STEELITE 40V(2x20V) 17" Electric Lawn Mower, 6-Height Adjustment, 2-in-1 Bagging & Mulching, Lawn Mower for Small & Medium Yards, Includes 2X 4.0Ah Batteries & Charger,Green Review

Overview

The STEELITE 40V (2x20V) 17" Electric Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly cordless option designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards—think under a quarter acre. It runs on two included 4.0Ah batteries that work together to deliver 40V of power, and it offers both bagging and mulching in a single, lightweight package. At $179.99, it’s aimed at those who want to ditch gas without spending big on a premium battery system.

Who Should Buy This

First-time cordless mower buyers on a budget – If you’re new to battery-powered mowing and don’t want to drop $400+ on a flagship model, this is a low-risk entry point. The price includes batteries and a charger, so there’s no hidden cost.

Homeowners with small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre) – The 17-inch cutting deck and 4.0Ah batteries are best suited for compact yards with minimal obstacles. You’ll get through a typical suburban front lawn on a single charge, no problem.

Renters or condo dwellers with patchy grass – Lightweight at around 35 pounds, this mower is easy to carry up stairs or store in a tight garage corner. The folding handle saves space, too.

Eco-conscious users who hate gas cans – No mixing oil, no stale fuel, no pull cords. If you want zero emissions and instant start, this fits the bill without the premium price tag.

Key Features Breakdown

40V (2x20V) System – The mower uses two 20V 4.0Ah batteries in series to produce 40V of power. This is a common approach that keeps battery costs down (you can use the same batteries in other tools from the same platform). Real-world performance is adequate for thin, dry grass but will struggle with thick, wet turf.

17-Inch Cutting Deck – Narrower than standard 20-21 inch decks, which means more passes on larger lawns. However, it’s a blessing for tight spaces, garden beds, and narrow gates. The deck is stamped steel—durable enough for residential use but not built for abuse.

6-Height Adjustment – A single lever (not tool-free per wheel) adjusts cutting height from roughly 1.5 to 3.5 inches. That’s a decent range for most cool-season and warm-season grasses. The mechanism feels a bit plasticky but works consistently.

2-in-1 Bagging & Mulching – A side discharge is not included, so you’re choosing between bagging and mulching. The mulching plug installs easily and does a fair job with dry clippings. The bag is a hard plastic unit with a 1.5-bushel capacity—small, but fine for the deck size.

Includes 2x 4.0Ah Batteries & Charger – Two batteries provide runtime around 30-40 minutes under light load, enough for a 1/4 acre lawn if you don’t go full throttle through heavy grass. Charging takes about 2-3 hours per pair.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price – At $179.99 with batteries and charger included, this is one of the most affordable cordless mowers on the market. Comparable models from big brands often start at $250+.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At roughly 35 pounds, you can lift it into a truck bed or carry it over a retaining wall without straining. Great for users with limited strength.
• Compact storage – The handle folds down with no tools required, reducing the footprint to about 20 x 36 inches. Perfect for small sheds or apartment balconies.
• Quieter than any gas mower – You can mow early Saturday morning without waking the neighbors. Conversation-level noise, no earplugs needed.
• Instant start, no maintenance – Push a button and go. No spark plugs, no oil changes, no carburetor cleaning. This is the main appeal for casual lawn owners.
• Batteries are cross-compatible – If you already own 20V STEELITE tools, these batteries work across the lineup. Saves you from buying into a new system.

Cons

• Underpowered for thick or wet grass – The 40V system and 17-inch deck bog down noticeably in dense St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. You’ll need to mow frequently and avoid cutting when grass is damp.
• Small bag capacity – The 1.5-bushel bag fills up fast, especially in spring growth. Expect to empty it every 3-4 passes on a 1/4 acre lawn. Mulching is a better option to avoid constant stops.
• Battery runtime is limited – Two 4.0Ah batteries give you about 30-40 minutes of real-world mowing. If your lawn is over 3,000 square feet or has thick grass, you might need a third battery to finish in one go.
• No self-propulsion – This is a push mower only. On flat ground that’s fine, but if you have any slope, you’ll be working harder. Not ideal for hilly properties.

Bottom Line

The STEELITE 40V 17-inch mower is a solid entry-level cordless option for anyone with a small, flat lawn and a tight budget. It won’t match the power, runtime, or build quality of premium brands like EGO or Toro, but at this price point, it doesn’t have to. If you’re mowing a 2,000-square-foot patch of thin fescue and want to avoid gas entirely, this mower will get the job done without breaking the bank. For larger lawns, thicker grass, or any hills, spend more on a self-propelled model with a bigger deck and higher voltage. But for the right buyer, this is a smart, low-stakes buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the STEELITE 40V mower on a slope?
Yes, but only gentle slopes. Since it’s a push mower with no self-propulsion, you’ll need to push uphill manually. The wheels are standard 7-inch plastic, so traction isn’t great on loose soil or steep grades. Stick to flat or mildly sloped terrain.

How long does it take to charge the batteries?
The included charger takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge both 4.0Ah batteries simultaneously (if using a dual-port charger) or sequentially. Plan ahead—don’t expect a quick top-up between mowing sessions.

Will this mower handle overgrown grass?
Not well. The 40V motor lacks the torque to power through tall, thick weeds or grass that’s been neglected for weeks. You’ll need to raise the deck to the highest setting and take light passes, or use a string trimmer first. For routine weekly cuts, it’s fine.