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Husqvarna LE221R Review

This moderately priced lawn mower has limited runtime and lacks power
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Price:   $430 List | $580 at Amazon
Pros:  Self-propelled, maneuverable, well-designed cockpit
Cons:  Limited runtime, limited power, loud
Manufacturer:   Husqvarna
By Nick Miley and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Oct 1, 2019
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54
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#6 of 9
  • mowing - 35% 5
  • battery - 25% 5
  • handling - 25% 6
  • ease of use - 15% 6

Our Verdict

This Husqvarna LE221R walk-behind lawnmower offers customers limited cutting height options, limited power, and a short runtime. However, it is moderately priced and is self-propelled. Moreover, it boasts several well-designed ease of use and handling features. Specifically, this mower has a nice battery system, battery meter, and bail.


Compare to Similar Products

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This Product
Husqvarna LE221R
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Top Pick Award  
Price $430 List$500 List
$303.36 at Amazon		$400 List$450 List
$441.01 at Amazon		$600 List
$599.00 at Amazon
Star Rating
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Pros Self-propelled, maneuverable, well-designed cockpitExtensive runtime, rapid recharge, massive cutting deck widthGreat handling, good at edging, broad cutting deckFantastic folding mechanism, long-lasting battery, rapid recharge timeFast recharge, fairly quiet, easy battery removal
Cons Limited runtime, limited power, loudFairly expensive, more mower than some may needLimited runtime, prolonged rechargingLacks self-propulsion, below average cutting deck width, stiff bailLackluster maneuverability, expensive, limited runtime
Bottom Line This moderately priced lawn mower has limited runtime and lacks powerThis do-it-all mower eats up turf like Popeye eats spinachAn inexpensive mower that delivers above average performance in every category except battery lifeAn easy to use mower that is great for newbies but will satisfy old hands as wellThis mower offers few features to rationalize its steep price tag
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Rating Categories Husqvarna LE221R EGO LM2102SP Ryobi RY40190-Y Worx WG774 Snapper...
Mowing (35%)
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
7
10
0
7
Battery (25%)
10
0
5
10
0
8
10
0
6
10
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6
10
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6
Handling (25%)
10
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6
10
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7
10
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7
10
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5
10
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4
Ease Of Use (15%)
10
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6
10
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8
10
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7
10
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9
10
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7
Specs Husqvarna LE221R EGO LM2102SP Ryobi RY40190-Y Worx WG774 Snapper...
power 4 7 7 5 7
estimated cutting area (square feet) 6,304 ft² 14,275 ft² 7,031 ft² 12,302 ft² 4,382 ft²
measured recharge time 67 mins 57 mins 250 mins 105 mins 30 mins
folding/ unfolding ease 6 9 7 10 7
measured noise 77.4 dBA 71 dBA 71 dBA 72.4 dBA 72 dBA
measured cutting gap (inches) 1 in. 3/4 1/2 in. 3/4 in. 15/16 in.
measured cutting deck width (inches) 16 3/8 in. 18 1/8 in. 17 in. 15 1/4 in. 17 5/8 in.

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.

The Husqvarna is best suited to low-demand lawns
The Husqvarna is best suited to low-demand lawns

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.


A well laid out cockpit with on/ off button SavE (energy saving) button battery indicator and self-propel speed settings
A well laid out cockpit with on/ off button, SavE (energy saving) button, battery indicator, and self-propel speed settings

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.

The Husqvarna has limited cutting heights
The Husqvarna has limited cutting heights

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.

The dual batteries are easily removed with one hand
The dual batteries are easily removed with one hand

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