Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries Review: The Cord-Free Contender for Modern Gardens

I remember the Sunday morning ritual all too well. Dragging the heavy, cumbersome petrol mower from the back of the shed, the frustrating pull-start sequence that felt more like a workout, the deafening roar, and the inevitable cloud of blue smoke. Then came the ‘upgrade’ to an electric corded mower, which simply replaced one frustration with another: the constant dance around the power cable, the dread of accidentally mowing over it, and the limited range that turned a simple job into a logistical puzzle. For years, I believed this was just the price of a tidy lawn. The promise of a battery-powered mower seemed distant—a compromise on power and runtime that wasn’t worth the convenience. That is, until the technology finally caught up with the ambition, leading us to test machines like the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries. This review is for anyone standing at that same crossroads, wondering if it’s finally time to cut the cord for good.

What to Consider Before Buying a Rotary Mower

A rotary mower is more than just an item to tick off a garden maintenance list; it’s a key solution for achieving a healthy, uniform, and attractive lawn with minimal fuss. The core benefit of a rotary mower lies in its versatility. Its high-speed rotating blade creates a powerful updraft that lifts the grass blades before cutting them, resulting in a clean, even finish. This mechanism is effective on a variety of grass types and lengths, unlike cylinder mowers which can struggle with longer, tougher lawns. Whether you’re collecting clippings, discharging them to the side, or mulching them back into the turf to provide vital nutrients, a good rotary mower offers the flexibility to manage your garden’s specific needs throughout the seasons. The ultimate goal is to transform a chore into a satisfying task, delivering professional-looking results efficiently.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to medium-sized lawn (typically up to 400-500m²) who values convenience and ease of use. If you’re tired of the maintenance, noise, and emissions of petrol mowers, or the restrictive range of corded electric models, a cordless rotary mower like the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries is designed for you. However, it might not be suitable for those with very large estates (over 500m²), where the battery runtime may not be sufficient to cover the entire area in one go. Similarly, if your garden features extremely rough, uneven terrain or excessively thick, wet grass, a more powerful, self-propelled petrol model might be a better alternative. For those with tiny, perfectly flat lawns, a manual push mower could be a simpler, more economical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Cutting Width & Lawn Size: The cutting width (or deck size) directly impacts how many passes you’ll need to make. A 35cm width, as found on this Greenworks model, is ideal for lawns up to about 400m². For larger lawns, you’d want to look for widths of 46cm or more to reduce mowing time, while smaller lawns under 150m² could be managed with a 30-33cm mower.
• Power & Performance: In the cordless world, voltage (V) is a primary indicator of power. A 40V system offers a significant step up from 18V or 20V tools, providing more torque to tackle slightly tougher conditions. Battery capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah), determines runtime. A package with two 2.0Ah batteries, like this one, is a huge plus, allowing you to swap them out and continue mowing while the other charges.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of plastic or steel. Plastic (or polymer) decks, like the one on the Greenworks mower, are lightweight, rust-proof, and easy to clean. However, they can be more susceptible to cracking from impacts than a heavy-duty steel deck. Steel is more robust but also much heavier and requires care to prevent rust.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that simplify the experience. A single-lever height adjustment is far superior to changing the height of each wheel individually. Folding handles are essential for compact storage. The primary advantage of a battery mower is the near-zero maintenance—no oil changes, no spark plugs, no stale fuel—just keep it clean and the blade sharp.

Choosing the right mower is about matching the machine’s capabilities to your lawn’s demands. Considering these factors will ensure you find a tool that makes your gardening life easier, not harder.

While the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Lightweight Freedom in a Box

Unboxing the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries was a refreshingly simple affair. The main body of the mower is almost fully assembled, with the primary task being the attachment of the handle sections. We noted some user feedback mentioned confusion with the wingnuts for tightening the handle, and we can see why—it requires a moment to orient them correctly, but once you do, it provides a solid, tool-free connection. The overall feel is one of intelligent, lightweight design. At 15kg, it’s incredibly easy to lift and manoeuvre, a stark contrast to the hefty petrol mowers we’ve wrestled with in the past. The plastic construction is prominent, which contributes to this low weight but also immediately raises questions about long-term durability, a point we’ll explore later. The package includes the mower, the 40L grass collection bag, a charger, and crucially, two 2.0Ah 40V batteries. This dual-battery inclusion is a massive value proposition, as batteries are often the most expensive component of any cordless system. Snapping the first battery into place and inserting the red safety key gave an immediate sense of readiness. It felt less like preparing for a yard work battle and more like grabbing a simple appliance, a testament to the user-friendly design Greenworks is aiming for. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of the out-of-box experience.

Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 40V Mower

A mower’s true worth is only revealed on the turf. We put the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries through its paces on a variety of lawn conditions, from a neat weekly trim to tackling a patch of overgrown, slightly damp grass after a spell of rain. Our goal was to push it beyond the ideal scenario to see where it excelled and where its limitations became apparent.

Cutting Power and Lawn Finish

The core of any mower is its ability to deliver a clean, consistent cut. Powered by its 40V motor, the Greenworks mower spins its 35cm blade with surprising gusto. On a standard, dry lawn with moderate growth, the performance was excellent. It glided across the grass, leaving a tidy, uniform finish. The mower’s lightweight nature made it effortless to push and turn, making neat stripes a simple task. We found the 2-in-1 functionality to be well-implemented. When collecting, the 40L grass bag filled efficiently, and the updraft from the blade did a good job of lifting clippings, leaves, and other small debris from the lawn. Switching to the mulching function, by inserting the included plug, was straightforward. The mower chopped the clippings finely and returned them to the lawn, a great feature for feeding the grass during drier months.

However, the limits of the 40V system became clear when we moved to a tougher section of the lawn. On taller, thicker grass, the mower began to struggle. The motor’s pitch would change, and we had to slow our pace considerably to avoid stalling it. This confirms what some users have reported: the mower is underpowered for heavy-duty work. On its lower cutting-height settings (1 and 2), it would often bog down and stop in dense patches. We found the most effective approach for overgrown areas was to set the height to its maximum (70mm) for a first pass, then lower it for a second. While it gets the job done, it’s clear this machine is most at home as a maintenance tool for well-kept lawns, not a brush-clearing beast. For its intended purpose—small to medium suburban gardens—the cutting power is more than adequate, a fact you can see reflected in many positive user experiences.

Battery Life and Charging: The Cordless Crux

For any cordless tool, battery performance is paramount. Greenworks claims this mower can handle lawns up to 400m² on a charge, a figure that depends heavily on conditions. The inclusion of two 2.0Ah batteries is a game-changer. Our test lawn is approximately 250m². In ideal conditions (dry grass, weekly trim, medium height setting), we were able to complete the entire lawn with a single battery, with one of the three indicator lights still lit. This aligns with the experience of one user who stated the mower “does job and still has half left.”

When we tested it on longer grass that required more effort from the motor, the battery drained significantly faster. We used one full battery and about a third of the second to complete the same 250m² lawn. This highlights a critical point: runtime is not a fixed number. It’s a variable dependent on grass height, thickness, and moisture. This variability explains the wide spectrum of user reviews, from those who are thrilled with the battery life to those who, like one user, found “two of them are never enough to cut the whole lawn.” For anyone with a garden at the upper end of that 400m² claim, purchasing a larger capacity 4.0Ah battery might be a wise investment. The good news is that the charger is reasonably fast, replenishing a fully depleted 2.0Ah battery in roughly 60-70 minutes in our tests, allowing for a near-continuous mowing cycle if you manage your charging well. The dual battery system is a feature that really sets it apart in this price bracket.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Long-Term Durability

This is an area where the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries presents a clear trade-off. The extensive use of plastic keeps the mower incredibly lightweight and affordable, but it comes at the cost of perceived and, in some cases, actual durability. The main deck feels sturdy enough for regular use, and the large 18cm rear wheels help it navigate uneven ground surprisingly well. The single-lever height adjustment is a fantastic ergonomic feature, clicking satisfyingly between its five positions. The folding handle is another plus, allowing the mower to be stored compactly in a crowded shed or garage.

