EGO 56V vs. Greenworks 60V Mowers – Which One Reigns Supreme?

I. Goodbye Gas Guzzlers, Hello Eco-Friendly Lawn Care!

The Big Shift

Do you recall the cacophony of sputtering gas mowers, the ritualistic oil changes, the noxious fumes clinging to the air? Those days, my friends, are fading into memory. We stand at the precipice of a new era in lawn care, an era defined by electric power – cleaner, quieter, and possessing a potency that might surprise even the most ardent devotee of gasoline.

EGO & Greenworks Enter the Arena

As with any grand transition, there are champions, standard-bearers leading the charge. In this green revolution, EGO, with its 56V system, and Greenworks, with its 60V lineup, emerge as formidable contenders. But what is the essence of these battery-powered beasts? What secrets lie within their circuits and cells that allow them to challenge the long-held dominion of the internal combustion engine?

II. A Quick Trip Down Lawn Mower Memory Lane

The Green Revolution Begins

• Greenworks (2002): Let us embark on a brief historical detour. Greenworks, a pioneer in this electric awakening, embarked on its journey in 2002, igniting the cordless revolution in 2007 with a bold embrace of lithium-ion batteries for outdoor tools. A testament to relentless progress, they unveiled their 40V program in 2012, ascended to 80V in 2015, and finally, in 2016, revealed the 60V platform, a tangible manifestation of their unwavering pursuit of battery evolution.
• EGO (2012): EGO, a relative newcomer to the arena, stormed onto the U.S. stage in 2012, bolstered by the manufacturing might of Chervon. Their mission was audacious: to rival the power of gas engines without the accompanying drawbacks. Central to this endeavor was their patented 56V Arc Lithium™ battery. By 2020, EGO had ascended to global recognition, a testament to the power of innovation.

Innovations that Changed the Game

The narrative of progress is one of continuous refinement. EGO’s unique Arc Lithium battery design, engineered for optimal cooling, and their “Select Cut” multi-blade system stand as testaments to this principle. Similarly, Greenworks’ SmartCut technology and dual battery ports represent their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

III. EGO 56V: The Agile Performer

What Makes EGO Shine? (The Good)

• Powerhouse Performance: Do not be deceived by the 56V designation. These mowers possess a vigor often compared to their gas-powered counterparts, delivering a consistently clean cut, even when confronted with the tenacity of unruly grass. They exhibit adaptive power, adjusting to the task at hand with an almost sentient awareness.
• Battery Brilliance: EGO’s ARC Lithium™ batteries are celebrated for their endurance, capable of sustaining runtimes of up to 80-90 minutes when equipped with larger batteries. This longevity is complemented by rapid charging capabilities. The secret to their success lies in their arc-shaped design, a clever engineering solution that facilitates efficient cooling.

• Light & Nimble: Characterized by their lightness, often achieved through the use of rust-proof composite decks, these mowers are remarkably easy to maneuver, turn, and store vertically. The inclusion of push-button start, self-propel functionality, and adjustable heights further enhances the user experience, creating a symphony of convenience.

Any Cracks in the Composite Deck? (The Bad)

• The “Float” Factor: The very lightness that contributes to their agility can, paradoxically, lead to uneven cuts on undulating lawns, a consequence of the mower’s tendency to “float” over irregularities.
• Pricey Power: The initial investment can be substantial, particularly when factoring in the cost of battery kits. Is the price of progress always so steep?
• Blade Blues: Scattered reports suggest that the blades, perhaps in pursuit of lightness, may be prone to damage.
• Cleaning Conundrum: The intricate cavities of the plastic deck, while contributing to its overall design, tend to trap grass clippings, presenting a cleaning challenge, particularly given the recommendation against hosing.
• Battery Lifespan Lottery: While their performance is undeniably impressive, some users have reported premature battery failure, often after 3-5 years, a period that may fall outside the 3-year warranty, leaving owners to grapple with replacement costs.

