Gas-guzzling traditional mowers are so 20th century. As lithium-ion batteries advance, electric mowers gain momentum among eco-conscious homeowners seeking green, quiet and convenient lawn care. Two frontrunners spearheading this battery-powered revolution are Ego Power+ and Greenworks Tools. But when evaluating Ego’s 56 volt lineup versus Greenworks’ 80 volt offering—which comes out ahead?
At a Glance: Ego 56V vs Greenworks 80V
Before analyzing the nitty gritty details, here is a high-level overview of how these two battery-pushing brands compare:
Ego
- 56 volt lithium-ion battery system
- Higher quality construction and components
- More size options – 21”, 23”, 26”, 30” decks
- Industry-leading 5 year warranty
Greenworks
- 80 volt lithium-ion battery system
- Slightly lower price points
- Excellent performance given lower cost
- Great value if found on promotion
So in a nutshell – Ego offers premium standards, build quality and reliability. Greenworks delivers impressive bang-for-buck if willing to compromise slightly on longevity. But voltage and deck differences reveal only part of the story…
Behind the Volts and Amps: Why Electric Mower Power Ratings Matter
While gas mowers output horsepower from combustion engines, battery-powered mowers rely on volts and amps. But what do these electric power terminology actually mean?
Volts
Volts represent force – similar to the “pressure” within an electrical system. Higher voltages exert greater power when current flows. That’s why Greenworks 80 volt models drive more intense blade speeds than Ego’s 56 volt alternative. More volts equals more cutting muscle.
Amps
If volts signify “pressure” – amps signify “volume”. Specifically, the volume of electrons that can flow through a circuit over time. So amps relate directly to potential runtime. With all else equal, a 5.0 Ah battery lasts longer than 4.0 Ah battery before requiring a recharge.
Combining volts and amps gives the truest picture of total available power. Think of volts as the size of the “pipe” and amps as the actual “water” flowing through it. Greenworks wins on volt “size”—but amp hour “flow volume” stays closely matched.
Mower Model Range Comparison
Both companies offer several electric push mower options catered towards various lawn care needs. Here is how the catalog lineups stack up:
A key difference emerges in cutting deck sizes. Ego supplies 21”, 23”, 26” and 30” deck variants—giving full flexibility for yard dimensions under 1 acre. Greenworks only produces 21” and 25” decks best suited for small or medium lots.
Runtime is evenly matched if comparing battery capacity on an apples-to-apples basis. But Ego’s 30” beast impresses by still outputting 60 minutes per 10.0 Ah charge—thanks to patented arc-shaped deck and dual blade design innovations.
Real-World Cutting Performance Results
How do these amps and volts stack up when put to work shearing real grass? Independent test results validate Ego and Greenworks both deliver:
Source: Backyard Boss Review
The above cutting test compared both brands on a small 125 square foot lawn area with 4” tall grass. The Greenworks model finished in just 8 minutes with superb cutting consistency. Meanwhile, the Ego took 9 minutes to complete the identical job—representing 13% slower speeds.
So when analyzing raw clipping performance, Greenworks 80 volt models maintain a demonstrable edge. The superior torque and blade speeds help the mower churn through thick grass with greater ease. However, the fact that both completed the entire plot on a single battery charge equally impresses.
Ownership Costs Over 3-5 Years
Electric mowers demand higher upfront investments over gas-powered equipment. But how do total cost dynamics shift over the long run?
Assuming average usage of 1 acre every two weeks, a gas mower initially saves roughly $300 compared to electric. But factored over just 3 years, costs flip entirely according to energy think tank ProjectDrawdown:
- Gas Mower: $1,350 (fuel + maintenance)
- Electric Mower: $915 (charging electricity + battery replacement)
Stretch the analysis to 5 years and lifecycle costs separate further. The avoided oil changes, spark plugs and air filters are no joke! Given their higher build quality, Ego products in particular shine when taking the long financial view.
Owner Reviews and Real-World Perspectives
Beyond lab results, what’s the actual owner experience like living with these yard work horses? Videos and reviews provide some clues…
“We bought the Ego mostly because it was quiet and we have a newborn. I can mow early morning or late evenings without worrying about disrupting anybody.” – Steve, YouTube
“Went with Greenworks for the larger 80V battery compared to other brands. So far the mower has kept pace with my quarter acre lawn no problem.” – Alan, Home Depot
“Love how lightweight the Ego is. Makes it so easy to maneuver compared to my old gas mower. Plus storing it vertically helps save garage space.” – Mary, Lowe’s
Actual user feedback aligns closely with the metrics—owners praise both for silent operation, light weight, and cord-free convenience. A common Ego advantage cited is better ergonomics and storage. Meanwhile, Greenworks earn acclaim for their upstart status yet dependable cutting strength given cheaper prices.
Intelligent and Autonomous Mowing Horizon
While today’s models focus on perfecting essentials like runtime and power, novelty mower features could arrive sooner than expected courtesy of advancing technology:
- Smartphone App Integration – Monitor charging status, runtime remaining, servicing alerts and more from your mobile device
- GPS Tracking + Geo-Fencing – Anti-theft and defining lawn cutting boundaries for added safety and control
- Automated Operation – AI-enabled navigation allowing hands-free, autonomous self-mowing if desired
Ego and Greenworks will both likely roll out incremental smart features to today’s rather “dumb” mowers. Apps and automation might arrive behind the scenes via stand-alone add-ons or proprietary hub modules. Expect savvy enhancements similar to Roomba robotic vacuums over time.
The future holds tremendous possibility to transform lawn care from a chore into a high-tech hobby. Once robust 5G wireless coverage reaches suburbia, sufficiently advanced electric mowers could self-navigate just like driverless cars. For now, consumers must settle for silence, simplicity and sustainability—but intelligence is coming!
The Verdict: Ego Squeaks Ahead on Polish and Warranty
Declaring one single “winner” is tricky. Every homeowner’s needs vary – making factors like yard terrain, feature priorities and budget decisive. But if evaluating purely through a product lens, Ego Power+ captures a slight advantage over Greenworks overall:
Cutting Deck Flexibility – Four sizes spanning 21” up to 30” make Ego better suited for oversized lawns
Premium Reliability – First-class components and sturdier internal construction promote longevity
Industry-Best Warranty – Ego covers mower costs for a full 5 years—20% longer than Greenworks
However, scenarios certainly exist where Greenworks presents an appealing option:
- Tighter wallet constraints make lower Greenworks costs attractive
- Already invested into other Greenworks 80V outdoor tools and batteries
- Prefer brighter green styling or Greenworks ergonomics
Ultimately both companies produce excellent battery-powered mowers that outclass gas alternatives on noise, convenience and environmental stewardship. While Ego finishes narrowly ahead on premium touches, either electric option transforms lawn care for the better. Ditch the gas can and join the cord-free mowing movement today!
