WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower Review 2026

Are you tired of dragging a heavy gas mower across your yard every weekend? The WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower (WG743) promises a quieter, lighter, and cleaner mowing experience.

It runs on two 20V PowerShare batteries that combine for 40V of cutting power. It costs around $304 on Amazon, and it ships with batteries, a charger, and a collection bag. But does it truly deliver on its promises?

I spent weeks testing this mower on real grass, uneven terrain, and tight corners. This review covers everything from unboxing to battery life to cutting performance. Read on to find out if this cordless mower deserves a spot in your garage.

Key Takeaways

• The WORX WG743 uses two 20V batteries for a combined 40V of power. It can mow lawns up to 1/8 acre on a single charge. The batteries recharge in about two hours with the included dual charger.
• It weighs only 35 pounds, making it one of the lightest cordless mowers in its class. You can push it uphill without straining your arms or back.
• The IntelliCut feature adjusts blade speed automatically. It speeds up in thick grass and slows down in thin patches. This saves battery and gives a cleaner cut.
• Storage can be a problem. The handle does not fully collapse. You may need to remove the handlebar and grass bag to fit it into a small shed or garage corner.
• The 1.2-bushel grass collection bag fills up fast. If your grass is long or thick, expect to stop and empty it several times during a single mow.
• Noise levels stay around 89 decibels. That is quieter than most gas mowers and about the same volume as a food blender. Your neighbors will appreciate the difference.

WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower (WG743) Overview

The WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower carries model number WG743. It is a 2-in-1 push mower that offers both mulching and bagging. The mower runs on two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries. These batteries slot under a front hood and deliver a combined 40V of cutting strength.

The deck measures 17 inches wide. The actual blade cutting width is 16 inches. WORX rates this mower for lawns up to 1/8 acre, which equals about 5,500 square feet. It features a single-lever height adjustment with seven positions. You can set the cutting height anywhere from 1.5 inches to 4 inches.

This mower belongs to the WORX PowerShare family. The same 20V batteries work with over 140 other WORX tools. That means your investment in batteries carries over to trimmers, blowers, and drills. The list price sits at $329.99, but you can often find it discounted to around $304 on Amazon.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The mower arrived in a large cardboard box. It felt heavy at first lift, but that is mostly the packaging. Inside, I found the mower body, two 20V batteries, a dual charger, a 1.2-bushel grass collection bag, a mulch plug, and an instruction manual.

Assembly took about 10 minutes. The blade came pre-installed. I only needed to attach the two halves of the handle and snap on the grass collector. The instructions were clear, but the process was simple enough to figure out without them. Everything clicked into place with basic hand pressure.

My first impression was positive. The mower looked compact and well-built. The plastic body felt sturdy, not flimsy. The handle height adjusted easily, and I found 115cm to be comfortable at 5’8″ tall. I charged both batteries before the first run, and the charger brought them to full in under two hours.

Battery Life and Charging Performance

Battery life is the biggest question with any cordless mower. The WORX WG743 uses two 20V 4.0Ah batteries that combine for 40V. WORX claims the mower can handle up to 1/8 acre on a single charge. My testing showed mixed results.

On short, recently maintained grass, the batteries lasted long enough to finish a 400-square-foot yard with power to spare. On longer, overgrown grass, the batteries drained faster. I could not finish the same yard in one session during the first mow. The IntelliCut sensor increases blade speed in thick grass, which uses more energy.

The dual charger is a nice touch. It charges both batteries at the same time. A full charge from empty takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A green LED display on the mower hood shows remaining battery level. You press a button and see how many bars light up. This helps you decide if you have enough charge to tackle another section.

One clear advantage is PowerShare compatibility. If you own other WORX 20V tools, you can swap in a fully charged battery from your drill or blower as a backup. This extends your mowing time without waiting for a recharge.

Cutting Performance and IntelliCut Technology

The cutting performance impressed me on well-maintained lawns. The 16-inch blade delivered clean, even cuts at mid-range height settings. I used position 4 out of 7 for most sessions. This height worked well on slightly uneven ground.

The IntelliCut technology is a standout feature. This patented sensor detects grass density and adjusts blade speed on the fly. In thick patches, the motor speeds up. In thinner areas, it slows down to conserve battery. You can feel the difference as you push the mower through different sections of your yard. The transition is smooth and automatic.

However, the mower struggled with very tall or neglected grass. The blade would sometimes bog down, and the motor would cut out as a safety measure. If your yard has been neglected for several weeks, plan to mow on a higher setting first, then lower the deck for a second pass.

One reviewer tested the blade by mowing over an apple. The mower turned it into juice and scattered peel fragments. That gives you a sense of the cutting power. The blade is sharp and effective on standard residential grass.

