Picking the right mower has gotten harder, not easier. Battery platforms have multiplied, deck sizes keep creeping up, and the gap between a budget push mower and a premium self-propelled unit has never felt more confusing. I wrote this guide for homeowners weighing a first cordless upgrade, anyone replacing a tired gas machine, and folks picking something for a smaller lot where storage matters as much as cut quality.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower
Makita DLM460Z Twin 18V Brushless Lawn Mower
HD Switch 20 AMP PTO Switch for John Deere
Einhell GC-EM 1742 Rotary Manual Mower
EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled LM2135SP
Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Mower
Honda HRX-BV 21-Inch Battery Mower
Makita DLM330Z 18V LXT Lawnmower
More On The Choices That Made The List
The Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower lands in that sweet spot many suburban owners want: a cordless machine strong enough for thicker grass, simple enough to live in a garage without resentment. The steel deck and brushless motor (a motor with no internal brushes, so it runs cooler and tends to last longer) give it the kind of build you usually only find in pricier gas units.
You get a 21-inch cutting width, a single-lever height adjustment, and a 4.0Ah battery that returns to full in roughly 60 minutes. Compared to the manual Einhell below, this is a real motorized step up, and it undercuts the heavier self-propelled EGO on price without giving up much in cut quality for flat lots.
What Earns Its Place
- 21-inch steel deck covers ground quickly enough for half-acre suburban lots
- Brushless motor tends to run quieter and last longer than brushed designs
- Single-lever height adjustment saves fiddling at the wheel
- Battery and rapid charger included, no extra purchases needed out of the box
Worth Noting
- Run-time depends on grass thickness, so thick spring growth may need a second charge
- Push-only design, meaning no self-propulsion, so slopes can wear you out
- Steel deck adds weight, which matters on stairs or uneven ground
Key Specs
Made For
Owners of flat to gently sloped suburban lawns up to about half an acre who want a low-maintenance cordless upgrade from an older gas unit.
Swap It Out When
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is a better match for steep terrain, since its self-propelled drive does the pushing for you on hills.
The Makita DLM460Z Twin 18V Brushless Lawn Mower is built for people who already own Makita batteries and want a mower that slots into the same wall. It draws power from two 18V LXT packs (Makita’s slide-in 18V battery line), creating a 36V system aimed at tougher mowing jobs.
The brushless motor pairs with soft start and constant speed control to keep blade RPM steady through thicker patches. Compare that to the Greenworks above, which leans on a single 80V pack, and you trade platform simplicity for a wider pool of compatible batteries.
Useful Highlights
- Uses two 18V batteries in series, so you can borrow from your existing tool collection
- Soft start protects the motor from abrupt inrush current (a brief power surge at switch-on)
- Constant speed control keeps the blade from slowing under load
Honest Caveats
- Batteries and charger not included, so first-time Makita buyers face a real added cost
- Not compatible with G-series batteries, which limits mixing older packs
- Bare-tool pricing can look attractive until you add two 5.0Ah batteries
Right Fit For
Existing Makita 18V owners running multiple tools on the same platform who want a mower that shares their batteries.
Consider Something Else When
First-time mower shoppers without an existing battery stash should look at the Greenworks 80V instead, since it ships ready to cut.
The HD Switch 20 AMP PTO Switch is a different kind of pick, and an important one if you already own a John Deere riding mower. The PTO (power take-off) switch is the part that engages the blades, so when it fails, the whole machine goes quiet mid-cut.
This aftermarket 20A switch is built with a higher amp rating than many stock 5A or 10A replacements, meaning it can handle the current of a 20A or 30A fused circuit without burning out first. That higher rating makes it a longevity play rather than a quick fix.
The Value In It
- 20A rating exceeds many factory 5A or 10A switches, reducing failure risk
- Sealed construction helps resist moisture and corrosion
- Drop-in replacement for several John Deere models
Trade Offs
- Compatibility depends on your specific John Deere model and year
- Installation may require basic electrical comfort and terminal care
- Not a mower on its own, so it only matters for owners already maintaining a Deere
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
John Deere riding mower owners who have burned through factory PTO switches and want a heavier-duty replacement.
Skip It When
Anyone shopping for an actual mower should jump straight to the Greenworks 80V or EGO POWER+ LM2135SP instead.
The Einhell GC-EM 1742 Rotary Manual Mower is a reminder that not every lawn needs a battery or a gas tank. With a 42cm cutting width and no drive system, you provide the power, and the mower does the cutting.
That simplicity translates to almost no maintenance: no spark plugs, no oil, no charging cycles. For someone with a small patch of grass who would rather skip the storage headache of a 21-inch cordless unit, this can be the right answer.
