NJ Lawns Community

Just need to vent because I'm beyond ticked. Dropped $400 on a Greenworks 40V push mower last April from Home Depot in Paramus, thought I was being smart going battery-powered for my small backyard. First season it worked okay, nothing amazing but it got the job done. Now won't hold a charge at all - lights up but dies after 5 minutes of cutting. That's not even one full season! My neighbor has had his Ryobi for 4 years and it's still going strong. Feel like I threw money away and now I'm looking at used gas mowers on FB Marketplace because apparently battery = disposable these days. Really regretting not just sticking with gas from the start.

That's rough, Nate. I've been using battery equipment for about 6 years now and honestly the brand matters way more than people think. Greenworks is basically the low-cost option - you get what you pay for. Their batteries are notoriously inconsistent from what I've seen on service calls. I'd steer clear of anything with a proprietary battery system if you're going budget. For what it's worth, I've had great luck with EGO and Ryobi. The batteries actually last and you can often swap them across tools. Also - did you store it properly over winter? Leaving a lithium battery fully dead for months can kill it. Not saying that's your fault, just something to check on your next one.

I'd actually say this is a good reason to go back to organic gas mowers anyway. There's no way I'm trusting battery power for my lawn - I need consistency. Plus all those lithium batteries eventually become e-waste, which is terrible for the environment. I mulch my clippings back into my KBG/fescue mix and don't need to worry about charging anything. That said, if you're set on battery, spend the money on a quality system like Makita - yeah it's more expensive but the build quality is totally different. Greenworks is basically disposable Chinese plastic.

@IrrigationIvan - I did charge it and store it in my garage, so pretty sure I didn't kill the battery on purpose. And I hear you on the brand thing but $400 is definitely not cheap in my book for a mower. It felt like a splurge as a first-time homeowner. The thing that kills me is they advertise a 4-year warranty or whatever but good luck getting Customer Service to actually honor it. Called twice and both times got transferred around until I gave up. @WeedWarrior - I hear you on the environmental angle but realistically most people here aren't going back to gas. Just looking for something that works consistently through the summer.

@NewbieNate - That warranty experience doesn't surprise me at all unfortunately. The companies know most people won't jump through the hoops so they count on it. Anyway, regarding your gas FOMO - I'd say test out an EGO from someone in the neighborhood if you can borrow it, or rent one for a weekend. They're a bit louder than quiet battery life but honestly much better now than even 3 years ago. I converted most of my irrigation clients to EGO and the complaints dropped significantly. Also - depending on where you are in the county, some of the garden centers in Ridgewood or Glen Rock carry them and their staff actually know the product. Might be worth a drive vs Big Box Store staff who just read off a sheet.

Look, I get it - everyone's married to their battery mowers now. But this is exactly why I stick with my Honda. Runs every single time, predictable cut height, and I've had it for 12 years. Yes it needs gas and oil changes but that's minimal effort. To each their own though. Hope you can return or exchange that Greenworks somehow - might be worth filing a complaint with Bergen County consumer affairs if Home Depot won't help. They sometimes lean on manufacturers for residents.