Wild Badger Power 40V 18-Inch Brushless Cordless
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Quick Verdict
Bottom line: The Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Brushless Mower is one of the best value picks in the mid-size cordless category. For $209 you get a brushless motor, a genuine 40V platform, up to ~5,445 sq ft of coverage per charge, and a 3-in-1 cutting system — features that typically cost $300+ elsewhere. It’s ideal for small-to-medium suburban lawns (up to about ⅛ acre). If you need to tackle huge, overgrown lots, look at a self-propelled or dual-battery unit instead. For everyone else, this is an easy recommendation.
Rating: 4.2/5 — based on 1,028 verified customer reviews.
Finding the right mower for a small-to-medium yard can feel surprisingly difficult. Too small and you’re making endless passes over the same patch of grass. Too large, and you’re paying for capacity you’ll never use. The Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Lawn Mower positions itself squarely in that middle ground — a brushless, battery-powered mower with an 18-inch deck, a 4.0Ah battery, and a price tag of $209. But does it actually deliver, or is it just another entry in an increasingly crowded cordless mower market?
In this in-depth review, I’ll break down every aspect of this mower — from real-world cutting performance and battery life to build quality, ease of use, and long-term value. If you’re comparing options, our tiectown 40v cordless lawn mower: lightweight review covers a close competitor, and our ework 40v cordless 14 electric lawn review covers the compact dual-battery alternative.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V |
| Motor Type | Brushless, up to ~3,400 RPM |
| Deck / Cutting Width | 18 inches (17.7″ cutting width) |
| Battery | 1× 4.0Ah 40V lithium-ion (included) |
| Charge Time | ~1.9 hours (fast charger included) |
| Coverage Per Charge | Up to ~5,445 sq ft (⅛ acre) |
| Height Adjustment | 5 positions, 1.5″ – 3.5″ (single lever) |
| Cutting Modes | 3-in-1: bag, mulch, rear discharge |
| Collection Bag | 11 gallons |
| Weight | ~37.5 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year tool warranty |
| Price | $209 |
At first glance, the spec sheet is competitive for its price class. The brushless motor and 40V battery platform are notable upgrades over the budget 20V mowers that dominate the sub-$150 space. Let’s dig deeper into how it performs in practice.
Cutting Performance: Genuine 40V Brushless Power
One of the most common complaints with cheaper cordless mowers is that they struggle with thick, overgrown, or damp grass. The Wild Badger Power 40V addresses this with a high-efficiency brushless motor that spins up to 3,400 RPM. In real-world use, this translates to noticeably more torque than what you’ll get from a typical 20V compact mower. You won’t need to slow down or make extra passes through moderately thick patches — the mower powers through without stalling or bogging down. For homeowners who let their grass grow a bit between mowings, this is a significant practical advantage.
Brushless motors also run cooler, waste less energy, and last longer than brushed alternatives, since there are no carbon brushes to wear out. That matters for long-term value: the motor is the one component you can’t cheaply replace.
Battery Life and Runtime
The included 4.0Ah 40V battery provides enough runtime to cover up to 5,445 square feet on a single charge. For context, that’s roughly 1.5 to 2 times the coverage you’d get from a compact 13-inch 20V mower. If your front and back yard combined fall within that range, you can finish the entire job without stopping to recharge. And when you do need to recharge, the fast charger brings the battery back to full in approximately 1.9 hours — quick enough to top off during a lunch break if needed.
Keep in mind that runtime varies with grass conditions. Thick, wet grass and lower cutting heights drain the battery faster than a light trim on dry turf. If your lawn sits right at the upper limit of coverage, mowing more frequently will keep you comfortably within a single charge.
Maneuverability and Ease of Use
At approximately 37.5 pounds, this mower is remarkably easy to push, turn, and navigate around obstacles like trees, flower beds, garden borders, and tight corners. Compared to gas mowers that can easily weigh 60–80 lbs, the difference is immediately noticeable. This lighter weight also makes it more accessible for older users or anyone who finds heavier equipment difficult to handle. The compact 18-inch deck further enhances maneuverability in tight spaces where a wider mower simply wouldn’t fit.
Being cordless also means no pull cords, no gas, no oil changes, and no fumes. Squeeze the bail and go — it’s the closest a push mower gets to being a grab-and-go tool.
Storage and Design
Storage is often an afterthought with lawn mowers, but Wild Badger clearly considered it here. The handle folds down in about five seconds, allowing the mower to slide neatly against a wall, into a corner, or into a small shed. For homeowners with limited garage or storage space, this is a genuinely appreciated feature.
Cutting Height Range: Why 1.5″–3.5″ Matters
The single-lever height adjustment lets you switch between five cutting heights ranging from 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches. No tools required, no fiddling with individual wheels.
This range matters more than it might seem. University extension turf specialists consistently recommend mowing cool-season grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass at roughly 2.5–3.5 inches — the upper end of this mower’s range — because taller grass develops deeper roots, resists drought stress, and shades out weed seedlings (see guidance from University of Minnesota Extension and Penn State Extension). The 3.5″ top setting means this mower can follow those best practices. The 1.5″ low end, meanwhile, is handy for warm-season grasses like bermudagrass or for a tight, manicured finish.
