GreenWorks 25142 Review Update:
It's been a few weeks since my initial, glowing, 5-star review. (included below) Since then, I've had a chance to mow my entire yard again completely; I also loaned the GreenWorks 25142 lawn mower to a friend to try and even mowed my neighbor's yard to try it out under various conditions. So far, I haven't found a single hidden flaw with this GreenWorks 25142, yet I continue to be impressed by more features of the very thoughtful design.
First of all, I finally tried out the grass catcher bag. I had SO underestimated how useful it is! It really should be called a vacuum bag; it puffs up like an old Hoover vacuum cleaner as the GreenWorks 25142 sucks up everything in its path. Using the bag instead of the mulching plug, the vacuum effect also makes the mower work like a Flow-Bee, sucking the blades of grass upright so the GreenWorks lawn mower will cut them more precisely, and it also helps catch straggling blades of grass along the edges. Best of all, it completely eliminates the need for any sweeping (or dreadful leaf blowing) along walkways, streets, or driveways; the mower vacuums everything up, leaving the area perfectly clean and manicured, like the lawn just walked out of a barbershop!
I was also surprised at how much the vacuum bag can hold; the GreenWorks 25142 lawn mower chops up everything finely and blows it all to the back of the bag; it takes much longer than I expected to fill it up. The bag is remarkably simple to attach and remove from the lawn mower and exceedingly easy to empty, it also easily unclips from the heavy steel frame so it can then be turned inside-out and rinsed clean.
It's important to know that if you attempt to mow grass that is particularly wet, it may tend to accumulate around the blade. (as can happen with any lawn mower!) This GreenWorks 25142 is normally very quiet; so if it seems to slow down or start to sound noisier than usual, stop and turn it over to see if there's an accumulation of grass around the blade. If so, simply remove it manually before proceeding.
I discovered an additional benefit of the folding handle when attempting to mow under a tree with low hanging branches. When temporarily folded down, it becomes possible to mow beneath such obstacles. Larger lawn mowers and/or lawn mowers without easily folding handles could never do this! The manufacturer probably doesn't officially sanction using the GreenWorks 25142 this way, but if you're careful, it's a another wonderful feature!
More and more, the benefit of the smaller size and light weight of this GreenWorks 25142 lawn mower becomes apparent. With the cutting height shifted into high, the little lawn mower gobbles up weeds and even moderate brush as it maneuvers in and around, over and under, various obstacles and edgings. The medium setting delivers a beautiful cut for most of my yard, but then you can tailor it down like a "bald-fade" to achieve a tightly cropped putting green look.
As I gained more experience with the comfortable, well-balanced "feel" of this GreenWorks 25142, and the way it's so easy to adjust the cutting height for a precision cut, it began to remind me of the Andis Master Hair Clipper I bought not too long ago. Arguably the most respected hair clipper in its class, the truly beloved Andis Master is famous for delivering a very precise cut, and for having a beautifully balanced feeling that is delightful to use. (comparing a hair grooming product with a lawn grooming product makes sense, doesn't it?)
Original GreenWorks 25142 Review:
I'm very pleased with this Greenworks corded electric lawn mower. The 16-inch cutting width is slightly narrower than "full sized" lawn mowers; if you're looking to cut a vast expanse of lawn as quickly as possible, then choose a larger product instead of this GreenWorks lawn mower.
PROS:
1- Smaller size and weight make the GreenWorks 25142 very comfortable to use, carry and store. Fits through narrower areas and around obstacles easier than larger mowers.
2- Quieter and less vibration than other electric lawn mowers. (MUCH quieter than gas powered!)
3- Well-balanced handle has a soft padded grip, is height adjustable, and folds down instantly for storage.
4- Power switch requires two hands to start for extra safety, but then holding anywhere along the handlebar will keep the GreenWorks lawn mower running.
5- Excellent height adjustment mechanism; large "gear shift style" control on top of the GreenWorks 25142 moves smoothly and easily locks into the desired position.
IMPORTANT: Move the control to its highest setting when you first start out; adjust one-step-a-time lower until you reach the desired cut.
6- No assembly required, boxed with no superfluous packaging.
7- Thoughtfully designed and solidly built. Compared to other brands of electric lawn mowers, this guy is and excellent value; I'm impressed!
CONS: (considerations, actually)
1- Smaller than larger lawn mowers, will take more walking to mow large areas.
2- Grass catcher bag has limited capacity; when using that feature, the bag will require more frequent emptying. (but it'll be easier to do)
3- Needs electricity and an extension cord long enough to reach all areas to be mowed. (an otherwise identical Greenworks lawn mower is available in a battery-powered model #25242, priced a couple hundred dollars more)
Rating: 5/5
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