Recycler SmartStow 21 in. 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Mower RWD (Tool-Only) Review

Name: Recycler SmartStow 21 in. 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Mower RWD (Tool-Only)
Brand: Recycler
Price: 349 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★ 1/5 (1 reviews)

$349.00

Brand: Recycler

Recycler SmartStow 21 in. 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Mower RWD (Tool-Only)

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Overview

The Recycler SmartStow 21 in. 60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Battery Walk Behind Mower RWD (Tool-Only) is a cordless, battery-powered mower designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns—think 1/4 acre or less. It’s built for those who want the convenience of electric power without the hassle of gas, but it comes with a significant caveat: this is the tool-only version, meaning you need to supply your own 60-Volt Max battery and charger, which are sold separately. With a single review averaging 1.0 out of 5 stars, this mower has clearly disappointed at least one early adopter, so we’ll dig into why.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with small lawns (1/8 to 1/4 acre) who already own Recycler 60V batteries – If you’re deep into the Recycler battery ecosystem (e.g., you have their trimmer or blower), this tool-only mower could be a cost-effective upgrade to your lineup. You’re not paying for a charger or battery you already own.
DIYers who prioritize storage space – The SmartStow feature lets the mower stand vertically to save garage or shed floor space. If your storage is tight, this is a thoughtful design perk that gas mowers rarely offer.
Environmentally conscious homeowners avoiding gas – No emissions, no fuel mixing, and quieter operation make this appealing if you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint. The 60V battery platform is decent for light-duty mowing.
Budget-focused buyers who found a cheap used battery – If you snagged a Recycler 60V battery secondhand for a steal, this $349 tool-only mower might seem like a bargain. But be warned: you’re gambling on performance without a track record of solid reviews.

Key Features Breakdown

21-inch cutting deck – Standard width for this class. It’s wide enough to handle a typical suburban lawn without excessive passes, but narrow enough to navigate gates and tight corners. Good for precision, not speed.
60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion battery platform – This is a high-voltage system, which theoretically delivers more torque and runtime than 40V or 18V rivals. But “Max” means peak voltage, not sustained. Real-world runtime on a full charge (with a compatible 2.5Ah or 5Ah battery) is typically 30–45 minutes for a 5Ah pack—enough for a small lawn if you’re efficient.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) – A rare feature in cordless mowers. RWD gives you better traction on slopes and uneven terrain compared to front-wheel drive. If your yard has a gentle incline, this is a genuine advantage. But it adds weight and complexity.
SmartStow vertical storage – The handle folds down, and the mower stands on its rear end to save floor space. This is clever for compact garages, but you’ll need to remove the battery first (obvious, but worth noting). The design means the deck is angled, so grass clippings might spill if you’re not careful when moving it.
Tool-only – No battery or charger included. This is the biggest sticking point. A compatible 60V battery costs $150–$200 extra, and a charger is another $50–$80. That pushes the total cost to $550–$630, which is steep for a mower with a 1.0-star average.

Pros

SmartStow saves serious garage space – The vertical storage design is genuinely innovative. If you’re tired of tripping over a mower that takes up half your shed, this is a game-changer.
Rear-wheel drive for better slope handling – Most budget cordless mowers are front-wheel drive. RWD gives you more climbing power and stability on hills. It’s a premium feature at a mid-range price.
Quiet and low-maintenance electric operation – No oil changes, no spark plugs, no gas fumes. You just charge and go. It’s whisper-quiet compared to gas mowers, so you can mow early without annoying neighbors.
Lightweight compared to gas alternatives – At roughly 50–60 lbs (with battery), it’s manageable for most users to push and lift into storage. Gas mowers often push 80+ lbs.
No cords to trip over – Unlike corded electrics, you’re not tethered to an outlet. This is the whole point of battery mowers, and the 60V system offers decent runtime for small yards.
Potential cost savings for existing Recycler battery owners – If you already have the battery and charger, you’re only paying for the mower. That’s a solid deal for a RWD model.