However, we share the concerns voiced by several users regarding the longevity of some plastic components. During our testing, the height adjustment lever felt secure, but we noted one review stating theirs kept “popping out of place,” causing an uneven cut. Another user reported a plastic component on the handle breaking in the exact same place on two separate units. These are not isolated incidents and suggest potential weak points in the design. While our unit performed flawlessly during the review period, these user experiences indicate that careful handling is required. It’s not a machine you can be rough with. The plastic fittings and levers require a gentle touch, and you wouldn’t want to ram it into a garden wall. This mower prioritises lightweight convenience over bomb-proof construction, a compromise potential buyers must be comfortable with.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly echoed in the broader user feedback. There’s a clear consensus among satisfied customers who praise the mower for its intended purpose. One user summed it up perfectly: “I should have bought one of these years ago. Extremely easy to set up and use, very lightweight yet powerful enough to cut my new lawn.” Another was amazed at the speed, stating, “The lawn was completed in just eight minutes..!” These comments underscore the mower’s success in making lawn care faster and less of a chore for those with smaller, manageable gardens.

On the other side of the coin, the negative feedback almost exclusively centres on two issues: battery life on larger lawns and build quality. One user with a large garden stated plainly, “it is not suitable for it as the battery life is short.” This is not a flaw in the mower itself, but a mismatch of application. More concerning are the reports of component failure. We saw multiple users report receiving units with broken plastic parts or experiencing failures after a short period, such as the height adjustment lever failing or handle components snapping. One user, who had the same part break twice, called it a “very poor design.” This feedback is crucial, as it highlights that while the mower performs well electrically, its physical construction may not stand the test of time for all users, particularly if handled roughly.

How Does It Compare? The Greenworks 40V vs. The Competition

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries, we need to place it alongside key alternatives that cater to different needs and priorities.

1. Hyundai 20″ Self-Propelled Petrol Lawnmower

The Hyundai represents the traditional, heavy-duty alternative. With its powerful 196cc petrol engine, 51cm steel cutting deck, and self-propelled drive, it is built for large, challenging lawns. It will power through thick, wet, and long grass where the Greenworks would stall. Its 70L grass bag means fewer stops to empty. The choice is clear: if you have a large garden (500m² and up), demanding terrain, or frequently let your grass get overgrown, the Hyundai is the superior tool. However, this power comes with the trade-offs of significant weight, loud noise, regular engine maintenance (oil, fuel, spark plugs), and emissions. It’s for the user who needs raw power above all else.

2. Einhell GC-HM 300 Hand Push Lawnmower

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Einhell manual push mower. This is the ultimate in simplicity, eco-friendliness, and affordability. It requires no power source other than your own effort. It’s perfect for very small, flat, and well-maintained lawns where the quiet, scissor-like action of the cylinder blade provides a beautiful finish. It’s virtually silent and maintenance-free. However, it is completely unsuitable for longer grass, uneven ground, or any lawn of significant size. Someone would choose the Einhell over the Greenworks for a tiny garden patch where the primary goals are simplicity, low cost, and a bit of light exercise.

3. Makita DLM330Z 18V LXT Lawnmower

The Makita DLM330Z is the closest direct competitor, representing another excellent cordless option. It operates on Makita’s widely-used 18V LXT battery platform, making it a fantastic choice for anyone already invested in that ecosystem. While its 18V system is less powerful than Greenworks’ 40V on paper, Makita’s reputation for build quality and motor efficiency is legendary. This model is often sold as a “body only” unit, making it cheaper upfront if you already own the batteries. A user might choose the Makita for its more compact 33cm deck, its trusted brand reputation for professional-grade durability, and the convenience of sharing batteries with a wide range of other power tools.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 40V Mower Right for Your Lawn?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 35cm 40L Bag 2Ah Batteries is clear and specific. This is an excellent lawnmower for a very particular user: someone with a small to medium-sized lawn (realistically, up to 300m²) who prioritises convenience, low noise, and freedom from cords and petrol. For that person, this mower is a revelation. It’s wonderfully light, incredibly easy to use, and the inclusion of two batteries provides outstanding value and flexibility. It turns a laborious chore into a quick, quiet, and almost pleasant task.

However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have a large garden, or if your lawn is hilly, bumpy, or prone to becoming overgrown, this is not the mower for you. Its power limitations and the durability concerns surrounding its plastic construction mean it will likely frustrate users who push it beyond its intended design. For the right garden, though, it represents the perfect blend of modern convenience and capable performance. If you’re ready to ditch the cord and say goodbye to the hassle of petrol for your suburban lawn, this mower is an outstanding choice that will make you wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner. You can check the latest price and secure yours today.