Greenworks Cordless Snow Blower Lineup: 40V vs 80V Compared

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Selecting winter maintenance equipment requires a careful assessment of driveway dimensions, snowfall patterns, and physical handling preferences. Homeowners choosing a green works electric snow blower must decide between manageable machine weight and clearing throughput. Battery-powered snow removal equipment eliminates the maintenance chores associated with small gas engines, such as mixing fuel, changing oil, replacing spark plugs, and wrestling with pull cords in freezing temperatures. However, transitioning to battery power introduces critical operational decisions regarding direct-current voltage, motor efficiency, intake dimensions, and battery amp-hour ratings. A compact, lightweight machine that excels at sweeping dry powder off an elevated patio may struggle when confronted with wet, compacted snow left by municipal plows at the driveway entrance. Conversely, a heavy high-voltage machine might deliver immense clearing force but prove unwieldy on narrow wooden walkways or steep front steps.

Greenworks organizes its cordless snow equipment into two distinct power platforms: the lightweight 40-volt system designed for everyday suburban needs, and the commercial-grade 80-volt Pro line engineered for heavy workloads. Across both platforms, the manufacturer offers traditional walk-behind single-stage snow throwers alongside handheld power shovels. The 40V lineup emphasizes accessible handling, compact garage storage, and widespread battery sharing across dozens of seasonal outdoor tools. The 80V Pro series steps up motor output with high-torque brushless technology capable of handling deeper drifts and heavier moisture content. In this greenworks snow blower comparison, we examine intake dimensions, throwing distances, motor configurations, and battery bundles across six core models to help you determine which greenworks snow blower to buy for your winter property care.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	40V 16" Gen 2 9.6/10	Greenworks 80V 9.4/10	40V 16" Gen2 Snow 8.2/10	40V 20'' Brushless Snow 9.2/10	Greenworks 80V (5)	80V 12" Brushless Snow 9.8/10
Battery and charger	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Snow depth	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Lightweight	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Brushless motor	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Shoveling width	Not named	Not named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Throw distance	Not named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named	Not named
Maximum snow	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named	Not named
Battery pack	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named	Not named
Criteria named	5 / 8	5 / 8	2 / 8	3 / 8	4 / 8	4 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Scores next to each model are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.

Greenworks Electric Snow Blowers Lineup at a Glance

The Models in Detail

Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen 2 Snow

Best for: Existing Greenworks 40V tool owners on a budget

Pros

• 30-foot maximum snow throw distance
• Lightweight compact frame
• Shares existing 40V battery packs

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately

Best for: Homeowners with small suburban driveways and paths

Pros

• Includes 5.0Ah battery and fast charger
• 180-degree directional chute control
• Lightweight 16-inch clearing profile

Cons

• Standard electric motor
• Limited to 10-inch snow depth

The Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen 2 Snow is an approachable walk-behind snow thrower configured for typical residential walkways, short suburban driveways, and modest snowfall accumulations. Powered by Greenworks 40V lithium-ion technology, the machine utilizes a direct-current motor to spin an intake auger measuring 16 inches wide, with the capability to process snow depths up to 10 inches (25.4 centimeters). The complete retail kit includes one 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a compatible fast charger, supplying immediate operational capability without the need to source additional power packs. A crank-operated 180-degree adjustable discharge chute allows users to dictate snow placement precisely, avoiding re-clearing previously shoveled paths.

Physically, the unit features exterior dimensions of 43.31 inches deep, 36.22 inches wide, and 17.32 inches high. As an agile greenworks 40v snow blower, its compact footprint allows it to glide through tight garden gates, clear narrow perimeter sidewalks, and navigate crowded carports where bulky machines cannot fit. The listing highlights full compatibility across the extensive Greenworks 40V ecosystem, allowing the bundled 5.0Ah battery to operate compatible lawn mowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers during warmer months. The manufacturer includes a critical cold-weather operating tip: if the unit fails to start after exposure to freezing conditions, remove the battery pack and allow it to warm indoors at room temperature for 10 minutes or more before reinstalling.

This machine is best suited for homeowners managing standard two-car driveways up to two vehicle lengths in regions with moderate, powdery snowfall. It provides a lightweight, quiet clearing experience that eliminates gas engine maintenance entirely. However, because it features a 16-inch intake and standard motor, it yields to the wider 20-inch brushless models when clearing larger multi-car parking areas or when confronting dense, heavy slush.

