Hi, I’m Mark from EasyLawnMowing. I put the WORX Nitro WG761E through its paces to see whether this 80V, 51cm, self-propelled cordless mower can genuinely replace a petrol machine. In this in-depth review I’ll walk you through unboxing, assembly (there’s almost none), the key specifications, the features that stood out to me, how it performed across several real-world tests (bagging, side discharge and mulching), and the pros and cons you need to know before you buy.
WG761E Nitro Video Review
Before we dive in: I tested the mower extensively across different grass lengths and settings. I tested cut-and-collect, side-discharge and mulching modes, tried different self-propelled speeds, and pushed it through some genuinely long, straw like grass. Below I’ll explain what you get in the box, how the base-camp battery system works, how the mower handles, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Overview — Who this cordless mower is for
The WG761E is WORX’s premium cordless offering aimed at larger gardens and heavier-duty domestic use. With a 51 cm (20″) steel deck and four 20V PowerShare batteries working together (4 x 4.0Ah = 80V), this mower is intended to replace a petrol mower for many users. WORX position it for lawns up to roughly 1,000–1,200 m² — that’s sizeable suburban or small estate lawns.
If you want cordless convenience but also the power to tackle long or dense grass without the ongoing noise, fumes and servicing of petrol machines, this unit is designed for you. It’s also for anyone who wants a robust build (steel deck, rubber tyres) and modern features such as a brushless motor, variable-speed, self-propulsion and a large 70L collection bag.
Unboxing — What you get in the box
When you open the box you’ll find the mower itself largely preassembled and ready to use, plus:
- 4 x 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries (used together to create 80V)
- Base Camp charging station that sits on top of the mower
- 70L mesh & solid-bottom grass collector
- Side discharge chute
- Safety key and user manual
The mower is heavy — just shy of 37 kg — so be cautious when lifting. I wheeled mine out of the box since lifting a 37 kg mower alone is not ideal. The nice thing is almost everything is preassembled; the only part that really needs a little assembly is the grass collection bag.
Assembly — Almost no assembly required
Assembly is extremely straightforward. The handles fold up and lock into place with orange release buttons. To fit the grass catcher you simply slot the reinforcing wire frame into the bag’s clips, hook the side straps over the frame and clip into position. It took me just a couple of minutes.
The convenient foldable handles and minimal assembly make this mower very user-friendly right out of the box. That’s a nice quality-of-life touch if you don’t want to spend time playing with parts before your first cut.
One of the most distinctive features of this model is the battery system. The mower runs on an 80V system that uses four 20V batteries simultaneously. Rather than supplying a single large charger, WORX provide a Base Camp — a removable battery housing that contains the four batteries and doubles as a charger.
How it works in practice:
- Remove the Base Camp from the top of the mower by pressing a red release button.
- Plug the Base Camp into mains power to charge all four batteries cell-block together.
- When charged, slide the Base Camp back onto the mower and plug the connector back in.
That Base Camp approach is neat because it’s a centralised charging station and it’s also compatible with other WORX tools (for instance backpack blowers). Additionally, each 20V battery can be used individually in other WORX 20V tools — the PowerShare ecosystem. That makes the battery investment more versatile; you can use these same battery packs in hedge trimmers, lawn strimmers and other garden tools.
True Universal Battery Compatibility — A Genuine One-System Solution
One of the most compelling advantages of choosing WORX tools is their authentic “one battery fits all” PowerShare system. Unlike many other manufacturers who claim universal compatibility but actually operate multiple voltage platforms that aren’t interchangeable, WORX has committed to a truly unified approach. Whether you’re using an 20V drill, a 20V hedge trimmer, a 40V chainsaw, or this 80V mower, all tools share the same fundamental 20V battery cells from the PowerShare range.
Many competing brands market themselves as having universal batteries, but in practice they often run separate 18V, 20V, 40V, and higher voltage lines that require completely different battery packs. This means you end up with multiple chargers, incompatible batteries, and essentially separate tool ecosystems despite the marketing claims. WORX has solved this by designing their higher-voltage tools (like this 80V mower) to simply use multiple 20V PowerShare batteries working together, rather than requiring proprietary high-voltage packs. This means the four 4.0Ah batteries in your WG761E can individually power your string trimmer, leaf blower, or any other WORX PowerShare tool in your shed. That’s genuine versatility and a smart long-term investment that maximises the value of every battery you own.
