I have returned 3 of the Greenworks greatly because of that self propelled lock-up you described. Not entirely, but mostly for that reason. I can happily tell you that they have a model (I am guessing it is newer but not sure) that almost entirely fixes that problem. After releasing the forward drive, going about just an inch more forward and there is no wheel lock. In real use, you don't notice it at all. I have that model and it is excellent (so far).
Been running this mower for nearly 3 years in my business. Everything you said I agree with so pretty impressed on your review in one mow! Worth adding dont buy the ap500 battery as you will get 2 x ap300 batteries for the same price (currently buy 2 get 1 free promo)! I actually like the bars for the engine engage and the self propelled this way and get confused when I use other brands. Guess just what you get used too! Definitely for maintenance mowing and not for overgrown or thick grass! Can do it in multiple passes but there are better mowers out there for jungles! Great vid, thanks Tim!
I purchased my first Stihl self propelled mower just over two years ago and it has been a god send. With my crook hips and knees it is just so easy to follow it as it cuts and catches. I do not have a massive section but a lot larger than what you cut today. What I would like to see Stihl consider is “ paddle controls” rather than the metal bars due to a bit of arthritis in the hands. BUT, this is an impressive mower and for me was well worth the price I paid. For some additional information, I set my height on number 2 and it is ideal for my lawns which incorporate cooch, buffalo, clover and pasture. Not as magnificent as your lawns but the coverage is fine. Thanks for sharing Tim.
Nice to see I'm not alone with wishing Stihl redesigned the bar controls. I found wearing slim fit work gloves makes the bar a bit less problematic with arthritis. I also use height #2 or sometimes #3 if I've left it a bit long between mows. Also found #1 was effective in scalping some clover/weed that had taken hold in a couple of areas - so in practice seems a bit more effective than the spec Tim mentioned would have you think. I run a several year old AP 300S battery which barely gets through 400 sqm of total grass. I usually therefore use a 10 year old AP 150 to power the edger and blower.
Bit serendipitous, Tim. I just trimmed behind my wall and elderly neighbours this very morning. Fed up with wild oats scattering seeds all over. Hope alls well, mate and have a great weekend.
I have used your tips on getting better edgers and yes I have the same head on 91r and find it a bit of pain to load changing to a better speed feed head to hopefully save time it has been getting worse to use keep up the product testing helps everyone have a better understanding of what we might want for home or commercial uses
I agree, it needs to cut/mulch lower. My 96 year old father-in-law has one and complains it won't cut low enough. We bought it for him as he was unable to get his 20yo Masport with a B&S petrol going. I suggested putting smaller wheels on it.
I've got these exact two but the older versions like you were saying you had the older trimmer. I've got 3 x 300 batteries and the slow charger - cost me $2k at the time. I mow and edge about 7-800 squares with them. I like them but the mower bottoms out on my thick grass on the second lowest setting. I ground the plastic bits off underneath it and it's better but not perfect, still can't really cut low at all. I find it does all 3 options ok but the catching hole gets plugged up unless the grass is perfectly dry, so does the side discharge chute. It also leaves a small strip of grass clippings on the right hand edge of the cut so if you don't mow in clockwise laps, it will leave them behind which is very untidy. Also means I can't mow in different directions each time. Love the trimmer, perfectly balanced and so easy to use. I wouldn't buy the mower again and wouldn't recommend it for thick, spongy lawns.
Not sure we could use that here at our house in USA. The grass texture is much different. It has areas the grass grows much thicker than other areas. For the most part our grass is made for shade more than sun (fescue I think it's called). It's not a runner grass like you have there, but hot and more down south they have similar and cut much lower than we do. We use a riding mower because our yard is huge (about an acre) and then trim, but we have to use gas trimmer and mowers. Just too big 😊 Always looking at push mowers though because it would make it easier directly around the house.
Love the commentary in the corner. Might I suggest turning down the natural audio from the cut just a touch so we can hear what you're saying without the hum of the line trimmer.
Wow, that's a lot of money for a push mower. The prices on the batteries are really scary. But like with anything new, the prices will come down in time. Mine is petrol/gas and will have to be that way until I win the lotto.
For a self propelled mower it isn't far off the price mark, especially considering lower running and maintenance costs. But there are better brands at this price point (you're paying a premium for Stihl), and this model isn't very well suited for typical Australian lawns as the minimum cut height is quite high.
Drives me crazy when builders/contractors randomly put plugs water gages etc (whatever those white tubes are that stick OUT of the ground for just a few inches)
