When researching electric cordless lawn mowers like the Kobalt 40V and Greenworks 80V models, voltage is one of the first specifications buyers investigate. Higher voltage means increased power, but that doesn‘t necessarily translate to superior performance.
This guide examines how the Kobalt Gen4 40V and Greenworks Pro 80V mowers stack up across a range of criteria. We’ll compare all the key factors like power, features, design, warranty and brand reputation to determine the right mower for specific buyers.
Our side-by-side analysis aims to help individual homeowners and professionals choose between Kobalt vs Greenworks’ premium battery-powered push mowers by highlighting objective strengths and weaknesses.
Overview Comparison Table
| Spec | Kobalt Gen4 40V | Greenworks Pro 80V |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V Lithium-Ion | 80V Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 6.0Ah | 4.0Ah |
| Estimated Coverage Per Charge | 24,000 sq ft (0.5 acre+) | 20,000 sq ft (0.4 acre+) |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Deck Material | Steel | Steel |
| Cutting Width | 20 inches | 21 inches |
| cutting Height Positions | 1.25” – 4”, 6 Positions | 1 – 3.75”, 7 Positions |
Voltage Power Comparison
Higher voltage battery packs provide more output and torque, which is useful when cutting thick dense grass. However, runtime can decrease on more powerful tools with all else being equal.
The Kobalt Gen4 runs on a 40V Lithium-Ion battery which strikes a nice balance for most residential mowing applications. 40V lands in the middle voltage segment for cordless outdoor power equipment.
The included 6.0Ah battery enables an estimated 24,000 sq ft of coverage (0.5+ acres) from a full 46 minute charge. This makes the Kobalt 4ov system ideal for modest mowing duties on moderate sized yards.
Greenworks equips its Pro model mower with a more muscular 80V Lithium-Ion battery. The 80V design spins blades faster and summons extra torque when needed to chomp through overgrowth.
Despite having 15% lower battery capacity at 4.0Ah, Greenworks still claims 40+ minutes of runtime and approximately 20,000 sq ft (0.4 acres) of cutting area when fully juiced up.
Commercial Grade Brushless Motor
Both the Kobalt Gen4 and Greenworks Pro utilize top-tier brushless electric motor technology to drive blade rotation. This delivers consistent cutting power and longevity that brushed universal motors can’t match.
Brushless motors have a simplified construction lacking the brushes/armature of classic designs. Electronic communication between components enables optimal energy efficiency too.
The motor requires little maintenance while churning out abundant torque. Combined with inflexible steel cutting decks dampening vibrations, users benefit from sustained blade speeds even in dense turf grass.
Cutting Width, Adjustability & Attachments
The Kobalt Gen4 mower sports a 20-inch wide cutting deck able to carve a satisfying swath through growth in a single pass. The Greenworks Pro model features an ever-so-slightly wider 21-inch deck for nibbling away a touch more landscape per sweep.
Either width works nicely for typical 5,000 – 10,000 sq ft residential plots. Narrower construction is also quite maneuverable compared to commercial zero turn riders boasting 30-inch+ decks.
Both tools incorporate lever operated height adjustment allowing users to fine tune grass length anywhere from 1.25 to over 4 inches in 0.25 – 0.5 inch increments. This tailors clipping size based on type of turf and seasonal conditions.
The mowers ship standard with side discharge chutes, rear baggers and mulching plugs. So owners can collect or mulch clippings back into the lawn following package directions.
Innovative Smart CutTM Technology
One standout feature you’ll only find on the Greenworks Pro mower is its smart sensing capability. Dubbed Smart CutTM, it employs an electronic sensor continuously monitoring grass density passing through the blades.
When nibbling light trimming growth, the technology automatically throttles back motor output to conserve precious electrons. Alternately, it instantly spools up more RPMs if experiencing thicker stalks demanding extra torque.
This innovative load detection represents cutting edge optimization tech not incorporated into the Kobalt model. Smart Cut promotes extended driving distances per charge cycle.
Rear-Wheel Self Propulsion & Variable Speed
Both tools utilize rear wheel drive electric propulsion liberating users from manually pushing. This permits effortless guiding actuated by whichever hand grasps the drive bail bar trigger.
Self-propelled speed across the turf can be adjusted on the fly through each machine’s variable pace control. Homeowners can regulate velocity to match personal levels of comfort and specific mowing conditions.
Dialing down the tempo aids chopping dense neglected growth. Cranking up velocity enables hastily refreshing an already trimmed yard without breaking much of a sweat. Operators report the mowers easily trundle along at a fast walking clip if desired.
Foldable Handles For Compact Storage
After completing lawn care duties, the handles on each machine vertically collapse to around a third of their extended heights. This footprint-slimming design consideration importantly enables stashing the units in notoriously cramped garages or utility closets.
Folded dimensions for the Kobalt measure approximately 36” tall by 25” wide. The Greenworks contracts to an even skinnier stored profile claiming over a 70% floor space reduction.
Cost Comparison
When evaluating the Kobalt vs Greenworks mowers, pricing emerges as a major differentiator.
As a house brand for Lowe’s stores, Kobalt tools deliver extremely competitive value. The Gen4 40V sells for $429 including battery and rapid charger. Replacement batteries retail around $120 singly.
Comparatively, the Greenworks Pro 80V commands an MSRP of $550 excluding the battery which sells separately near $160. All told, the GreenWorks package costs over $100 more—a significant gap for what amounts to similar unsheltered cutting competence.
The Kobalt appears a far better bargain for shoppers conscious about minimizing expenditure. Nevertheless, Greenworks somewhat justifies its steeper rate via add-ons like smart sensing and access to the wider 80V tool ecosystem.
Both brands sweeten purchase propositions with nice 3-year limited warranties protecting against defects. So no matter which model ultimately makes the cut for customers, ongoing product support provides additional purchasing peace of mind.
So Which Mower Wins: Kobalt vs Greenworks?
When it comes to answering the question “Which mower is best for me?” there may not be one lone victor since optimum selection depends on the particulars of each homeowner‘s needs.
Value focused customers with standard small to medium plots up to half an acre will appreciate just how far their dollars stretch with the Kobalt Gen4 40V. It concentrates price and performance into a thoughtful compromise catering to average homeowners through a trusted brand.
Alternatively, buyers eyeing larger rural properties, tackling substantial mowing duties or seeking to tap into 80V-class outdoor tool systems will want to examine the Greenworks Pro option.
The higher voltage Greenworks sacrifices some affordability for beefier cutting muscle supplemented by innovative smart load detection and expanded system versatility. Yet either model still trounces traditional gas mowers regarding simplified maintenance and environmentally-clean operation.
Hopefully this detailed head-to-head matchup provides helpful guidance assisting readers to confidently choose the ideal next generation battery-powered mower outfitting their unique needs. We aimed to objectively spotlight the distinguishing strengths and concessions associated with two compelling electric offerings from Kobalt and Greenworks.