Pushing a mower across a quarter acre on a humid Saturday can wear anyone out. I picked these eight models for anyone who wants a lighter footprint on the lawn and on the arms: cordless walk-behinds that start with a button, a manual reel for tiny patches, and a heavy-hitter self-propelled option for bigger yards. The lineup covers small lawns, sloped lots, and quiet neighborhoods where noise matters.
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 Upgrade
Casince 17in Cordless Walk-Behind Mower
Einhell GC-EM 1742 Rotary Manual Mower
EGO POWER+ 21in Self-Propelled Mower
Honda HRX-BE 21in Battery Walk-Behind
Makita DLM330Z 18V Cordless Lawnmower
A Deeper Look At The Lineup
The Greenworks 80V sits in a sweet spot for medium-sized yards where a wider deck saves real time but the frame still feels manageable. A brushless motor (a motor with no carbon brushes, so it runs cooler and lasts longer) drives the steel 21-inch deck, and a single lever moves the height across settings without fuss.
For most suburban lots, the 80V system delivers enough torque to handle slightly overgrown patches, and the included 4.0Ah battery recharges in roughly an hour. Compared to the Makita DLM460Z that follows, this one ships ready to run with no extra battery purchases.
What Helps Most
- 21-inch steel deck covers more ground per pass, trimming mowing time on quarter-acre lawns.
- Brushless motor runs quieter than brushed designs and tends to last longer before service.
- Single-lever height adjustment means one motion changes all four wheels, useful when switching between grass types.
- 80V battery platform shares cells with other Greenworks tools, simplifying a future garage lineup.
Things To Consider
- Steel deck adds weight versus plastic alternatives, so storage and lifting into a shed matter.
- Run time depends heavily on grass thickness; heavy spring growth can shorten a single charge.
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with a flat, medium lawn who want a cordless setup without buying batteries separately.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
For steep terrain, the self-propelled EGO POWER+ 21in Self-Propelled Mower saves more effort per pass.
The Makita DLM460Z pulls from the same 18V LXT battery family that powers drills, impact drivers, and saws across job sites. Two batteries feed a 36V brushless motor that holds RPM under load, which is the kind of behavior that matters on damp, thick grass.
Without batteries or charger in the box, this is a body-only pick that rewards anyone already invested in the LXT platform. Where the Greenworks above ships ready, this one assumes you have spare 18V packs on the bench.
Real-World Strengths
- Constant speed control keeps blade speed steady in taller grass, improving cut consistency.
- Soft-start electronics protect the motor and gearbox from sudden current spikes.
- Shares batteries with the wider Makita 18V LXT range, a practical win for existing tool owners.
Worth Noting
- Batteries and charger are not included, raising the real cost for newcomers to the platform.
- Not compatible with Makita G-Series batteries, a common confusion that limits pack choice.
- Heavier than 18V-only mowers when both packs are loaded, which affects push effort.
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Makita 18V owners who already own spare batteries and want one more tool on the same platform.
Consider Something Else When
For a plug-and-buy experience with batteries in the box, the Casince 17in Cordless Walk-Behind Mower skips the platform commitment.
The HD Switch PTO upgrade is a repair part, not a mower. The PTO (power take-off) is the clutch that engages the blades, and the switch is what tells it to spin up. This heavy-duty replacement targets John Deere riding mowers whose factory switches tend to fail before the fuse ever blows.
I include it because anyone maintaining a heavier lawn fleet still needs parts that match the workload. The 20-amp rating and 100,000-cycle test rating push it past the original spec.
Why It Works Well
- 20-amp rating handles the draw that stock 5A or 10A switches struggle with over time.
- 100,000-cycle test rating suggests far longer service life than factory originals.
- IP53 rating (protected against limited dust and water spray) helps in dusty mowing conditions.
Points To Note
- Installation requires basic wiring comfort and proper PTO routing on the mower chassis.
- Specific to John Deere applications, so it does not cross over to other riding mower brands.
Built With In Mind
Owners of John Deere riding mowers dealing with repeated PTO switch failures on a hardworking machine.
Look Elsewhere When
For a brand-new walk-behind mower to mow a small lawn, the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower is a far better starting point.
