Tested over several weeks on a 5,000 sq ft mixed Bermuda/fescue lawn, including overgrown 5-inch grass, slopes, and both mulching and bagging modes. Full details on our testing process are below.
Quick Verdict
This 18-inch 40V self-propelled mower earns a 4.2/5 from us. The brushless motor genuinely rivals gas power for small-to-medium yards, and the inclusion of two 5.0Ah batteries — worth $160–$240 if bought separately — makes the ~$277 price hard to beat. It’s not perfect: runtime per battery is modest at 15–20 minutes and the 1″–3″ cut range won’t satisfy tall-fescue enthusiasts, but for most suburban lawns under half an acre, this is one of the best value cordless mowers we’ve tested.
Pros
- Self-propelled drive reduces pushing effort, especially on slopes and thick grass
- Brushless motor offers longer life and better efficiency than brushed motors
- Two 5.0Ah batteries provide up to 30 minutes of runtime, enough for small to medium yards
- Z-fold handle allows quick, space-saving storage in tight sheds or garages
- Low maintenance: no gas, oil, or tune-ups needed; backed by 3-year tool and 1-year battery warranty
Cons
- 18-inch cutting deck is narrower than typical 21-inch models, requiring more passes on larger lawns
- 30-minute runtime may be insufficient for yards over a quarter acre, especially in thick grass
- 2-in-1 design lacks side discharge, which may be a preference for some users
This 18-inch electric lawn mower from the 40V line is a self-propelled cordless model designed for homeowners with small to medium yards. It combines the convenience of battery power with the cutting performance of a brushless motor, making it a practical choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of gas, oil, and seasonal tune-ups. If you have a lawn that can be mowed within 30 minutes and value easy storage, this mower is worth considering.
The brushless motor spins the blade at up to 3600 RPM, delivering clean cuts in a single pass. The self-propelled system offers adjustable speeds from 1.4 to 2.9 mph, so you can match your walking pace and reduce fatigue. With two 5.0Ah batteries included, you get up to 30 minutes of runtime, which is adequate for typical small to medium yards but may require a recharge for larger areas. The 2-in-1 design lets you switch between mulching and bagging, with a 13.2-gallon rear bag for collecting clippings.
Height adjustment is handled by a single lever with six positions from 1 to 3 inches, accommodating different grass lengths and seasonal changes. The Z-fold handle collapses in seconds, making storage compact and convenient. This is a standout feature for those with limited garage space. The mower is built for low maintenance, with no gas or oil to change, and it comes with a 3-year tool warranty and 1-year battery warranty.
However, the 18-inch deck is narrower than many standard mowers, which means more passes and longer mowing time on larger lawns. The 30-minute runtime might not be enough for yards over a quarter acre, especially if the grass is thick or the terrain is hilly. Additionally, the lack of side discharge may be a drawback for those who prefer that option. These factors suggest this mower is best suited for compact, flat to moderately sloping lawns.
In summary, this mower is a strong option for homeowners with small to medium yards who prioritize convenience, ease of storage, and low maintenance. Its self-propelled drive and brushless motor provide a satisfying mowing experience without the fumes and noise of gas mowers. However, if your lawn is large or you need a wider cutting swath, you may want to consider a larger deck or a model with longer battery runtime. For the right yard, this mower offers a balanced mix of power and practicality.
Brushless Motor: The high-efficiency brushless motor drives the blade at 3600 RPM, delivering clean cuts with gas-like power. Brushless motors are more durable and energy-efficient than brushed types, meaning longer life and better runtime. Ideal for homeowners who want reliable performance without the maintenance of a gas engine.
Self-Propelled Drive: Adjustable speeds from 1.4 to 2.9 mph let you match your walking pace, reducing effort on slopes and thick grass. This feature is a boon for those with larger yards or physical limitations, as it takes the strain out of pushing the mower.
2-in-1 Mulching & Bagging: Switch between mulching to return nutrients to the soil or use the 13.2-gallon rear bag for a clean finish. Mulching is great for lawn health, while bagging is ideal for neatness. This versatility suits different seasons and preferences.
6-Position Height Adjustment: A single lever offers six cutting heights from 1 to 3 inches, allowing you to adapt to seasonal grass growth. This ensures you can maintain the optimal cut for your lawn type without needing extra tools.
Z-Fold Handle: The handle collapses in seconds, reducing storage space significantly. Perfect for garages or sheds with limited room, this design makes it easy to stow the mower upright or flat after use.
Best For: This mower is ideal for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards (typically up to 1/4 acre) who want a self-propelled, battery-powered mower that is easy to store and maintain. It suits those who prefer a clean, fume-free mowing experience and appreciate the convenience of a cordless design.
Consider Alternatives If: If your lawn is larger than a quarter acre, you may need a mower with a wider cutting deck (e.g., 21 inches) or longer battery runtime to avoid frequent recharges. Also, if you prefer a side discharge option, this 2-in-1 model may not meet your needs.
Setup and Daily Use: Expect to charge the batteries before first use. The self-propelled drive reduces pushing effort, and the height adjustment lever makes setting the cut quick. The Z-fold handle simplifies storage, but you'll need to attach the bag when bagging. The runtime of 30 minutes should cover typical small lawns, but for larger areas, you may need to recharge mid-job.
Maintenance Requirements: This mower requires minimal upkeep: keep the blades sharp, clean the underside of the deck, and store batteries at room temperature. No oil changes or fuel mixing are needed. The warranty covers the tool for 3 years and batteries for 1 year, giving peace of mind.
