Motor Type in Lawn Mowers: What It Is and Is It Worth It?

Understanding Brushless Motor Type in Mowers

When you browse cordless lawn mowers, you will often see the term brushless motor type explained in product descriptions. This specification refers to the internal design of the electric motor that powers the cutting blades. It is a critical component that defines how the mower operates and how long the battery lasts. A traditional brushed motor uses carbon brushes to transfer electricity to the rotor. These brushes create friction, which generates heat and wears down over time. A brushless design removes these physical contacts entirely. Instead, it uses electronic controllers to switch the current. This change reduces mechanical wear and improves efficiency. You should look for this label when comparing models. It usually appears in the technical specifications section under "motor" or "drive system." The presence of a brushless motor matters for several practical reasons. First, it extends the lifespan of the mower. Without brushes to replace, the motor requires less maintenance. Second, it improves energy efficiency. More of the battery power goes to cutting grass rather than overcoming friction. This means you can mow larger areas on a single charge. Third, it often results in quieter operation. The lack of physical contact reduces noise levels. When you choose a mower with this technology, you are selecting a more durable and efficient tool. It is not just a marketing term. It is a fundamental engineering choice that affects performance. Check the specs sheet to confirm this feature. Do not assume all cordless mowers have it. Some budget models still use brushed motors to keep costs down. For most users, the brushless option offers better value over time. It ensures consistent power and longer service life. Focus on this spec when evaluating your options. It is a key indicator of quality in modern cordless mowers.

What Brushless Motors Mean

Brushless

A brushless motor uses electronics to switch current instead of physical brushes. This design reduces friction and wear inside the unit. You benefit from longer run times and consistent power delivery as the battery drains. The motor runs cooler, which protects internal components over time. Maintenance is minimal because there are no brushes to replace or inspect. Greenworks offers this technology in models like the 40V 14-Inch Push Mower. It suits users who want quiet operation and reliability. The trade-off is a higher upfront cost compared to brushed models. You pay more for efficiency and durability. The motor type ensures the mower performs well over many seasons without significant power loss.

Brushed

A brushed motor uses physical carbon brushes to make contact with the commutator. This traditional design is simpler and generally less expensive to manufacture. You might find lower initial costs, but the brushes wear down over time. This wear requires periodic replacement to keep the mower running. Friction is higher, which can generate more heat and reduce efficiency. The provided data focuses on brushless options, so brushed models are not listed here. You may encounter them in older or budget-friendly equipment. The trade-off is lower maintenance costs but higher long-term wear. You need to check brush condition regularly. This motor type is less efficient than brushless designs, leading to shorter run times on the same battery.

Is a Brushless Motor Worth It

Who needs it

You should prioritize brushless motors if you mow large lawns or have thick, dense grass. The electronic commutation system delivers consistent torque, which helps the blade maintain speed under heavy load. This efficiency translates directly to longer run times per charge, allowing you to finish bigger jobs without rushing to swap batteries. The reduced internal friction also means less heat buildup during extended use, protecting the motor’s lifespan. If you value reliability and want your mower to perform steadily over many seasons, this technology is essential. It ensures you get the most out of your battery investment. You will notice smoother operation and less maintenance, as there are no brushes to replace. For serious lawn care, this spec is a key differentiator.

Who can skip it

You can likely ignore this spec if you have a small, flat yard with thin grass. Your mowing sessions will be short, so the extended runtime benefits of a brushless design offer diminishing returns. In these cases, focus on other factors that impact your immediate experience. Look for a lightweight deck that is easy to maneuver around tight spaces and obstacles. Consider the battery capacity and charging speed, as quick turnaround is more valuable than raw efficiency for small tasks. A simpler brushed motor might suffice for occasional use. It provides adequate power for light trimming and edge work. Prioritize ease of storage and simple controls over advanced motor technology. If your needs are minimal, the extra complexity and potential cost of brushless systems may not align with your actual usage patterns.

Motor Type Glossary

Brushless Motor

An electric motor without carbon brushes. It uses electronic commutation to reduce friction. This design offers higher efficiency and longer lifespan than brushed models.

Brushed Motor

A motor using carbon brushes for commutation. It is simpler and cheaper but generates more heat and wear. It typically has a shorter service life.

Voltage

The electrical pressure pushing current through the motor. Higher voltage, like 40V or 80V, generally provides more power for thick grass and steep slopes.

Battery Capacity

Measured in amp-hours (Ah), this shows total energy stored. A 5.0 Ah battery holds more energy than a 2.5 Ah one, extending your run time.

Cutting Width

The width of the swath the blade cuts in one pass. A 20-inch deck covers more ground per pass than a 16-inch deck, reducing mowing time.

Drive Type

Describes how the mower moves. Push mowers require physical effort. Self-propelled models use a motor to drive the wheels, easing the workload on hills.