One general rule from extension services: never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. If your lawn has gotten long, raise the deck for the first pass, then lower it a few days later. The Wild Badger’s easy single-lever adjustment makes that two-pass routine painless.
3-in-1 Cutting System
The mower supports three modes: bagging (11-gallon collection bag), mulching (finely chopped clippings returned to the lawn), and rear discharge. Mulching is worth trying first — extension turf programs note that returning clippings to the lawn can supply a meaningful share of your lawn’s nitrogen needs each year, reducing fertilizer requirements. Switch to the bag when the grass is long or wet, and use rear discharge for rough areas where you don’t want clumps.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Brushless 40V motor — more torque and longer lifespan than 20V brushed competitors
- Up to ~5,445 sq ft coverage per charge — enough for most small-to-medium lawns in one session
- Fast charging (~1.9 hours) — quick top-ups between mowings
- Lightweight at ~37.5 lbs — easy to push, turn, and store
- 5-position single-lever height adjustment (1.5″–3.5″) — covers all common grass types
- 3-in-1 cutting: bag, mulch, rear discharge
- Quick-fold handle for compact storage
- 3-year tool warranty — strong for this price class
- Excellent value at $209
❌ Cons
- Single battery included — no spare, so large lawns need a mid-job recharge
- Not self-propelled — you supply the pushing power on slopes
- Runtime drops in thick, wet, or tall grass
- 18″ deck means more passes than a 21″ gas mower on larger lots
- Less-established brand — smaller dealer/parts network than Greenworks or EGO
Who Should Buy the Wild Badger Power 40V?
Buy it if: You have a small-to-medium lawn (up to ~5,445 sq ft), you’re replacing a gas mower or upgrading from a 20V mini mower, and you want brushless power without spending $300–$500. The lightweight design also makes it a great fit for older users or anyone with limited storage space.
Skip it if: Your lawn is larger than ⅛ acre, it’s heavily sloped (you’ll want self-propulsion), or you regularly let the grass get very long and thick — a dual-battery or self-propelled model will serve you better.
Pros
- Wider deck covers more grass per pass, reducing mowing time for small to medium lawns.
- Brushless motor provides efficient power and longer lifespan.
- Multiple cutting heights allow customization for lawn conditions.
- Three clipping modes support different lawn care preferences.
- Lightweight design and folding handle make storage easy.
Cons
- Push mower requires physical effort; not self-propelled, so may be tiring on slopes.
- Single 4.0Ah battery may not be enough for larger lawns or thick grass.
- No side discharge option? (Actually three modes include rear discharge, but not side discharge; potential limitation for some users).
The Wild Badger Power 40V 18-Inch Brushless Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is designed for homeowners with small to medium lawns who prefer a push mower. Its 18-inch brushless deck reaches up to 3,400 RPM, providing efficient cutting and fewer passes. The most compelling reason to consider this mower is its combination of a wider deck, versatile cutting options, and a lightweight design, though it requires physical pushing effort and has a single battery that may limit runtime.
Five cutting heights allow you to adjust for seasonal growth and grass conditions, while three clipping modes (bagging, mulching, rear discharge) offer flexibility. The included 11-gallon bag helps collect clippings for a clean finish. The 40V 4.0Ah battery provides power, but runtime will vary based on grass thickness and terrain.
Setup is straightforward with the included battery and fast charger. The mower weighs 37.5 lbs, making it manageable to push, and the folding handle reduces storage space. Maintenance involves keeping the blade sharp and battery charged, which is typical for cordless mowers.
Overall, this mower is a solid choice for small to medium flat lawns. However, if your lawn is large, hilly, or you prefer a self-propelled option, you might consider a gas mower or a model with a larger battery or self-propulsion.
Best For: Homeowners with small to medium, open lawns who are comfortable pushing a mower and want a cordless electric option with versatile cutting modes.
Why It Fits: The 18-inch brushless deck and 40V battery provide efficient cutting for such lawns, and the five cutting heights and three clipping modes adapt to various grass conditions.
Think Twice If: You have a large lawn, steep slopes, or need self-propulsion, as this mower requires physical effort and the single battery may not last for extensive mowing.
Bottom Line: If you have a small to medium, relatively flat lawn and don't mind pushing, this mower offers good value and flexibility, but consider a self-propelled or larger-battery model for bigger or more challenging terrain.
18-Inch Brushless Deck: Wider cutting swath reduces mowing time and improves maneuverability around obstacles.
Five Cutting Heights: Adjust to seasonal needs, from short to long grass.
Three Clipping Modes: Bag, mulch, or rear discharge to suit your lawn care preference.
40V Battery System: Includes one 4.0Ah battery and fast charger for cordless convenience.
Folding Handle: Saves storage space in sheds or garages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The included 4.0Ah 40V battery delivers up to ~5,445 sq ft of mowing per charge under normal conditions. Expect less runtime in thick, tall, or wet grass, and more when trimming dry, maintained turf. Recharge time is approximately 1.9 hours with the included fast charger.
Can it handle tall or thick grass?
Yes, better than most mowers in this price range. The 3,400 RPM brushless motor provides enough torque to power through moderately thick patches without bogging down. For very overgrown grass, follow the one-third rule: raise the deck to its highest setting, mow, then lower the height and mow again a few days later.
