GreenWorks MO40L01 User manual

40V 21’’ Brushless Lawn Mower
MO40L01
Read all safety rules and instructions carefully before operating this tool.
Owner’s Manual
TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 1-888-90WORKS (888.909.6757)
www.GreenWorksTools.com

2
Contents .............................................................................................................................. 2
Product specications.......................................................................................................... 2
Safety information................................................................................................................ 3
Symbols............................................................................................................................... 9
Know your lawn mower .......................................................................................................11
Assembly ........................................................................................................................... 12
Operation........................................................................................................................... 20
Maintenance ...................................................................................................................... 25
Environmentally safe battery disposal ............................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................. 30
Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 31
Exploded View................................................................................................................... 32
Parts List............................................................................................................................ 33
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
40V LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS MOWER
Battery type............................................................................................ 40V Lithium-ion
No-load speed................................................................................................ 2800 RPM
Height adjustments................................................................ 1 3/8 - 3 3/4” (3.5 - 9.5 cm)
Functions......................................................... 3-in-1: Mulch, side discharge or rear bag
Unit weight (without battery) ................................................................61.46 lbs (27.88 kg)
CONTENTS

3
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
WARNING
This symbol indicates important safety instructions. If these instructions are not followed, it could
endanger the personal safety and/or property of the operator and others. Read and understand
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate the mower. Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in personal injury.
DANGER
This mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation that are contained
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This mower is capable of amputating body parts and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety rules could result in serious injury or
death.
WARNING
Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electric lawn mowers, in order to
reduce the risk of re, electric shock, and personal injury.
WARNING
Use of this mower should be restricted to individuals who have read and understoood and will
follow the warnings and instructions that are printed in this manual and on the mower.
WARNING
– For safe operation, read and understand the instruction manual.
– To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose to water or operate on wet ground.
– Replace damaged parts immediately.
– Remove the battery pack before servicing or removing blade.
– Do not reach under blade guard.
– Do not operate on inclines greater than 15°.
– Do not operate within 100 ft. of people or animals. Do not mow when children or
others are around.
– Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches etc.) in place and working.
– Look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
– Remove objects that could be thrown by the blade.
– To reduce the risk of eye injury, always wear eye protection.
– To reduce the risk of injury, inspect catcher assembly frequently and replace with
recommended replacement if there are signs of wear or deterioration.
– To reduce risk of injury to persons, remove battery pack when not in use.
– Meet CPSC blade safety requirements.
– Do not recharge batteries in a conned or unvented area.

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
– Do not smoke, strike a match, or cause a spark in the vicinity of the battery during
charging.
– Store indoors, and do not expose to rain or water, avoid direct sunshine.
– When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
– Only to be used with Greenworks GMAX 40V Batteries.
See instruction manual for additional battery packs.
• Carefully read all instructions on the mower and in the manual before attempting to assemble and
operate the mower. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference, and consult it regularly.
• Become familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the mower and
how to disengage the power in an emergency.
• In order to avoid contact with the blade or injury caused by a thrown object, stay in the operating
zone behind the handles, and keep children and bystanders at least 100’ (30 m) away from the
mower while it is in operation. Stop the motor immediately if someone enters the mowing area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the mower is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys, and other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the blade. Thrown
objects can cause serious personal injury.
• Plan your mowing pattern in such a way as to avoid discharging material toward roads,
sidewalks, bystanders, etc. Do not discharge material against a wall or obstruction. Doing so
may cause the discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
• Always wear proper eye protection that complies with ANSI Z87.1 in order to protect your
eyes while operating or performing any adjustment or repair. Thrown objects that ricochet can
cause serious eye injury.
• Always wear a face mask or a dust mask when operating the mower in a dusty environment.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts. The
wearing of protective gloves and safety footwear is recommended.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled over the operator’s foot during a
fall caused by slipping or tripping. Do not operate this mower in bare feet, or while wearing
sandals or lightweight (e.g., canvas) shoes. Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling.
Release the handle immediately.
• Never pull the mower back toward you while you are walking. If you must back the mower
away from a wall or an obstruction, rst look down and behind in order to avoid tripping, and
then follow these steps:
• Step back from the mower in order to fully extend your arms.
• Be sure that you are well balanced.
• Pull the mower back slowly.
• Do not use the mower for any job except that for which it is intended. Do not force the mower.
• Do not operate the mower while under the inuence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay Alert: Do not operate the mower when you are tired. Pay attention to what you are doing.
Use common sense.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade
can amputate hands and feet.
• Do not attempt to adjust the wheels or the cutting height while the motor is running.
• Avoid dangerous environments. Do not operate the mower in the rain or in wet or damp grass.

