pushing.
The self-propel feature can also be used without the blade running—for example, to help move the mower uphill. Just press the green button and the levers to activate self-propulsion.
⚔️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Greenworks vs. BLACK+DECKER 🆚
For over a decade, I’ve used a BLACK+DECKER battery lawnmower, so I wanted to see how the Greenworks stacks up. Here’s what I found:
- Weight: The Greenworks mower is noticeably lighter, making it easier to handle.
- Battery: The BLACK+DECKER uses three 12v batteries inside a heavy case, while the Greenworks uses a single 80v battery shared with other tools.
- Build Quality: The BLACK+DECKER has an all-plastic case, whereas the Greenworks features a sturdy metal housing.
- Cutting Height Adjustment: The Greenworks makes it very easy with a one-lever system; the BLACK+DECKER is more cumbersome.
- Handlebar Folding: The Greenworks folds quickly with two levers, while the BLACK+DECKER requires folding each side separately.
- Performance: My BLACK+DECKER battery has aged and bogs down in thick grass, but the Greenworks handles thick grass with ease thanks to its brushless motor and turbo mode.
🌱 Real-World Performance and Runtime
I took the Greenworks mower outside for a full test. The morning grass was a bit damp, with some thick patches covering about half my lawn, and thinner grass in the front yard.
After mowing about 1,000 square feet on full-speed self-propel, the battery charge remained above 75%. When the grass started to clog the bag due to wetness, I emptied it and switched to the mulching side discharge mode.
The side discharge mulches grass into small pieces effectively, even with wet clippings. One impressive feature is the mower’s ability to automatically increase power when tackling thick weeds, then reduce it back once cleared, eliminating bogging down.
🌾 Handling Tall Grass and Extended Use
Next, I mowed tall fescue grass in my backyard. Unlike my old mower, which bogged down and flattened the grass, the Greenworks cut cleanly without compressing the blades.
The mower ran for over an hour, finishing my entire lawn with some charge still left. I used the self-propel feature mostly at high speed, mixing bagging and mulching modes for grass clippings.
Interestingly, I didn’t find the turbo mode necessary. The mower’s automatic power adjustment worked so well that the turbo button went unused.
🔊 Noise Level and Warranty Support
The Greenworks mower is slightly noisier than my old BLACK+DECKER, likely because the metal housing doesn’t dampen sound as much as plastic. However, it’s still quiet enough that I didn’t need ear protection, especially compared to gas-powered mowers.
Greenworks also offers excellent warranty support. I’ve had positive experiences with their customer service on other tools, including a free replacement chainsaw and parts. I’m confident they’ll stand behind this mower as well.
🛒 Where to Buy and Recommended Tools
If you’re interested in the Greenworks PRO 80v lawnmower or need extra batteries or tools for assembly, here are my recommended affiliate links to get you started:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 🤔
Q: How wide is the cutting deck?
A: The mower has a 21-inch cutting deck, which is a standard size for residential lawns.
Q: Is the battery compatible with other Greenworks tools?
A: Yes! The 80v battery is compatible with other Greenworks PRO tools, such as chainsaws and leaf blowers, allowing you to share batteries across devices.
Q: How long does the battery last on a full charge?
A: In my tests, the 4Ah battery lasted over an hour mowing a mixed lawn with thick and thin grass while using the self-propel feature.
Q: Can I mulch grass clippings with this mower?
A: Absolutely. The mower includes a mulching side discharge chute that chops clippings into small pieces, which is great for lawn health.
Q: Is it easy to adjust the cutting height?
Yes, the mower features a single lever that adjusts the height from 1 inch up to 7 inches effortlessly.
Q: How noisy is the mower?
It’s quieter than a gas mower but slightly louder than some plastic-encased electric mowers due to its metal housing. Still, no ear protection is necessary.
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
Yes, Greenworks offers a solid warranty and customer support, as I’ve personally experienced with my other Greenworks tools.
Final Thoughts
The Greenworks PRO 80v 2025 self-propelled lawnmower impressed me with its ease of assembly, powerful brushless motor, versatile grass management options, and compatibility with other Greenworks tools. The self-propel feature, adjustable handlebar, and automatic power boost for thick grass make mowing less of a chore.
If you want an upgrade from older battery mowers or gas models, this mower is worth serious consideration. Plus, with the convenience of sharing batteries across your Greenworks tool collection, it’s an efficient addition to your outdoor toolkit.
Don’t forget to check out the links above if you want to grab one for yourself or need extra batteries and tools for the job. Happy mowing!
