Green Machine Lawn Mower Review Consumer Reports: Top Picks

Looking for a light, quiet mower that actually cuts clean and fast?

You want a yard that looks sharp without fumes, cords, or heavy lifts. I get it. In this green machine lawn mower review consumer reports style guide, I break down compact battery and reel mowers that fit small to mid-size lawns. I look at cut quality, runtime, noise, and handling. I also test ease of storage and height adjustment. If you’re tired of pull-cords, gas cans, or heavy decks, these picks will help. I keep it simple and practical, so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive into the green machine lawn mower review consumer reports insights that actually matter.

MZK 40V(2x20V) 13” Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

I like how the MZK 40V (2x20V) 13-inch mower keeps things simple. It’s compact, brushless, and easy to start with a button. The 4-position height adjustment lets me switch from a low trim to a taller cut for summer stress. The deck is narrow at 13 inches, but that makes it great for tight spaces, side yards, and townhomes. It’s light, so I can lift it up steps and store it vertically in a small shed. Noise is low compared to gas, and the brushless motor helps with efficiency and longer motor life. For the green machine lawn mower review consumer reports context, this design fits the quick, weekly mow many homeowners want.

On a typical suburban lawn, I can expect around 25–35 minutes of runtime depending on grass height, moisture, and pace. Taller or wet grass will drain the battery faster. The cut is clean when I mow regularly and don’t let the lawn get overgrown. It doesn’t weigh me down, and the push feel is smooth. The handles fold without a fight, and the safety key adds peace of mind with kids around. If you have a small yard and want a cordless pick that’s light and uncomplicated, this one hits the mark. It aligns well with what shoppers look for in a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports style checklist: ease, quiet, and value.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• Brushless motor for better efficiency and durability
• Simple push-button start with safety key
• Compact 13-inch deck fits small yards and narrow gates
• Low noise for early or late mowing without complaints

Cons

• Narrow 13-inch deck means more passes on larger yards
• Runtime drops in tall, thick, or wet grass
• No self-propel feature for hilly lawns
• Smaller bag capacity fills quickly
• Best for maintenance cuts, not heavy overgrowth

My Recommendation

I recommend the MZK 40V 13-inch to apartment, townhouse, and small-lot owners who want simple, quiet mowing. It’s ideal if you mow weekly and keep the grass under control. In my green machine lawn mower review consumer reports comparison, it shines on ease, weight, and noise.

Best for	Why
Small yards (under 1/8 acre)	Lightweight, compact 13-inch deck saves space and time
Tight storage spaces	Folding handle and small footprint fit closets or sheds
Quiet neighborhoods	Low noise brushless motor keeps sound levels down

Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

The Greenworks 24V 13-inch brushless mower is a strong budget-friendly option for small yards. It includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, so you can mow right away. The brushless motor helps with torque and battery efficiency, which I notice when cutting slightly taller grass. It’s light, compact, and easy to push. With a 13-inch deck, I can snake around trees, garden beds, and play sets without bumping into things. In a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports style test, this checks many boxes for everyday homeowners: simple setup, quick charging, and consistent cut on maintained lawns.

Runtime with the 4.0Ah battery can hit around 25–35 minutes in normal conditions. In thicker spring growth, expect less. The cut quality is solid when I mow weekly. Height adjustment is straightforward, and the bagging performance is decent for the deck size. I also like the brand’s ecosystem if you plan to add a string trimmer or blower later. For small suburban lawns, this mower makes sense. It feels dependable without being heavy, and it stays quiet. If you search for a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports experience focused on value and convenience, this one deserves a close look.

Pros

• Brushless motor improves power and efficiency
• Includes 4.0Ah battery and charger in the box
• Lightweight and easy to store
• Good cut quality for weekly maintenance
• Part of a larger 24V tool system

Cons

• 13-inch deck is slow on larger lawns
• Runtime drops in tall or wet grass
• No self-propel for slopes
• Smaller bag capacity means more stops
• Not ideal for overgrown or neglected lawns

My Recommendation

I recommend the Greenworks 24V 13-inch for budget-minded owners with small, flat yards who value quiet and simplicity. In my green machine lawn mower review consumer reports comparisons, it’s a smart starter mower that still feels refined.

Best for	Why
First-time cordless buyers	Great price-to-performance with battery included
Small, flat lawns	Light push effort and clean cut on maintained turf
Quiet mowing needs	Low noise for early mornings or close neighbors

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 is a 14-inch, 4-blade push reel mower. It’s fully manual with no battery, no gas, and almost no noise. I love the scissor-like cut on cool-season grasses, which helps reduce browning compared to rotary tearing. It’s very light, so I can carry it with one hand. Assembly is quick, and there’s almost nothing to maintain beyond blade adjustment and occasional sharpening. In a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports style checklist, this hits peak simplicity and eco-friendliness.

This mower shines if you mow often and keep grass under 3–4 inches. It struggles in tall, weedy, or very thick turf. Sticks, acorns, and twigs can jam the reel, so I do a quick yard scan before mowing. The upside is near-silent operation, zero emissions, and very low cost of ownership. It’s perfect for small patches, rental homes, and anyone who wants exercise while mowing. If your search for a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports angle includes “no charging, no cords, no fumes,” this reel mower is a classic pick.

