Atlas Lawn Mower Review: A Welcome Addition to Your Lawn-Tool Collection

Lists and reviews of the best lawn mowers still often give gas-powered machines more praise for their power than electric or battery-operated models. However, I was given the opportunity to put my brand-name, self-propelled, 163cc gas mower up against the 80-volt, battery-op Atlas Lawn Mower, and it's safe to say I'm impressed.

With as much versatility as my gas-powered machine and plenty of run-time to handle my small yard with ease, the Atlas performed well as I moved for the first time this spring after an unusual winter that left plenty of trouble spots and debris.

Here's a detailed look at how the Atlas mower managed the task at hand, what I liked about the machine, and where it could improve.

What is the Atlas Mower?

The Atlas electric lawn mower is a professional-grade, 80-volt, battery-operated, 21-inch-wide, self-propelled lawn mower with a number of features designed to make yard work easy, quiet, and eco-friendly. While not quite as hands-off as the best robot lawn mowers, the Atlas Lawn Mower combines reasonable pricing with excellent convenience and versatile controls.

During testing, I found that the machine lived up to the battery-powered lawn mower hype. Customer reviews generally rate the Atlas over 4.5 stars on average. And after testing, I agree with most reviewers, with a few additions and just a couple of concerns.

I also spoke with Scott McLeod, 30-year owner of McLeod Landscaping. He said his professional landscaping team also continues to be impressed with the performance of similar battery-operated models as they transition to more eco-friendly technology.

Out of the box, the setup was as simple as any other walk-behind mower, with the addition of an easy-to-use handle height adjustment that took me a few seconds to figure out. However, the height adjustment is a welcome feature that's well worth the 30 seconds it took to sort out.

The tool is only available with no batteries included, and Harbor Freight is very upfront about that fact. However, that means the price you see in the ad is much less than the total cost. Battery prices for Atlas mowers start at roughly half of the mower's cost, plus another $50 to $80 for a charger. I opted for a single battery and charger because the yard I own is tiny, measuring about 1,100 square feet in total.

Atlas Mower Features

After testing the Atlas 80V Lawn Mower on thick spring grass, uneven terrain and debris-heavy patches, several features stood out for convenience, cutting performance and ease of use.

• 21-inch cutting deck suitable for small to medium-size lawns
• 80V brushless motor designed for higher torque and quieter operation
• Self-propelled drive system with responsive variable-speed control
• Mulching, bagging and side-discharge modes included out of the box
• Seven cutting height positions controlled with a single lever
• Automatic load-sensing technology that adjusts power in thicker grass
• Single- or dual-battery operation for extended runtime flexibility
• Compatible with other Atlas 40V/80V lawn tools
• Foldable, height-adjustable handle for storage and ergonomics
• Safety key system that disables power when removed
• Two-hand blade start requirement for added safety
• Mostly metal deck housing that feels durable and substantial

One feature I appreciated most during testing was the responsive speed control. Unlike my gas mower, which offers limited pace adjustment, the Atlas allowed me to quickly fine-tune the drive speed to match my walking pace, especially when moving between open sections of lawn and tighter landscaping areas.

The mower also handled transitions between self-propelled mowing and manual pushing smoothly. In tighter spaces around flower beds and rock gardens, disengaging the drive system gave me more precise control without feeling rushed.

There were a few drawbacks worth noting. On my older clay-heavy yard, the lightweight front wheels occasionally felt bouncy over uneven ground. I also found that mowing extremely tall grass required slowing the drive speed slightly to maintain the most even cut. Additionally, the mower is sold without a battery or charger, which significantly increases the total purchase price

How We Tested It

Testing Conditions

I tested the Atlas 80V Lawn Mower during the first spring mow after a difficult winter in a northern climate. The lawn included wet leaf buildup, dead grass patches, uneven terrain and thick overgrown areas that would challenge many battery-powered mowers.

The property itself is relatively small at roughly 1,100 square feet, but it includes several tight corners, landscaping obstacles, clay-heavy soil and inconsistent grass growth. The backyard grows thick and fast, while the front yard contains multiple flower and rock gardens that require more precise maneuvering.

Setup and Battery Charging

Out of the box, setup was straightforward and similar to assembling a traditional walk-behind mower. The adjustable handle system took a few moments to learn, but ultimately proved simple and convenient.

The battery arrived partially charged and required about 90 minutes on the charger before testing. Once installed, startup took only a few seconds.

Because Atlas sells the mower, battery and charger separately, I tested the mower using a single battery setup rather than the dual-battery configuration available for extended runtime.

Cutting Performance

The Atlas mower handled thick grass, wet debris and uneven patches surprisingly well. While the mower occasionally required slower drive speeds in especially tall grass, the brushless motor never noticeably bogged down during testing.

The automatic load-sensing technology appeared effective when transitioning between sparse and dense lawn sections. The mower also maintained good runtime performance, completing the full yard with roughly half the battery charge remaining.

During testing, the mower also ran over a hidden ¾-inch tree branch without slowing down or stalling.

Maneuverability and Ease of Use

The self-propelled drive system was especially useful in the larger backyard sections, while disengaging the drive allowed for more precise trimming around landscaping features in the front yard.

I also appreciated the mower’s foldable handle and one-lever height adjustment system, both of which simplified storage and setup. The safety key feature added peace of mind by allowing the mower to be fully disabled while the battery remained installed.

