Updated on September 5, 2026.
The Greenworks GLM801601 is an 80V, 21-inch brushless push mower sold with two 2.0Ah batteries and a 30-minute rapid charger. Its practical appeal is the two-battery rotation: the mower runs on one battery at a time, so one pack can charge while the other powers the mower. It also has a steel deck, SmartCut load sensing, three clipping modes, and vertical storage.
Our verdict: The GLM801601 can still make sense at a strong sale price for a flat or moderately sized lawn, especially if you already own Greenworks 80V tools. It is not self-propelled. Buyers who want drive assistance, dual active battery ports, headlights, or a leaf-pickup mode should compare newer 80V models before ordering.
Check the current Greenworks GLM801601 price on Amazon
Research note: We have not personally tested this mower. This review is based on Greenworks’ current product page, published specifications, warranty information, and a comparison with newer Greenworks 80V push mowers.
Greenworks GLM801601 specifications
| Feature | GLM801601 |
|---|---|
| Type | Walk-behind push mower; not self-propelled |
| Voltage | 80V |
| Motor | Brushless with SmartCut load sensing |
| Deck | 21-inch steel |
| Included batteries | Two 80V 2.0Ah batteries |
| Included charger | 30-minute rapid charger |
| Battery use | One active battery at a time |
| Clipping options | Mulch, rear bag, or side discharge |
| Height adjustment | Single lever, 7 positions |
| Storage | Folding handle and vertical storage |
| Warranty | Greenworks lists a 4-year limited tool and battery warranty for its Pro 80V line |
Retail bundles can change. Confirm that the listing includes both 2.0Ah batteries, the rapid charger, grass bag, mulching plug, and side-discharge chute before buying.
The most important correction: this is a push mower
The earlier version of this article described a self-propelled feature that the GLM801601 does not have. Greenworks identifies this model as a push mower. The motor spins the blade, but the operator supplies the forward movement.
That distinction matters most on slopes, thick turf, and large properties. A push design is simpler and does not spend battery energy driving the wheels, but a roughly full-width steel-deck mower can take more effort to move than a smaller, lighter model. If your lawn has sustained grades or you prefer less physical effort, compare an 80V self-propelled Greenworks model.
How the two 2.0Ah batteries work
The GLM801601 operates from one battery at a time. It is not a dual-port auto-switch mower. Its original bundle solves runtime differently: it includes two smaller batteries and a rapid charger. When one pack is depleted, you stop and exchange it for the other.
Greenworks promotes the 30-minute charger as a way to keep cycling the included batteries. Real mowing time varies with grass height, moisture, cutting height, terrain, blade condition, and how often SmartCut raises motor output. Treat any runtime figure as a best-case estimate rather than a guarantee for a particular yard.
Two 2.0Ah packs are easier to carry and may be more comfortable in compatible handheld 80V tools than one large mower battery. The tradeoff is an extra battery swap and less uninterrupted mowing time per pack.
Cutting system and controls
The 21-inch steel deck is comparable in width to many residential gas mowers. SmartCut senses load and adjusts motor output when the grass becomes more demanding. That can conserve energy in ordinary cutting while providing additional blade power in dense areas.
The three-in-one deck supports mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge. Mulching avoids stopping to empty a bag when conditions are suitable. Bagging leaves a tidier surface and can help with light leaf collection. Side discharge is often useful in taller grass, provided the discharge path is clear and safe.
Greenworks specifies a single-lever, seven-position height adjustment. The current product page does not support the older article’s five-position claim. Set a higher cut for overgrown or stressed grass, and avoid removing more than about one-third of the blade height in one pass.
Storage and maintenance
The handle folds for vertical storage, which is valuable in a crowded garage or shed. Remove the batteries and safety key before cleaning or servicing the mower. Greenworks advises clearing debris from the bagging and discharge areas, wiping down the machine, and cleaning the underside of the deck after use. Do not direct water into the motor or electrical areas.
This mower eliminates gasoline, oil changes, spark plugs, and carburetor upkeep, but it is not maintenance-free. The blade still needs inspection and periodic sharpening or replacement, fasteners need attention, the deck should stay clean, and batteries require correct charging and storage.
GLM801601 versus current Greenworks 80V alternatives
The closest current comparison is the GLM801602 kit. Greenworks lists that 21-inch push mower with one 4.0Ah battery, a 60-minute charge time, up to 40 minutes of runtime, seven cutting positions from 1-3/8 to 3-3/4 inches, and a listed mower weight of 59.52 pounds. It keeps the three-in-one deck and vertical storage concept but uses one larger battery.
Newer 21-inch Greenworks 80V push mowers add features such as a four-in-one deck, LED headlights, a turbo leaf-pickup mode, and—in some versions—two battery ports with automatic switching. Those conveniences can justify a higher price. The GLM801601 remains appealing when its two-battery kit costs materially less and manual battery swapping is acceptable.
Who should buy it?
- Good fit: owners of flat or gently sloped lawns who do not need wheel drive.
- Good fit: people already invested in compatible Greenworks 80V equipment.
- Good fit: buyers who prefer two lighter batteries and rapid charging.
- Look elsewhere: anyone who needs self-propelled assistance.
- Look elsewhere: buyers expecting automatic switching between two installed batteries.
- Compare carefully: first-time platform buyers, because a newer kit may offer better long-term value.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 21-inch steel deck and brushless motor
- Two 2.0Ah batteries plus a rapid charger in the specified kit
- Mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge
- Seven-position single-lever height adjustment
- Folding handle and vertical storage
- Batteries can be shared with compatible Greenworks 80V tools
Cons
- No self-propelled drive
- Requires a manual battery swap
- No headlights or turbo leaf-pickup mode listed for this model
- Newer 80V kits offer larger batteries and additional features
Frequently asked questions
Is the Greenworks GLM801601 self-propelled?
No. It is a push mower. Product listings that call this exact model self-propelled are inaccurate.
Does it use both batteries at once?
No. Greenworks says the mower operates using a single battery. The second included battery is a spare that you exchange manually.
Can Greenworks 80V batteries work in 40V or 60V tools?
No. Greenworks voltage platforms are separate. Use only a battery that Greenworks approves for the specific tool.
Can it mow on hills?
Greenworks says walk-behind mowers should not be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees and advises mowing across a slope. Safe footing and the lack of self-propelled assistance should factor into your choice.
Final recommendation
The Greenworks GLM801601 is best viewed as a capable older-style 80V push-mower kit whose value depends on price. Its steel deck, brushless motor, rapid charger, and two batteries remain useful. Buy it when the exact bundle is discounted and a push mower suits your yard. Compare newer Greenworks 80V options when the price is close, particularly if you want self-propulsion, automatic battery switching, or newer deck features.
View the Greenworks GLM801601 mower on Amazon
Sources checked
- Greenworks: GLM801601 80V 21-inch push mower
- Greenworks: GLM801602 80V 21-inch push mower
- Greenworks: newer 80V 21-inch push mower with Auto Switch
- Greenworks warranty information
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