What Sets It Apart: Compared to gas mowers, this model offers quiet operation and zero emissions. Its self-propelled feature and brushless motor are premium touches at a competitive price point. The Z-fold handle is a standout for space-saving storage, a feature not commonly found on all mowers.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 18 inches |
| Motor | Brushless, 3600 RPM |
| Battery System | 40V, 2x 5.0Ah batteries included |
| Drive | Self-propelled, 1.4–2.9 mph adjustable |
| Cutting Modes | 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging (13.2-gal bag) |
| Height Adjustment | 6 positions, 1″ to 3″ |
| Storage | Z-fold collapsible handle |
| Warranty | 3-year tool / 1-year battery |
| Approx. Price | $277 |
Performance & Build Quality
How we tested: We ran this mower across roughly eight cutting sessions on a 5,000 sq ft lawn of mixed Bermuda and fescue. That included weekly maintenance cuts at 2.5″, a stress test on 5-inch overgrown grass, slope work on an incline along the back property line, and back-to-back runs in both mulching and bagging configurations. We timed battery runtime with a stopwatch and evaluated the cut quality by walking the lawn after each pass.
Cutting power. The 3600 RPM brushless motor is the star here. In our stress test on 5-inch grass — well past ideal mowing height — the mower powered through without bogging down or leaving stragglers, producing a clean, even cut in a single pass. During routine weekly mowing it never felt strained, and it doesn’t have the “electric toy” feel common to budget cordless models. Brushless motors also run cooler and last longer than brushed equivalents, which matters for long-term durability.
Battery and runtime. Each 5.0Ah battery delivered 15–20 minutes of real-world runtime depending on grass density and how aggressively we used self-propel, for roughly 30–40 minutes total. On most weeks we finished our entire lawn on one battery; on thicker weeks we swapped mid-job, which takes seconds. The two-battery bundle is the value story of this mower — competitors like EGO and Greenworks typically charge $80–$120 per additional battery. Our one caveat: if your yard is over half an acre or very hilly, budget runtime will feel tight.
Self-propelled drive. The variable-speed drive (1.4–2.9 mph) is adjusted with a simple lever you can operate on the fly. On our test slope, setting the pace to match a comfortable walking speed eliminated nearly all pushing effort. This is the feature that converts people from push mowers, and it’s well implemented here.
Mulching and bagging. In mulch mode, clippings were chopped finely enough to disappear into the canopy — ideal during the growing season. The 13.2-gallon rear bag clipped on and off without frustration and only needed emptying two or three times per full mow. The single-lever height adjustment across six positions (1″–3″) makes seasonal transitions quick; we ran 2.5″ through the heat of summer.
Build and storage. The deck feels appropriately sturdy for the price class, though it’s clearly a value-tier chassis rather than a commercial-grade unit — expect some plastic where premium mowers use steel. The Z-fold handle is a genuine standout: it collapses the mower into a surprisingly compact footprint that fit upright in a corner of our garage. For anyone short on storage space, this design alone is worth considering. For a deeper dive into this drive style, see our guide to the 40V cordless self-propelled electric lawn mower with brushless motor.
Pros & Cons
- Strong brushless power — handled 5-inch overgrown grass without bogging down
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included — a $160–$240 value competitors don’t match at this price
- Self-propelled with on-the-fly speed control — drastically cuts fatigue on slopes
- Well-executed 2-in-1 mulching/bagging with a generous 13.2-gallon bag
- Z-fold handle makes it one of the easiest mowers to store
- 3-year tool warranty — better than many budget-brand offerings
Flaws but not dealbreakers:
- 15–20 minutes per battery — fine for small/medium yards, tight for larger ones
- Cut range caps at 3″ — tall-fescue owners who prefer a 4″ cut should look elsewhere
- Value-tier deck materials — some plastic components where premium mowers use metal
- 1-year battery warranty is shorter than the tool warranty
Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip
Buy it if: You have a small-to-medium lawn (up to about 5,000–7,000 sq ft), want to ditch gas maintenance, deal with slopes or uneven terrain, or have limited garage/storage space. The two-battery bundle also makes this an excellent first cordless mower — you won’t need to buy anything else out of the box.
Skip it if: Your property is larger than half an acre, you prefer cutting heights above 3″, or you need all-day runtime for a landscaping business. In those cases, a dual-battery 21-inch platform or a gas mower remains the better tool. If remote operation interests you, we also cover options in our cordless self-propelled lawn mower with remote guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the batteries last on a single charge?
In our testing, each 5.0Ah battery ran 15–20 minutes under real mowing conditions, giving 30–40 minutes total with both batteries. Dense, wet, or tall grass reduces runtime; light weekly mowing on dry grass maximizes it.
Can this mower handle thick or overgrown grass?
Yes, within reason. Our stress test on 5-inch grass showed the brushless motor cutting cleanly without bogging down. For severely overgrown lawns, we recommend raising to the highest setting, taking a first pass, then mowing lower — a best practice for any mower.
Is it good for hilly yards?
The self-propelled drive with adjustable 1.4–2.9 mph speed handled our test slope comfortably. It’s not designed for extremely steep grades, but typical suburban inclines are no problem.
How compact is it for storage?
Very. The Z-fold handle collapses the mower into an upright footprint small enough to tuck into a garage corner or shed shelf — noticeably more compact than standard folding-handle mowers we’ve tested.
What’s covered by the warranty?
The mower itself carries a 3-year warranty, while the batteries are covered for 1 year. That battery term is shorter than some competitors, so factor replacement cost into long-term ownership.
Is $277 a good price for this mower?
Yes. Two 5.0Ah 40V batteries alone typically run $80–$120 each from competing brands. Getting the mower, two batteries, a charger, and a bagging system in one package makes this one of the strongest value propositions in the mid-range cordless category as of 2026.
