11 Greenworks Lawn Mower Problems, Causes, and Fixes

Greenworks is a leading brand in the battery-powered outdoor equipment market, known for its quiet operation, low emissions, and innovative design. Their electric and cordless mowers — such as the Greenworks 40V, 60V, and 80V series — are among the most popular for homeowners who want power without gas or fumes.

However, like any mower, Greenworks lawn mowers can encounter issues over time — from starting failures to battery problems, cutting inconsistencies, and electrical faults.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at common Greenworks mower problems, causes, and fixes, along with maintenance tips, model-specific notes, and when to seek professional help.

🌿 Overview of Greenworks Lawn Mowers

Greenworks offers a wide range of electric and battery-powered mowers, each designed for a specific lawn size and user need.

While Greenworks mowers are built for convenience, they rely heavily on battery management, sensors, and electronic systems, which can fail if neglected or exposed to moisture.

🔍 Common Greenworks Lawn Mower Problems, Causes, and Fixes

1. ⚡ Greenworks Lawn Mower Won’t Start

🔎 Causes:

• Battery not fully charged or not seated properly
• Safety key not inserted
• Faulty start button or switch
• Wet or damaged battery terminals
• Control handle not fully engaged

🔧 Fixes:

1. Check Battery Power:
   • Make sure the battery is fully charged (indicator light should turn green).
   • If LED flashes red, battery may be overheated or defective.
2. Ensure Battery Is Seated Properly:
   • Reinsert firmly until it clicks into place.
3. Insert Safety Key:
   • Most Greenworks mowers (e.g., 40V/60V) won’t start without the safety key in the slot.
4. Engage the Bail Lever Properly:
   • Pull and hold the handlebar (bail lever) while pressing the start button.
5. Check for Moisture:
   • If recently exposed to rain, let the mower dry for 24 hours before use.

⚙️ Applies to: Greenworks 40V, 60V, and 80V cordless models.

2. 🔋 Battery Not Charging or Holding a Charge

🔎 Causes:

• Faulty charger
• Dirty or corroded battery contacts
• Battery too cold or hot to charge
• Battery reached end of life (after 400–500 cycles)

🔧 Fixes:

1. Inspect Battery and Charger Lights:
   • Solid red: Charging
   • Solid green: Fully charged
   • Flashing red: Battery fault or temperature out of range
2. Clean Terminals:
   • Wipe contacts with a dry cloth or soft brush.
3. Temperature Control:
   • Charge between 5°C–40°C (41°F–104°F).
   • If battery is hot after use, let it cool before charging.
4. Try Another Charger/Battery:
   • Swap to confirm if the issue lies in the charger or battery.
5. Replace Old Batteries:
   • After 3–4 years of use, lithium-ion cells naturally degrade.

💡 Tip: Never store batteries fully discharged — keep them at 40–60% charge for off-season storage.

3. 🌀 Mower Shuts Off While Cutting

🔎 Causes:

• Battery overheated
• Grass buildup blocking blade rotation
• Overloaded motor from tall or wet grass
• Loose or damaged connection in handle

🔧 Fixes:

1. Clean the Deck:
   • Disconnect power and remove built-up grass under the deck.
2. Reduce Grass Height Gradually:
   • If grass is tall, mow at a higher setting first, then lower.
3. Let Battery Cool:
   • Overheating triggers automatic thermal shutdown.
4. Check Handle Wiring:
   • Some models (like 25022) have quick-connect handles that can loosen over time — reseat them firmly.

⚙️ Common in: Greenworks 60V MO60L518 and 40V dual-port models.

4. 🌿 Uneven or Poor Cutting

🔎 Causes:

• Dull or bent blade
• Unlevel mower deck
• Uneven tire pressure
• Deck clogged with clippings

🔧 Fixes:

1. Sharpen or Replace Blade:
   • Greenworks recommends sharpening every 25 hours of use.
2. Clean the Deck:
   • Remove packed grass that affects airflow.
3. Adjust Deck Height Evenly:
   • Ensure all wheels are set at the same height level.
4. Check Tire Pressure (for self-propelled):
   • Unequal pressure causes uneven cutting patterns.

💡 Tip: Avoid mowing wet grass — moisture clogs the deck and reduces suction performance.

5. 🔊 Mower Vibrating or Making Loud Noise

🔎 Causes:

• Unbalanced or bent blade
• Loose bolts or motor mount
• Debris under blade hub
• Damaged motor bearings

🔧 Fixes:

1. Unplug/Remove Battery First.
   • Always ensure power is off before inspection.
2. Inspect Blade:
   • Replace if bent, chipped, or rusted.
3. Tighten All Fasteners:
   • Pay attention to the blade bolt and motor housing.
4. Clean Around Motor Shaft:
   • Remove trapped debris causing vibration.
5. Replace Bearings (if grinding sound persists):
   • Contact Greenworks service center for motor repair.

⚠️ Excess vibration can shorten motor life — check balance frequently.

