Earthwise 60120 20-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

Earthwise 60120 20-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Review

I have the Homelite branded version of this mower from a local retailer. We mow approximately 10,340 sq ft of lawn with this mower on a bi-weekly basis. This equates to a lot size of 0.272 acres (80ft by 148ft), minus space occupied by the dwelling unit. This is within the limits of the mower to accomplish on a single charge - however one cutting so far we had waited over 4 weeks to cut due to rain, and the grass was also still lightly wet in the shaded regions of the yard - this proved to be too much for the mower on a single charge, but should not be a regular occurrence.

[Battery Thoughts]
The mower is powered by a lead acid battery. Lead acid batteries suffer from several shortcomings, but with their obvious advantage being price over newer technologies, like NiMH (nickel metal hydride) or any Lithium variant (LiIon, LiPo, LiFePO4, etc) it is no wonder why the manufacturer has chosen this type. Some of their disadvantages can be overcome by user habits. Discharging the mower below 50% DoD (depth of discharge) will shorten the life of the battery noticeably, this is common to all lead acid battery types. The ideal situation would be to not discharge the battery no more than 20% per use for the longest life, but this will be impractical for most consumers. With a 10,000 sq ft. yard approaching the practical limit of the mower in good conditions, It would be advisable to split the mowing up into two days where a full charge could take place in the meantime, or to use two battery units, which obviously adds to the purchase price. A single "city lot", which would be between 4000-6000 sq ft. of mow-able yard, seems to be what this mower was engineered for. Good charging habits and inspecting the float voltage of your charger would let you prevent overcharging, the advice given to not leave the batteries on charge 24/7 is sound advice, within reason. When appropriately float charged, lead acid batteries are prevented from sulfating, which leads to the longest possible service life. When sealed lead acid batteries are float charged for extended periods, even at a marginally too high voltage, the electrolyte solution can "dry out"- extreme overcharging will form bubbles in the electrolyte of a gel based cell, which permanently reduces the surface area of the anode and cathode materials in the battery, for a permanent reduction in capacity. Proper float charging must also be temperature compensated for long battery life. Occasional use during the off season will also prevent lead dendrite formation in the cells, which can lead to shorted cells and a decrease in battery life. At a minimum, you should consider owning a digital multimeter to perform basic diagnostics on any electric equipment you may own.

The possibility exists with availability of consumer purchasable goods, to upgrade the battery unit of this mower to a newer technology battery, the most attractive would be LiFePo4. You can buy the cells and assemble them inside the existing battery housing, add balancer boards and a custom charger, all of which can be found on the Internet, for decreased weight and much improved battery performance - this is what I plan to do once the OEM battery's useful life has been surpassed. In fact, it would be easy for the manufacturer to offer drop in battery and charger replacements for these mowers, I have never seen a manufacturer of any cordless electronic product that had this much forethought or customer-focused product design to do so - if anything most companies would be more than happy to revise the entire product by changing the color scheme and making the batteries (just barely) incompatible with previous models to sell more new units.

[Mower Capability]
The mower is very capable of mowing a yard of this size, and does bog down in the thicker or wet grasses, and so have its gasoline counterparts I have used in the past. The mower is heavier than the lightweight non self propelled gasoline units I have used, my wife of < 110 lbs. would not be comfortable or possibly even able to safely guide this up and down some of the steeper banks of our yard, some of which exceed 45 degree slope angle. Lowering the handle to its lowest position helped her not struggle pushing the mower around, and also helped keep me from bending the handle as I push it up and down the larger hills.

It can be hard to determine if an electric cordless will meet your needs, in part due to the length or time that a single recharge can take - ideally you do not want this factor to get in your way for household chores. This is why I have included as much specific detail as to the size of my yard and my mowing habits to give you a picture of what this unit can be expected to do; keep in mind this is with a new mower and a new battery - allow yourself some headroom in your purchase decision, or in your mowing habits, it will make you a much happier user of this product.