Positive Takeaways
- No fuel, battery, or cord to manage
- Lightweight enough to hang on a garage hook
- Quiet enough to run early without bothering neighbors
Points To Note
- Manual push only, so larger lawns will leave you tired
- Cut quality drops in tall or wet grass
- Limited feature set compared to powered units
Quick Facts
Best Suited To
Owners of small city lawns under about 1,500 square feet who want a near-zero maintenance option.
Look Elsewhere When
The Makita DLM330Z is a smarter pick for tight but medium-sized lawns, since it adds electric power without giving up nimble handling.
The EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled LM2135SP sits at the heavier end of the cordless category, and that is exactly the point. The self-propelled drive takes the strain out of sloped or thick lawns, while the Select Cut system lets you swap lower blades for mulching, bagging, or extended runtime.
This bundle ships with both a 56V 7.5Ah battery and an extra 5.0Ah pack, so you get genuine cut-time flexibility. Against the Greenworks 80V, you spend more but gain slope handling and a wider cutting system.
Real Benefits
- Self-propelled drive softens the workout on inclines
- Select Cut multi-blade system adapts to mulching, bagging, or runtime priorities
- Dual-battery bundle extends usable cutting time on bigger lots
- 56V platform handles dense, wet grass without stalling
Where It May Fall Short
- Heavier and pricier than push-only cordless options
- Bundled extras can complicate warranty registration or returns
- Extra battery ships separately, so plan a small wait before using it
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with sloped, thick, or larger lawns who want gas-like performance without engine noise or maintenance.
Not Your Match When
Flat, small lawns where the manual Einhell GC-EM 1742 or the simpler Greenworks 80V would do the job for less.
The Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Mower carries the Versamow system, which lets you mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves without swapping attachments. That kind of 4-in-1 flexibility has long been a Honda calling card, and bringing it to a battery platform is a real win for owners loyal to the brand.
The HRX-BE model ships without the variable-speed drive found on the HRX-BV below, so this one feels more traditional underfoot. Where it shines is cut quality and that familiar Honda build.
The Case For It
- Versamow Clip Director switches modes without tools or attachments
- 21-inch deck covers a wide path per pass
- Battery platform means quieter operation than gas Honda HRX units
Some Limits To Know
- Battery and charger are often sold separately, raising the real cost
- Premium pricing compared to non-Honda cordless rivals
- Single-speed drive instead of the adjustable speed on the HRX-BV
Perfect Match For
Honda loyalists ready to leave gas behind who care most about refined cut quality and the Versamow mulching system.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The Honda HRX-BV is the closer match for shoppers who want variable-speed self-propulsion on top of the Versamow deck.
The Honda HRX-BV 21-Inch Battery Mower takes the Versamow system from the HRX-BE and adds variable-speed self-propulsion, so you can dial in a pace that matches the grass instead of walking at one fixed speed. The twin-blade MicroCut setup finishes clippings finer, which helps bagging and mulching look cleaner.
You are paying for refinement, not raw new technology. Compared to the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, the HRX-BV leans more into cut polish and brand heritage than into battery bundle value.
Points In Its Favor
- Variable-speed self-propel matches walking pace to mowing conditions
- Twin blades produce finer clippings for tidier mulching and bagging
- Versamow system handles four modes without extra parts
Soft Spots
- Batteries often sold separately, lifting the true cost above rivals
- Premium pricing even among cordless Honda mowers
- Heavier than simpler 18V options like the Makita DLM330Z
Feature Snapshot
Who Should Grab It
Detail-oriented homeowners who want the most refined cordless cut Honda offers, and who do not mind paying for that polish.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Budget-focused shoppers get more cutting time per dollar from the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP bundle.
The Makita DLM330Z 18V LXT Lawnmower is the smallest and nimblest machine on this list, with a 330mm cutting deck built for tight corners and narrow gates. It runs off a single 18V slide battery, so anyone already in the Makita 18V ecosystem can mow without buying a second battery system.
The DLM330Z keeps things simple, and in a small garden that is a feature. Step up to the larger DLM460Z reviewed earlier when you need 36V muscle and a wider cut.
Well-Handled Touches
- Compact 330mm deck pivots through tight garden corners
- Single 18V battery slot keeps weight and complexity low
- Soft start protects both motor and operator at switch-on
Points To Keep In Mind
- Battery and charger sold separately, so add that to your budget
- Smaller deck means more passes on larger lawns
- Not compatible with G-series batteries
Spec Overview
Built With In Mind
Existing Makita 18V owners with small to mid-sized gardens full of corners, flower beds, and narrow gates.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Makita DLM460Z is the upgrade path for the same shopper when the lawn gets bigger or the grass thicker.
