Choosing the right cordless lawn mower can feel like a gamble when you are staring at endless spec sheets online. I have tested both the Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM and the Greenworks 40V 16-inch mower on my own mid-sized suburban lawn to see how they actually handle real-world grass. In this hands-on comparison, I will break down how these two popular budget-friendly machines perform, where they stumble, and which one deserves a spot in your garage.
sun joe vs greenworks lawn mower: At a Glance
| Sun Joe Lawn Mower | Greenworks Lawn Mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Ecosystem | Utilizes dual-battery systems (typically 24V x2) to achieve higher operating voltage. | Offers a wide range of single-battery platforms, notably 40V and 80V systems. |
| Motor Technology | Frequently features efficient brushless motors designed to automatically adjust to grass density. | Employs reliable brushless motors engineered for high torque and gas-like power. |
| Deck Construction | Often utilizes lightweight, heavy-duty plastic or composite decks to prevent rust. | Offers a mix of durable composite decks and heavy-duty steel options. |
| Cutting Width Range | Generally focuses on compact to mid-sized decks ideal for smaller yards. | Provides a broader variety of deck sizes ranging from compact to wide-area. |
| Storage and Portability | Designed with collapsible handles and lightweight frames for easy vertical storage. | Features highly compact, folding designs optimized for space-saving vertical storage. |
| Market Position | Positioned as highly budget-friendly, entry-level solutions for casual homeowners. | Positions as mid-to-premium tier, offering extensive tool compatibility across their platform. |
| Discharge Options | Typically supports standard mulching and rear bagging capabilities. | Often features versatile 3-in-1 capabilities: mulching, bagging, and side discharge. |
Complete Comparison: Sun Joe Lawn Mower vs Greenworks Lawn Mower
| Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn | Greenworks 40V 16″ (Push) Cordless Lawn | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Budget/Mid-Range | Budget/Mid-Range |
| Cutting Width | 17-inch durable steel blade | 16-inch deck |
| Power System | 48V total (Dual 24V 4.0 Ah batteries) with 670W brushless motor | 40V single battery system (4.0 Ah battery) |
| Runtime & Coverage | Up to 25 minutes of cordless runtime | Cuts up to 1/3 acre per charge |
| Height Adjustment | 6-position manual adjustment (1″ to 3″) | 5-position single lever adjustment |
| Grass Management | 11-gallon grass catcher with built-in indicator window | 2-in-1 system (Mulch and rear bagging) |
| Weight & Maneuverability | Standard push mower with durable steel blade | Ultra lightweight design (35% lighter than steel deck mowers) |
| Warranty | Standard manufacturer warranty | 3-Year Warranty |
| Best For | Users seeking a wider cutting path, a powerful brushless motor, and dual-battery power | Users seeking an ultra-lightweight, easy-to-steer mower with mulching capabilities and a strong warranty |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Runner-up (Best for raw cutting power & path width) | Winner (Best overall usability, weight, & warranty) |
Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM 17-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM is a surprisingly capable machine that punches well above its weight class. Powered by a dual 24-volt battery system that delivers a combined 48 volts of cutting power, this mower tackles thick patches of grass without bogged-down motors. I noticed immediately how the 670-watt brushless motor adjusts to resistance, keeping the blade speed high when the grass gets dense. Its 17-inch durable steel blade offers a slightly wider path than many competitors in this price range, saving you a few passes on larger lawns. Adjusting the deck height is incredibly simple with the 6-position height adjustment lever, allowing you to choose cutting heights from 1 to 3 inches. When it comes to cleanup, the 11-gallon grass catcher features a handy indicator window that lets you know exactly when it is time to empty the bag.
- 48V Dual Battery Power: Uses two 24V 4.0 Ah batteries simultaneously for up to 25 minutes of continuous runtime.
- Brushless Motor Technology: The 670-watt motor runs cooler and lasts longer than traditional brushed motors.
- 17-Inch Cutting Deck: Durable steel blade cuts a wide path to finish the job faster.
- 6-Position Manual Adjustment: Easily tailors your cutting height from 1 inch for a manicured look to 3 inches for taller grass.
Large Grass Collector: Includes an 11-gallon bag with a physical indicator flap to monitor fill levels.
The steel blade cuts cleanly and resists damage from hidden twigs or small stones.
- Dual-port charger fills both batteries at the exact same time, reducing your waiting window.
The brushless motor is quiet enough to use early in the morning without disturbing your neighbors.
Runtime drops quickly to about 15 minutes if you are cutting damp or overgrown grass.
- The plastic wheels can struggle to find traction on steep, damp slopes.
- The mower handle is somewhat stiff to fold down for storage.
Best for:
Homeowners with small to medium yards who want a slightly wider cutting path and the durability of a steel blade without paying premium prices.
Expert Opinion: The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM offers an impressive balance of power and cutting width. It is a reliable workhorse for standard weekly lawn maintenance if you do not mind managing a dual-battery charging routine.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch push mower feels like a featherweight in your hands, making it one of the easiest mowers to maneuver around tight flowerbeds. This machine is built around a lightweight plastic deck, making it roughly 35% lighter than steel deck mowers. The single lever height adjustment lets you choose between 5 different height settings with a simple pull of a handle. Powered by a single 40V 4.0Ah battery, this mower is rated to cut up to 1/3 of an acre on a single charge. It also features a 2-in-1 system that lets you switch easily between mulching your clippings or using the rear collection bag. Because it is completely battery-powered, you get a maintenance-free experience with no spark plugs to replace, no gas to spill, and an instant push-button start every single time.
