When it comes to maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn, choosing the right tool can make all the difference. Two standout products from Greenworks—both trusted names in eco-friendly outdoor power equipment—offer very different solutions for yard care. On one side, you’ve got the Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless, a cordless electric push mower designed for quiet, efficient cutting on small to medium lawns. On the other, the Greenworks 13 Amp 14 is a compact corded dethatcher and scarifier built to revive tired, thatch-choked grass by removing dead layers and improving soil health.
At first glance, these tools seem to serve completely different purposes—and they do. But for homeowners serious about lawn care, understanding when and why to use each one is essential. Whether you’re debating between upgrading your mowing routine or tackling seasonal lawn restoration, this head-to-head comparison will help you decide which Greenworks model fits your needs. You’ll learn about performance, ease of use, maintenance requirements, and real-world user experiences—plus get clear guidance on who should buy what.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete picture of how these two tools stack up, not just against each other, but against your specific yard goals. And if you’re already invested in the Greenworks ecosystem or considering going cordless, we’ll show you how these products complement (or contrast with) your existing setup.
In-Depth Look: Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless
The Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless is a modern take on the classic push mower—designed for homeowners who want clean cuts without the noise, fumes, or hassle of gas. Powered by two 24V lithium-ion batteries that combine for a total of 48V output, this mower delivers consistent torque through a brushless motor, which not only extends runtime but also significantly reduces wear over time. It’s ideal for lawns up to 1/3 acre, making it perfect for suburban yards where quiet operation and zero emissions matter.
One of the standout features is the included dual 4.0Ah batteries and a fast 65W Type-C charger. This means you can charge both batteries simultaneously using modern USB-C cables—no more hunting for outdated chargers. In practice, a full charge takes under an hour, and runtime typically covers about 45–60 minutes of continuous mowing, depending on grass thickness. The brushless motor also runs cooler and quieter than traditional brushed motors, so you won’t disturb neighbors during early morning sessions.
The 2-in-1 mulch and bag system adds versatility. Whether you prefer to return nutrients to your lawn via mulching or keep things tidy with rear bagging, switching modes takes just seconds. And when the job’s done, the innovative upright storage design lets you tuck the mower vertically in tight spaces—a game-changer if your garage is already packed with tools. Plus, it’s part of the expansive Greenworks 24V ecosystem, so if you already own trimmers, blowers, or chainsaws, you can share batteries across devices.
Customer feedback highlights reliability and ease of use. One reviewer noted, “I was skeptical about battery power, but this mower handles my slightly hilly yard with no lag—even in thick spring grass.” Another praised the quiet operation: “I can mow at 7 a.m. and my dog doesn’t even wake up.” That said, some users mention that the 17-inch deck feels a bit narrow for larger lots, and heavy wet grass can drain batteries faster than expected.
Overall, the Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless shines for eco-conscious homeowners who value convenience, low maintenance, and clean performance. It’s best suited for those with small to medium lawns who want to ditch gas without sacrificing power.
In-Depth Look: Greenworks 13 Amp 14
If your lawn looks thin, spongy, or struggles to green up in summer, the issue might be thatch—a dense layer of dead grass and roots that blocks water and nutrients. Enter the Greenworks 13 Amp 14, a compact corded electric dethatcher and scarifier built to breathe new life into tired turf. With a robust 13-amp motor spinning at 3,200 RPM, it aggressively lifts and removes thatch while the interchangeable scarifier blade aerates the soil beneath.
Weighing in at just under 30 pounds, this machine is surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver. The push-button start eliminates pull cords, and the three-position tine depth adjustment lets you customize aggression based on your lawn’s condition—shallow for light maintenance, deeper for heavy thatch buildup. The quick-release system makes swapping between dethatcher and scarifier attachments a breeze, usually taking less than a minute.
Real users rave about its effectiveness. One customer shared, “I filled twenty 42-gallon bags with thatch from my half-acre lawn—this thing pulled out more dead material than I thought possible.” Another added, “It’s so much cheaper than hiring a service, and my grass looks thicker already.” However, a few reviewers caution that the cord can be limiting on larger properties, and occasional motor stress has been reported during extended use in very dense thatch—though Greenworks’ 3-year warranty offers peace of mind.
This tool is best used seasonally: early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring for warm-season varieties. It’s not an everyday mower—it’s a therapeutic treatment for your lawn. If you’re serious about long-term lawn health and don’t mind the cord, the Greenworks 13 Amp 14 delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance & Use Case
These tools serve fundamentally different roles. The Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless excels at routine mowing—clean, quiet, and efficient for weekly maintenance. The Greenworks 13 Amp 14, meanwhile, is a specialty tool for lawn rehabilitation. You wouldn’t use a dethatcher every week, just like you wouldn’t mow with a scarifier daily. Think of them as complementary: one keeps your lawn looking good, the other helps it grow better.
Power & Runtime
The 48V system offers cordless freedom with solid runtime for small yards, while the 13-amp corded model delivers constant, uninterrupted power—ideal for deep dethatching sessions that can take hours. No battery anxiety here, but you’ll need outdoor-rated extension cords.
Ease of Use & Maintenance
Both are user-friendly, but the brushless mower wins on daily convenience: no cords, instant start, and minimal upkeep. The dethatcher requires more prep (checking depth settings, managing cords) and post-use cleaning, but it’s still far simpler than gas alternatives.
Value for Money
Considering functionality, both offer excellent value. The mower replaces gas models at a competitive price, while the dethatcher costs less than a single professional service visit. For comprehensive lawn care, owning both is ideal—but if you must choose, prioritize based on your current needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Greenworks 13 Amp 14 as a regular mower?
A: No—this is strictly a dethatcher/scarifier. It doesn’t cut grass like a mower; instead, it removes thatch and aerates soil. For regular cutting, pair it with a mower like the Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless.
Q: How often should I dethatch my lawn?
A: Most lawns benefit from dethatching once a year—either early spring or fall, depending on grass type. Overdoing it can damage healthy turf, so assess thatch thickness (more than ½ inch) before proceeding.
Q: Will the 48V mower handle wet grass?
A: It can, but performance drops in very wet conditions. Battery drain increases, and clumping may occur. For best results, mow when grass is dry—and consider a mulching mower comparison if you frequently deal with damp clippings.
Q: Do these tools work with other Greenworks batteries?
A: The 48V mower uses proprietary 24V batteries compatible with 200+ Greenworks tools. The 13 Amp 14 is corded, so it doesn’t use batteries at all.
Q: Is dethatching necessary if my lawn looks fine?
A: Not always—but even healthy lawns accumulate thatch over time. If water pools on the surface or grass feels spongy underfoot, it’s likely time. For more on lawn health strategies, check out our guide on tilling vs. no-till gardening.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no outright “winner”—only the right tool for your situation. If you need a reliable, quiet, and eco-friendly mower for weekly use on a small to medium lawn, the Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless is an outstanding choice. Its brushless motor, fast charging, and space-saving design make it a long-term investment in hassle-free yard care.
On the other hand, if your lawn is struggling with thatch, poor drainage, or weak growth, the Greenworks 13 Amp 14 is a must-have restoration tool. It’s affordable, effective, and backed by real user success stories.
For many homeowners, the ideal setup includes both: use the mower for maintenance and the dethatcher once or twice a year for deep care. But if you’re choosing just one, ask yourself: “Do I need to cut grass—or heal it?”
Ready to upgrade your lawn game? Check the Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless on Amazon or explore the Greenworks 13 Amp 14 today—your lawn will thank you.
