Choosing a new cordless electric mower can be tricky with so many options out there today. In this guide, I’ll be doing a detailed comparison between two great battery-powered mower brands – Kobalt 40V and DeWalt 20V Max.
You may already be familiar with these toolmakers, but how do their mowers stack up against each other? Which one offers the best value and performance for your needs? Read on for a full breakdown of models, specs, pricing, and more as I analyze these two impressive yard tools inside and out!
An Overview of Key Differences
Before jumping into the individual mowers, here is a high-level overview of how Kobalt and DeWalt’s cordless electric systems differ:
- Voltage and Batteries: Kobalt uses a single 40V lithium-ion battery. DeWalt mowers have dual 20V Max batteries adding up to 40V.
- Availability: Kobalt mowers only sold at Lowe‘s stores. DeWalt sold through various retailers.
- Selection: Wider range of mower options from Kobalt including smaller/larger models.
- Pricing: Kobalt starts around $219. DeWalt priced higher at $399+.
Now let’s explore their specific mower models in greater depth to see what both brands offer…
Diving Into the Kobalt 40V Mower Lineup
Kobalt is the house brand of home improvement superstore Lowe‘s. Their 40V system powers everything from trimmers and blowers to snow throwers using the same removable battery design. Kobalt first jumped into the cordless electric mower space in 2018 starting with a 21” self-propelled option. They‘ve continued expanding the 40V mower family ever since.
There are currently 8 models available from Kobalt offering homeowners a range of features and prices:
Entry-Level Push Mowers
- KM 4041-06 – $269 – 19" deck
- KPM 1040B-03 – $219 (tool only) – 19.5" deck
Mid-Range Self-Propelled Mowers
- KSPM 1040A-03 – $528 – 20" deck
- KSPM 1040B-03 – $319 (tool only)
Heavy-Duty Self-Propelled Mowers
- KMP 4230D-06 – $599 – 21" deck
- KMP 2040-06 – $449 (tool only)
I‘ll be focusing on two models today that represent both ends of the performance spectrum…
Kobalt KSPM 1040A-03
- $528 (battery & charger included)
- 20-inch cutting deck
- Brushless 1850W motor
- 6.0Ah 40V battery
- Up to 40 mins runtime
- LED headlight
- 3-in-1 (mulch, bag, discharge)
- Rear wheel drive
- 5 year warranty
This mower sits right in the middle of Kobalt’s lineup with a great blend of power and value. The included 6.0Ah battery can tackle yards up to half an acre on a single charge thanks to an energy efficient brushless motor. Dual blades make quick work of regular mowing plus mulching and bagging.
It‘s also packed with convenient features like an automatic blade stop when you let go of the bail and an LED headlight for evenings. The integrated battery gauge lets you check runtime at a glance. For the price, this capable and reliable mower is hard to beat!
Kobalt KSPM 1040A-03 Cordless Mower (Credit: Kobalt)
Moving up to Kobalt‘s heavy-duty tier brings us to this model…
Kobalt KMP 4230D-06
- $599 (battery & charger included)
- 21-inch steel deck
- Brushless motor
- Dual 4.0Ah batteries
- Up to 50 mins runtime
- Rear wheel drive
- LED light
- 5 year warranty
With a wider 21" cutting deck, the KMP 4230D-06 can mow up to three-quarters of an acre on a single charge. It has two 4.0Ah batteries that slide into dual ports on the mower doubling available power. Similar to the KSPM model, you get a 3-in-1 deck for mulching plus side or rear discharge.
The heavy-duty steel deck can withstand yard debris while providing a consistent cut. Large rear wheels make it easy to maneuver over uneven turf. This self-propelled mower is built to produce professional results quickly and reliably. Homeowners with large plots over half an acre will appreciate the extended cutting time per charge.
Kobalt KMP 4230D-06 Cordless Mower (Credit: Lowe‘s)
Ranging from $219 up to $640 including batteries, Kobalt 40V mowers provide excellent value. Let‘s see how DeWalt compares…
DeWalt 20V Max Mower Options
Founded in 1924, DeWalt is a power tool giant known for tough, professional-grade construction. They only recently entered the electric lawn mower space within the past few years. But DeWalt has committed fully to their 20V Max cordless platform applying brushless motors and lithium-ion batteries across their full catalog.
Rather than boost voltage like Kobalt, they focus on dual-battery designs to increase power instead. When using 20V Max packs in tandem, tools operate on an effective 40V level matching Kobalt. These slide-on batteries provide long runtimes for yard tools like chainsaws, blowers, and trimmers alongside mowers.
Currently, DeWalt has 4 main cordless mower options:
Push Mowers
- DCMWP233U2 – $399 – 21" deck
Mid-Range Self-Propelled Mower
- DCMWSP255U2 – $499 – 21" deck
Heavy-Duty Self-Propelled Mower
- DCMWSP255Y2 – $599 – 21" deck
- DCMWSP244U2 – $649 – 21.5” deck
The dual 20V Max battery system powers all models using DeWalt‘s latest brushless motors for maximum efficiency. This results in equivalent runtimes to Kobalt‘s single higher voltage packs.