The Casince is the easy-entry cordless option on this list. A 17-inch deck keeps the body compact enough for narrow side yards, and two 20V batteries stretch the runtime to about 40 minutes per pair, which covers most small-lawn cuts in a single session.
For anyone trading a noisy gas mower for the first time, the controls feel intuitive. Six height positions from 1 to 3 inches offer enough range for most cool-season grasses, and the design avoids the heavier steel decks found on the Greenworks above.
Real Benefits
- Dual 20V batteries extend runtime, useful for lawns approaching 5,000 square feet.
- Six height settings cover typical residential grass heights without fiddling with each wheel.
- Lighter frame than 21-inch steel-deck mowers makes lifting into a trunk or shed easier.
Trade Offs
- 17-inch deck means more passes than a wider 21-inch model on bigger lawns.
- Plastic deck construction tends to show scuffs and may not last as long as steel under heavy use.
Feature Snapshot
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
First-time cordless mower owners with a smaller yard who want batteries included and a simple control layout.
Reach For A Different Pick When
For a wider cut and longer runtime on larger lots, the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower fits the bill.
The Einhell GC-EM 1742 is a no-drive, no-motor rotary mower, so it relies entirely on push power to spin the blade. At 42 cm (about 16.5 inches), it lands between the Casince and a full 21-inch deck, and it suits very small patches where dragging out a battery feels like overkill.
There is nothing to charge, nothing to fuel, and nothing to winterize. Compared to the cordless picks above, the trade-off is more physical effort, but for a 500-square-foot patch, that is a fair swap.
Useful Touches
- Manual operation means no charging, no fuel, and very little long-term maintenance.
- Lightweight construction is easy to carry up basement stairs or hang in a small shed.
- Quiet enough to run at any hour without disturbing neighbors.
Honest Caveats
- Best suited to short, even grass; tall weeds tend to fold rather than cut clean.
- No motor means real physical effort, especially on uneven ground or longer growth.
- No grass catcher listed, so clippings stay on the lawn.
Who Should Grab It
Anyone with a tiny lawn patch who wants a near-zero-maintenance tool and is fine putting in some push power.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
For a true push-button cordless experience with battery runtime, the Casince 17in Cordless Walk-Behind Mower is the natural step up.
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the heaviest hitter in this lineup. A self-propelled drive system pushes the mower forward at walking pace, which matters on sloped lots where a push mower drains energy fast. The 56V battery platform and the included 7.5Ah pack give it genuine gas-comparable torque.
The Select Cut multi-blade system lets you swap between mulching, bagging, and extended-runtime blades without tools. Compared to the Greenworks above, it carries more capability but costs more in body weight.
A Favorable Mix
- Self-propelled drive reduces fatigue on slopes and larger lots.
- Select Cut multi-blade system swaps between mulching, bagging, and extended-runtime modes.
- 56V 7.5Ah battery plus a 5.0Ah spare extends runtime for bigger mowing days.
- Brushless motor delivers torque that competes with small gas engines.
Some Limits To Know
- Self-propelled feature adds noticeable weight versus the Greenworks and Casince models.
- Higher initial cost than simpler cordless options on this list.
Feature Rundown
Made For
Homeowners with larger yards, slopes, or thick grass who want self-propelled help and premium cut quality.
Swap It Out When
For a lighter, simpler cordless option on a smaller flat lawn, the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower keeps things easier to store and push.
The Honda HRX-BE swaps the brand’s gas heritage for a battery-powered platform while keeping the engineering reputation intact. The Versamow system with Clip Director lets you mulch, bag, discharge, or shred leaves without swapping attachments.
It targets homeowners who care about cut quality over absolute convenience. Compared to the EGO above, the HRX-BE focuses less on raw torque and more on refined cutting finishes and brand-level durability.
Useful Strengths
- Versamow 4-in-1 system with Clip Director adjusts between mulching and bagging on the fly.
- Twin blade design (MicroCut) produces finer clippings for cleaner-looking lawns.
- Honda engineering heritage tends to translate into long service life with routine care.
Where It Is Less Suited
- Premium positioning makes it costlier than most cordless picks on this list.
- Battery system is Honda-specific, limiting cross-platform flexibility.