IV. Greenworks 60V: The Sturdy Contender

Why Greenworks Gets a Green Light? (The Good)

• Budget-Friendly Muscle: Often perceived as a more accessible option, Greenworks delivers robust power, capable of taming even the most stubborn grasses. The inclusion of “Turbo Mode” provides an extra surge of energy when the situation demands it.
• Built to Last (Mostly): Many models boast durable steel decks, a testament to their commitment to longevity. However, one must remain vigilant against the insidious threat of rust.
• Battery Boss: Greenworks batteries offer respectable runtimes, often exceeding an hour when utilizing dual batteries. The generous 4-year warranty on both the mower and battery provides peace of mind, while certain Costco bundles even extend the battery warranty to an impressive 8 years.
• Smart & Simple: Push-button start, adjustable self-propel speeds, and convenient vertical storage contribute to a user-friendly experience.

Where Greenworks Might Get Tangled? (The Bad)

• Self-Propel “Lag”: A slight delay in the disengagement of the self-propel function can prove to be an annoyance, a subtle imperfection in an otherwise well-executed design.
• Side Discharge Woes: The side discharge mechanism may not distribute clippings as uniformly as its gas-powered counterparts, and some larger models may lack this feature altogether.
• Battery Baggage: Instances of batteries requiring cooldown periods before recharging, or arriving in a non-functional state, have been reported, casting a shadow of doubt on their reliability.
• Turbo Trade-off: While “Turbo Mode” provides a welcome boost of power, it comes at the cost of reduced battery life.
• “Touchy” Start: On occasion, the mower may require a battery adjustment or a cleaning to initiate operation, a minor inconvenience that can disrupt the flow of work.

V. The Great Debate: EGO vs. Greenworks – What’s the Verdict?

Power Play

The raw voltage figure, while seemingly indicative of power, does not tell the whole story. EGO’s 56V system, fortified by advanced motors and multi-blade systems, often delivers comparable, if not superior, cutting performance. EGO’s adaptive power distinguishes it from Greenworks’ manual “Turbo” boost.

Deck Wars: Plastic vs. Steel

• EGO: The lightweight composite deck, weighing approximately 54.5 lbs, offers ease of handling and is immune to the ravages of rust.
• Greenworks: The heavier steel decks, weighing around 65 lbs, convey an impression of robustness but are vulnerable to corrosion.

Battery Ecosystem & Warranty: The Real Deal-breaker?

• EGO: Boasting larger battery capacities, reaching up to 12 Ah, EGO promises extended runtimes. However, the high cost of replacements and the relatively short 3-year battery warranty are legitimate concerns.
• Greenworks: With batteries reaching up to 8 Ah, Greenworks offers a more reassuring 4-year warranty on both the mower and battery, with certain bundles extending this protection to an impressive 8 years.

Customer Service Rollercoaster

The realm of customer service is often a turbulent landscape. Both brands have received a mixture of praise and criticism, suggesting that the quality of the experience is often subject to chance.

VI. The Future is Electric: What’s Next for Your Lawn?

• More Power, Longer Life: The relentless march of progress dictates that lithium-ion batteries will continue to evolve, offering enhanced runtimes and faster charging capabilities. EGO’s pursuit of “tabless cell” technology exemplifies this trend, promising sub-hour charging as the new standard.
• Robots Taking Over (Your Lawn): The era of robotic mowers is no longer a futuristic fantasy. Both EGO (Aura-R2 with Path IQ) and Greenworks (AiConic, AiMowBot™ with RTK tech) are heavily invested in autonomous, app-controlled mowing, heralding a new age of lawn care automation.

• Smart Lawns, Smarter Tools: The convergence of technology and lawn care will result in mowers equipped with app connectivity, AI, GPS, and LiDAR, transforming them into intelligent assistants capable of adapting to grass conditions and managing their own schedules.
• Beyond the Mower: The transformation extends beyond the humble mower, encompassing the entire outdoor power equipment market, from blowers to UTVs.
• Eco-Friendly & Quiet is the New Norm: Driven by environmental consciousness and increasingly stringent noise regulations, battery-powered tools are poised to dominate the landscape, ushering in an era of quieter weekends and a smaller carbon footprint.

VII. The Final Cut: Choosing Your Champion

The selection process transcends a mere comparison of voltage figures. Consider the size of your yard, the constraints of your budget, your preference for deck material, and the significance of warranty coverage.

Both EGO and Greenworks offer compelling, eco-friendly alternatives to gas mowers, characterized by continuous innovation and relentless improvement. In this competition, the true beneficiary is you, the homeowner, reaping the rewards of a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable lawn care experience.