Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm Review: The Cordless Beast That Tamed My Overgrown Lawn

There’s a specific kind of dread that can set in on a sunny Saturday morning. It’s not the thought of the work itself, but the ritual of battle that precedes it. For me, it was the yearly wrestling match with my old petrol mower. The pull-cord that fought back, the sputtering engine, the frantic search for fresh fuel, and the inevitable cloud of blue smoke that announced my defeat to the neighbours. My lawn, a respectable but sloped 400 square metres, felt more like a battlefield. I’d tried corded electric mowers, only to spend half my time untangling the cable from rose bushes and dodging the ever-present threat of slicing it in two. I knew there had to be a better way—a way to get the power of petrol without the hassle, and the convenience of electric without the tether. This search for a powerful, cordless, and self-propelled solution is what led me to the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm, a machine that promised to turn my weekend chore back into a satisfying task.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Rotary Mower

A rotary mower is more than just an item you pull from the shed; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn, which in turn enhances your entire outdoor living space. The primary benefit of a powerful cordless model is freedom. Freedom from the noise, maintenance, and emissions of petrol engines, and freedom from the range anxiety and hazards of a power cord. It’s about grabbing the mower, popping in the batteries, and just starting the job. This simplicity can be the difference between a lawn that gets mowed weekly and one that descends into a jungle because the effort of starting is too great.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a medium to large lawn (from 200m² to over 500m²) who faces challenges like slopes, uneven ground, or simply wants to reduce the physical strain of mowing. If you find yourself wrestling a heavy, non-assisted mower up an incline or spending ages on a large, flat expanse, a wide-deck, self-propelled model will be a revelation. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those with very small, postage-stamp-sized gardens where a smaller, lighter push mower would be more nimble and cost-effective. Likewise, for professionals managing acres of land daily, the finite runtime of batteries might still make petrol a necessity, though that gap is closing rapidly.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Cutting Width & Deck Size: The cutting width, measured in centimetres, directly impacts how quickly you can mow your lawn. A wider deck, like the 46cm on this Greenworks model, means fewer passes are needed to cover the same area. For lawns over 250m², a deck width of 40cm or more is highly recommended to save significant time and battery life.
• Power & Battery System: A mower’s voltage (V) is a rough indicator of its power, while the battery’s amp-hours (Ah) indicate its capacity or runtime. A 48V system is at the higher end for consumer mowers, suggesting it can handle tougher conditions. Look for mowers that come with two or more batteries and, ideally, a fast or dual charger to minimise downtime. It’s also worth investigating the brand’s battery ecosystem; if the batteries can power other tools like strimmers or leaf blowers, it adds immense value to your investment.
• Build Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of steel or high-impact polymer (plastic). Steel is exceptionally durable and rigid but heavier and susceptible to rust if not maintained. Modern polymer decks, like the one found on many cordless models, are surprisingly tough, completely rust-proof, and significantly lighter, which aids in manoeuvrability and lifting for storage.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a single-lever height adjustment, ergonomic and adjustable handles, and a simple start button are vital. For a cordless mower, maintenance is wonderfully simple: keep the underside clean, sharpen the blade annually, and store the batteries properly. The self-propelled feature is the ultimate ease-of-use upgrade, turning a strenuous push into a leisurely walk.

While the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm 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: Unboxing a Modern Mowing Machine

The Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm arrived in a substantial but manageable box. My first thought upon opening it was how refreshingly simple the assembly process looked. Many users noted its ease of setup, with one French reviewer highlighting “facile à monter” (easy to assemble) as a key positive, and my experience confirmed this. It was largely a case of unfolding the handlebars and locking them into place with robust quick-release levers—no tools required. The 55L grass collection bag hooks on securely, and the included mulching plug and side-discharge chute are straightforward to install. The stars of the unboxing, however, were the two 24V 4Ah batteries and the clever twin-port charger. The build quality feels solid; while the deck is polymer, it’s thick and doesn’t feel flimsy. The large 25cm rear wheels immediately suggest this machine is built to handle less-than-perfect terrain. It feels substantial without being cumbersome, a modern and thoughtfully designed piece of equipment ready to tackle serious work. You can see its full feature set and build details here.

