6 Best Commercial 21 Inch Lawn Mowers of 2025

Silent power meets commercial toughness in the Makita XML08Z, a game-changer for landscapers who demand gas-like performance without the fumes. Its dual 18V LXT battery system delivers 36V of brushless muscle, enabling seamless self-propelled operation across dense turf, while the 4-bay battery design unlocks extended runtime—perfect for back-to-back yard sessions. With a commercial-grade steel deck and variable speed drive (1.5–3 MPH), this mower slices through thick grass with surgical precision, eliminating the vibration and noise fatigue common in gas models.

In real-world testing on half-acre properties, the Makita handled wet grass and uneven terrain with surprising stability, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and aggressive tread. The brushless motor maintains consistent blade speed, even under load, and the deck’s airflow design ensures clean discharge and excellent mulching. However, runtime is only as strong as your battery ecosystem—without extra packs, you’ll need to plan mid-job swaps for larger lawns. While it lacks onboard storage for clippings, the side-discharge and mulching performance are top-tier, especially on well-maintained lawns.

Compared to the Greenworks 82V, the Makita trades peak raw power for superior ergonomics and drivetrain refinement, making it ideal for pros who value control over brute force. It’s also more modular than the EGO LM2102SP-A, letting users leverage existing Makita batteries. This is the best pick for contractors who already use Makita’s pro tools and want seamless integration. For the same investment as the EGO kit, you get smarter energy management and a sturdier chassis—though slightly less out-of-box battery life.

Raw electric power unleashed—the Greenworks 82V doesn’t just match gas mowers, it dares to out-torque them. With a brushless motor rated equivalent to a 160cc gas engine, this push mower powers through overgrown grass and damp clippings without bogging down, making it a standout for high-demand commercial use. The 21” steel deck and optimized blade design generate strong suction for clean cuts and efficient mulching, while the 60-minute runtime handles up to 1.5 acres on a single charge—perfect for landscapers with multiple small-to-mid-sized yards.

During field tests, the mower excelled on tall, wet grass where lesser electric models stall, thanks to its high-torque motor and low-RPM blade design that maximizes cutting force. The dual-port charger replenishes the 5Ah battery in just 60 minutes, enabling rapid turnaround between jobs—critical for service pros. However, it’s a push mower, so self-propelled drive is missing, making it labor-intensive on slopes or expansive lawns. On flat terrain, it’s manageable, but repeated use on hilly lots will expose its lack of drive assist.

Against the EGO LM2102SP-A, the Greenworks wins in peak power and charging speed, but loses in user comfort due to the absence of self-propel. It’s also more powerful than the 40V Greenworks model, though less portable and slightly noisier. This is the go-to for landscapers prioritizing cutting performance and fast recharge cycles over ease of push effort. For the same price as lighter-duty models, it delivers serious muscle—making it the ultimate high-output workhorse in the electric class.

Budget-smart doesn’t mean underpowered—the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower delivers surprising performance for its price, blending brushless efficiency with real-world usability for homeowners and light commercial users. The 21” steel deck and rear-wheel drive deliver consistent cuts across varied terrain, while the 7-position single-lever height adjustment makes changing cut levels fast and intuitive—no wrestling with each wheel. With up to 45 minutes of runtime, it handles small to medium yards with ease, especially when grass is dry and regularly maintained.

In testing, the mower performed well on flat, suburban lawns up to 0.5 acres, maintaining speed and cut quality without noticeable drop-offs. The brushless motor runs quietly and efficiently, and the vertical storage design saves 70% space—a huge plus for garage or shed users. However, in thick or wet grass, the motor occasionally slows, requiring slower passes. The self-propel helps, but the traction isn’t as confident as higher-voltage models on damp slopes. Still, for entry-level electric mowing, it’s impressively capable straight out of the box.

When stacked against the EGO LM2102SP-A, the Greenworks 40V offers similar features at nearly half the cost, though with less runtime and power. It’s not built for back-to-back jobs like the Makita or Greenworks 82V, but it’s perfect for homeowners or part-time landscapers who want reliability without overspending. For what it costs, it delivers exceptional value—proving you don’t need 82V to get a clean, quiet, eco-friendly cut.

