Greenworks Tools Review: How Do They Stack Up?
Hey there, DIY friend! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for the latest and greatest tools to make your home and garden projects easier. So today, I want to share my honest review of Greenworks outdoor power tools.
As a self-proclaimed tool junkie and lawn care fanatic, I‘ve tested out my fair share of cordless lawn equipment over the years. But Greenworks has quickly become one of my go-to brands for eco-friendly, high-performance tools that don‘t break the bank.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Greenworks tools, including:
- Overview of the brand and product lines
- Key features and benefits
- How they compare to other brands
- Pros and cons based on my experience
- Recommendations for different uses and budgets
By the end of this post, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Greenworks tools are the right choice for you. Let‘s get started!
About Greenworks Tools
First, a little background on the company. Greenworks was founded in 2007 with a mission to provide eco-friendly, cordless outdoor power equipment at affordable prices. They‘ve quickly become a leader in the battery-powered tool market, with a wide range of tools for lawn care, landscaping, and DIY projects.
One of the key things that sets Greenworks apart is their commitment to innovation and sustainability. All of their tools run on renewable, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which means zero emissions, lower noise, and less maintenance compared to traditional gas-powered tools.
Greenworks offers tools in 24V, 40V, 60V, and 80V versions, with higher voltage corresponding to more power and runtime. The batteries are also interchangeable within each voltage family, so you can use the same battery for multiple tools – a great cost-saving feature.
The main product lines are:
- G-24: Entry-level tools for small jobs and tight spaces, best for condos or small yards
- G-MAX 40V: Bestselling line, ideal for most homeowners with small to medium lawns
- Pro 60V: Designed for professionals and serious DIYers who need maximum power and durability
- Commercial 80V: Top-of-the-line tools for commercial landscaping and large properties
Here‘s a quick snapshot of their growth and popularity:
- Greenworks reported $497.7 million in revenue for 2021, up 36% from 2020 (Statista)
- Over 11 million units sold worldwide as of October 2022 (Greenworks)
- 4.6/5 star rating from over 80,000 reviews on Amazon for the Greenworks 40V mower
Pretty impressive numbers, right? But how well do the tools actually perform? Let‘s take a closer look.
Greenworks 40V Tools: The Sweet Spot for Most Homeowners
If you have a small to medium size lawn, I highly recommend checking out the Greenworks G-MAX 40V lineup. These tools hit the sweet spot in terms of power, runtime, and cost for the average homeowner.
I‘ve personally used the Greenworks 40V 17" lawn mower, 13" string trimmer, and 150 MPH leaf blower extensively for my quarter-acre property. The mower in particular has exceeded my expectations in terms of cut quality and ability to handle thick, overgrown grass without stalling or bogging down.
The 40V brushless motor delivers plenty of torque while being surprisingly quiet – my neighbor even commented that she couldn‘t hear me mowing next door! The 4Ah battery takes about 60 minutes to charge and yields around 45 minutes of runtime, enough to complete my entire lawn on one charge.
Here are some key specs and features that I love about the Greenworks 40V line:
- Brushless motors: More efficient, powerful and longer-lasting than traditional motors
- Lightweight and maneuverable: The mower weighs just 37.5 lbs, making it easy to push and navigate around my many garden beds and trees
- Smart Cut Technology: Mower automatically adjusts speed based on grass thickness to optimize power and runtime
- 3-in-1 functionality: Choose from rear bagging, side discharge, or mulching with a flip of a switch
- Simple push-button start: No more pulling cords or running to the gas station for fuel!
And the best part? You can use the same 40V battery for all your Greenworks tools, from chainsaws and hedge trimmers to pressure washers and snow blowers. This allows you to gradually build out your collection without the extra cost and hassle of buying separate batteries and chargers each time.
Greenworks Customer Service and Warranty
One potential downside of Greenworks being a relatively young, rapidly growing brand is that their customer service hasn‘t always been able to keep up with demand. When I first bought my 40V mower in 2019, I did have some difficulty reaching a live person on the phone to ask a question about the warranty registration process.
However, Greenworks seems to be investing in and improving their post-purchase support. They now have a fairly comprehensive self-service portal with FAQs, manuals, and parts diagrams. And when I recently reached out via live chat about a faulty battery, the representative was knowledgeable and efficient in processing my replacement.
All of the Greenworks tools I‘ve purchased have come with a generous 4-year limited warranty on the tool and 2-year warranty on the battery. While I fortunately haven‘t had to file any major warranty claims, it‘s reassuring to know that the company stands behind their products.
Here‘s a quick comparison of Greenworks‘ warranty terms vs. some other major brands:
| Brand | Tool Warranty | Battery Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Greenworks | 4 years | 2 years |
| EGO | 5 years | 3 years |
| Ryobi | 3-5 years | 3 years |
| DeWalt | 3-7 years | 2-3 years |
| Toro | 2-3 years | 2-3 years |
As you can see, Greenworks falls in the middle of the pack in terms of warranty length. It‘s not the absolute best coverage out there, but definitely respectable for the price point.
The Bottom Line: Are Greenworks Tools Worth It?
So, would I recommend Greenworks tools? The short answer is yes, with a few caveats.
If you‘re a homeowner with a small to medium size lawn and prioritize eco-friendliness, convenience, and affordability, Greenworks 40V tools are an excellent choice. The performance is comparable to gas in most cases, and the interchangeable battery system provides great value in the long run.
However, if you have a very large yard or frequently tackle heavy-duty projects, you may want to consider Greenworks 60V or even 80V tools for the extra power and runtime. Keep in mind that the higher voltage tools do come at a steeper price, though.
For professionals and hardcore DIYers, I‘d say Greenworks is a solid option but not necessarily the absolute best on the market. Brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt still have a slight edge in terms of durability and overall performance. But for the average home user, Greenworks offers an unbeatable balance of quality and value.
Here‘s a quick pro/con breakdown of Greenworks tools:
Pros
- Eco-friendly with zero emissions and lower noise
- Powerful brushless motors rival gas performance
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Interchangeable battery system saves money and space
- Generous 4-year tool warranty
- More affordable than premium brands like EGO or Milwaukee
Cons
- Some plastic components are less durable than metal
- Expensive upfront cost, especially for 60V and 80V lines
- Limited runtime, may not be sufficient for large properties
- Customer service and parts availability can be spotty
At the end of the day, the "best" tool brand largely comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. But if you‘re looking to make the switch from gas to battery power without sacrificing performance, I can confidently recommend Greenworks as a top contender.
I hope you found this Greenworks tools review helpful, and I‘m happy to answer any other questions you might have! Feel free to reach out in the comments.
Until next time, happy DIYing!