Greenworks 80V

Best for: Clearing wooden decks, patios, and narrow steps

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight 19.5-pound build
• Powerful 80V cordless performance
• Includes 2.0Ah battery and charger

Cons

• 6-inch maximum snow depth
• Short 20-inch throw distance

Best for: Large multi-car driveways with heavy wet snow

Pros

• Commercial-grade 80V brushless motor
• Wide 20-inch clearing path
• Throws snow up to 22 feet

Cons

• Includes smaller 2.0Ah battery pack

For properties requiring commercial-grade clearing muscle, the walk-behind Greenworks 80V snow blower steps up to high-voltage performance. Built around an advanced 80-volt lithium-ion platform, this machine incorporates a digitally controlled brushless motor that delivers enhanced torque, extended operational runtime, and whisper-quiet performance without carbon brush wear. As a dedicated greenworks 80v 20 cordless snow blower, it spans a broad 20-inch clearing width and clears snow depths up to 10 to 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) in a single pass, significantly reducing the number of clearing laps needed across broad surfaces.

The machine features 6-inch rear wheels that improve rolling traction across icy asphalt, packed slush, and uneven sidewalk expansion joints. Operators can divert discharged snow across a 180-degree radius using the rotating chute, which propels snow up to 22 feet away from the cleared surface. Despite its wider intake and metal-reinforced housing, the unit weighs an agile 33 pounds and measures 31 inches deep, 21.6 inches wide, and 37 inches high. The package includes one 80V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a charger, integrating with over 75 commercial-grade tools in the Greenworks Pro family. The listing notes that batteries should be kept at room temperature prior to cold-weather starts to prevent low-temperature ignition failures.

This 80-volt snow blower is ideal for homeowners with four-car driveways, extensive corner-lot sidewalks, and frequent exposure to wet, dense midwestern or northeastern snowfalls. Its high-voltage brushless motor cuts through heavy snow that would stall lower-powered machines. However, for users whose primary concern is clearing tight porch steps, elevated sundecks, or narrow patio paths, this full-sized walk-behind unit yields to the handheld snow shovels reviewed below.

Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen2 Snow Blower

The Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen2 Snow Blower offers the exact same mechanical platform and chassis design as the first model in our roundup, but is sold strictly as a bare tool without a battery or charger. Designed specifically for homeowners who already own Greenworks 40V outdoor power tools, this tool-only option prevents the unnecessary expense of acquiring duplicate batteries and charging stations. It features a 16-inch clearing width and processes snow accumulations up to 10 inches deep (25 centimeters ideal snow depth), making quick work of suburban walkways and small parking pads.

This greenworks 40v 16 snow blower features a maximum throwing distance of up to 30 feet, directed via an adjustable 180-degree discharge chute that helps operators project snow well clear of fences, flower beds, and adjoining structures. Measuring 43.31 inches deep, 36.22 inches wide, and 17.32 inches high, its lightweight frame ensures smooth steering around tight driveway corners. Homeowners evaluating cordless tools alongside options like a snow joe electric snow blower will appreciate that this cordless setup removes hazardous extension cords from frozen, slick surfaces.

This bare-tool model is tailored for budget-minded property owners already invested in the Greenworks 40V system who possess one or more 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah batteries. It allows them to add a dedicated winter tool at minimal cost. Conversely, first-time cordless buyers should bypass this bare unit in favor of the bundled Gen 2 kit, while homeowners with multi-car driveways will be better served by the broader 20-inch brushless models.

Greenworks 40V 20” Brushless Snow Blower

Best for: Mid-sized driveways wanting 40V battery convenience

Pros

• Efficient high-torque brushless motor
• Broad 20-inch clearing path
• Includes 5.0Ah battery and charger

Cons

• Heavier frame to maneuver

The Greenworks 40V 20” Brushless Snow Blower represents the premium clearing tier within the brand’s 40-volt collection. Equipped with a high-efficiency brushless motor, this greenworks 40v 20 brushless snow blower generates increased operational torque and optimizes battery energy consumption, delivering prolonged motor life and smooth clearing under heavy loads. It expands the clearing swath to 20 inches and handles snow depths of 8 to 10 inches (20 centimeters ideal snow depth), clearing wider driveways in substantially fewer passes than 16-inch throwers.

