If you’re looking for a greenworks 80v 42” riding lawn tractor review, here’s what I found after using it myself. It’s strong, quiet, and better for the planet. But it also has a few surprises—some good, some not. I tried it on real grass, in real weather, and learned a lot fast. Want to know if it beats Ryobi or Ego? Let’s get into what really matters before you buy.
Greenworks 80V 42” Riding Lawn Tractor Review
If you’re thinking about switching to an electric mower, this might be the one to check out. I’ve been using it for a few months now, and here’s what I’ve learned—no fluff, just the real stuff.
Is Greenworks 80V 42′‘ Worth It?
I was struggling to keep up with mowing a half-acre yard every week. My old gas mower was loud, smelly, and just plain exhausting to maintain. I wanted something cleaner and quieter—but still powerful. That’s when I took a chance on the Greenworks 80V 42″ riding lawn tractor. Honestly, it changed how I feel about mowing. It’s not perfect, but it’s been a big step up in many ways.
What I Like
- Quieter than gas – I can actually hear myself think while mowing. It hums rather than roars. That alone makes it worth it for me.
- Smooth zero-turn control – Turning around trees or corners feels like gliding a shopping cart (on a good day).
- Fast charging & battery swap – With 6 batteries and 3 chargers, I barely wait to mow again. It’s easier than waiting on a pizza delivery.
- Solid build, sharp design – It doesn’t feel like a toy. The body is sturdy, and the controls are well-placed.
- No more gas or oil – Seriously, just pop in batteries. No fumes, no mess, no gas-station runs.
- Great on flat lawns – My lawn has a few gentle slopes, and it handled them with no fuss. (For steep hills, you might want to double-check safety.)
- Ego vs. Greenworks? I looked at both. Ego has great reviews, but this one gave me more power and cut width for the price.
What Could Be Better
- Not great in deep mud – After a rainstorm, I got stuck once. The front wheels collect a lot of muck.
- No slope indicator – The manual says “avoid slopes over 15°” but I don’t carry a protractor in my back pocket.
- Two-handed controls – It needs both hands to steer, so forget sipping coffee mid-mow.
- Big size, big space – You’ll need a decent-sized shed or garage to store this beast.
My Personal Experience
When the mower arrived from Costco, it felt like getting a new car. I couldn’t wait to try it out. The first cut was smooth, quiet, and fast—took about 45 minutes for my lawn. I’ve now mowed over ten times, and it’s become a weekend ritual I actually enjoy.
One time, I forgot the neutral bypass knob was on (used for delivery), and it kept rolling. That small moment taught me to read the manual (or at least skim it). Another day, I tried towing my Gorilla Cart with yard debris—it worked like a charm. Little things like that make it more than just a mower. It’s part of how I manage the yard now.
Recommendation
This mower is perfect for homeowners with medium to large lawns who want less noise, less smell, and less stress. If you’re tired of gas and don’t mind the upfront cost, it’s a solid choice. It’s especially helpful if you have a flat or slightly sloped lawn and some room to store it.
However, if your yard is on steep hills or stays wet often, you may want to research a bit more—or test a demo first. Also, comparing it to a Ryobi lawn mower or a Greenworks riding mower 60V can help if you’re on a tighter budget or need something smaller. But if you want power, width, and less mess, this one’s a top pick.
Greenworks 80v 42” vs Alternative
Power & Performance
When I first tried the Greenworks 80V, I was surprised at how strong it felt. It didn’t stall, even through thick patches. The 6-battery system kept the power steady. With the Ego Z6, the ride also felt smooth—but I noticed it bogged down a bit on tall, wet grass.
The Ego feels a bit lighter, which is nice for turns, but Greenworks gave me more cutting confidence on rough areas. I didn’t expect an electric mower to feel this strong—but Greenworks delivered.
| Feature | Greenworks 80V | Ego 56V Z6 |
| Max Power | 80V (6 batteries) | 56V (6 batteries) |
| Speed & Torque | Strong on hills & thick grass | Smooth but sometimes bogs down |
| Runtime Feel | Consistent and reliable | Slows slightly under load |
Winner: Greenworks 80V — Feels stronger in tough conditions and holds its speed better.
Comfort & Controls
Honestly, both mowers are comfy once you’re seated. But with the Greenworks, the two-handed control took me some time to get used to. I nearly changed direction just by waving to my neighbor once!
