Husqvarna LE221R Review
Pros: Self-propelled, maneuverable, well-designed cockpit
Cons: Limited runtime, limited power, loud
Manufacturer: Husqvarna
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Husqvarna LE221R | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $550 List | $549 List | $90 List | $349 List $405.53 at Amazon | $300 List $267.88 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Self-propelled, maneuverable, well-designed cockpit | Extensive runtime, rapid recharge, massive cutting deck width | Inexpensive, simple, minimal maintenance | Maneuverable, broad cutting range, well designed bail | Above average runtime, descent power, quiet |
| Cons | Limited runtime, limited power, loud | Fairly expensive, more mower than some may need | Limited cutting heights, manual powered, relatively loud | Short runtime, limited cutting power, not self-propelled | Narrow cutting deck, not self-propelled, relatively hard to push |
| Bottom Line | This moderately priced lawn mower has limited runtime and lacks power | This long-lasting mower can tackle the biggest jobs without breaking a sweat | This compact, manually powered mower is simple and easy to use on even turf | An economy machine that's best suited to low-demand lawns | This low-cost, manually-propelled lawn mower has an above average runtime |
| Rating Categories | Husqvarna LE221R | Ego LM2102SP | Greenworks 25052 | Black+Decker CM2043 | Greenworks 25322 |
| Mowing (35%) | |||||
| Battery (25%) | |||||
| Handling (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Husqvarna LE221R | Ego LM2102SP | Greenworks 25052 | Black+Decker CM2043 | Greenworks 25322 |
| Self-Propelled | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Estimated Cutting Area | 6,304 ft² | 14,275 ft² | N/A | 6,457 ft² | 9,196 ft² |
| Measured Recharge Time | 67 min | 57 min | N/A | 300 min | 60 min |
| Cutting Deck Width | 16 3/8" | 18 1/8" | 16" | 15 5/16" | 13 3/4" |
| Measured Cutting Gap | 1" | 3/4" | N/A | 1 1/2" | 1" |
| Measured Noise | 77.4 dBa | 71 dBa | 86 dBa | 74.5 dBa | 72.8 dBa |
| Power (1 - 10) | 4 | 7 | Manual powered | 3 | 5 |
| Folding/Unfolding Ease (1 - 10) | 6 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 7 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
All the mowers in our review are, at a minimum, of decent quality. However, in comparison to one another, some are overshadowed by their higher-performing peers. Unfortunately, the Husqvarna pales in comparison to many other mowers in the class. This contrast is due to the mower's lack of sufficient power to mulch the grass that it cuts. Moreover, the Husqvarna's batteries offer a very limited runtime and a long recharge interval.
Performance Comparison
Likes
The Husqvarna LE221R has a nicely designed, dual-battery system that allows for easy insertion and removal of the battery cells. Additionally, the battery life meter is conveniently located in a unique user interface located on the handlebar. The handlebar itself is very comfortable as well with one of the better designed bails that we have evaluated.
Despite the broad dimensions of the cutting deck of the Husqvarna, the mower is quite maneuverable compared to its similarly proportioned peers. This maneuverability is a product of the mower's self-propulsion and, when disengaged, the freely turning wheels.
Dislikes
Our main concerns with the Husqvarna is that it has a limited runtime (thus a limited cutting capacity) and that the motor is quite weak. These issues are compounded by the general lack of adjustability in the cutting deck height. The cutting range covers a meager 1 15/16" — from 13/16" - 2 3/4".
Additionally, our testing revealed that the Husqvarna is among the loudest mowers in the class. One of the main benefits of electric mowers is that they are quite a bit less noisy than their gas-powered predecessors. The Husqvarna's motor significantly reduces this benefit.
Value
We define value, in this case, as a measure of a mower's quality and performance in light of the amount of money that the mower costs. When we look at the Husqvarna LE221R through this lens, we do not find it to be a very good value in comparison to many of its peers.
Conclusion
The Husqvarna is not a high performing machine. It has a limited runtime, it lacks the power to efficiently mulch the grass it cuts, and it is quite loud. Its lower, more competitive price point does not mitigate these shortcomings.
— Nick Miley and Austin Palmer
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