There is a point where a full-size lawn mower just becomes a hassle. It is heavy, bulky, and annoying to move around, especially if you have multiple lawns, steps to manage, or you just want something that is easy to store and easy to grab.
I have been testing the Gtech SLM50 cordless lawn mower, along with the matching HT50 pole hedge trimmer, to see if a “small mower” actually does a proper job on real grass. Spoiler: this system is built around one key idea, light weight and cordless convenience, for smaller lawns and regular tidy-ups.
Quick take: If your lawn is around 40 to 100 square meters and you prefer mowing fairly often (mulching style), the SLM50 can be a great fit. If you want a grass box, or you let the lawn grow tall between cuts, you will likely be disappointed.
What comes in the kit (and why it matters)
One of the most practical things about this Gtech system is battery compatibility. In this kit, you get the whole setup, but you can also buy “bare tool” versions depending on what batteries you already own.
Lawn mower kit (SLM50)
- The mower body (with reclining handle)
- Charger
- 2Ah battery (18V system)
- User guide
Assembly is genuinely minimal. The handle just clicks together and into place.
Hedge trimmer kit (HT50 pole hedge trimmer)
- Battery and charger included
- User guide
- Shoulder strap (I personally do not always use it because straps can get in the way, but it is there)
- Hedge trimmer body with a pole reach
Important note: the branch cutter attachment is an optional extra. It is not included with the hedge trimmer kit, but it is designed to extend what you can cut.
Key Gtech SLM50 mower specs (the numbers I actually care about)
- Weight: 3.5 kg with handle and battery
- Best for lawns: up to around 100 square meters
- Cutting width: 25 cm (10 inches)
- Cutting heights: 40 mm or 50 mm (manual axle adjustment)
- Mowing style: mulching (no grass catch box)
- Safety system: safety key plus a handle-position cut-out
- Blade: Omniblade design for cutting close to edges
The “small mower” thing is not about being flimsy. The deck is smooth for easy cleaning and the plastic edge looks thick and rigid, which should help when you occasionally bump walls or fences.
Key HT50 hedge trimmer specs (reach, runtime, and cut thickness)
- Blade length: 53 cm
- Pole reach: up to about 10 feet
- Runtime: around 60 minutes on the 2Ah battery
- Charge time: about 4 hours to fully charge
- Weight: 2.94 kg
- Cut capacity: up to 25 mm branches on the blade
That 25 mm limit is worth remembering. If your hedges have genuinely thick growth beyond that, you will want the optional branch cutter attachment.
Battery compatibility: one battery, multiple tools
This is one of the reasons I like this range. The 2Ah battery fits the mower and also other Gtech tools (including the grass trimmer). So if you start with one kit and later expand, you are not locked into one single tool forever.
Runtime is also very predictable:
- SLM50 mower: about 30 minutes
- HT50 trimmer: about 60 minutes
And both charge in around 4 hours.
How easy is setup? (Short answer: very)
Mower assembly
The handle connects via a central bar and a simple pin/clip mechanism. Once assembled, the battery locks in and the charge gauge shows your level via lights.
Hedge trimmer assembly
The hedge trimmer also connects via a central bar and clips. The pole head then attaches with the angled joint, and you can adjust the cutting angle for getting under or around obstacles.
The safety logic is similar in spirit across both tools: they are not designed to start unless the controls and handle position are correct.
Cutting height and edge performance on the SLM50
The mower has two cutting heights only, adjusted manually using the axle and slots.
- Lower cut (40 mm): wheels in the lower slot, deck sits lower
- Higher cut (50 mm): wheels moved up, deck sits higher
For the way I keep my lawn, I prefer a slightly longer height, especially when it is warmer and the lawn is trying to dry out. On this mower, you just set it once and leave it there.
Deck design also matters for how easily you clean the mower after use. This one is smooth, so grass lifts off nicely instead of getting packed into lots of grooves.
Performance test: mowing a small front lawn
I tested it on my front lawn at around 90 square meters. The SLM50 is rated up to 100 square meters, so this was a real-world “upper end” check.
With the mower’s smaller deck (25 cm) and the mulching design, I worked through the lawn at a manageable pace and focused on how it handled common obstacles and how close it got to edges.
What stood out:
- Lightweight feel: it is easy to manoeuvre without feeling like you are wrestling a machine
- Low profile advantage: it can get under furniture and trampolines instead of forcing you to move them around
- Mulching approach: it is best for grass you mow regularly, not for long, knee-high growth
Performance test: the HT50 hedge trimmer (no ladder required)
I used the hedge trimmer on a tree/branch structure that was difficult to reach safely with a step ladder. The key feature here is the angle adjustment plus the long pole reach.
I started at the top, then worked down into the lower sections, adjusting the head angle as needed so I could shape the growth without overreaching or putting myself in an awkward position.
Then I tested the blade’s ability on thicker sections. The system is rated to cut up to 25 mm, and it handled those branches well enough that I could pull it back from the path area without switching tools.
If you are dealing with growth thicker than 25 mm, the optional branch cutter attachment is there for exactly that scenario.
Pros and Cons
Who is the Gtech SLM50 best for?
If you are trying to find a mower that fits your real life, not someone else’s lawn, this one makes sense if you:
- Have a small to medium lawn (roughly up to 100 square meters)
- Have steps or awkward paths and want to avoid hauling heavier mowers
- Mow regularly so mulching cuttings break down nicely
- Need something that stores easily and is simple to handle
If you want a grass box, or you need to deal with very overgrown grass in one go, you will likely want a different approach.
Final verdict
The Gtech SLM50 is not trying to replace a heavy, full-size mower for huge gardens. It is designed for a very specific job: making mowing smaller lawns easier through lightweight handling, cordless convenience, and a mulching system.
Pair it with the HT50 pole hedge trimmer and you have a compact set-up that helps you tackle tricky spots without ladders, without petrol, and without dragging bulky equipment around.
FAQ
What runtime does the Gtech SLM50 mower get on a 2Ah battery?
How long does the battery take to charge?
Does the SLM50 have a grass collection box?
What cutting heights does the SLM50 offer?
How thick of branch can the HT50 hedge trimmer cut?
Is the branch cutter included with the hedge trimmer kit?
Can I use the same battery for the mower and hedge trimmer?
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.