Pros

• Quiet, emission-free mowing
• Very low maintenance and operating cost
• Lightweight and easy to store
• Clean, scissor-like cut on maintained lawns
• No batteries or chargers to manage

Cons

• Not good for tall or weedy grass
• Debris can jam the reel
• Manual effort increases on thick turf
• No bagging without add-ons
• Edge and uneven ground performance varies

My Recommendation

I recommend the 1204-14 reel mower to eco-focused owners, small lawn users, and those who want a quiet, simple tool. In my green machine lawn mower review consumer reports reviews, it’s the most budget-friendly and low-maintenance path to a neat cut—if you mow often.

Best for	Why
Eco-friendly mowing	No fuel, no charging, almost silent operation
Small, flat lawns	Lightweight and easy to push
Frequent mowers	Scissor cut excels on short, maintained grass

Greenworks 60V 17″ Brushless Cordless Push Mower

If you want more power without going gas, the Greenworks 60V 17-inch brushless mower is a sweet spot. The 17-inch deck covers ground quicker than 13-inch models, and the brushless motor handles moderate growth better. It includes a 4.0Ah battery, 3A charger, and 2-in-1 mulching/bagging. The brand claims about 40 minutes of runtime in ideal conditions, which lines up with my light-to-moderate mowing tests. For a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports approach, this model brings stronger torque, cleaner mulching, and better bag fill than smaller decks.

I like the balanced weight and solid build for a push mower. It’s still manageable for smaller users, and the handle folds for storage. Height adjustment is quick, and the cut looks even when I keep a steady pace. In taller spring growth, I slow down or raise the height to protect runtime and avoid clumps. It’s quiet enough for HOA areas and runs cleaner than gas. If you want a cordless mower that can handle a medium yard with fewer passes, this one stands out in any green machine lawn mower review consumer reports style comparison.

Pros

• 60V power handles thicker grass better
• 17-inch deck reduces total passes
• 2-in-1 mulching and bagging versatility
• Brushless motor for efficiency and longevity
• Good runtime for small-to-medium lawns

Cons

• Heavier than 13-inch models
• Runtime depends heavily on grass conditions
• No self-propel on slopes
• Battery upgrades can add cost
• Larger footprint needs more storage space

My Recommendation

I recommend the Greenworks 60V 17-inch to owners with small-to-medium lawns who want fewer passes and better mulching. In my green machine lawn mower review consumer reports research, it delivers the strongest cordless performance here without overcomplicating things.

Best for	Why
Small-to-medium lawns	17-inch deck covers more ground per pass
Moderate growth	60V power and brushless motor keep blade speed up
Mulching focus	2-in-1 setup delivers finer clippings

LawnMaster LMRM1602 Push Reel Lawn Mower 16-Inch

The LawnMaster LMRM1602 is a 16-inch, 5-blade push reel mower. Compared to 14-inch reels, the extra width saves time. The 5-blade cylinder gives a fine, scissor-like cut, which looks great on cool-season lawns. It’s still quiet and maintenance-light. I adjust the cutting height for seasonal changes and get a clean finish when I mow often. For a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports perspective, this is the “silent but wider” option for eco-minded owners.

Like other reel mowers, it performs best on short, debris-free turf. Sticks and tall weeds can jam the reel. Pushing effort rises in thick or uneven grass. But I appreciate the smooth rolling feel on flat ground and the neat, striped look you can get with a steady pace. If you keep up with mowing, you’ll rarely need repairs or parts. It’s a great choice for small lawns where noise, cost, and simplicity matter most in a green machine lawn mower review consumer reports decision.

Pros

• Wider 16-inch cut saves time vs. smaller reels
• 5-blade cylinder delivers a clean, scissor cut
• Quiet, no charging or fueling
• Very low upkeep and long-term cost
• Lightweight with simple height adjustments

Cons

• Not suited for tall or weedy lawns
• Can jam on sticks and acorns
• Manual effort increases on thick turf
• Edges and uneven ground require extra passes
• No bag included by default

My Recommendation

I recommend the LawnMaster 16-inch reel to eco-first homeowners who want a wider manual mower that stays quiet and clean. In my green machine lawn mower review consumer reports testing, it’s efficient if you mow often and keep debris off the lawn.

Best for	Why
Eco-friendly mowing	No battery, fuel, or noise—very low footprint
Small, flat lawns	16-inch width speeds up mowing sessions
Frequent maintenance	Scissor cut stays clean with weekly mowing

FAQs Of green machine lawn mower review consumer reports

Is a 13-inch deck too small for my yard?

If your yard is under 1/8 acre and not overgrown, a 13-inch deck works well. It’s slower on larger lawns.

How long do batteries last on cordless mowers?

Expect about 25–40 minutes per charge, depending on grass height, moisture, and pace. Bigger packs extend runtime.

Are reel mowers hard to push?

On short, clean grass they’re easy. In thick, tall, or debris-filled areas, effort rises and jams can happen.

Do brushless motors really matter?

Yes. Brushless motors boost efficiency, torque, and longevity, improving cut consistency and battery use.

Can cordless mowers handle wet grass?

They can, but runtime drops and clumping increases. Mow when grass is dry for best results.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

For most small-to-medium lawns, the Greenworks 60V 17-inch delivers the best balance of power, runtime, and cut. If you want ultra-light and budget-friendly, pick the Greenworks 24V 13-inch. For the quietest, eco choice, go with a reel. In this green machine lawn mower review consumer reports guide, I matched each pick to real-world needs.