Deck Material

The construction of the cutting chamber. Steel decks are durable but heavy. Polymer decks are lightweight and resist rust, though they may crack under impact.

Mowing Function

How the mower handles clippings. Mulching chops grass finely for lawn health. Bagging collects debris for cleanup. Side discharge throws clippings to the side.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1

Greenworks 40V 14-Inch Brushless Push Mower

Best for: small lawns and quiet operation

Motor Type

Brushless (what this guide is about)

Power Source

40V battery

Cutting Width

14 in

Voltage

40V

Drive Type

push

Battery Capacity

4.0Ah

View on Amazon: Greenworks 40V 14-Inch Brushless Push Mower Affiliate link

This Greenworks mower uses a 40V brushless motor to deliver up to 45 minutes of runtime with its 4.0Ah battery. The 14-inch steel deck offers durable coverage for smaller lawns. You get a 2-in-1 mulch and bag system with five height settings. It is a lightweight push model ideal for users who want quiet operation and low maintenance without gas.

Pros

• Brushless motor for longer life and quiet operation
• 45-minute runtime on a full 4.0Ah charge
• 14-inch steel deck for durability
• 2-in-1 mulching and bagging capability
• 5-position height adjustment from 1-1/4 to 3-3/8 inches

Cons

• 14-inch cutting width is narrower than many competitors
• Push drive requires manual effort
• 4.0Ah battery capacity is lower than some 8.0Ah options

Good fit if

• You have a small lawn under 1/4 acre
• You prefer a lightweight mower for easy storage
• You want a quiet brushless motor

Skip if

• You need a wider cutting deck for efficiency
• You require self-propelled drive for hills
• You need extended runtime for large areas

Verdict: Greenworks 40V 14in Brushless Push Mower is a compact, quiet option for small yards. It fits users who prioritize maneuverability and low maintenance over wide cutting paths or self-propelled power.

2

Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Cordless Push Mower

Best for: half-acre lawns needing gas-like power

Motor Type

Brushless (what this guide is about)

Power Source

Cordless battery

Cutting Width

21 in

Voltage

60V

Drive Type

Push

Battery Capacity

5.0Ah + 4.0Ah

View on Amazon: Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Cordless Push Mower Affiliate link

This 60V brushless push mower features a 21-inch steel deck and includes both a 5.0Ah and 4.0Ah battery. The motor delivers 3200 RPM blade speed, matching the power of a 150cc gas engine. You get four mowing modes, including mulching and side-discharge. LED lights and large wheels aid maneuverability. It suits users with up to half an acre who want gas-like power without fumes or maintenance.

Pros

• 60V brushless motor with 3200 RPM blade speed
• Includes 5.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries for extended runtime
• 21-inch steel deck with 4-in-1 mowing versatility
• IPX4 waterproof rating for damp conditions
• LED headlights for low-light visibility

Cons

• Push design requires physical effort to operate
• Battery is not shipped fully charged
• No self-propelled drive for hilly terrain

Good fit if

• You have a lawn up to half an acre
• You want gas-like power without maintenance
• You already own Greenworks 60V tools

Skip if

• You need a self-propelled mower for hills
• You prefer a smaller 14-inch cutting width
• You only have a 40V battery platform

Verdict: Greenworks 60V 21" Brushless Mower offers high torque and dual batteries for larger lawns. It is best for users seeking gas-equivalent power in a push format.

3

Sun Joe 48V 15-Inch Cordless Dethatcher and Scarifier

Best for: Dethatching and scarifying lawns

Power Source

Cordless

Cutting Width

15.0-Inch

Voltage

48V (Dual 24-V)

Battery Capacity

4.0-Ah

Motor Type

brushless

Dimensions

26.5 × 18.8 × 16 inches

View on Amazon: Sun Joe 48V 15-Inch Cordless Dethatcher and Scarifier Affiliate link

This Sun Joe unit is a cordless dethatcher and scarifier, not a standard lawn mower. It uses a brushless 600W motor powered by two 24V 4.0Ah batteries for 48V runtime. The 15-inch cutting width handles moderate lawns. You get five depth positions and a 10.6-gallon bag. It suits homeowners needing lawn rejuvenation rather than routine grass cutting.

Pros

• Brushless 600W motor for efficient power
• 15-inch cutting width for moderate coverage
• 10.6-gallon collection bag reduces cleanup
• Five depth positions from -0.375 to 0.4 inches

Cons

• Requires two separate 24V batteries to operate
• Limited to dethatching and scarifying tasks only
• Heavier at 36.4 pounds compared to standard mowers

Good fit if

• You need to remove thatch and moss from your lawn
• You already own compatible 24V Sun Joe batteries
• You want a 15-inch width for average yards

Skip if

• You are looking for a tool to cut grass regularly
• You prefer a single battery system for simplicity
• You need a lighter unit for easy storage

Verdict: Sun Joe 15-Inch Brushless Dethatcher is a specialized tool for lawn care, not a replacement for a standard mower. It fits buyers who need to aerate and clean their grass rather than cut it.