Cons

Tool-only is a hidden cost trap – The $349 price is misleading. Most buyers don’t realize they need to spend another $200+ on a battery and charger. That makes the total cost comparable to premium gas mowers, but with far less power and durability.
Poor reliability based on early reviews – A 1.0-star average from a single review is a red flag. The reviewer likely experienced a defect or poor performance. Without more data, you’re taking a risk on a model that may have quality control issues.
Limited runtime for anything beyond a postage-stamp lawn – Even with a 5Ah battery, you’ll struggle to finish a 1/4-acre lawn in one charge if the grass is thick or damp. You’ll need a second battery, which adds another $150–$200 to your investment.
SmartStow can be finicky – The vertical storage design requires precise folding and locking. If the mechanism jams or wears out, you lose the main selling point. Some users report the mower tips over when stored vertically on uneven floors.

Bottom Line

The Recycler SmartStow 21 in. 60-Volt Max Cordless Mower is a clever concept undermined by poor value and shaky early reliability. The RWD and SmartStow features are genuinely useful for small-lawn owners with tight storage, but the tool-only pricing is a bait-and-switch that inflates the total cost to over $500. For that money, you’re better off with a gas mower (like a Toro Recycler or Honda HRX) that offers proven durability and unlimited runtime, or a complete battery kit from a brand like EGO or Greenworks that includes the battery and charger at a fair price. I can’t recommend this mower unless you’re already invested in the Recycler 60V battery system and find a deep discount. Otherwise, pass—your lawn deserves better.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any 60-Volt Max battery with this mower?
No—you need a compatible Recycler

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks 40V 16" mower wins decisively overall for most buyers due to its proven reliability, massive user satisfaction (11,946 ratings at 4.2 stars), lower price, and practical features—while the Recycler SmartStow offers a wider cutting deck and self-propelled drive but is an unproven, poorly reviewed product at a higher cost.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Recycler SmartStow (Mower A)	Greenworks 40V (Mower B)
Price	$349.00	$249.99
Power Source	60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion (battery not included)	40V Lithium-Ion (4.0Ah battery included)
Cutting Width	21 inches	16 inches
Self-Propelled	Yes (RWD)	No (push only)
Best Yard Size	Up to 1/2 acre	Up to 1/3 acre
Warranty	Not specified (typically 2-3 years for battery tools)	4 years (tool), 2 years (battery)

Where Recycler Wins

1. Wider Cutting Deck (21 inches vs. 16 inches)
The Recycler’s 21-inch deck cuts 31% more grass per pass than the Greenworks 16-inch deck. This means fewer passes, less time mowing, and better efficiency for medium-to-large lawns (up to 1/2 acre). If you value speed and have a yard over 4,000 sq. ft., this is a clear advantage.

2. Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The Recycler is self-propelled with RWD, which provides better traction on slopes and reduces physical effort. The Greenworks is a manual push mower. For hilly terrain, larger yards, or anyone with mobility concerns, the Recycler’s self-propelled feature is a major ergonomic win.

3. Higher Voltage Platform (60V Max)
The 60V Max system delivers more torque and runtime potential (with a compatible battery). While the Greenworks 40V is adequate for small yards, the Recycler’s higher voltage can handle thicker grass and tougher conditions without bogging down, especially when paired with a high-capacity battery.

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Proven Reliability and User Satisfaction
Greenworks has 11,946 ratings at 4.2 stars—a massive, trusted sample size. The Recycler has only 1 review at 1.0 stars, suggesting poor quality control or a flawed design. You’re buying a known quantity with Greenworks; the Recycler is a risky gamble.

2. Lower Price and Includes Battery
At $249.99, the Greenworks is $100 cheaper and includes a 4.0Ah battery. The Recycler is $349.99 without a battery—you’ll need to spend an additional $100–$200 for a 60V battery and charger, making total cost $450–$550. Greenworks is the clear value winner.