Key specifications at a glance
- Deck size: 51 cm (20 inches)
- Battery: 4 x 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries (80V total)
- Grass collector capacity: 70 L
- Cutting height range: 20 mm to 80 mm (7 positions)
- Drive: Self-propelled with variable speed
- Motor: Brushless
- Noise: Quieter than comparable petrol mowers (brushless motor)
- Weight: ~37 kg (heavy but self-propulsion propels it)
- Warranty: 2 years standard + 3 years on registration (total up to 5 years)
Build quality and feel — “This is a beast”
Call it subjective, but the WG761E feels heavy-duty. The steel deck gives it a substantial, professional feel rather than the thinner pressed aluminium or plastic decks you sometimes see on cheaper cordless mowers. The tyres are rubber — not plastic — which improves traction and feels robust when you’re manoeuvring over uneven ground.
There’s a real sense that WORX engineered this to replace petrol mowers: substantial deck, large rear wheels for rollability, a solid grass box and an overall weight that communicates durability. The flip side is lifting — but the self-propel feature mitigates that in use. For moving the mower from storage to your lawn, for example, you can “drive it” without the blade spinning, so you are not pushing at all, only guiding in the right direction.
Cutting options — Bagging, Mulching and Side Discharge
The WG761E is a true three-in-one mower: cut-and-collect (bagging), mulching and side discharge. The clever part is WORX didn’t include a separate mulching plug (as seen with most mowers); instead there’s a lever that slides to block the rear chute when you select mulch. That makes changing modes faster and eliminates a small part you might otherwise lose.
How each mode works on this mower:
- Bagging (Cut & Collect) — The large 70L bag along with the powerful 80V motor provides excellent collection and fills the bag thoroughly, including towards the back of the collector, which is a sign of good airflow and deck circulation.
- Mulching — The mulching lever closes the rear outlet and the mulching blade chops clippings into very fine particles to return nutrients and moisture to your lawn. I recommend mulching on shorter grass or after a first cut; don’t attempt to mulch very long grass in one pass.
- Side Discharge — The included chute clips on and the mower vents clippings out the side for longer grass or for situations where you want to scatter clippings.
Cutting height adjustment — simple and precise
Height adjustment is a single lever with seven detents ranging from 20 mm to 80 mm. That’s an impressive range and includes a low 20 mm setting which is surprisingly low for a rotary mower. The lever is easy to squeeze and simply slides to the desired position. There’s also a visible gauge on the deck so you can see which position you’re in.
For most lawns you’ll use mid-range settings, but the 20–80 mm span ensures you can tackle everything from very short summer cuts (sports-lawn style) to higher summer growth or meadow-style cuts, if needed.
Controls and ergonomics — comfortable and intuitive
Ergonomically the handlebar layout resembles a petrol mower (a full-width bar) rather than separate left and right hand levers. I like this setup because it feels familiar and provides a good grip mid-bar. There is a starter button and a safety key — if you remove the safety key the mower won’t start.
The self-propelled control is integrated and, importantly, it’s variable-speed. That variability addresses a common complaint with other self-propelled mowers that operate at a single pace — some users find them too fast or too slow. With this mower you get a smooth low-speed crawl up to a brisk walking pace; you can dial in exactly the speed you want and even adjust while mowing.
There’s also an LED work light on the front. It’s not a major feature, but it’s useful if you need to mow at dusk or in dim conditions.
Vertical storage and transport
The mower offers a clever vertical storage option. Fold the handles, tip the mower onto its rear bars and it stands up to take up far less floor space. WORX even included hooks on the grass collector so you can hang and store the bag neatly. That’s great for small sheds and garages where space is at a premium.
Under the deck — mulching flap, blade and cleaning
Removing the batteries and key for safety, I tip the mower onto its side when inspecting under the deck. The deck is smooth with no deep grooves which makes cleaning easier. The mulching mechanism is a sliding flap under the deck that closes the rear outlet — no fiddly mulching plug required. The blade supplied is a mulching blade which slices and circulates clippings efficiently.
A smooth deck and good airflow are essential for collection performance and to reduce clogging. This deck design contributes to the strong cut-and-collect performance I observed.