Matching Mowers To Real Lawns
Yard size is the first filter, and it is more useful than most shoppers expect. Anything under about 1,500 square feet rarely justifies a 21-inch cordless deck, so a manual reel like the Einhell or a compact 18V unit like the Makita DLM330Z usually handles the work without storage headaches. Half-acre suburban lots fall into the sweet spot of the Greenworks 80V and the Honda HRX cordless models, where deck width matters more than peak torque. Larger or sloped properties lean toward the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP and the Honda HRX-BV, where self-propulsion saves your back.
Cutting Modes And Deck Width
Mulching, bagging, side discharge, and leaf shredding each solve different problems across the year. Honda’s Versamow system handles all four without swapping hardware, which suits homeowners who change tactics as the season shifts. EGO’s Select Cut uses interchangeable lower blades to do similar work, with the trade-off of storing and tracking extra parts. Deck width, meanwhile, trades pass count for maneuverability: a 21-inch deck finishes faster on open ground but struggles more around curved flower beds than a 330mm deck.
Power Source And Battery Strategy
Cordless platforms are the biggest decision after yard size. Greenworks runs its own 80V system, EGO pushes a 56V platform, and Honda uses proprietary batteries across its cordless range. Makita takes a different path with 18V and twin-18V compatibility, meaning the same batteries that power your drill can power your mower. For shoppers already invested in a tool brand, sticking with that ecosystem usually saves money over time, even when the bare-tool price looks higher than a competing bundle.
Drive Type And Slope Comfort
Push-only mowers cost less and weigh less, but on any real incline they wear you out fast. Self-propelled drive takes over the pushing, leaving you to steer, and variable-speed models let you set the pace to match the grade. The HRX-BV and the EGO LM2135SP both offer this, while the HRX-BE ships as a single-speed walk unit. If your yard has even one stubborn slope, self-propulsion tends to be worth the premium.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
The most frequent mistake is buying on deck size alone. A wider deck finishes the same lawn faster, but it also adds weight, struggles in tight spots, and demands more battery capacity per charge. Another slip is assuming “battery included” means “battery big enough.” A 2.5Ah pack sounds fine until you try to cut wet spring grass. Always check the Ah rating (amp-hours, a rough measure of how long a battery can deliver power) and the claimed run-time under load. Finally, do not overlook compatibility. Bare-tool Makita units look like a bargain until you realize two 5.0Ah batteries can double the real-world cost.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Premium cordless mowers spend the extra money in three places: motor efficiency, build materials, and control electronics. Brushless motors (the design used across the Greenworks 80V, the Makita twins, the EGO POWER+, and the Honda HRX cordless units) run cooler and tend to last longer than brushed motors, which matters when you mow weekly for years. Decks made from steel or reinforced polymer resist dings and UV wear better than basic plastic. Control electronics like constant-speed regulation and soft start protect both the motor and the cut quality, and that is where the HRX-BV earns its premium over simpler push mowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cordless lawn mower battery actually last?
Run-time depends on grass thickness, blade height, and battery capacity, so any specific minute count from a listing is a best-case scenario. A 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack usually covers a small to mid-size lawn on a single charge, while 7.5Ah packs push into larger-lawn territory.
Can a cordless mower really replace a gas one?
For most suburban yards up to about three-quarters of an acre, modern 56V to 80V cordless platforms match the cut quality of small gas engines. Heavy acreage, very thick grass, or commercial use still favors gas or high-end battery rigs like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP.
Are replacement batteries expensive to keep on hand?
Proprietary battery platforms tend to cost more per amp-hour than third-party options, but staying within one brand avoids compatibility headaches. Makita 18V packs are among the most flexible because the same battery family spans dozens of tools beyond mowers.
How loud are these mowers compared to gas?
Cordless mowers run in the 75 to 85 dB range, while gas mowers typically push past 90 dB. The difference matters most for early-morning mowing in close neighborhoods.
What maintenance does a cordless mower still need?
Sharpen the blade once or twice a season, clean grass clippings from the deck after each cut, and store the battery at moderate temperatures. Skip the oil changes, spark plugs, and fuel stabilizer that gas models demand.
Wrap Up
The right mower comes down to your lawn shape, slope, and the battery ecosystem you already trust. For most flat suburban yards, the Greenworks 80V is the straightforward answer. Steep or thick turf points to the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, while Honda loyalists will feel at home on the HRX-BE or HRX-BV. Take an honest look at your yard this weekend, and the right pick usually becomes obvious.