Of course, that instant-on without pull starting is one of the major benefits of kicking the gas can for lithium-ion power. Running just under 67 feet per second, the chain melted right through 14 inches of oak like butter. Satisfied with the cut, we decided to push it a little harder and see if the chain would bog. It can, but the brushless motor has the torque to keep the chain moving better than most cordless saws. Another feature I really like is the battery level gauge on the handle. It indicates which battery pack the mower currently draws from, and how much power each battery has at any given time.
You can also run the mower with just one battery if needed. You can adjust your speed using the dial located right in the middle of the handle controls. The slider is stiff enough that it doesn’t drift or move unless you specifically make an adjustment. Greenworks is conscious that the switch from gas to battery power is a big step and they’re doing a couple of things to make it feel more natural.
“Greenworks is proud to provide sustainable, superior and innovative equipment that exceeds users expectations,” said Kevin Holzworth, Sr. Always remove the battery pack from mowers before adjusting, cleaning, or repairing. Never operate the mower without the proper discharge cover, grass bag, mulching insert, side discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
While it gives the deck less interruption in airflow, we’re surprised Greenworks didn’t come up with a rear-mounted side-discharge option as some other manufacturers have. We liked the range of the self-propelled mechanism and motor. The maximum speed let me walk as fast as I might want while the slowest speed kept me at a leisurely pace., If anything, I wished the low end could go even slower. When cutting really thick grass slowing down definitely helps. We prefer onboard charging, but that’s not the direction Greenworks is going right now. You might raise your eyebrows at that, however, it actually gets all six batteries back to a full charge in just 90 minutes.
Similar to the SmartCut technology discussed above I imagine if you want to go faster you’ll use the battery much quicker than 60 minutes. I guess that’s the price you pay for not wanting to use gas powered mowers. Greenworks also uses a SmartCut technology that lets you control how fast your blade spins, thereby impacting how long your battery lasts as well.
Even in hardwoods, the Greenworks saw was surprisingly powerful. That being said, if leaned on it too much the saw would easily bog down. However, letting the saw do the work and applying an appropriate level of downward pressure resulted in fast smooth cuts. Cordless chainsaws are making a big splash in the outdoor power equipment market especially with homeowners. For occasional use, these saws are an excellent choice for a couple of reasons including low maintenance, quieter use, and affordable pricing.