Let‘s examine two stellar picks available now…
DeWalt DCMWP233U2
- $399 (batteries & charger included)
- 21-inch steel deck
- 300W brushless motor
- Dual 10.0Ah batteries
- Up to 40 mins runtime
- 3-in-1 capability
- 3 year warranty
This push mower demonstrates the power of DeWalt‘s 20V Max platform to match competitors with higher rated batteries. Two included 10Ah packs running together allow the DCMWP233U2 to mow up to half an acre on a single charge. That‘s similar range to Kobalt‘s 6Ah 40V battery.
It shares the same sturdy metal construction and 3-in-1 versatility found across DeWalt‘s mower selection. Convenient rear bag improves collection when not mulching. The dual battery ports intelligently manage power between packs – automatically alternating halfway through.
While affordably priced for a DeWalt, it still provides the latest tech operated easily via two independent control levers. This smart dual-battery design delivers their premium quality in a nicely equipped mower package.
DeWalt DCMWP233U2 Cordless Push Mower (Credit: DeWalt)
Moving up to DeWalt’s heavy-duty offerings brings us to…
DeWalt DCMWSP255Y2
- $599 (batteries & charger included)
- 21-inch steel deck
- Brushless motor
- Dual 12.0Ah batteries
- Up to 60 mins runtime
- Rear wheel drive
- Variable speed
- 3 year warranty
With a massive 24Ah total battery capacity, this mower delivers almost an hour and a half of cutting time. That‘s enough juice to handle large yards up to three-quarters of an acre. Adjustable assist levels via the variable speed drive makes it easy to tailor power based on turf conditions.
It shares the same durable steel deck with oversized rear wheels of the DCMWP233U2 model. Except the DCMWSP255Y2 self-propels allowing you to focus on maneuvering over rough terrain. A convenient washout port integrated into the housing gives you easy access to clear out clippings after heavy mowing sessions.
With one of the widest cutting paths available plus extended runtime of any cordless mower, DeWalt built this beast to take on sizable landscapes with power to spare. The price reflects its robust construction and dual lithium-ion muscle under the hood.
DeWalt DCMWSP255Y2 Self-Propelled Mower (Credit: Acme Tools)
How Do Prices Compare Between Brands?
When comparing DeWalt vs. Kobalt electric mowers, there is a clear difference in pricing:
| Brand | Battery | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Kobalt 40V | Single 4.0-6.0Ah | $219 to $640 |
| DeWalt 20V Max | Dual 10.0-12.0Ah | $399 to $850 |
However, DeWalt‘s dual-battery design results in similar runtimes per charge as Kobalt models with a single higher capacity pack.
You‘ll need to weigh the importance of brand reputation and support against upfront affordability. Kobalt provides strong performance catered more towards average homeowners rather than commercial use. DeWalt holds longstanding dominance among professional contractors, reflected in premium pricing.
Recent Improvements From Both Brands
I wanted to highlight some new upgrades Kobalt and DeWalt have rolled out across their cordless mower lineups over the past year:
Kobalt 40V
- More torque via 5th gen brushless motors
- Added 30% more steel to mower deck walls
- Increased max cutting height to 4.5 inches on select models
- Improved battery gauge accuracy
DeWalt 20V Max
- Deck thickness beefed up from 1.2mm to 1.5mm
- 300W motor upgrade on DCMWSP255U2 model
- Faster charging for included dual-port charger
- New battery tech provides 20% more runtime
Ongoing innovation from both Kobalt and DeWalt pushes cordless performance forward every year. More power allows electric mowers to take on larger plots while dropping maintenance requirements. Expect quicker charging, extended battery life, and extra cutting power enhancements to continue.
What Does the Future Hold for Cordless Mowers?
Exciting improvements lie ahead over the next 3-5 years among all battery-powered yard tools:
- Bigger batteries – Increased capacities beyond current 5-12Ah ratings for longer runtimes between charges
- Wider decks – 23-24 inch cutting widths improve mowing efficiency especially for larger plots
- Smart features – Connectivity via Bluetooth to enable remote monitoring and customization
- Slicker designs – Greater comfort and ergonomics tailored to an individual‘s height and hand size
Many premium brands like Ego already SUPPORT app integration and weatherproof construction. As costs keep dropping, expect mid-range models under $500 adopt advanced functionality once exclusive to commercial mowers.
The Verdict: Which Cordless Mower Comes Out On Top?
So when all is said and done, which brand offers the best bang for your buck?
For homeowners seeking maximum value on a budget – Kobalt 40V mowers edge out DeWalt overall. Their wide range caters to yards both small and large thanks to multiple batteries sizes plus more size options. Exclusive availability through Lowe‘s makes accessing affordable extra batteries a breeze.
However, buyers who already own DeWalt 20V Max power tools or desire commercial grade construction will benefit most from their premium cordless mowers. Excellent warranties and proven reliability merit the higher costs. Battery familiarity and wider local dealer support provide confidence for years of rigorous use.
It comes down personal needs and preferences. Kobalt 40V provides homeowners incredible price-to-performance characteristics perfect for typical residential mowing. DeWalt 20V Max offers unmatched quality and brand reputation valued by professional landscapers.
I hope this detailed cordless electric mower comparison gave you the insider‘s perspective needed to decide between Kobalt vs. DeWalt for your next battery-powered yard investment! Let me know if you have any other questions.