Top 3 Alternatives for WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower

1. Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower

2. EGO Power+ LM2135SP 56V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

3. Sun Joe MJ401E 14″ 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower

Design and Build Quality

The WORX WG743 measures 41.34 x 17.72 x 56.99 inches and weighs about 35.3 pounds according to the spec sheet. In practice, it feels closer to 38 pounds with batteries installed. The body uses durable plastic, and the wheels are solid with good traction on grass and dirt.

The 17-inch deck is compact enough for narrow pathways. The chunky wheels provide stability on uneven ground. However, those same wheels prevent the blade from reaching right up to fence lines and edges. You will still need a string trimmer for border work.

The handle extends between 110 and 115cm. It does not fold or collapse for storage. This is a significant design drawback. If you have limited garage or shed space, you must remove the handle and grass bag to fit the mower into a tight spot. Competitors like the Greenworks models offer folding handles, which makes storage much easier.

The battery compartment under the front hood is well-designed. Batteries click in and out smoothly. The battery level indicator button beside the hood is a thoughtful touch that many budget mowers lack.

Height Adjustment and Versatility

The single-lever height adjustment is located near the front left wheel. It offers seven positions ranging from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. This gives you good control over how short or tall you leave your grass.

Switching between heights is straightforward. You push the lever to the side and slide it up or down. However, the mechanism can feel stiff at times. You may need to press down on the mower deck with your other hand while adjusting. This requires the mower to be stationary.

For regular weekly mowing, positions 3 through 5 work best for most lawn types. Position 7 (4 inches) is ideal for the first cut of the season or for very uneven terrain. Starting high and then lowering the deck prevents the blade from hitting dirt or roots that could trip the safety cutoff.

The seven-position range gives this mower more flexibility than many competitors in its price bracket. Some budget mowers offer only three or four height settings. The WORX gives you finer control over your lawn’s appearance.

Mulching and Bagging Options

The WORX WG743 is a 2-in-1 mower. It comes with both a grass collection bag and a mulch plug. You choose one or the other before each mow. Switching between them takes about 30 seconds.

The 1.2-bushel collection bag attaches to the rear of the mower. A handle on top makes it easy to lift off and dump. A full-bag indicator on the side tells you when the bag needs emptying. This is a helpful detail because an overstuffed bag reduces airflow and cutting quality.

The bag fills up quickly on thick or long grass. During my tests, I emptied it four to five times on a 400-square-foot yard. If you mow weekly and keep your grass short, you will empty it less often. The bag capacity is on the smaller side compared to 21-inch mowers.

The mulch plug is a simple insert that blocks the rear discharge. Clippings get chopped finely and returned to the lawn as natural fertilizer. This works well on dry, short grass. On wet or long grass, the mulch can clump and leave visible piles. I recommend mulching only if you mow frequently.

Noise Level and Neighbor-Friendliness

One of the biggest selling points of the WORX WG743 is its quiet operation. WORX advertises a noise level of 92 decibels. In real-world testing, the mower measured closer to 89 decibels. That is about the same volume as a running dishwasher or food blender.

Compare that to a gas mower, which typically produces 95 to 100 decibels. The difference is noticeable. You can mow early in the morning or late in the evening without disturbing neighbors. You can also mow without ear protection, though hearing protection is always a good safety habit.

The motor hum is steady and consistent. There are no sudden engine revs or backfires. The IntelliCut system does increase motor speed in thick grass, but the change in noise level is minimal. You might hear a slight pitch increase, but it stays well below the discomfort range.

This quiet operation makes the WORX a great choice for suburban neighborhoods with close-together houses. It also makes the mowing experience more pleasant for you. You can hear birds, music, or a podcast while you mow.

Maneuverability and Ease of Use

Starting the mower is simple and fast. Insert the safety key into the slot on the handle. Then press the start button and squeeze the bail lever. The motor fires up instantly. No pulling a cord, no priming, and no waiting for a warm-up.

Pushing the mower on flat, open grass feels effortless. At 35 pounds, it is lighter than most gas mowers and many competing cordless models. The wheels roll smoothly on grass and packed dirt.

Tight spaces are a different story. The 17-inch deck and chunky wheel design make it hard to maneuver in corners and narrow spots. Turning the mower at the end of a row requires a wide arc or an awkward multi-point turn. The mower feels heavier during these turns because you must lift and redirect it.

Along fence lines, the wheels prevent the blade from cutting right to the edge. You will need a string trimmer to clean up borders. This is common for mowers in this size class, but worth noting if you expect edge-to-edge cutting.

What the WORX 17″ Mower Does Not Do Well

No product is perfect. The WORX WG743 has several clear weaknesses that you should consider before buying.