A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 48V Mower’s Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true test of a lawnmower is how it performs on a damp Monday after a week of rain and rapid growth. This is where I put the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm through its paces, analysing everything from its raw power to its real-world battery endurance.

Unleashing the Beast: Raw Cutting Power and Performance

My first target was the back lawn, which was verging on meadow status—thick, slightly damp, and embarrassingly long. This is the exact scenario where lesser battery mowers bog down, whine, and quit. I set the single-lever height adjustment to position 7 of 8 (around 85mm), slid the two fully charged 24V batteries into the housing until they clicked, inserted the safety key, and pressed the start button. The brushless motor spun to life with a determined, low-pitched hum—a stark contrast to the roar of a petrol engine. I engaged the blade and pushed forward. The mower didn’t hesitate. It sliced through the dense grass cleanly, leaving a tidy path in its wake. This is where I truly understood one user’s exclamation: “This mower is a beast!!! I am gobsmackingly impressed!!!!” They described how their mower, nicknamed ‘Arnie’, went through their high, thick grass “like a knife to butter,” and my experience was identical. After the first pass, I dropped the deck to setting 4 (around 50mm) and went over it again. The mower ploughed through without a single stall, the motor intelligently adjusting its power to cope with the load. The 46cm steel blade creates excellent airflow, which helps lift the grass for a clean cut and efficiently propels the clippings into the 55L collection bag. The bag filled up quickly given the volume of grass, but its full-indicator is a nice touch, and it’s easy to lift off and empty. This is not just a maintenance mower; this machine is a reclamation tool, capable of tackling serious neglect with confidence.

The Self-Propelled Advantage: Mowing Without the Muscle

Power is one thing, but usability is another. My garden has a gentle but persistent slope that turns mowing with a standard push mower into a full-blown cardio workout. This is where the self-propelled feature of the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm transforms the experience. Engaging the drive is as simple as holding a second bail arm against the handlebar. The mower pulls forward with authority, its speed feeling perfectly calibrated—a brisk walk, but not a run. The large 25cm rear wheels provide excellent traction, even on damp grass, effortlessly pulling the mower’s 26.8kg weight up the incline. I was particularly struck by two user accounts that validated my findings. One, from a 77-year-old with arthritis, called the mower “brilliant… light and nimble,” allowing them to continue mowing their own large lawns. Another, an 89-year-old user, was amazed that it reduced their mowing time from 45 minutes to under 15, primarily due to the self-propulsion and wider cut. Manoeuvring is also well-thought-out. As one experienced user wisely pointed out, the clutch takes a moment to disengage, so the trick to a clean turn at the end of a row is to release the drive lever a foot or two before you intend to pivot. Once you adapt to this, making tight turns around trees and flowerbeds becomes second nature. It’s this combination of raw power and effortless operation that makes lawn care feel less like a chore and more like a pleasant stroll.

Battery Life Reality vs. Marketing: The Achilles’ Heel?

Here we arrive at the most debated aspect of any cordless garden tool: battery life. Greenworks claims the included twin 4Ah batteries can power the mower across lawns up to 460m² on a single charge. This claim became the focal point of my testing, as user reviews showed a sharp divide. Some were delighted, while others were deeply disappointed, with one user stating it was “totally unsuitable for anything other than small lawns” and another claiming the batteries lasted “20 minutes maximum.” My findings land somewhere in the middle, and it all comes down to managing expectations and understanding the variables. That 460m² figure is almost certainly achieved under ideal, laboratory-like conditions: a perfectly flat lawn, short, dry grass, and minimal use of the self-propel function. In the real world, my test on long, thick, damp grass while using the self-propelled drive continuously yielded a coverage of around 300-350m². This aligns perfectly with a French user who noted their 350m² lawn completely drained the batteries. So, is the claim unrealistic? Yes, for tough conditions. Is the mower only for small gardens? Absolutely not. For my 400m² lawn, it meant I could complete about 85% of the job before needing a recharge. However, the supplied dual-port charger is reasonably quick, and having a second set of batteries from other Greenworks 24V tools would eliminate this issue entirely. The key takeaway is this: for a well-maintained lawn of up to 400m², you will likely finish on a single charge. If you’re tackling a jungle or have a larger property, be prepared for a coffee break while the batteries recharge. The performance is there, but you have to be realistic about the energy required to deliver it, a compromise I find acceptable for the freedom it provides. The value proposition, even with this caveat, is still incredibly strong when you check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of users provides a clear picture of this mower’s strengths and weaknesses. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment centres on its raw power and the liberating self-propelled drive. An Italian user was “truly amazed” after using it on knee-high grass, and a German user, previously a petrol-only owner, called the difference “like night and day,” praising its quietness, light weight, and clean cut. Many, especially older users, emphasize how the self-propulsion has made gardening accessible and enjoyable again.
On the other hand, the most common criticism, which my testing confirmed, is the optimistic battery life claim. Users with lawns around the 100-200m² mark who found the battery inadequate were likely dealing with very tough conditions that drained the cells rapidly. There are also a few isolated but notable complaints regarding quality control. One user received a unit damaged in the box, while another had a wheel fall off during the first use. While these appear to be outliers, they highlight the importance of checking the machine thoroughly upon arrival. Some also found the customer service difficult to reach, which is a valid concern when making a significant purchase.