5
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Mow only in daylight or in good articial light. Do not rush a mowing job.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel driveways, walkways, or roads.
• If the mower starts to vibrate excessively, stop the motor and check for the cause immediately.
Vibration is generally a sign the mower is not functioning properly.
• Stop the motor and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade will continue to rotate for a few seconds
after the motor is shut off. Do not place any part of your body in the blade area until you are
sure that the blade has stopped rotating.
• Never operate mower without a proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass catcher, switch
control, or other safety device in place and in working order. Do not operate the mower with
damaged safety devices. Doing so can result in injury.
• Don’t force the lawn mower. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was
designed.
• Always store your lawn mower indoors. When not in use, the lawn mower should be stored
indoors in a dry and locked place, out of reach of children.
• Maintain your lawn mower. Keep cutting edges sharp and clean to ensure the best
performance and safe operation.
• If lawn mower strikes a foreign object follow these steps:
• Stop lawn mower, release the bail lever.
• Remove the battery.
• Inspect for damage.
• Repair or replace any damaged components before restarting and operating the lawn mower.
• Do not charge batteries in the rain or in wet locations.
• Remove or disconnect battery before servicing, cleaning or removing material from lawn mower.
• Inspect lawn mover cord periodically and if damaged, have it repaired by an authorized
service facility.
• Use identical replacement blades only.
• Do not open or mutilate the battery. Mutilated batteries can release corrosive electrolytes
which can cause damage to the eyes or skin. It may be toxic if swallowed.
• When using, keep out of water, extended periods of direct sunlight, and do not expose to rain.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of damage and danger, never clean the tool with pressure washer or under
running water.
WARNING
Store indoors only. Always remove the battery from mower when cleaning or storing the tool.

6
SAFETY INFORMATION
CHILD SAFETY
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not aware of the presence of children.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult.
• Do not allow children under the age of 14 to operate this mower. Children who are 14 years
of age and older must read and understand the operating instructions and safety rules in this
manual, and must be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Stay alert, and turn the mower off if a child or any other person enters the mowing area.
• Look behind and down for small children before and while moving backwards.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure your view of a child who may run into the path of the mower.
BATTERY & CHARGER
CAUTION
Use only greenworks approved replacement batteries, other batteries may cause injury or
damage to the mower. Only to be used with Greenworks GMAX 40V Batteries.
BATTERY SAFETY RULES
• Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when not using your battery tool or when
changing accessories. Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock, re, or serious
personal injury.
• Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire or heat. This will reduce the risk of
explosion and possibly injury.
• Do not crush, drop or damage battery pack. Do not use a battery pack or charger that has
been dropped or received a sharp blow. A damaged battery is subject to explosion. Properly
dispose of a dropped or damaged battery immediately.
• Batteries can explode in the presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light. To reduce
the risk of serious personal injury, never use any cordless product in the presence of open
flame. An exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If exposed, flush with water
immediately. Do not charge battery tool in a damp or wet location. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of electric shock.
• For best results, your battery tool should be charged in a location where the temperature is
more than 42.8°F but less than 104°F. To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, do not
store outside or in vehicles.
• Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, battery leakage may occur. If liquid comes
in contact with your skin, wash immediately with soap and water. If liquid gets into your eyes,
ush them with clean water for at least 10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects like: paper clips, coins,
keys, nails, screws, or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal
to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause sparks, burns, or a re.