Ego’s controls feel a bit easier for casual use, especially if you’re mowing while sipping coffee. The LCD panel on the Ego also looks a bit sleeker, while Greenworks keeps it simple—but very functional.
| Feature | Greenworks 80V | Ego 56V Z6 |
| Control Handling | Two hands always needed | Slightly more casual-friendly |
| Display Panel | Simple, clear | Color LCD, customizable |
| Ergonomics | Comfortable seat, tight space | More open foot area, less cramped |
Winner: Ego Z6 — Easier to relax while mowing and more beginner-friendly.
Battery & Charging
I was thrilled that my Greenworks from Costco came with 12 batteries and 3 chargers. That let me mow, swap, and charge in one go. Charging takes about an hour, which works for my mowing time.
With Ego, charging is faster—only 2 hours total with its rapid charger. But I only got 4 batteries in the base package, and it’s harder to rotate them like I do with Greenworks.
| Feature | Greenworks 80V | Ego 56V Z6 |
| Battery Count (Base) | 6 (plus 6 extra at Costco) | 4 (expandable to 6) |
| Charge Time | ~1 hour per 6 batteries | ~2 hours full set (faster) |
| Runtime Strategy | Easy swap & go | Needs charging pause |
Winner: Greenworks 80V — More batteries, more flexibility, less downtime.
Cutting & Maneuverability
On my first mow, the Greenworks cut clean, fast, and even. It had no trouble getting close to trees, thanks to the zero-turn. Ego also does well here, especially with turning—it’s smooth and responsive.
But on wet ground, the Greenworks struggled more. It got stuck in my clay-heavy backyard after rain. Ego did a little better in the same spot, likely because it’s lighter.
| Feature | Greenworks 80V | Ego 56V Z6 |
| Cut Quality | Sharp, wide, clean | Even, but blade feels lighter |
| Wet Ground Handling | Slips in mud/clay | A bit more traction |
| Zero Turn Radius | Tight and responsive | Equally nimble |
Winner: Tie — Greenworks wins on clean cuts; Ego edges ahead in tricky terrain.
My Final Thoughts
If you like quiet power, easy maintenance, and zero gas smells, the Greenworks 80V might just be your new backyard hero. It fits folks who want clean cuts without the mess or fuss. But if you care more about sleek tech or mowing wet spots often, you might lean toward something like the Ego Z6. For me, Greenworks hit that sweet spot between strength and simplicity—it made mowing less of a chore and more of a win.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is the Greenworks 80V 42″ riding lawn tractor worth buying?
Yes, if you want clean power, low noise, and no gas mess. It’s great for mid-to-large yards and easy to maintain.
Q2: Which is better—Greenworks or Ryobi lawn mower?
Greenworks offers more power and battery life, while Ryobi has smoother tech and comfort. It depends on what you need most.
Q3: Greenworks 80V vs Ego 56V: Which one lasts longer?
Greenworks 80V runs longer per charge, but Ego 56V charges faster. Both are solid, but Greenworks wins on runtime.
Q4: How long does a Greenworks 80V battery last during mowing?
Each 80V battery lasts 45–60 minutes, depending on terrain and cutting height. You can swap batteries for longer use.
Q5: Are Greenworks riding lawn mowers reliable?
Yes, they’re solid machines. Less upkeep, strong performance, and no oil changes make them a smart long-term choice.
Q6: What makes the Greenworks riding mower 80V different?
It’s electric, quiet, and needs less service than gas mowers. The 80V model is built for bigger lawns and tougher grass.
Q7: Is the Greenworks Crossover T model worth it?
Yes, it’s ideal for smooth rides and big cuts. It feels more like driving a golf cart than a mower—fun and efficient.
Q8: Can I buy the Greenworks riding mower at Costco?
Yes, Costco often sells Greenworks riding mowers, sometimes at bundle prices with extra batteries or discounts.
Q9: Is there a manual for the Greenworks CRT428?
Yes, the Greenworks CRT428 manual is online. It shows safety steps, how to install the blades, and battery care tips.
Q10: What’s the difference between the Greenworks 60V and 80V mowers?
The 80V model has more torque and longer battery life. Go for 80V if you mow more than 1/2 acre or deal with thick grass.
Read Our Guide toThe Best Used Riding Lawn Mower in 2025