6. ⚙️ Self-Propelled Feature Not Working (for 60V/80V SP Models)

🔎 Causes:

• Disconnected or loose drive cable
• Damaged drive belt or transmission
• Debris jammed in drive wheel
• Motor power not reaching drive assembly

🔧 Fixes:

1. Inspect Drive Cable:
   • Ensure cable is properly seated and not frayed.
2. Check Drive Belt:
   • If belt slips or breaks, replace it (refer to user manual for belt routing).
3. Clear Debris from Wheels:
   • Grass buildup often interferes with drive motion.
4. Reset Motor:
   • Disconnect battery for 10 seconds, then restart mower.

⚙️ Applies to: Greenworks PRO 60V and 80V Self-Propelled models.

7. 🔥 Mower Smells Hot or Emits Burning Odor

🔎 Causes:

• Overloaded motor
• Blocked ventilation ports
• Overheated battery
• Prolonged operation without cooling break

🔧 Fixes:

1. Stop Mower Immediately:
   • Disconnect battery or power.
2. Clean Cooling Vents:
   • Remove grass and dust from motor housing.
3. Inspect Blade for Jam:
   • A stuck object may overheat motor.
4. Let Components Cool:
   • Wait 20–30 minutes before resuming use.

💡 Tip: Regular deck cleaning prevents grass buildup that strains the motor.

8. ⚡ Corded Model Loses Power or Trips Breaker

🔎 Causes:

• Underrated extension cord
• Overheating motor
• Internal short circuit
• Wet grass or damp power socket

🔧 Fixes:

1. Use Correct Cord Gauge:
   • For 100 ft cords, use 12-gauge or heavier; lighter cords cause voltage drop.
2. Dry Connection Points:
   • Never mow wet lawns or plug into damp outlets.
3. Reset Circuit Breaker:
   • If mower keeps tripping, test on another outlet.
4. Inspect Motor:
   • Burnt smell indicates internal fault — requires service replacement.

⚙️ Common in: Greenworks 25022 and 25112 corded mowers.

9. 🔋 Battery Charger Light Flashing Red

🔎 Causes:

• Battery pack fault
• Overheated or too cold battery
• Charger malfunction

🔧 Fixes:

1. Allow Battery to Reach Room Temperature:
   • Charging only begins between 41°F–104°F.
2. Try Another Battery:
   • If second battery charges fine, replace the faulty one.
3. Inspect Charger Port:
   • Clean dust and debris buildup.
4. Replace Charger:
   • Greenworks offers model-specific chargers — use OEM only.

⚡ Applies to: 40V and 60V battery series.

10. 🚫 Mower Suddenly Stops and Won’t Restart

🔎 Causes:

• Thermal overload shutoff
• Loose internal wiring
• Defective control board or switch
• Moisture in electronics

🔧 Fixes:

1. Wait 15–30 Minutes:
   • Let the mower cool and moisture evaporate.
2. Check Safety Key and Battery Placement:
   • Reinsert both securely.
3. Inspect Under Deck:
   • Remove any jammed object blocking the blade.
4. If Still Dead:
   • Contact Greenworks customer service — internal controller may need replacement.

💡 Note: Avoid pressure-washing your mower — it can short out electronic components.

🧩 Model-Specific Greenworks Problems

🧰 Maintenance Tips for Long Life

Additional Tips:

• Store mower and batteries in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
• Avoid overcharging batteries overnight.
• Do not mow in heavy rain or extremely wet grass.

💵 Estimated Repair Costs (U.S. Average)

⚠️ When to Call a Professional

• Battery or charger smells burnt
• Mower cuts out repeatedly despite cleaning
• No power after replacing battery or switch
• Motor makes grinding or electrical buzzing noise
• Control board or LED lights malfunction

Contact Greenworks authorized service centers or call 1-888-909-6757 for repairs under warranty.

🧠 Preventive Tips

1. Always use OEM batteries and chargers — mixing brands may void warranty.
2. Clean the underside of the deck after every mow to prevent motor strain.
3. Charge batteries indoors to avoid temperature damage.
4. Store mower upright (if model allows) to save space and prevent oil pooling in older hybrid models.
5. Avoid overloading the blade by cutting grass gradually, especially after long growth.

✅ Final Thoughts

Greenworks lawn mowers offer an excellent blend of eco-friendly performance, quiet operation, and minimal maintenance. But even the best battery-powered mower needs care.

Common issues — such as starting failures, battery charging faults, cutting inconsistencies, and self-propel malfunctions — often result from simple maintenance oversights or environmental conditions.

With proper cleaning, correct charging habits, and timely part replacements, your Greenworks mower can deliver 5–8 years of reliable service.

Treat your mower and batteries with care, follow these troubleshooting tips, and your Greenworks will stay green — in performance and efficiency.

📚 References

1. Greenworks Official Support & Manuals – https://www.greenworkstools.com
2. Greenworks Troubleshooting FAQs – https://www.greenworkstools.com/support

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David Holtzman

I’m David man behind Lawn Mowerly; I’ve been dealing with lawnmowers and Tractors with my father since I was a kid. I know every make and model and what each one is capable of and love helping people find the perfect equipment for their needs.