77
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Always remove battery pack from your tool when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, cleaning, or when not in use. Removing battery pack will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious personal injury.
• Always remove battery pack before storing the device. When battery becomes fully charged,
unplug the charger from the power supply and remove the battery pack from the charger.
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with
hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and
other possible serious injuries.
• Keep battery pack dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when
cleaning. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, or any solvents to
clean battery pack.
PROPER BATTERY CARE
Off-season storage
To obtain the longest possible battery life, we suggest the following:
• Remove the battery pack from the charger once it is fully charged and ready for use.
For battery pack storage longer than 30 days:
• Store the battery pack where the temperature is below 80°F and away from moisture.
• Store battery packs in a 30% - 50% charged condition.
CHARGER SAFETY RULES
• Charge the battery in a dry area that is protected from the weather. Do not expose the mower
or the charger to rain. Do not charge the battery in a wet location. Operate the battery charger
in temperatures between 42.8°F and 104°F. In order to reduce the risk of electric shock, use
only the charger that is provided by the manufacturer to charge the battery.
• DO NOT MISUSE THE CHARGE CORD. Never carry the charger by the cord. Do not
disconnect the charger from the outlet or from the mower by pulling the charger cord.
• Do not use a damaged charger. Replace the charger cords or the charger immediately.
• Keep the mower and the charger away from water, heat sources (radiators, heaters, stoves,
etc.), ames, and chemicals.
• Make sure the battery pack is secured in the unit before beginning operation.
• The battery pack will become slightly warm to the touch while charging. This is normal and
does not indicate a problem.
• Do not place the charger and battery pack in an area of extreme heat or cold. They will work
best at normal room temperature.
• When batteries become fully charged, unplug the charger from the power supply and remove
the battery pack.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
88
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
When transporting or servicing unit, always remove the battery.
WARNING(PROPOSITION 65)
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling and other construction activities
contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints,
• Crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products,
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber.
Your risk from these exposures varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To
reduce your exposure to these chemical: work in a well ventilated area, and work with approved
safety equipment, such as those dust masks that are specially designed to lter out microscopic
particles.

9
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their
meaning. Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
SYMBOLS
9
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
V Volts Voltage
A Amperes Current
Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
W Watts Power
min Minutes Time
Direct Current Type or a characteristic of current
n
o
No Load Speed Rational speed, at no load
/min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc.,
per minute
Safety Alert Indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations
Read The Operator’s Manual
To reduce the risk of injury user must read and
understand operator’s manual before using this
product.
Eye Protection Always wear safety glasses with side shields that
are marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
Keep Hands and Feet Away Keep hands and feet away from blade and cutting
area.
No Reach Do not reach hands or feet under mower deck.
No Slope Do not operate on inclines greater than 15º. Mow
across the face of slopes, never up and down.
Keep Bystanders Away Keep all bystanders at least 100 ft. away.
Ricochet Pay attention that bystanders are not injured
through foreign objects thrown from the mower.

10
SYMBOLS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated
with this product.
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should be performed only by a qualied
service technician. For service we suggest you return the product to your nearest AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt to use this product until you have read this Owner’s
Manual thoroughly and understand it completely. If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in this Owner’s Manual, do not use this product. Call the Toll-free Helpline (1-888-909-
6757) for assistance.
WARNING
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and, when needed, a full face
shield. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard
safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to comply
with ANSI Z87.1.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION (Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may
result in property damage.

11
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Fig. 1
Height adjustment lever
Bail lever
Grass
catcher
bag
Side discharge chute
Front wheel
Rear wheel
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the
illustration in Figure 1 to your lawn mower in order to familiarize yourself with the location of
various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
Upper handle
Safety lock-out button
Battery door
Side discharge cover
Mulching plug
Rear cover

12
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
PART NAME FIGURE PART NO.
Lawn Mower
1
Mulching Plug
1
Side Discharge Chute
1
Grass Catcher Bag
1
Handle Knob
2
Handle Bolt
2
Owner’s Manual 1
21” 40V Brushless Mower
MO40L02
Read all safety rules and instructions carefully before operating this tool.
Owner’s Manual
TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 1-888-90WORKS
(888.909.6757)
www.GreenWorksTools.com

13
UNPACKING
• Carefully remove the product and any accessories from the box. Make sure that all items
listed in the packing list are included.
• Inspect the product carefully to make sure no breakage or damage occurred during shipping.
• Do not discard the packing material until you have carefully inspected and operated the
product.
• If any parts are damaged or missing, please call (1-888-909-6757) for assistance.
WARNING
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate this product until the parts are replaced.
Using a product with damaged or missing parts could result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
Do not attempt to modify this product or create accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING
Do not insert battery until assembly is complete and you are ready to mow. Failure to comply
could result in accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting that could cause serious personal injury, always remove the battery
pack from the product when assembling parts.
WARNING
Never operate the mower without the proper safety devices in place and working. Never operate
the mower with damaged safety devices. Operation of this product with damaged or missing
parts could result in serious personal injury.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