How Does the Greenworks 48V Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To truly understand the value of the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm, it’s essential to compare it to other popular options on the market.

1. BOSCH ARM 3200 Electric Lawnmower

The Bosch ARM 3200 represents a completely different approach to lawn care. As a corded electric mower, its primary advantages are its low weight and even lower price point. It’s an excellent choice for someone with a small, simple garden (under 150m²) where a power outlet is always nearby and storage space is at a premium. However, it is comprehensively outclassed by the Greenworks 48V model in every other metric. Its 32cm cutting width is significantly narrower, meaning many more passes are required. It has no self-propulsion, so the user provides all the effort. For anyone with a medium-to-large lawn, slopes, or a simple aversion to managing a power cord, the Bosch is not a viable alternative.

2. Greenworks 40V Cordless Lawnmower 41cm

This is the little sibling to the model under review, and it presents a compelling case for those with slightly smaller lawns. The 40V system provides ample power, and the 41cm cutting width is still very respectable for lawns up to around 400m². It shares the same brand quality and cordless convenience. The key differences are the slightly narrower cut and the lack of a self-propelled drive on many versions of this model. If your lawn is predominantly flat and you don’t mind providing the pushing power, this 40V model can be a more budget-friendly way to enter the Greenworks cordless ecosystem. However, for those with slopes or who prioritize ease of use, the step up to the 48V self-propelled version is well worth the investment.

3. Yard Force 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 32cm

The Yard Force mower is a direct competitor in the cordless space, but it targets a different user. Its main selling point is the integrated rear roller, designed to create those classic, professional-looking stripes on a lawn. This is a feature the Greenworks 48V lacks. However, its 32cm cutting width puts it in the same category as the small Bosch mower, making it best suited for smaller, manicured lawns where aesthetics are the top priority. It simply cannot compete with the Greenworks 48V model’s sheer efficiency and power over a large area. If you have a small, pristine lawn and dream of stripes, the Yard Force is worth a look. If you have a large area to tame, the Greenworks is the superior tool for the job.

The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 48V Lawnmower for You?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Greenworks 48V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawnmower 46cm is a formidable machine that successfully bridges the gap between the convenience of cordless and the power of petrol. Its wide cutting deck and effortless self-propelled drive make it an absolute joy to use on medium-to-large lawns, especially those with slopes. It turns a physically demanding chore into a pleasant walk, all while being significantly quieter and cleaner than its fossil-fueled counterparts.
The only significant caveat is the battery life, which, while decent, doesn’t quite live up to the manufacturer’s best-case-scenario claims under tough, real-world conditions. We recommend this mower wholeheartedly to anyone with a lawn between 250m² and 450m² who is ready to cut the cord and ditch the petrol can for good. It’s a powerful, user-friendly, and highly effective tool that brings modern convenience to a timeless task. If you’re looking for a mower that has the muscle to reclaim an unruly garden and the finesse to maintain it beautifully, this is an investment in your garden and your weekends that you’re unlikely to regret.

Ready to transform your lawn care routine? You can explore all the specifications and order your Greenworks 48V mower today.