Brushless motor benefits and warranty
The WG761E uses a brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler and generally last longer than brushed motors. They’re quieter and typically give better runtime from the same battery capacity. WORX back this with an excellent warranty: 2 years standard and another 3 years free if you register the product — a potential 5-year warranty. That reflects their confidence in the motor and the machine overall.
Real-world testing — setup and approach
For testing I charged a full Base Camp (all four batteries) and took the mower to a neighbour’s lawn that had long, dense grass. I wanted to test:
- Bagging performance (how well the 70L box fills and how far back it fills)
- Side discharge option
- Mulching quality on a previously cut area
- Ability to tackle very long grass
- Self-propelled start-up characteristics and speed range
Bagging test — cut and collect performance
I set the height to position 3 (roughly 35 mm) for the first pass even though the grass was a lot longer than that — this was to test the mower’s appetite for heavy cuts. I started the mower at the slowest self-propelled speed so you could see the minimum pace, then gradually increased the pace to show the full range.
Result: the mower chewed through the long growth with ease. The brushless motor stepped up as it hit dense lawn growth, and crucially it stepped back down quickly once the resistance eased. That immediate modulation matters because when the motor steps back down it reduces energy consumption, resulting in better runtime.
The 70L bag filled well and importantly filled to the back of the collector — a sign of good deck airflow. Poorly designed decks tend to fill at the front and leave the rear empty, indicating inadequate circulation; that didn’t happen here.
Variable self-propelled options — from crawl to brisk walk
One of my favourite features is the variable self-propelled control. At its minimum it’s almost a crawling pace — perfect for tighter control and safety when you want to walk with the mower rather than be led by it. At maximum it reached a very fast walking pace, which is great when you want to cover ground quickly.
Another practical detail: when you engage the self-propulsion, even on the maximum setting, the mower doesn’t bolt away. It accelerates smoothly from standstill to speed, which makes starts predictable and controlled.
Side discharge — how it behaved
Next I clipped on the side-discharge chute and switched the lever from bag to side. The chute seated securely and the mower ejected clippings cleanly. Side discharge is useful for very long growth or for situations where you don’t want to bag everything. The stream of ejected clippings was forceful and consistent — no clumping or clogging.
For long grass side-eject is often a better choice than mulching. Side discharge and then follow-up passes can be a better approach for managing an overgrown area.
Mulching — performance and tips
Mulching works well on the WG761E. To mulch you close the rear flap with the lever and either leave the bag on or remove it entirely. I mulched a previously cut area (I recommend doing this — don’t try mulching very long grass in one go).
Result: the mower produced fine, consistent clippings that blended into the lawn. On a hot and dry summer this is especially useful — returning the clippings provides extra moisture retention and nutrients to the turf. In my video, I compared the mulching action to a blender chopping materials into small pieces — it’s an accurate analogy.
Long grass test — can it replace petrol?
Finally, I took the mower into an area of very long, dense growth to see if the 80V system could match petrol power. The mower handled long straw like grass without drama. The motor stepped up as needed and had more to give. It never bogged down or required manual clearing — a strong performance.
If you’re wondering whether cordless can match petrol, this test provides a confident answer: for most domestic users this machine will do the job. It’s the cordless equivalent of a roughly 170cc petrol mower in terms of cutting capability, while offering the advantages of less noise, no fumes and less maintenance.
Practical usability notes — self-propulsion for transport and pulling back
Because the mower is heavy, you will frequently use the self-propelled drive to move it to and from storage. You can engage the self-propulsion without the blade running simply by pressing the start and using the orange bar — this is helpful for pushing the mower out of a shed or down a path to the lawn.
Also worth noting: pulling the mower back (reverse/rollback) is immediate once you disengage the self-propelled lever. Some models use a clutch or timer that causes a delay; the WG761E lets you disengage and roll away smoothly — useful if you need to reverse under a hedge or reposition the mower mid-run.
Cleaning and maintenance
The smooth steel deck is easy to clean. There are no deep grooves to trap clippings, so a quick brush or wash (with the power disconnected and safety key removed) clears most build-up. The mulching blade should be inspected for damage if you hit stones or debris; keep the blade sharp for best mowing performance and mulching quality.
Battery care: treat the batteries like any lithium packs. Keep them charged (avoid prolonged storage in a fully discharged state), store in a cool dry place and avoid extremes of temperature. Because the Base Camp charges all four at once there’s no juggling of individual chargers, which simplifies ownership.