It does not handle heavily overgrown lawns well. If your grass is taller than 6 inches, the motor bogs down and the safety cutoff triggers. You must set the height to maximum and make multiple passes. This drains the battery fast.

The handle does not fold. Compared to competitors that offer collapsible handles, the WORX takes up more storage space. If you have a small shed, this is a real inconvenience.

The grass bag is too small for large jobs. At 1.2 bushels, you will stop frequently to empty it. This slows down your mowing routine and adds frustration. A larger bag or a side-discharge option would improve the experience.

It is not self-propelled. You push this mower entirely on your own. On flat ground, that is fine. On hills or slopes, the 35-pound weight becomes more noticeable. If your yard has significant inclines, consider a self-propelled model like the EGO LM2135SP instead.

Edge cutting is limited. The deck and wheel design leave a gap between the blade and any vertical surface like a fence or wall.

Who Should Buy the WORX WG743?

This mower fits a specific type of homeowner. If you have a small to medium yard (under 5,500 square feet) with relatively flat terrain, this mower will serve you well. It is ideal for suburban lots with basic grass that gets mowed weekly.

First-time cordless mower buyers will appreciate the easy setup, simple controls, and quiet operation. There is no learning curve. If you have never owned a battery-powered mower, the WORX WG743 is a gentle introduction to the category.

Homeowners who already own WORX PowerShare tools get extra value from this purchase. Your existing batteries work with the mower. You can swap batteries between your drill, blower, trimmer, and mower. This saves money and reduces clutter.

Budget-conscious buyers will find this mower attractive. At around $304 (often less during sales), it costs significantly less than premium brands like EGO or Ryobi self-propelled models. You get solid performance without spending $500 or more.

This mower is not ideal for large properties, steep hills, or yards that go weeks between mowing sessions.

Warranty and Customer Support

WORX offers a 3-year limited warranty on the WG743 mower. This covers defects in materials and workmanship. The batteries carry a separate warranty period. You register your product on the WORX website to activate the warranty.

Customer reviews report mixed experiences with WORX support. Some users describe quick and helpful responses. Others mention delays in getting replacement parts. If a battery fails within the warranty period, WORX will typically send a replacement.

It is worth noting that WORX sells replacement blades, bags, and batteries through their website and Amazon. Parts availability is generally good. A replacement blade costs around $15 to $20. Replacement 20V 4.0Ah batteries run about $60 to $80 each.

For best results, register your mower immediately after purchase and keep your receipt. This speeds up any future warranty claims.

Final Verdict on the WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower

The WORX 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower (WG743) is a solid budget-friendly option for small yards. It cuts cleanly, runs quietly, and starts with a simple button press. The IntelliCut technology adds genuine value by optimizing blade speed and battery use.

The weaknesses are real but manageable. The small grass bag, non-folding handle, and limited battery life on overgrown lawns are trade-offs you accept at this price point. If you maintain your yard on a weekly schedule, these issues shrink considerably.

At around $304 with two batteries and a dual charger included, the WORX WG743 offers strong value for the money. It scores well on ease of use, noise level, and cutting quality. It loses points on storage convenience and battery endurance for demanding jobs.

I recommend this mower for homeowners with small, flat yards who want a quiet, lightweight, and affordable cordless option. If you need more power, a larger deck, or self-propelled drive, look at the EGO or Greenworks alternatives listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the WORX 17″ cordless mower battery last?

The two 20V 4.0Ah batteries provide enough power to mow up to 1/8 acre on a single charge. On short, regular grass, expect around 30 to 45 minutes of run time. Tall or thick grass drains the battery faster because IntelliCut increases the blade speed. A full recharge takes about 1.5 to 2 hours with the included dual charger.

Can I use the WORX WG743 on a hilly yard?

The mower is a push model with no self-propelled feature. It weighs about 35 pounds. On gentle slopes, it works fine. On steep hills, you will feel the weight and may struggle to push it uphill. If your yard has significant inclines, a self-propelled mower would be a better choice.

Does the WORX 17″ mower have a side discharge option?

No. The WG743 is a 2-in-1 mower with mulching and rear bagging only. It does not offer a side discharge chute. If you prefer side discharge, you will need to look at other models.

Are the WORX PowerShare batteries interchangeable with other WORX tools?

Yes. The 20V PowerShare batteries used in this mower work with over 140 other WORX products. This includes string trimmers, leaf blowers, drills, and saws. You can swap a fresh battery from another WORX tool into the mower for extended run time.

Is the WORX WG743 good for large yards?

This mower is rated for yards up to 1/8 acre (5,500 square feet). For larger properties, the battery life and small grass bag become limiting factors. If your yard exceeds this size, consider a mower with a larger deck, bigger battery capacity, or a self-propelled drive system.