The machine measures 42.13 inches deep, 20.87 inches wide, and 41.73 inches high, providing an ergonomic upright stance that helps reduce user fatigue during long clearing jobs. A directional 180-degree chute puts snow placement under complete control, allowing operators to throw snow cleanly to either side of the driveway. The listing confirms the package includes one high-capacity 5.0Ah battery and a fast charger. As with the other lithium-ion models, the manufacturer emphasizes storing the battery indoors at room temperature to ensure immediate starting when winter temperatures plunge below freezing.

This model suits homeowners who desire the broader 20-inch path of a full-size snow blower while maintaining complete battery cross-compatibility with their 40V lawn equipment. It bridges the gap between compact 16-inch units and heavier commercial 80V blowers. It yields to the 80V series primarily when clearing extremely dense, water-logged plow berms at the road edge, where the higher amperage of the 80V platform provides extra stall resistance.

Greenworks 80V

Transitioning to handheld equipment, the Greenworks 80V 12-inch cordless snow shovel delivers high-voltage power in an ultra-portable form factor. Powered by the 80-volt lithium-ion system, this compact tool utilizes a 12-inch shoveling width to rapidly excavate snow from narrow sidewalks, front steps, and elevated wooden decks. It is specifically designed for moderate snow depths of up to 6 inches, throwing snow directly forward and away from the operator with an effective throw distance listed at up to 20 inches from the intake.

Weighing just 19.5 pounds, the unit features exterior dimensions of 15.16 inches deep, 15.75 inches wide, and 36.81 inches high. This lightweight profile makes it easy to lift and carry up outdoor staircases or maneuver across bi-level sundecks where a wheeled walk-behind snow thrower cannot go. The listing specifies an included 80V 2.0Ah battery and charger, an ETL safety listing, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty. The listing highlights optimal battery care: keep the 80V pack stored at room temperature to avoid cold-start delays.

This cordless shovel is the perfect companion for urban townhouse owners, condominium residents with small patio spaces, or suburban homeowners needing a secondary tool dedicated to clearing wooden deck stairs and entryways. Because its clearing path is limited to 12 inches and its optimal intake depth is 6 inches, it gives way to walk-behind snow blowers whenever clearing standard driveways or handling accumulations deeper than six inches.

Greenworks 80V 12″ Brushless Snow Shovel

Best for: Decks and walkways requiring directional snow throw

Pros

• Brushless motor tackles wet packed snow
• Directional vane control and LED light
• Throws snow up to 25 feet

Cons

• Narrow 12-inch shoveling width

The Greenworks 80V 12″ Brushless Snow Shovel represents the most capable handheld snow clearing tool in the lineup. Driven by an 80-volt battery system and a high-performance brushless motor, this tool delivers quiet, reliable power capable of displacing heavy, wet, and packed snow. It features a 12-inch clearing width and an increased 8-inch clearing depth (20 centimeters ideal snow depth). Unlike basic shovels that throw snow straight ahead, this unit incorporates directional vane control, giving operators the ability to aim discharged snow to the left or right.

For early morning or late evening winter maintenance, the tool features an integrated LED headlight that illuminates dark walkways and slippery steps. The manufacturer listing notes a powerful snow displacement system that throws snow up to 25 feet away, preventing snow from blowing back onto cleared paths. The physical dimensions measure 68.11 inches deep, 14.41 inches wide, and 12.52 inches high, offering an extended shaft for comfortable upright posture. The package includes a fast charger and battery (noted as 2.5Ah in the description and 4Ah in listing bullets). As with all Greenworks lithium-ion equipment, warming the battery indoors for 10 minutes ensures immediate starting in severe cold.