UNFOLDING AND ADJUSTING LOWER HANDLE (See Figure 2)
WARNING
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating
condition.
• Do not damage the cables when folding or unfolding the handle.
• If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.
• Pull and rotate the handle knobs (1) 90° on both sides to loosen the lower handles (2) on both
sides.
• Move the lower handles to the operating position. You may raise or lower the handle to a
position comfortable for you. There are 3 positions (3) for you to choose. Release the handle
knobs to lock the lower handle into position.
Note: Ensure both sides are set at the same position for proper assembly.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 2
14
(2) Lower handle
(1) Handle knob
(3) 3 positions
Locked position Unlocked position

15
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLING THE UPPER HANDLE (See Figure 3)
• Align the mounting holes on the upper handle (1) and the lower handle (2). Insert the carriage
bolts (3) and use the knobs (4) to tighten them. Repeat the operation on the other side.
Fig. 3
(4) Knob
(3) Bolt
(2) Lower handle
(1) Upper handle
(4) Knob

16
INSTALLING THE GRASS CATCHER BAG (See Figure 4)
• Lift the rear discharge door (1).
• Lift the grass catcher by its handle (2) and place under the rear discharge door so that the
hooks (3) on the grass catcher (4) are seated on the door rod (5).
• Release the rear discharge door. When installed correctly, the hooks on the grass catcher will
extend through the openings on the rear discharge door.
NOTE: When using the grass catcher, do not install either the side discharge deector or the mulching plug.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 4
(1) Rear discharge door
(5) Door rod
(2) Handle
(3) Hooks
(4) Grass Catcher

Fig. 5
(3) Mulching plug
(1) Rear discharge door
(2) Handle
17
INSTALLING / REMOVING THE MULCHING PLUG (See Figure 5)
• To remove the mulching plug, lift the rear discharge door (1).
• Grasp the handle (2) of the mulching plug. Using this handle, lift and pull the mulch plug out.
• The mulching plug (3) is inserted at an angle, so it requires some force to remove it.
• The mulching plug must be removed in order to install the grass catcher bag.
• The mulching plug must be re-installed when the grass catcher bag is removed.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALLING SIDE DISCHARGE CHUTE (See Figure 6)
• Lift the side discharge cover (1).
• Align the grooves (2) on the side discharge chute (3) with the pins (4) on the underside of the
discharge cover.
• Lower the discharge chute until the hooks on the mower deck are secured in the openings of
the discharge chute.
• Release the side discharge cover.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 6
(3) Side discharge chute
(2) Groove
18
(1) Side discharge cover
(4) Pins

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
19
TO INSTALL THE BATTERY PACK (See Figure 7)
• Lift and hold up the battery door (1).
• Align the battery (2) with the mower’s battery port.
• Make sure the battery release button snaps in place and that battery is fully seated and
secure in the mower before beginning operation.
• Insert the battery into the left battery compartment (3) to start the mower. This mower is
equipped with a battery storage compartment (4) which offers a convenient place for storing
your battery when not in use, or to store an extra battery pack to extend your run-time.
• Insert the safety key (5). If the machine is not going to be used immediately, do not insert the
safety key.
• Close the door.
TO REMOVE THE BATTERY PACK (See Figure 7)
• Release the bail lever to stop the mower.
• Open the battery door.
• Remove the safety key.
• Press the battery release button. This will cause the battery to raise out of the tool slightly.
• Remove the battery from the mower.
Fig. 7
(1) Battery door
(2) Battery pack
(3) Left battery
compartment
(4) Right battery
compartment
(5) Safety key

STARTING/STOPPING THE MOWER (See Figure 8)
To start the motor:
• Open the battery door.
• Install the battery. Insert the safety key.
• Press and hold the safety lock-out button (1).
• Pull the bail lever (2) upward to the handle to start the mower and release the button.
To stop the motor:
Release the bail lever.
Soft-Start
This battery powered mower is equipped with a “soft-start” feature. When initially starting up, the
mower will take approximately 3 seconds to get up to full speed. If the mower does not initially
start: Remove the battery and check under the mower deck to ensure there is nothing obstructing
the blade and that the blade can spin freely by hand. Even a small amount of grass blocking the
mower blade will prevent the mower blade from accelerating and engaging.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to override the operation of the safety lock-out button or bail lever.
WARNING
The operation of any mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can
cause severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower and while
performing any adjustments or repairs.
INSPECT THE CUTTING AREA. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, and other debris that
might be thrown by the rotating blades.
20
OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Fig. 8
(2) Bail Lever
(1) Lock Out Button