You are likely looking at electric products because they have a green appeal, lower emissions, and less maintenance associated with them. Everyone should be considering these options, and using them instead of more traditional gasoline products, when they meet your needs. As time goes on, this product and those like it will become more capable, so if they cannot meet your needs today, you should still keep them on your list for the next purchase. The overall environmental impact of electric products is far better when used properly, keeping in mind things like battery recycling, etc. If you have taken the steps to switch, or begin to switch, to alternative energy for your home, these are even more attractive to consider. At least you will be able to mow your grass as the world come crumbling down around you with per gallon gasoline and per kWh electric prices from fossil fuelled power plants!

[Build Quality]
This mower has met my expectations so far for its quality of construction. A steel deck is a big plus, and its torsional rigidity seems more than adequate. The wheels are injection molded plastic, which so far has not been a problem - most mowers these days use plastic wheels to save weight and expense. The plastic engagement lever was mentioned by a previous review as fragile, I have not had problems with it, but it is one of the few areas of the mower I would keep a mind on treating well to avoid breakage. Mowers are simple machines, so failure points tend to be far and few between when not abused or used beyond their capability. Anyone with average mechanical skill would be able to fully service and perform any necessary repairs on this mower.

Some of the greatest dormant features of an electric mower is the reduced noise and ability to instantly stop and start the mower blades at will. It is great to just let go of the handle, stop the mower and go pick up branches and debris before mowing a section of the yard. Starting back up is equally as easy, something that cannot be said for any gasoline mower that has not had is safety mechanisms defeated, which seems to be a common occurrence. This mower, while not silent, is far less annoying when someone is mowing right next to an open window on the house, than the neighbors gasoline unit, over 100 ft away across the street. Your neighbors and your own ears will thank you for this. I can hear gasoline mowers running in my living room with the door open that are being operated over a street away, this is most certainly not the case for anyone with an electric.

I rate this product a 5/5 stars based on what is available in the marketplace today.

Earthwise 60120 20-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Feature

• Single Lever Height Control 1-3/4-Inch to 3-3/4-Inch
• Easy On & Off Mulch Plug - Grass Catcher - Discharge Chute
• Handle Mounted Safety Blade Control and Safety Key
• Comfort "V" Handle, with Cushion Grip, Soft Touch Operation - with Easy Fold Handle
• Ball Bearing Wheels - Rolls Easy - Last Longer - 7 Inch Front and 8 Inch Rear

Earthwise 60120 20-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Overview

Keep harmful exhaust out of the air! Earthwise 20" Cordless Electric Mower runs on renewable energy! SAVE BIG! We can all do our part to treat the environment with care, whether by recycling or using public transportation. Or even with our lawn-care choices, including this Earthwise 20" Cordless Electric Mower! Just charge it up and start cutting! Best of all, there's no deviation from the standard features of a gas-powered mower. Like the easy-rolling, ball-bearing wheels that are guaranteed to last for years, and the super-easy on / off start. That's right, there's no pull-start here! No tools required for assembly, either. Earth-safe: Comes with 3 options for discharging clippings (mulch, side discharge, rear bag); easy on / off mulch plug; Handle-mounted safety blade control and safety key to keep you out of harm's way; Comfort "V" handle with cushion grip; handle folds down for easier storage; Single-lever grass-cutting height control (1 1/2-4"); Durable steel deck construction; Hand-tighten assembly; Includes 24V battery, charger and charger connection line; 20" cutting path; Has 2-year limited warranty. Front wheels are 7" high; rear wheels are 9 1/2". Mower measures 40 x 22 x 36"h. Weighs 92 lbs. Cutting-edge, environmentally safe technology! Get it here for LESS! Earthwise 20" Cordless Electric Mower

Earthwise 60120 20-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Specifications

With 3-in-1 performance that allows you to choose between mulching, bagging, or side discharge, plus a powerful 24-volt removable battery system that provides zero-emission performance, the Earthwise 60120 Cordless 20-inch Electric Lawnmower is an environmentally friendly, versatile, and easy-to-use tool. The single-lever height control, easy on/off mulch plug, removable battery, and handle-mounted safety-blade control provide enhanced performance, ease of use, and safety. And since the 60120 is powered by battery, there are no cords to worry about when you are mowing.

