This is a long review so if you are in a rush or just looking for a very light and modern mower to get the job done, skip this review and get one of EGO’s 21” polycarbonate models. If you are one who takes your yard seriously and are not against the heft and feel of a gas mower but retaining all EGO’s benefits, read on.
EGO and battery powered yard tool users have different ideas and motivators when weighting available options. For the most part, I would think that many current owners (and those looking to join the community) appreciate the simplicity of use, low maintenance, lower noise, and long-lasting dependability of these systems. In my opinion, the EGO aluminum mower should be considered a little differently as it falls almost into a hybrid or commercial application and away from what EGO is typically known for.
At risk of sounding like a dating ad, I am a 47 y/o male who is physically fit and loves to do anything related to yardwork. I tell you that to give some perspective behind the statement: This mower is a tank. It is heavier, wider, and significantly more rugged than EGO’s conventional line up. Before this machine, I owned the 21” select cut (10Ah) for 4 seasons and it made quick work of anything I needed it for. It started every time, folded neatly during storage, and was always enjoyable to use. I have come to support the company and its products so much that over the years, I invested in just about every tool they sell (purchased, not sponsored or provided to me for review).
I was apprehensive about this mower because of its weight, price and some questionable reviews. My yard is only about a half-acre which does not necessitate a ride-on and in all reality, did not necessitate a mower of this capability. I simply geek out on EGO tools and had to have their newest release, like some who feel the same about phones or vehicles. With that said, my only regret with this purchase is not committing sooner. If you are reading this, I want to tell you I had doubts, but fell in love after the first use with this machine. Admittedly, the self-propel gets used significantly more than my prior mower; however, the technology improved so it feels more responsive than previous machines, and the cut is exponentially cleaner, resulting in a neater yard without breaking a sweat. I always bag and even with the mulching blades installed, it left a cleaner cut than my previous EGO regardless of what blades I was running. This mower does not come with the high-lift blade, but it honestly does not even need it. If you have reservations based on previous EGO’s and feel like you need it, they send you the high lift blade for free when you register so don’t make the additional purchase up front. Hint: This machine is so efficient; you do not even need the high lift kit, seriously.
I am unsure what high pitched sounds other reviewers are mentioning, unless they own defective machines or have different physical tolerances of sound. This machine is slightly louder than other EGO mowers, but I listen to music anyway, so it is negligible in my opinion. The torque in this model is also extremely powerful that even in my tallest grass, I remain on Eco mode and have only tried Normal and Turbo a few times just to compare. Battery usage is identical to 21” models, which means even using the self-propel, my yard can easily be done using no more than 2 bars on the 10Ah battery (40%?). The speed seems faster in this machine even though it advertises the same .9 – 3.1 MPH as others in the lineup and I rarely set it at full speed. Lastly, the wheel adjustment is much simpler to use than I anticipated, and the design eliminates scalping grass on edges of curbs, so I do not miss the one lever adjustment in other models. The bag is ripped and I am currently working with the company for a replacement, but I do not see any issues with getting that done so it still gets a 5-star rating.
I did not want to like this mower and was preparing myself to return it for a lighter/cheaper mower in the EGO line, but quickly abandoned the thought after seeing how it performs. Like the EGO 2-stage snow blower, I enjoy using this tool so much to the point that when I finish, I am looking for more work around the neighborhood just to keep the machine running. Hope this sheds some light on your decision, good luck.