Overall, the Atlas mower delivered performance that felt comparable to my gas-powered mower while operating more quietly and requiring less maintenance.

Pros

• Easy height-adjustable handle
• Responsive drive speed control
• Can disengage drive control for detail work
• Easy storage with a foldable handle
• Mostly metal housing for durability
• Four-wheel height adjustment with one control lever
• Safety features with safety key and two-hand blade starting
• Uses two batteries or one, depending on the needed run time

Cons

• Front wheels were bouncy on my old, hard, clay yard
• Front plastic piece could suffer damage if mistreated
• Mowing very tall grass evenly required slowed speed
• Battery not included in mower purchase

What Other Experts Had to Say

Scott McLeod had this to say about battery-operated lawn mowing equipment in general: "I've seen the evolution of lawn care technology, especially the transition towards more sustainable options like battery-operated electric lawn mowers.

These mowers have become increasingly relevant due to their environmental benefits, reduced noise pollution, and lowered operating costs. In our operations, we've observed that electric mowers can significantly cut down on emissions, making them a popular choice for our residential and commercial clients looking to maintain their green spaces more sustainably.

One specific aspect where electric lawnmowers shine is their efficiency and ease of use. For instance, without the need for gasoline storage and oil changes, maintenance becomes simpler and cleaner. This translates into more time spent on crafting beautiful landscapes and less on equipment upkeep."

He went on to encourage others to consider battery-op lawn tools by saying, "I encourage landscaping professionals and homeowners alike to consider the long-term benefits of electric lawn equipment. It's not just about the immediate savings in fuel costs but also about investing in the health of our planet and future generations."

That said, the Atlas Lawn Mower receives an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from its current owners. Positive reviews echo my surprise at how well it performed, especially for those of us with small yards. Reviewers often comment on the Atlas mower's ease of use and appreciate the minimal maintenance requirements that really entail simply keeping the batteries properly stored.

Not all reviews are positive, however. A few poor reviews cited quality concerns on models they returned. I found two reviews that mentioned the battery becoming too overheated to recharge immediately and one that noted that the bagging feature was weak when it came to collecting all of the clippings or leaf mulch.

Atlas Mower vs. Ego Mower

Comparing the Atlas Lawn Mower to the Ego Power+ 21 mower revealed many similarities. The Ego mower is a 56-volt battery-operated machine that features seven cutting heights, variable speed drive, and three functions, including bagging, side-discharge, or mulching, like the Atlas mower.

The primary difference between the two is power management. Although the Atlas mower's battery can operate at a higher 80 volts, it's only rated for 4 amp-hours at full power. On the other hand, the Ego battery, at just 56V, is rated for 10 amp-hours. However, the Atlas mower can increase its run time by using a second battery, whereas the Ego mower doesn't offer that option.

The differences in power management mean that, although the Ego mower may be slightly less powerful than the Atlas, it's more geared towards homeowners with larger lawns that require long run times to complete the job without having to recharge batteries.

From a pricing perspective, the Ego retails between roughly $430 and $750, depending on battery choice, while the Atlas goes for similar pricing, depending on the battery quantity and power level chosen.

Final Verdict

My yard is slightly too large for me to feel comfortable with a reel mower, but certainly not large enough for a riding mower option. However, I also think that my heavy-duty gas-powered mower is even a bit overkill. The Atlas 80V Lawn Mower turned out to be the perfect solution for my situation—a small yard with plenty of tight corners and interruptions.

While I highly recommend the Atlas mower for yard owners in a similar situation, for owners of very large properties, I'd be hesitant and direct them toward a bulkier riding option or something similar. Additionally, if you're the type that likes to let your lawn grow long between mowings, consider purchasing a second Atlas battery, as the run time will diminish if it has to work harder than it did in my lawn.

Where to Buy the Atlas Mower

The Atlas 80V Brushless Cordless 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is available at Harbor Freight for $269.99 without a battery. Available batteries include a standard option at $139.99 each or an extended run time option for $249.99. The charger is also a separate purchase, costing $49.99 or $79.99, depending on your choice of rapid or standard charging.

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FAQ

Where can I buy an Atlas mower?

The Atlas Lawn Mower and other battery-operated Atlas lawn tools are available at Harbor Freight stores. The company also sells Atlas lawn edgers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers that operate using the same battery as the 80V lawn mower.

How many cutting height adjustments does the Atlas mower have?

The Atlas Lawn Mower has a single lever that adjusts the mowing height of all four wheels to any of seven settings. I tested the mower with the setting in the number three position.

Why You Should Trust Us

Deane Biermeier has more than 30 years of hands-on experience in residential construction, remodeling, maintenance and home repair. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with outdoor power equipment, lawn care tools and home improvement products in real-world conditions.

For this review, Deane tested the Atlas 80V Lawn Mower on a challenging northern lawn with uneven terrain, thick spring growth, wet debris and landscaping obstacles to evaluate its cutting performance, runtime, maneuverability and ease of use. He also compared the Atlas mower directly against his own gas-powered self-propelled mower to better assess how modern battery-powered equipment stacks up against traditional gas models.

In addition to firsthand testing, this review includes insights from landscaping professional Scott McLeod, owner of McLeod Landscaping, who shared his experience using battery-powered lawn equipment in professional landscaping operations.

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