Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Review

Greenworks Pro 60V ZTR Mower RZ42R
PTR Review
  • Overall Rating 9.2

Greenworks' strengths are in the simplicity of its controls, the ease of helping you transition from gas ZTs, the cross-compatibility of its batteries, the speed of its charging, and its bonus rear hauling bucket. There are some trade-offs to consider compared to other options, but our overall impression of the Greenworks Pro 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower is that it's a success.

Overall Score 9.2 (out of 10)

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Launches at Tractor Supply

Greenworks is tossing its hat into the battery-powered zero-turn ring. We initially saw prototypes for the Greenworks Pro 60V zero-turn lawn mower and its lawn tractor cousin a couple of years ago. Now we have a final production model to test and we’re excited to see how it’s all come together.


Pros

  • Confident cutting
  • Cuts up to 2 acres on a charge
  • Has gas-like acceleration characteristics
  • Charges get all six batteries back to 100% In 90 minutes
  • Simple controls are easy to get used to
  • Uses the same batteries as other Greenworks 60V tools
  • Additional app-based features are available
  • Bagging kit available

Cons

  • No onboard charging option/requires three dual-port chargers

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Performance

Cutting

Greenworks has been in the battery-powered zero-turn space for years, starting with commercial-grade models. That experience trickles down to the development of the homeowner-focused 42-inch model.

One of the big differences is that the Greenworks 60V zero-turn mower starts with a completely different power source: 60V batteries. They’re the same 60V batteries that power their 60V string trimmers, chainsaws, and other lawn equipment. Even though you can run with one battery (we strongly discourage this), the kit comes with six 8.0Ah batteries and that’s the best way to run this mower.

Greenworks 60V batteries

With the gas equivalent of a 24 horsepower engine, the twin blades turn confidently at 3000 RPM and do not bog down as easily as battery-powered walk-behind mowers. It is possible to get the blades to bog, though, and the mower is best for lawns that you regularly mow rather than constantly tackling overgrowth.

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Review

Runtime

Greenworks rates the runtime at 1 hour. To test the claim, we kicked the drive and blade speeds to high and started cutting. Thanks to recent rain, it was a medium-heavy cut, taking 2 – 4 inches off in most sections. After 52 minutes and 5 seconds of continuous cutting, the mower went into limp mode when the batteries hit 5%. In our conditions, we mowed 1.5 acres.

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Review

Based on the deck size and what speed you’re able to run (bumpy ground and overgrown areas are going to be slower), Greenworks’ estimate of 2 acres is on point and some folks might even be able to cut a little more than that. Driving and running the blades at low speed can help extend your runtime if you need more.

Charging

Charging your batteries has some give and take. We prefer onboard charging, but that’s not the direction Greenworks is going right now. They include three dual-port chargers in the kit. You might raise your eyebrows at that, however, it actually gets all six batteries back to a full charge in just 90 minutes. That’s significantly faster than your other options.

Keep in mind these are 10-amp fast chargers. If you plug all three into one power strip, it’s not going to work.

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Field Notes

Transitioning to Battery Power

Greenworks is conscious that the switch from gas to battery power is a big step and they’re doing a couple of things to make it feel more natural.

They added a spring-loaded key start that acts just like the spring-loaded ignition on your gas model. It’s a little odd not hearing any startup sounds the way you do on an engine, but it’s helpful to have that action built in so you know you’ve turned it on.

The design team also dialed in the acceleration in the lap bars to feel similar to a gas residential zero-turn mower. You can typically get faster acceleration if you want from electric (ever ride in a Tesla?), and we like the extra attention here.


Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ 42-Inch Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Review

Overall, it took about 5 minutes to get used to driving. Once you get a feel for the lap bars and turning, it’s a very easy transition.

There’s an App for That

You can operate the mower just fine without the app, but for the complete experience, there are some added features. Start by scanning the QR code on your quick start guide, download the app, create an account if you don’t already have one, and pair the mower using the serial number and pairing code. It sounds more complicated than it is and takes less than 10 minutes to get started. There’s a step-by-step guide in the manual if you need more details.

Once you’re dialed in, here’s what the app adds:

  • Fault codes (codes also appear on the mower’s LCD screen)
  • Speed
  • Battery power
  • GPS location the last time the mower was connected

Additional Highlights

  • Reinforced stamped 12-gauge steel deck with hose adapter for cleanout
  • 1.5 to 4.5-inch deck height
  • Rear bucket can haul up to 200 pounds in addition to rider weight
  • Tows up to 300 pounds
  • 7.5 MPH maximum forward speed, 3 MPH maximum reverse speed
  • 20-inch rear wheels and 15-inch front wheels
  • Suitable for hills up to 15°
  • Simple LCD screen readout with battery charge status and fault codes
  • Dual LED headlights offer additional light for mowing in dark conditions or additional safety
  • Accepts front and rear universal attachments
  • Optional bagging attachment (model number 42BAG2B, $499.99)

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Price

Tractor Supply carries this Greenworks zero-turn lawn mower (and its lawn tractor cousin). The kit includes six 8.0Ah batteries and three dual-port chargers for $4999. The warranty period is the shorter of 4 years or 200 hours of operation.

The Bottom Line

Greenworks’ strengths are in the simplicity of its controls, the ease of helping you transition from gas ZTs, the cross-compatibility of its batteries, the speed of its charging, and its bonus rear hauling bucket. There are some trade-offs to consider compared to other options, but our overall impression of the Greenworks Pro 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower is that it’s a success.

Check out the entire Greenworks 60V line here.

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Specifications

  • Greenworks CRZ 426
  • Power Source: Greenworks 60V batteries (six x 8.0Ah recommended)
  • Deck Size: 42 inches
  • Blade Speed: 2400/3000 RPM
  • Towing Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Hauling Capacity: 200 pounds
  • Max Forward Speed: 7.5 MPH
  • Max reverse Speed: 3 MPH
  • Warranty: 4 years or 200 hours
  • Price: $4999.00

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Taegashi

I only recently started looking at the prospect of battery powered electric zero turns since my gas powered John Deere riding mower just died on me. I honestly hate that mower. I found this one and like the idea of it. I love the ability to tow and the storage built in. I actually don’t mind the lack of on board charging, as long as the charging is quick. My only hang ups are the 1 hour ride time (which for me is not enough time to get all my mowing done), the smaller 42″ deck, and the hefty price… Read more »

Sam Terracina

Curious to the long term cost of gas vs battery.

Clark Chu

waiting Ego and Greenworks test comparison

Mike Rhodes

Can’t wait to test one of these. I’m a greenworks fan!

MARK ELLIS

Well obviously, you need to compare the EGO Z6 vs. the Greenworks Z2.

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