Many users assume that a powerful gas mower is the only way to handle dense St. Augustine grass, but my extensive testing proved otherwise. I’ve used both cordless and reel mowers on similar grass types, and I can tell you that ease of use and precision matter just as much as raw power. The Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery impressed me with its gas-like performance, yet it’s lightweight and effortless to maneuver—perfect for smaller yards or those who want a quieter, cleaner option.
Compared to the Earthwise 1715-16EW reel mower, which offers a sharp, eco-friendly cut with durable blades, the Greenworks mower stood out for its adjustable height, extended runtime, and compatibility with other 40V tools. It handles thick, Bahia-like grass with ease, cuts evenly, and requires less physical effort. After thorough testing, I recommend the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower — it’s the best mix of power, convenience, and value for staking out your St. Augustine yard.
Top Recommendation: Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery
Why We Recommend It: This cordless mower outperforms the reel option with its effortless power, 35-minute runtime, and adjustable cutting height (1.25″–3.375″)—crucial for dense St. Augustine grass. Its ergonomic design and push-button start make it easier to handle and store. Plus, the 2-in-1 mulching and bagging system simplifies clipping management, while compatibility with other Greenworks 40V tools offers long-term value.
Best lawn mower for st augustine grass: Our Top 2 Picks
- Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery – Best Electric Lawn Mower for St Augustine Grass
- Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower – Best Reel Mower for St Augustine Grass
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower with 4.0Ah Battery
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to handle
- ✓ Quiet and emission-free
- ✓ Quick recharge and long run
- ✕ Battery life may be tight for larger yards
- ✕ Limited deck size for big lawns
| Cutting Deck Size | 16 inches |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0Ah |
| Runtime | 35 minutes per full charge |
| Cutting Height Adjustment | 5-position, 1.25″ to 3.375″ |
| Power System | 40V lithium-ion battery |
| Noise Level | <75dB |
That shiny green mower has been sitting on my wishlist for months, and when I finally got my hands on the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower, I was eager to see if it could handle my St. Augustine grass without the usual noise and fumes.
Right out of the box, I noticed how lightweight it is—about 35% lighter than typical gas mowers. It’s easy to lift and maneuver, even around tight corners or flower beds.
The ergonomic handles feel comfortable, and the push-button start means no more fumbling with cords or pull cords.
Its 16″ deck is perfect for my medium-sized yard, and the smart cut adjustment system makes changing the height super simple. I found the 5-position lever quick to adjust, which helped me get an even cut across different grass patches.
Plus, the 2-in-1 mulching and bagging system is a game-changer for managing clippings without hassle.
Performance-wise, I was impressed by how smoothly it cut through my thick St. Augustine.
The battery lasted about 35 minutes, which was enough to do my whole yard in one go, and it charges back in just 2 hours. The quiet operation means I can mow early mornings without waking the neighbors—big win!
Overall, this mower offers effortless power, great value, and no maintenance worries. It’s a solid choice for anyone tired of gas, fumes, and noise, especially for small to medium lawns.
It truly feels like an upgrade for your yard work routine.
Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch 7-Blade Reel Lawn Mower
- ✓ Quiet operation
- ✓ Eco-friendly design
- ✓ Sharp alloy steel blades
- ✕ Manual effort needed
- ✕ Not ideal for very tall grass
| Cutting Width | 16 inches |
| Blade Type | 7-blade ball bearing reel |
| Wheels | 10-inch composite wheels |
| Cutting Height Range | 0.5 to 2.5 inches |
| Material | Durable steel side plate |
| Blade Material | Alloy steel |
The moment I took the Earthwise 1715-16EW out of its box, I noticed it feels surprisingly solid for a reel mower. Its steel side plates give it a sturdy, no-nonsense look, and the 16-inch cutting width is perfect for tackling my yard without feeling cumbersome.
The 7-blade reel spins smoothly, thanks to those ball bearings, making cutting feel effortless. The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, which is a huge plus because I hate constantly sharpening tools.
The 10-inch composite wheels roll easily over uneven patches of my St. Augustine grass, which tends to be a bit bumpy.
I appreciate the adjustable cutting height—being able to set it from 0.5 to 2.5 inches means I can customize for a clean, even cut or a slightly taller look. It’s really quiet compared to my gas mower, and I love that it’s eco-friendly without sacrificing performance.
Using it on my thick, bent grass was a breeze. The self-cutting design means I don’t need to sharpen blades often, and the manual push feels natural, even over slightly hilly areas.
Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I don’t dread mowing on weekends anymore.
Overall, this reel mower is a joy to use—simple, effective, and kind on the environment. It’s perfect for maintaining St.
Augustine and similar grasses without the fuss of gas engines or cords.