4

MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

Best for: small lawns and tight storage spaces

Motor Type

Brushless (what this guide is about)

Power Source

Cordless battery

Cutting Width

13 in

Voltage

20V

Drive Type

push

Battery Capacity

4.0Ah

View on Amazon: MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Affiliate link

This MZK mower uses a brushless motor to deliver 3,400 RPM on high, offering efficient cutting power for small spaces. It features a 13-inch cutting width and a 30-liter grass bag. Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries provide 30 minutes of runtime. The unit includes four height settings from 1.3 to 2.6 inches. It is designed for compact lawns where maneuverability matters more than wide coverage.

Pros

• Brushless motor reaches 3,400 RPM on high setting
• Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries allow swapping to reduce downtime
• 30-liter rear bag simplifies grass collection
• Lightweight at 13 pounds for easy handling

Cons

• 13-inch cutting width requires more passes than wider decks
• 30-minute runtime is limited for larger yards
• Only four cutting height positions offer less precision

Good fit if

• You have a small lawn under 3,000 square feet
• You need a lightweight mower for easy storage
• You prefer swapping batteries to extend runtime

Skip if

• You have a large lawn requiring extended runtime
• You want a wider cutting deck for faster mowing
• You need more than four height adjustments

Verdict: MZK 20V 13-Inch Brushless Mower fits users with small yards who value lightweight maneuverability and quick battery swaps over wide cutting coverage.

5

WEN 15-Inch Cordless Brushless Dethatcher and Scarifier

Best for: Targeted thatch removal and lawn aeration

Motor Type

Brushless (what this guide is about)

Power Source

20V Max battery

Cutting Width

15 in

Voltage

20V Max

Battery Capacity

4.0Ah

Cutting Height

5 positions, +1/4 to -1/2 in

View on Amazon: WEN 15-Inch Cordless Brushless Dethatcher and Scarifier Affiliate link

This WEN tool is a 2-in-1 brushless dethatcher and scarifier with a 15-inch clearing path. It uses a 650W motor to reach 3000 RPM for effective thatch removal. You get two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger. The five height positions allow raking depth from +1/4 to -1/2 inch. It includes separate heads for scarifying and dethatching. This setup suits users who want to aerate their lawn and collect debris in one pass.

Pros

• Brushless 650W motor delivers 3000 RPM
• Includes two 4.0Ah batteries and dual-port charger
• 15-inch clearing path with 24 steel tines
• Five height positions for depth control
• Detachable collection bag included

Cons

• 20V Max system has less power than 40V or 48V competitors
• Single 4.0Ah battery capacity may limit runtime on thick thatch
• 15-inch width is narrower than standard mowers

Good fit if

• You need to remove thatch and aerate soil simultaneously
• You want to collect debris rather than leaving it on the lawn
• You already own WEN 20V Max tools

Skip if

• You need a wide cutting path for large lawns
• You require high-voltage power for heavy-duty tasks
• You are looking for a standard mowing function only

Verdict: WEN 20V 15-Inch Brushless Scarifier is a specialized tool for lawn aeration and dethatching. It fits users who prioritize debris collection and dual-head versatility over raw mowing power.

6

Litheli 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Mower

Best for: Small yards up to 1/8 acre

Motor Type

Brushless (what this guide is about)

Power Source

Cordless battery

Cutting Width

14 in

Drive Type

Push

Battery Capacity

8.0Ah

Runtime

40 min

View on Amazon: Litheli 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Mower Affiliate link

This Litheli mower uses a 14-inch brushless motor to handle mid-sized yards up to 1/8 acre. It includes an 8.0Ah battery that delivers 40 minutes of runtime. The push design features a 5-position height adjustment from 1 to 2.5 inches. You get a 9-gallon grass bag for clean cuts. It weighs 33.1 pounds and folds for compact storage.

Pros

• Brushless motor for zero maintenance
• 8.0Ah battery provides 40-minute runtime
• 5-position cutting height adjustment
• 9-gallon grass bag included
• Folds for compact storage

Cons

• 14-inch cutting width is narrower than competitors
• Push drive requires physical effort
• No self-propulsion or remote start

Good fit if

• You have a yard up to 1/8 acre
• You want a lightweight, foldable mower
• You prefer zero-emission operation

Skip if

• You need a self-propelled mower
• You have a large yard over 1/8 acre
• You want a wider 15-inch cut

Verdict: Litheli 14-Inch Brushless Mower fits users with small to mid-sized yards who value quiet, maintenance-free operation and easy storage. It is a practical option for those willing to push the mower for a clean, bagged cut.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• motor type explained
• motor type explained