Best Suited To
Cut-quality perfectionists who want Honda reliability and do not mind paying more for refined mulching and bagging.
Another Choice May Suit
For higher torque and self-propelled drive on bigger lawns, the EGO POWER+ 21in Self-Propelled Mower brings more raw capability.
The Makita DLM330Z is the smaller sibling to the DLM460Z reviewed earlier, designed for tight yards where a compact body matters more than wide-deck speed. A 330 mm (about 13-inch) cutting width and tight turning radius suit narrow side passages and small gates.
It runs on a single 18V LXT battery, which keeps the weight down but means existing Makita owners can grab this body and use the packs they already own. For tiny lots, the trade-off favors maneuverability over cutting width.
Advantages To Know
- Compact 330 mm deck fits through narrow gates and tight garden paths.
- Single 18V battery keeps total weight low, useful for older users or stairs.
- Shares batteries with the wider Makita 18V LXT platform, a practical platform win.
Points To Note
- Smaller deck means more passes than the 21-inch options on bigger lawns.
- Battery and charger sold separately, raising the real cost for new platform users.
Feature Card
Who Will Love This
Makita 18V owners with small, oddly shaped yards who want a maneuverable cordless mower on their existing platform.
Skip It When
For a wider deck and longer runtime on a more open lawn, the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower covers ground faster.
What To Weigh Before Choosing A Lightweight Mower
Deck Size Versus Storage Footprint
A wider deck covers more ground per pass, but a 21-inch body takes up more shed space than a 17-inch alternative. For tight sheds and side-yard gates, a compact model like the Makita DLM330Z or the Casince is easier to store. For open lots, the Greenworks and EGO trim mowing time noticeably.
Battery Strategy And Platform Lock-In
Cordless mowers fall into two camps: self-contained (battery included) and platform-based (battery sold separately). The Casince and Greenworks ship ready to mow, while the Makita DLM460Z and DLM330Z assume you own LXT batteries. Platform picks reward existing tool owners but cost more up front for newcomers.
Drive Type And Yard Terrain
A push mower (you provide all forward motion) suits flat lawns, while a self-propelled model like the EGO LM2135SP drives itself forward at walking pace, easing work on slopes. Heavier yards and uneven ground benefit from that assistance, though it adds weight and cost.
Cut Quality Features
Mulching, bagging, and side discharge each handle clippings differently. The Honda HRX-BE Versamow system adjusts between modes without tools, a real convenience for mixed-season yards. Simpler models may require manual swaps or skip a feature entirely.
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit In This Category
Buying A Mower Without Checking Gate Clearance
A 21-inch deck does not fit through every garden gate. Measure the narrowest passage before committing to a wider model, or you end up lifting it over a fence every cut.
Ignoring Real Battery Cost
Platform-only listings can look reasonable until two 5.0Ah batteries are added to the cart. Factor in battery and charger cost before comparing body-only and ready-to-mow options.
Forgetting About Noise And Storage
A quiet cordless model is a quality-of-life win in dense neighborhoods. A bulky steel deck eats shed space, so match the mower size to your storage, not just your lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Light Is “Lightweight” For A Lawn Mower?
Most cordless walk-behinds in this category land between 35 and 60 pounds. Manual reel mowers drop below that, while self-propelled models often push past it.
Can A Cordless Mower Handle Thick Or Wet Grass?
Brushless motors and 56V platforms like the EGO handle damp grass better than older brushed designs. Still, dry conditions give the cleanest cut and the longest runtime.
Do I Need Self-Propelled Drive?
Flat lawns under a quarter acre rarely need it. Sloped, uneven, or larger lots benefit from the assist, especially with heavier 21-inch decks.
What About Battery Storage In Winter?
Store lithium batteries at room temperature with a partial charge, not fully drained or fully topped up. Avoid leaving them in an unheated shed through freezing nights.
Is A Manual Reel Mower Practical?
For small, even patches of short grass, yes. For tall or weedy lawns, a powered mower saves real time and effort.
Closing Remarks
Lightweight lawn mowers have come a long way from the simple push reel. The right pick depends on lawn size, terrain, and how much muscle you want to bring to the job. Match the deck, drive, and battery strategy to your yard, and the weekend mow gets a lot less tiring.