DeWalt 150cc Lawn Mower Review: Can Yellow & Black Truly Replace Gas?
The construction site is dominated by yellow and black, but what about your backyard? For decades, the “150cc gas engine” was the gold standard for residential lawn mowing. It provided enough torque to chew through St. Augustine grass and enough durability to last a decade. But times are changing.
When users search for a DeWalt 150cc lawn mower, they are often looking for the Holy Grail: a machine with the raw power of a 150cc gas engine but without the oil changes, spark plugs, and noise. While DeWalt does not currently manufacture a mower with a traditional gas engine, their 2x20V MAX and 60V MAX cordless mowers are explicitly engineered to be the “150cc equivalent” killers.
In this in-depth review, we are testing the DeWalt 21-inch Self-Propelled Mower (the heavy hitter in their lineup) to see if it actually delivers on its promise of gas-like performance. Does it hold up against the competition, or is it just a glorified drill with wheels? If you are on the fence about ditching fuel, you might also want to read our breakdown of electric mowers vs gas mowers before making the switch.
The “150cc Equivalent”: DeWalt 21″ Self-Propelled Mower Overview
DeWalt entered the outdoor power equipment market later than some competitors, but they came swinging with their heavy-duty heritage. The focus of this review is their Gen 2 Self-Propelled model, which utilizes two 10Ah batteries to deliver high-voltage cutting power.
Unlike many plastic-decked electric mowers (looking at you, Ryobi), DeWalt sticks to its construction roots with a heavy-duty steel deck. This immediately sets it apart in the electric lawn mower reviews landscape. It feels like a tool, not a toy.
DeWalt 21-inch 2x20V MAX Self-Propelled Mower
Best For: Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre lawns who already own DeWalt power tools.
Check Price on AmazonDeep Dive: Performance & Features
Marketing claims are one thing; cutting tall, wet fescue is another. Here is how the DeWalt performs when the rubber meets the turf.
1. Cutting Power (The 150cc Claim)
Does it truly rival a 150cc gas engine? Surprisingly, yes—mostly. The brushless motor provides high torque that maintains blade speed even in thick patches. We tested this alongside a standard Briggs & Stratton 140cc gas mower, and the DeWalt didn’t stall.
However, like all electrics, if you let your grass grow for three weeks in the spring, you might need to make two passes. If you are dealing with extremely tough conditions, check our guide on how to remove dead grass to ensure your mower isn’t overworked by thatch.
2. Build Quality & Durability
This is DeWalt’s strongest selling point. The 21-inch steel deck is robust. It can take a beating from stray rocks or fence posts. The handles are sturdy metal tubes, not flimsy plastic. If you are clumsy or have a rough yard, this durability is a major plus compared to the plastic decks we discussed in our Ryobi lawn mower review.
3. Battery System & Runtime
The mower uses the DeWalt 2x20V system (running two 20V batteries in series for 40V power) or the FlexVolt system depending on the specific SKU. With two 10Ah batteries, you can realistically expect 45 to 60 minutes of runtime.
Pro Tip: The rear-wheel drive self-propel eats battery life. If you are mowing a flat lawn, disengage the drive to extend your mowing time by 15-20%.
4. Mulching and Bagging
The mower comes with a mulch plug and a rear bag. The suction is adequate, but heavy, wet grass can clog the chute—a common issue with steel deck electrics that lack the high-lift aerodynamics of gas mowers. Using the right blade helps; read about mulching blade vs regular blade to optimize your setup.