This advanced greenworks cordless snow shovel suits homeowners who demand maximum throwing performance from a lightweight handheld tool to clear long sidewalks, elevated composite decks, and steep porch steps. Its directional vanes and LED headlight make it far more versatile than basic power shovels. Nevertheless, for broad horizontal spaces like a standard two-car or four-car driveway, an operator will clear snow faster and with far less arm strain using a wheeled walk-behind model.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• Two-car suburban driveways with moderate snowfall: Choose the Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen 2 Snow for an all-in-one package featuring a 5.0Ah battery, fast charger, and 180-degree chute control.
• Large multi-car driveways facing heavy, wet snow and plow drifts: Select the Greenworks 80V 20-inch brushless snow blower for commercial-grade 80V power, 22-foot throwing distance, and wide 20-inch clearing passes.
• Property owners already owning Greenworks 40V batteries: Opt for the Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen2 Snow Blower bare tool to expand your winter lineup without purchasing redundant batteries or chargers.
• Medium driveways needing wide clearing on a lightweight battery system: Pick the Greenworks 40V 20” Brushless Snow Blower to reduce clearing passes with a 20-inch brushless deck and included 5.0Ah battery.
• Elevated decks, porch steps, and narrow urban walkways under 6 inches of snow: Choose the Greenworks 80V 12-inch snow shovel for its ultra-light 19.5-pound weight and simple vertical handling.
• Decks, long walkways, and dark winter commutes requiring angled discharge: Select the Greenworks 80V 12″ Brushless Snow Shovel to benefit from an integrated LED headlight, directional vane adjustment, and 25-foot snow throwing power.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing a cordless snow blower, buyers should understand the physical operating characteristics and temperature limitations detailed across the manufacturer listings. Cold ambient temperatures directly impact lithium-ion chemistry; leaving batteries stored in an unheated shed or detached garage overnight can cause starting hesitation or reduced operational efficiency. Greenworks explicitly instructs users to store battery packs indoors at room temperature and to warm cold batteries indoors for at least 10 minutes prior to use if the unit fails to start. Additionally, the listings confirm that none of these machines feature self-propelled drive systems, heated hand grips, or mechanical drift cutters. Forward motion across snow-covered driveways depends entirely on manual operator pushing aided by auger ground contact.

Buyers must also recognize that Greenworks 40V and 80V batteries are completely incompatible with each other. A 40V battery cannot fit into or power an 80V machine, and vice versa. While homeowners who previously used a snow joe corded electric snow blower never had to monitor battery charge levels, cordless equipment depends entirely on the amp-hour capacity of the inserted pack. The manufacturer listings do not specify exact runtime minutes per charge because real-world performance varies dramatically based on snow depth, water content, and temperature. For properties with larger clearing footprints, keeping a secondary battery on hand ensures continuous clearing without interruption.

FAQ

Can Greenworks 40V batteries be used in Greenworks 80V snow blowers?

No, Greenworks 40V and 80V batteries are not interchangeable. Each battery line uses distinct physical docking shapes, terminal configurations, and direct-current voltage ratings. An 80V snow blower requires an 80V lithium-ion battery, while a 40V snow blower operates solely with 40V battery packs. Attempting to force cross-compatibility is impossible due to the molded battery housing design.

What should you do if your Greenworks electric snow blower will not start in the cold?

The manufacturer listing recommends unseating the battery pack and bringing it inside a heated space. Allow the battery to warm at indoor room temperature for at least 10 minutes before reinstalling it in the snow blower. Extreme winter cold temporarily slows the chemical reactions inside lithium-ion cells, and bringing the battery back to room temperature restores the discharge capability needed to power the motor.

How far can a Greenworks cordless snow blower throw snow?

Discharge distance depends on the specific model and motor configuration. The Greenworks 40V 16″ Gen2 Snow Blower lists a maximum throw distance of up to 30 feet, while the Greenworks 80V 20-inch snow blower lists a maximum throw distance of up to 22 feet. Among the power shovels, the Greenworks 80V 12″ Brushless model achieves up to 25 feet of displacement, whereas the standard 80V 12-inch shovel lists an effective throw distance of up to 20 inches.

Are any of these Greenworks cordless snow blowers self-propelled?

None of the Greenworks snow blowers or shovels in this lineup include a self-propelled drive mechanism. The walk-behind models rely on rear wheels, such as the 6-inch wheels on the 80V 20-inch model, and require the user to push the machine forward manually. The spinning intake auger assists with forward momentum as it grabs the snow, but propulsion remains manual.

Which model is the best greenworks electric snow thrower for wooden decks and steps?

The greenworks electric snow thrower best configured for wooden decks and outdoor stairs is the Greenworks 80V 12″ Brushless Snow Shovel. Its narrow 12-inch clearing head fits between deck railings, its directional vanes divert snow over balusters, and its integrated LED light illuminates slick steps. For buyers seeking a lighter tool, the standard 80V 12-inch snow shovel weighs just 19.5 pounds, making it easy to lift and carry across multi-level decks.