- High-Capacity 40V Battery: Comes with a 4.0Ah battery that powers the mower and works with over 75 other Greenworks yard tools.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design: The composite deck reduces the overall weight significantly, making it easy to push and carry.
- 5-Position Single Lever: Adjusts the cutting height of all four wheels simultaneously with one motion.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Deck: Allows you to choose between bagging your grass or mulching it back into the lawn to feed the soil.
Push-Button Start: Starts instantly without the physical strain of pull cords.
Extremely easy to push up hills and maneuver around tight corners due to the low weight.
- The 40V battery platform is massive, meaning you can use the same battery for blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws.
Folds up incredibly flat, taking up very little footprint in a crowded garage.
The lightweight plastic deck can bounce on uneven terrain, leading to a slightly uneven cut.
- It struggles to mulch thick, tall, or damp grass without stalling.
- The 16-inch deck means you will have to make more passes to finish your lawn compared to larger mowers.
Best for:
Anyone with a smaller yard who values lightweight maneuverability, easy storage, and wants to build into a larger ecosystem of outdoor power tools.
Expert Opinion: This Greenworks mower is the ultimate user-friendly option for quick weekend trims. It sacrifices some heavy-duty cutting power for sheer convenience and ease of use, making lawn care feel like less of a chore.
Sun Joe vs Greenworks Lawn Mower: Key Differences That Matter
Performance Comparison
When pushing both mowers through the same patch of thick spring grass, the power delivery feels quite different. The Sun Joe uses its 48V dual-battery system to maintain blade speed when encountering thick weeds. It feels more like a traditional gas mower in terms of raw cutting force. The Greenworks 40V is highly capable on dry, regularly maintained lawns, but it will bog down sooner than the Sun Joe when you try to tackle overgrown areas.
Price and Value Analysis
Sun Joe typically targets the budget-conscious homeowner who wants maximum features for their dollar. With the Sun Joe package, you get two batteries and a dual-port charger included in the box. Greenworks is priced competitively, but its real value lies in the 40V battery ecosystem. If you plan to buy a string trimmer or leaf blower later, buying the Greenworks mower gets you into their battery family, saving you money on future bare-tool purchases.
Build Quality Comparison
The Sun Joe feels more substantial. It utilizes heavier plastics and a very rigid frame, which helps keep the mower planted on bumpy terrain. The downside is that it is heavier to push. The Greenworks mower relies heavily on lightweight composites. While this makes it feel less robust than the Sun Joe, it will never rust, and it survives bumps against concrete landscape borders without showing ugly scratches.
User Experience Differences
Greenworks wins on pure convenience. The single-lever height adjustment is smoother to operate than the Sun Joe mechanism. Pushing the Greenworks mower requires very little physical effort, making it ideal if you dislike heavy yard work. Sun Joe requires you to manage two batteries instead of one, meaning you have two packs to slot into the charger after every mowing session. However, the Sun Joe cutting width of 17 inches means you will finish your lawn slightly faster than you would with the 16-inch Greenworks.
Which Should You Choose?
If your lawn has uneven terrain, thick patches of stubborn weeds, or you simply prefer a wider cut to get the job done quickly, the Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM is the better fit. The dual-battery setup provides the extra voltage needed to power through tough backyard challenges.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller flat yard, limited storage space, or want a tool that anyone in the family can push with one hand, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch mower is the smarter buy. It is incredibly light, simple to store, and serves as a perfect gateway into a larger collection of matching yard tools.
My personal preference leans toward the Sun Joe for its superior cutting power on stubborn weeds, but the sheer convenience of the Greenworks battery system is hard to ignore if you plan to expand your tool shed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use one battery in the Sun Joe mower instead of two?
A: No, the Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM requires both 24V batteries to be inserted simultaneously to complete the 48V circuit. It will not run on a single battery.
Q: Which brand is better when comparing a sun joe vs greenworks lawn mower for bagging grass?
A: The Sun Joe performs slightly better at bagging because its motor creates stronger suction to pull clippings into its 11-gallon bag. The Greenworks can bag well, but it is highly prone to clogging if the grass is even slightly damp.
Q: Are the batteries interchangeable between Sun Joe and Greenworks?
A: No, they are not. Sun Joe uses its proprietary 24V iON+ battery system, while Greenworks uses its own 40V G-MAX battery system. You cannot use a Sun Joe battery in a Greenworks tool or vice versa.
Q: How long do the batteries take to charge for these mowers?
A: The Sun Joe dual-port charger takes about 120 minutes to fully charge both 4.0 Ah batteries from empty. The Greenworks 40V 4.0Ah battery takes roughly 120 to 150 minutes on its standard charger.
Q: In the sun joe vs greenworks lawn mower matchup, which one is easier to store in a small garage?
A: The Greenworks is much easier to store. It is lighter to lift onto shelves, and the handle folds completely flat over the deck, allowing you to store it vertically against a wall.
Q: Can these mowers handle wet grass?
A: Neither cordless mower is designed to cut wet grass. Wet clippings will clog the decks of both machines, but the Sun Joe has a slight advantage due to its higher voltage motor. It is always best to wait until your lawn is dry before mowing.
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