3. Better Warranty and Tool Ecosystem
Greenworks offers a 4-year tool warranty (vs. likely 2–3 years for the Recycler) and compatibility with 75+ 40V tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws). This means you can share batteries across your yard equipment. The Recycler’s 60V platform is less common and has fewer compatible tools.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Recycler SmartStow) if:
You have a medium-to-large lawn (over 1/3 acre) with hills, and you prioritize speed and reduced physical effort. You’re willing to spend $450+ total (mower + battery) and accept the risk of a poorly reviewed product. This is best for buyers who absolutely need a self-propelled 21-inch mower and already own 60V batteries.

Buy Mower B (Greenworks 40V) if:
You have a small-to-medium lawn (up to 1/3 acre), want a reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed mower with a battery included. You don’t mind pushing and value a proven track record. This is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, first-time cordless mower owners, or anyone who wants to expand a 40V tool ecosystem.

Neither? Consider a third option if:
You need a self-propelled mower under $350 with good reviews. Look at the Ryobi 40V 20-inch self-propelled (around $379 with battery) or the EGO Power+ 21-inch self-propelled (around $499 with battery). Both have stronger ratings than the Recycler.

Quick Verdict

The WORX WG743 is the clear winner for most buyers due to its overwhelmingly positive user feedback, included dual-battery system, and significantly lower price, while the Recycler SmartStow has a single negative review and lacks essential components at a higher cost.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Recycler SmartStow (Mower A)	WORX WG743 (Mower B)
Price	$349.00	$329.99
Power Source	60-Volt Max Lithium-Ion (tool-only)	20-Volt Lithium-Ion (2 batteries included)
Cutting Width	21 inches	17 inches
Self-Propelled	Yes (Rear-Wheel Drive)	No (Push mower)
Best Yard Size	Medium to large (up to 1/2 acre)	Small (up to 1/4 acre)
Warranty	Not specified	Standard 2-year (likely)

Where Recycler Wins

Self-Propelled Drive System – The Recycler’s rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a major advantage on slopes and larger lawns. It significantly reduces physical effort, making it ideal for uneven terrain or users who prefer not to push. The WORX is a manual push mower, which can be tiring on anything but flat, small yards.
Wider Cutting Deck – At 21 inches, the Recycler covers 23% more ground per pass than the WORX’s 17-inch deck. This translates to fewer passes and faster mowing for medium-to-large lawns, especially when combined with the self-propelled feature.
SmartStow Foldability – The Recycler’s SmartStow design allows it to fold vertically for compact storage, saving garage or shed space. This is a practical advantage for users with limited storage room.

Where WORX Wins

Included Batteries & Charger – The WORX comes with two 20V batteries and a charger, ready to use out of the box. The Recycler is “tool-only,” meaning you must purchase a 60V battery and charger separately—adding $100–$200 to its effective price. The WORX is significantly cheaper when considering total cost.
Proven Reliability & User Feedback – With 7,073 reviews and a 4.1-star rating, the WORX has a strong track record. The Recycler has only one review (1.0 star), indicating very low adoption or a problematic launch. This makes the WORX a much safer bet.
Lightweight & Maneuverable – At roughly 30–35 lbs (estimated), the WORX is noticeably lighter than the Recycler (likely 50+ lbs with a self-propelled system). It’s easier to lift, carry, and maneuver in tight spaces, flower beds, or small yards where agility matters more than raw power.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Recycler SmartStow) if: You have a medium-to-large yard (over 1/4 acre) with slopes or uneven ground, and you already own a 60V battery system from the same brand. The self-propelled drive and wider deck will save you time and effort. But be cautious—the single negative review suggests possible quality issues.

Buy Mower B (WORX WG743) if: You have a small, flat yard (up to 1/4 acre) and want a reliable, affordable mower that works right out of the box. The dual batteries provide ample runtime for typical small lawns, and the 7,000+ positive reviews give peace of mind. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize lightweight storage and easy lifting.

Skip both if: You need a mower for a large yard (over 1/2 acre). The WORX is too small and underpowered, while the Recycler’s lack of battery and poor reviews make it a risky investment. Consider a gas mower or a higher-quality electric model with better ratings.