Pros and cons — the honest assessment
I always end my reviews with a balanced pros-and-cons list so you can see the trade-offs clearly.
Worx product codes ending in .9 (e.g. WG543E.9) indicate the bare tool version, which is ideal if you already own compatible Powershare batteries, as it lets you save money by not paying for extras you don’t need. Buy this mower if: Think twice if: The initial cost is the main consideration for many buyers. This is a high-end cordless mower and it’s priced accordingly. That said, you get a lot for your money: a large, steel deck; a high-capacity 70L bag; four batteries and the Base Camp charger; a brushless motor; and a 5-year potential warranty. Compare the lifetime costs with petrol: petrol mowers incur fuel, oil, regular servicing, spark plugs, carburettor problems and noise complaints — not to mention start-up problems in cooler weather. With cordless you trade a larger upfront investment for lower running costs, less maintenance and overall quieter, cleaner operation. Last update on 2026-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API After testing the WG761E across bagging, side-discharge and mulching modes — and taking it through long, tough grass and different speeds — I can say this: the WORX Nitro WG761E is a serious, professional-feeling cordless mower that can replace many petrol machines in domestic settings. Its strengths are build quality, real-world cutting power, excellent bagging performance, versatile mulching and side discharge capability, and a well-thought-out battery system that doubles as a charger. The variable-speed self-propulsion works exactly as it should, from a gentle crawl to a fast walking pace, and the Base Camp/PowerShare ecosystem adds real value if you’re invested in the WORX tool range. If you’re prepared to make the investment and you want a cordless mower with petrol-level performance and a 51 cm cutting width, the WG761E deserves serious consideration. If you’re considering a switch from petrol to cordless and want a machine that doesn’t compromise on cutting ability, the WORX Nitro WG761E is a compelling option. It’s heavy and it costs more than entry-level cordless units, but the build quality, cutting performance and PowerShare battery versatility justify that price for many users. Last update on 2026-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Run time depends on the grass length, the cutting height and the load on the motor. Because the WG761E uses four 4.0Ah batteries in series, you get a substantial capacity. For average domestic lawns you should expect ample runtime to complete the job; WORX design this for lawns up to 1,000–1,200 m². I found runtime to be strong, and the mower intelligently steps up and down in power to conserve energy. The Base Camp charges all four batteries together. Charge time varies based on battery state and ambient conditions, but the included fast charger is designed to recharge efficiently. Refer to the user manual for exact charge times, but expect multiple hours rather than minutes — plan to charge ahead of time. Yes. The batteries are 20V PowerShare packs that fit a wide range of WORX tools. You can use each 20V battery independently in other 20V tools. The Base Camp is handy for charging and can be used with compatible WORX tools like backpack blowers. It’s quieter than a petrol mower thanks to the brushless electric motor, though an 80V machine still produces noise when cutting large volumes of grass. Expect quieter operation overall and less disruptive mowing for neighbours. Yes — the mulching lever and mulching blade deliver fine clippings when used on suitable grass. Don’t attempt to mulch very long grass in one pass; mulching is best after a first cut or on shorter grass. Mulching is highly beneficial to the health of your lawn. The WG761E weighs around 37 kg. It’s heavy to lift, so if you need to carry it up and down steps regularly this is a consideration. However, the self-propelled feature makes moving the mower across the lawn effortless and the vertical storage option reduces space needs. Keep the deck clean and free of build-up, check and sharpen/replace the blade as needed, and follow standard lithium-battery care: avoid long-term storage in a discharged state and store batteries in a cool, dry place. The brushless motor requires less maintenance than brushed alternatives. Large rear wheels give good traction, and the self-propulsion can help on moderate slopes. For steep slopes always follow the safety recommendations in the manual — many manufacturers caution against mowing steep gradients with powered drive engaged. WORX provide a 2-year standard warranty with an additional 3 years available if you register the product — up to a 5-year warranty. This comprehensive coverage is a major benefit and reflects the durability of the brushless motor and construction. 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.Who should buy the WG761E?
Costs and value — is the investment worth it?
Model Comparison
My final verdict
Closing notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will the batteries run?
How long does it take to charge the batteries?
Can I use the batteries in other tools?
Is it noisy?
Does it mulch well?
How heavy is the mower and can I move it easily?
What maintenance does it need?
How does it perform on slopes?
What warranty is included?