DeWalt vs. The Competition
How does the “Yellow” team stack up against “Red” (Milwaukee) and the “Green” giants (EGO/Greenworks)?
| Feature | DeWalt 21″ Self-Propelled | EGO Power+ 21″ Select Cut | Gas Mower (150cc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 2x 20V (40V Total) or 60V | 56V Arc Lithium | Unleaded Gas |
| Deck Material | Steel (Durable) | Plastic (Lightweight) | Steel |
| Noise Level | Low (~75 dB) | Low (~70 dB) | High (~95 dB) |
| Maintenance | Sharpen blade, charge battery | Sharpen blade, charge battery | Oil, filters, spark plugs, gas |
| Vertical Storage | Yes (Fold & Lock) | Yes | Rarely |
While EGO often wins on pure cutting technology with their multi-blade systems, DeWalt wins on ruggedness. If you already have 200 DeWalt tools in your garage, sticking with the platform is a smart financial move. However, if you are starting from scratch, you might want to compare it against the options in our Greenworks mowers reviews.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
✅ The Good
- Steel Deck: superior durability compared to plastic competitors.
- Battery Platform: Uses the same batteries as your drill, saw, and trimmer.
- Vertical Storage: Folds up in seconds to save garage floor space.
- Torque: Truly feels like a 150cc gas equivalent in dry grass.
- Ergonomics: Comfortable handle grips and intuitive speed controls.
❌ The Bad
- Weight: The steel deck makes it heavier than other electric mowers.
- Suction: Bagging performance is average on wet grass.
- Cost: High upfront cost if you don’t already own batteries.
- Charger: Included chargers are sometimes slow standard chargers, not fast chargers.
If you struggle with lawn maintenance beyond just mowing, ensure you have the full kit. Check out our guide to the best lawn tools of 2025 to complete your shed.
Maintenance Tips for Your DeWalt Mower
One of the biggest advantages of electric mowers is low maintenance, but “low” doesn’t mean “no.” Here is how to keep your DeWalt running like new:
Blade Care
The motor is powerful, but a dull blade drains the battery twice as fast. Check your blade monthly. If you hit a rock, inspect it immediately. We have a full tutorial on how to sharpen lawn mower blades that applies perfectly to this model.
Under-Deck Cleaning
Since the deck is steel, it can rust if wet grass is left caked underneath. After every mow, tilt the mower (safety key removed!) and scrape the deck. This also helps prevent the spread of lawn diseases like brown patch fungus.
Winter Storage
DeWalt batteries should be stored indoors, not in a freezing shed. The mower itself can hang vertically on a wall. See our guide on how to prepare your lawn for winter for more seasonal tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DeWalt make a gas lawn mower?
DeWalt currently focuses on battery-powered outdoor equipment. While they have licensed their name for gas products in the past, their current lineup is exclusively 20V and 60V cordless electric mowers designed to replace 150cc gas engines.
How long do the DeWalt mower batteries last?
With two 10Ah batteries, you can expect between 45 to 60 minutes of runtime. This varies based on grass height, moisture, and whether the self-propel feature is active.
Is the DeWalt mower powerful enough for tall grass?
Yes, the brushless motor provides torque comparable to a 140cc-150cc gas engine. However, for extremely overgrown fields, a gas mower or brush cutter might still be necessary. If you have serious weeds, consult our best lawn weed killer guide first.
Can I use my drill batteries in the lawn mower?
Yes, if they are DeWalt 20V MAX or FlexVolt batteries. However, standard small drill batteries (2Ah or 4Ah) will not provide sufficient runtime. You need high-capacity batteries (5Ah, 10Ah, or 12Ah) for a lawn mower.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the DeWalt “150cc Equivalent”?
If you came looking for a DeWalt 150cc lawn mower, you found something better: a machine that cuts like gas but lives in the future. The DeWalt 21-inch Self-Propelled mower is a robust, durable, and powerful machine that successfully replaces the traditional gas engine for most suburban homeowners.
It is the perfect choice for those already invested in the DeWalt battery ecosystem. The ability to swap batteries between your leaf blower, string trimmer, and mower offers a level of convenience gas can’t match.
However, if you have a massive property (over 1 acre) or need a robotic solution, you might want to explore our reviews on robotic lawn mowers or check out the Mammotion Luba 2 for a hands-off approach.
For the construction-grade homeowner, though? The DeWalt is a solid buy.
For more advice on keeping your lawn green and healthy, don’t miss our Lawn Care 101 guide.
