Greenworks, the Changzhou, China-based company known for battery-powered tools, has introduced the MaximusZ electric riding mower, a five-motor machine that the company positions as a premium alternative to gas-powered models for U.S. homeowners. The mower, priced at $8,799, uses two motors to drive the wheels and three motors to spin the blades, cutting a 54-inch path in a single pass. Greenworks claims the mower can cover up to four acres on a single charge, making it a direct competitor to established gas models like the Stihl RZ 552, which sells for $9,499.
The MaximusZ runs on an 80-volt architecture, using four smaller 6.0Ah batteries and two larger 16Ah packs for a combined capacity of 56Ah. Charging takes about 3.5 hours, though the charger is proprietary, which the reviewer noted as a drawback, wishing it instead supported standard plugs like SAE J1772 or NACS. The mower also features a 2-inch front hitch, a rear hitch with a 300-pound towing capacity, and a small dump bed at the back rated for 200 pounds, making it more versatile than typical lawn equipment.
Beyond cutting grass, the MaximusZ functions as a utility vehicle, with a bed that measures 18 inches deep and 28 inches wide, suitable for hauling wood or other light loads. It also includes an electric takeoff, or ETO, a feature borrowed from traditional tractor power takeoffs, which can drive accessories like snowblowers or hay balers, though Greenworks currently offers only a few compatible attachments. The reviewer used the bed to move wood piles around his property, praising its practicality for daily chores compared to gas mowers that only cut grass.
Performance-wise, the MaximusZ reaches a top speed of 8 mph and delivers 41 horsepower, outpacing some professional-grade machines, including an $18,899 Toro 6000 Series. The reviewer noted that the mower handles tight turns well, with a steering system that uses two handles to control each rear motor independently, allowing for zero-radius spins. However, he found that the handles were misaligned, requiring him to hold the right handle about an inch behind the left to go straight, with no way to recalibrate. On steep inclines, the mower is rated for grades up to 15 degrees, and grip becomes a limitation on steeper slopes, with the rear wheels prone to spinning out and tearing grass.
The mower includes several comfort and convenience features, such as a seat with an adjustable damper system, a 4-inch LCD display that shows battery state, speeds, and runtime, plus USB-A and USB-C ports, a smartphone slot, and two cupholders. The reviewer found the display dim and prone to scratches, and the boot-up time of about eight seconds was mildly annoying. The overall ride is rough over roots and uneven ground, since the seat damper is the only suspension. Despite these compromises, the reviewer concluded that the MaximusZ is a surprisingly capable utility vehicle, far more practical for everyday use than comparable gas mowers, even if it may not suit those seeking a flawless cut at top speed.
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