Greenworks MaximusZ Electric Riding Mower: Five Motors, 41 HP, and a Few Compromises

The mower uses two of its motors to drive the wheels and three to turn a trio of blades that cut a 54-inch-wide path. It runs on the company's latest 80-volt architecture, using four smaller 6.0Ah batteries and two large 17-pound 16Ah packs for a combined capacity of 56Ah. Greenworks says that's enough to mow four acres on a single charge. The company, based in Changzhou, China, opened a manufacturing facility in Tennessee in 2023. With a top speed of 8 mph and 41 horsepower, the MaximusZ is comparable to gas-powered models such as the Stihl RZ 552 at $9,499 and out-powers professional-grade machines like the $18,899 Toro 6000 Series.

The reviewer, who has driven many electric vehicles, said this is the first time he has driven a five-motor EV, and he found the mower's agility and speed impressive. It can turn a 360 even more smoothly than an electric G-Wagon and makes quick work of rough turf. He tested it on his 1.5 acres of land, which is split into several small patches and a larger pasture.

Adjusting the cutting height is simple: a pedal on the right lifts the deck, and a grid defines the height in quarter-inch increments. The controls are straightforward, though the mower takes about eight seconds to boot up. A 4.0-inch LCD display shows state of charge, maximum mower speed, maximum blade speed, and total runtime, but it is dim and easily scratched.

Steering is done with two handles. Pushing them apart engages a park mode; pulling them inward engages the motors. Each handle controls the motor on its side, allowing the mower to spin on its own axis. The reviewer noted that the handles are not aligned: to go straight, the right handle must be held about an inch behind the left. There is no way to recalibrate this, but he eventually got used to it.

The mower's charging system is a disappointment, according to the reviewer. The proprietary charger does not support standard J1772 or NACS plugs, though a full charge takes only 3.5 hours.

The review highlighted several advantages for electric ownership: reduced noise and vibration, no gasoline, no carburetor cleaning or oil changes. It also features a small dumper bed on the back and a tow hitch.

Given its price, the reviewer concluded that the MaximusZ "had better be" more than a mower, and he found that it is.