Unmatched endurance meets intelligent design in the EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A, a cordless mower that redefines what battery-powered can achieve. With two 56V 4.0Ah batteries, it delivers up to 65 minutes of runtime—the longest in its class—making it ideal for larger yards or commercial crews tackling multiple properties in a day. The variable speed self-propel (0.9–3.1 MPH) is buttery smooth, adapting to your walking pace, while the 6 height settings (1.5–4 inches) adjust with one hand, streamlining transitions between lawn zones.

Real-world use across mixed terrain shows the EGO excels in consistency: the brushless motor maintains blade speed even in thick patches, and the two-bushel grass bag is easy to empty and fits snugly without rattling. The IPX4 weather resistance means light morning dew won’t stop operation, and the LED headlights let you finish late cuts safely. However, the plastic housing feels less rugged than Makita’s all-steel build, and the deck can struggle with heavy mulching if grass is too wet or tall. Still, for continuous operation, it’s hard to beat.

Compared to the Makita XML08Z, the EGO wins on out-of-box battery life and ease of use, but lacks the 4-bay expandability for ultra-long runs. It’s also more refined than the Greenworks 40V, with better speed control and longer runtime. This is the top choice for serious homeowners and weekend warriors with half-acre+ lawns. For the same investment as the Makita kit, you get more usable runtime and smarter features—just a slightly less industrial feel.

The ultimate turnkey solution for large properties, the Makita XML07PT1 isn’t just a mower—it’s a battery-powered landscaping command center. Bundled with four 5.0Ah 18V LXT batteries and a rapid charger, it offers near-unlimited runtime potential thanks to the 4-bay system, making it perfect for pros managing multi-acre estates or commercial grounds. The commercial steel deck and brushless motor deliver gas-level durability and cut precision, while the 3-in-1 versatility (mulch, bag, side-discharge) ensures adaptability across lawn types.

Field-tested on 1+ acre lawns, the mower handled continuous operation with ease—swapping batteries took seconds, and the self-propel system maintained momentum across slopes and rough patches. The dual 18V x2 configuration provides 36V of steady power, and the motor’s efficiency minimizes voltage sag. However, the lack of variable speed control (unlike EGO or Greenworks) limits fine-tuning on delicate turf. Also, the unit is on the heavier side, which can be taxing during long sessions, though the rear-wheel drive helps.

Against the Greenworks 82V, this Makita trades raw power for superior runtime flexibility and brand ecosystem synergy. It’s heavier than the EGO but offers better long-term scalability for those already invested in Makita tools. This is the best-in-class pick for large-yard owners or landscaping teams who need reliability, extended runtime, and professional-grade build. For the investment, it delivers unmatched battery strategy—beating even EGO on multi-job endurance.

Gas-powered reliability returns with a modern twist—the PowerSmart 21” mower delivers no-compromise cutting performance for those who still trust internal combustion for heavy-duty tasks. Its 144cc OHV engine starts easily thanks to auto-choke and recoil pull, delivering consistent power even in thick, overgrown grass where electric models might hesitate. The 21” heavy-duty steel blade cuts wide and clean, while the 3-in-1 deck lets you mulch, bag, or side-discharge with quick adjustments—ideal for seasonal lawn care shifts.

In real-world use, the PowerSmart shines on neglected lawns and tall weeds, where its raw torque outperforms even high-voltage electric mowers. It’s lightweight for a gas model and folds for storage, saving 70% space—great for garages or sheds. However, it’s noisy, emits fumes, and requires oil and fuel maintenance, which electric models eliminate. Starting is reliable, but cold mornings sometimes need extra pulls, and the dual-lever height adjustment is less convenient than single-lever designs.

Compared to the Greenworks 82V, this PowerSmart model offers similar cutting power but with higher long-term effort and upkeep. It lacks the convenience of push-button start or zero emissions, but wins in runtime certainty—no battery anxiety, just fill and go. This is the best pick for rural users or backup mowing where outlets or charging aren’t reliable. For the price, it’s the most dependable traditional option—proving gas still has a place in the modern yard.