Quiet, environmentally friendly operation makes this cordless electric mower an easy choice. View larger.

The battery is designed to lift out easily, and electric power keeps startup simple and pull-cord free.

Powerful 24-volt Removable Battery for Eco-Friendly Performance
When it comes to power, the Earthwise 24-volt 60120 Electric Lawnmower has plenty of it to go around. The easy-in, easy-out battery provides enough power to handle almost any lawn in a single charge. The powerful 24-volt battery system delivers consistent performance and eliminates tricky pull-starts and noisy operation, so you can have all the performance of a gas-powered motor without any of the hassles. And not only is this mower powerful, but it's also a zero-emissions tool, so you can get the job done while protecting the environment.

Designed to Save You Time and Effort over the Long Term
The wide 20-inch cutting path and heavy-duty steel mower deck ensure efficient, long-lasting performance. With wide 20-inch coverage, your lawn will require fewer passes, which will save you both time and effort.

Navigating tough, uneven terrain is made easy by the composite seven-inch front wheels and oversized 9-1/2 inch rear wheels, which have ball bearings for better maneuverability and longer life. And the V-handle with cushion grip offers greater control over tough terrain and provides comfort. A nice bonus, the handle folds down so you can easily store the mower.

Single-lever Height Control for Easier Adjustments
Instead of having to adjust each wheel when changing the height of the mower blade, the Earthwise 60120 Cordless Electric Mower features a single-lever height control system that makes it easier than ever to adjust the height of the cut. You can choose between seven height positions, ranging from 1-1/2 to four inches.

The single-lever height control is just one feature that makes the 60120 so easy to use. Other ease-of-use features include the handle-mounted safety-blade control, the easy on/off mulch plug, and the lift handle lock that releases the battery from its compartment. In addition, this mower assembles with no tools required--simply hand-tighten several components and you're ready to go!

Innovative 3-in-1 Design for Added Versatility
Outperforming other mowers, the Earthwise 60120 Cordless Electric Lawnmower is three mowers in one, functioning as a mulching mower, a side discharge mower, and a rear bag mower. As your lawn changes throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the 60120 will adapt to the changing seasons as well. You can mulch your grass in the spring to help thicken the lawn, or you can use the bag to clear leaves and debris in the fall--the choice is yours!

The Earthwise 60120 weighs 92 pounds and is backed by a two-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.

What's in the Box
Earthwise 60120 Cordless Electric Lawnmower, grass bag, wheels, and removable 24-volt battery.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

Related Products

• Earthwise CST00012 18-Volt 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer
• Earthwise BS80002 24-Volt Battery For Cordless Lawn Mower Model 60120
• Earthwise CB20018 18-Volt Cordless Blower
• Earthwise 20-Inch Lawn Mower Blade #RB82020
• Earthwise String Trimmer Line Spool .065 For Model CST00012 #RS92121

Customer Reviews

Flimsy construction, dying batteries - jkternes - Goodlettsville, TN United States
This mower worked fine for a 1/2 season of mowing.

After 1/2-season of mowing, one of the (plastic!) rear wheels collapsed. I replaced that and then the rear axle on the other side snapped off later the same day! It took several months to get a replacement rear axle. The overall quality of materials and construction is poor. The metal deck is suspiciously thin and I would not be surprised to have an axle snap again. I do not expect this mower to last more than 3 or 4 seasons of regular use.

The batteries are the worst part. I have two batteries. When new, a battery would mow about 1/4 acre. I am halfway into the second season and one of the batteries will not hold a full charge (only two green lights come on) and the yellow indicator light comes on after just a few passes. The other battery is holding a full charge but does not seem to do a full 1/4 acre any more.

I do not expect batteries to last forever but I would expect them to last more than one year. I usually remember to remove the charger after 24 hours but it does not always happen. The lack of a smart charger is another indication of the poor quality of this product.

