Skil’s PWRCore 40 Self-Propelled Mower delivers powerful, cord-free lawn care with its 40V brushless motor and innovative features. Ideal for homeowners, this mower tackles overgrown grass with ease while offering quiet operation and a 31+ minute runtime. Its foldable design and single-point height adjustment provide convenience, though the lack of side discharge may limit some users. Priced competitively at $479 with battery and fast charger included, it’s a strong contender against premium brands like EGO and Greenworks. Perfect for those seeking hassle-free lawn maintenance without compromising performance.
Robust Performance Meets User-Friendly Design in Battery-Powered Lawn Care Solution
Skil’s 40V outdoor power equipment lineup continues to impress with the introduction of their PWRCore 40 Self-Propelled Mower. Designed primarily for homeowners rather than professional landscapers, this battery-powered mower combines solid performance with thoughtful features at a competitive price point.
Performance and Handling
The mower’s brushless motor delivers consistent power, maintaining blade speed even when tackling overgrown Florida turf containing mixed grass varieties. During testing, the unit handled several days’ worth of growth at a 3-inch cutting height without bogging down. While the motor audibly adjusted to heavier loads, these power fluctuations proved less pronounced than competing battery models.
Runtime exceeded 31 minutes under demanding conditions, approaching Skil’s claimed 40-68 minute range for normal use. The self-propel system’s unique handle design earned praise for comfortable operation, with testers noting its 65-pound weight contributed to easy maneuverability. Speed adjustments via dial control maintained pace with a tall user’s natural walking stride.
Cut Quality and Features
Despite challenging conditions, the mower produced clean, even cuts thanks to its sustained blade speed. Some grass trailing occurred behind the wheels, particularly when mulching or bagging overgrown areas. Testers noted this issue would likely diminish with regular maintenance mowing.
The included standard blade performed adequately, though reviewers expressed preference for a dedicated mulching blade to better process clippings. The mower’s lack of side-discharge capability limits some cutting pattern options available on competing models.
Adjustability and Storage
Skil’s single-point height adjustment mechanism demonstrated improved sturdiness over previous generations. The telescoping handle system allows quick length modifications via pull tabs, while a simple detent system facilitates height positioning. For storage, the handle folds completely over the mower deck, enabling space-saving vertical placement.
Pricing and Competition
Priced at $479 including a 5.0Ah battery and PWRJump charger (which provides 30% charge in 30 minutes), the Skil mower occupies the upper range of homeowner-grade options. It compares favorably with:
- EGO’s 56V model ($499 with 7.5Ah battery)
- Greenworks’ 60V offering (499 with 5.0Ah battery)
Skil backs the mower with a 5-year tool warranty and 2-year coverage for the battery and charger.
Final Assessment
The PWRCore 40 Self-Propelled Mower represents a compelling option for homeowners seeking reliable, low-maintenance lawn care. While priced slightly higher than some competitors, its combination of power, runtime, and user-friendly features justifies the investment for those prioritizing convenience and consistent performance. Key Specifications:
- 40V brushless motor
- 20-inch cutting deck
- 1.5-4 inch height adjustment (7 positions)
- 1/7 bushel bag capacity
- Includes 5.0Ah battery and fast charger
- 5-year tool warranty