Can I say anything good about this mower? Certainly. The height adjustment is very easy. And when the battery is charged, it does a great job of mulching.




mower - jwdant - texas
works good, could be better if it was self propelled. easy to put to use and arrived on time. will purchase similiar items



Comparison chart and FAQ... - Y. R. Wu - Ann Arbor, Michigan
I've used three different cordless mowers, but not this one. I Have the 20" Toro with 36 volts which works very well and a 19"/24V B&D, which I found to be adequate 80% of the time - with only 24V it struggled with tall grass. On paper the Earthwise looks pretty good on features but may fall short in power



I've put a quick guide of the most popular models on Amazon. All info reported by manufacturer. Amazon won't let me put prices in my review, sorry!

MOWER............Path/Volt/Watt-hr......WT............COMMENTS

Neuton CE5.3............14"/24V/240......48#....Plastic deck, Removable batt.
B&D CM1836..............18"/36V/NA.......64#....Plastic deck
Greenworks 25092......18"/24V/480......95#....Self Propel, Removable Batt
Worx ECO WG780.......19"/24V/408......80#....Removable Battery
Haussmann CLM46NU...19"/24V/NA........94#....Haussmann who?? Metal deck
B&D CMM1200.............19"/24V/432......76#....Update to our old CM1000
B&D CM1936...............19"/36V/360.......72#....Plastic deck, Removable Batt
Neuton CE6................19"/36V/360.......88#....Plastic deck, Removable Batt
Earthwise 60120..........20"/24V/480......92#....Metal deck, Removable Batt
Toro 20360.................20"/36V/432......77#....Metal deck



>>Why SHOULD I get a cordless electric mower? They are super quiet, clean, and convenient. They aren't necessarily cheaper than a gas mower since they cost more up front but there is almost NO maintenance. (We spent over 10 years for a set of replacement batteries.) Corded electric mowers are a lot cheaper but then you have a cord.

>>Why SHOULDN'T I get a cordless mower? They weigh a LOT more than gas mowers so if you have a hilly lot or have difficulty with physical exertion, forget it. They don't have as much power as gas and re-fueling means charging for a few hours so if your lot is over ½ acre you may want to reconsider.

>>Why do they all come with mulching PLUS bagging? Electric powered mowers have come a long ways but mulching still takes a LOT more power than discharging, so bagging is pretty much a standard feature.

>>What is a watt-hour? It's basically how big your gas tank is - the more watt-hours, the longer you can mow before you have to recharge.

>>Is the cutting path a big deal? Yes - for two reasons. 1) The first thing manufacturers do when power is marginal is reduce the blade size, so I tend to see the smaller mowers as more likely to be underpowered. Second, when you consider that you have to overlap each pass by ~3", a 20" blade now effectively cuts 13% more on each pass. If you have a larger yard, you definitely do NOT want anything under 18" Also, my measurements show most mowers overstate their blade size by 1/2" (Our 20" measures 19-5/8, our 19 measures 18-1/2)

>>Why might I want a removable battery? If you have a large yard, this means you can have a second battery charging while you are using the first. A second battery typically costs 0-0 but it can make the difference between going electric or not. Finally, if you keep the mower in a shed that doesn't have power, a removable battery will let you bring it in for charging.

>>How long will my batteries last? That depends on your climate and usage. We had a small lot for many years and were religious about recharging right after use. We also live in a cooler climate (Michigan) so the mowing season is shorter. Our batteries lasted about 7 years. Most people should get 3-4 years easily but if you're careless and live in Arizona, you could probably kill the batteries in a year or two.

>>Why should I care about higher voltage? Higher voltage = more power, PLUS you can recharge the mower faster. With the same chemistry and current, a 36V mower will charge 50% faster than a 24V mower.

>>Metal deck or plastic? Metal rusts but with minimal care it's not an issue. Plastic ends up giving you a more stuff to trim since you can't cut as close to fences, etc.

If you've found this review helpful or have questions/comments, please let me know!