Overview
The Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Snow Blower with the included 5.0Ah battery and charger is a compact, battery-powered single-stage snow thrower designed for homeowners who want a quiet, low-maintenance way to clear light-to-moderate snowfall. It provides cordless convenience without the noise, fumes, or upkeep of a gas-powered machine, making it appealing for suburban driveways, walkways, and patios.
What’s in the box
This kit includes the snow blower itself, a 40V 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery, and a compatible charger. The unit is part of the Greenworks 40V system, meaning the included battery can also be used in many other Greenworks tools. This gives extra value if you already own other 40V Greenworks equipment or plan to expand your tool collection. The company typically offers a multi-year warranty on both the tool and battery for added assurance.
Key specifications
Clearing width: 16 inches. This is wide enough for sidewalks and small driveways but narrower than full-size units, requiring more passes on larger areas.
Clearing depth: The blower is capable of removing moderate snowfall, generally around 6–8 inches in one pass, depending on conditions.
Throw distance: Under ideal conditions with lighter snow, it can throw snow up to about 20 feet. Heavier or wetter snow reduces this distance.
Motor: Brushless motor technology provides better performance, longer life, and quieter operation than older brushed designs.
Weight and mobility: The unit is lightweight and easy to maneuver, but because it lacks the weight of larger machines, it can struggle to bite into heavy, compacted snow.
Design and build quality
Greenworks uses a mostly plastic housing to keep the weight down, and the handle folds for compact storage. While plastic exterior parts won’t match the rugged feel of metal-bodied gas snow blowers, they hold up well for average home use. The chute mechanism and handle controls are simple and intuitive. Because the unit is not self-propelled, you push it manually, which is easy on flat surfaces but can be more difficult on uneven ground.
Power, battery life, and charging
The included 5.0Ah battery provides enough runtime for typical small-to-medium winter tasks, such as clearing a sidewalk and a short driveway. In light, powdery conditions, battery life tends to be good. In wet or deep snow, the motor works harder, reducing runtime. If you need extended use, having a second battery on hand is helpful. Charging takes a few hours depending on the charger model and battery state.
Performance in real-world conditions
For light to moderate snowfalls, this snow blower performs very well. It easily clears fresh snow from sidewalks, decks, and small driveways. The 16-inch width allows for quick one-pass cleaning of narrow surfaces. However, in heavy, wet snow, performance decreases. The blower can still clear it, but with slower progress, shorter throw distance, and faster battery drain. The lightweight design makes it maneuverable but also means it doesn’t cut through dense snow as forcefully as heavier models.
Controls and user experience
The controls are straightforward: a push-button start, a safety switch, and a chute adjustment lever. The chute rotates to direct snow where you want it, making cleanup simple. The blower is very quiet compared to gas models, and the near-zero vibration makes it comfortable to operate. Folding handles make storage convenient, especially for garages and sheds with limited space.
Maintenance and reliability
Maintenance is minimal. Keep the battery charged, remove snow and ice buildup after use, store the battery indoors during winter, and occasionally check the skid shoes and auger area. The brushless motor helps reduce internal wear and tear, improving long-term reliability. For typical residential use, users often report multiple seasons of trouble-free operation.
Pros
Cordless and quiet operation
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Part of a large 40V ecosystem
Low maintenance and easy to store
Easy push-button start
Cons
Narrow 16-inch clearing width slows down big jobs
Limited performance in heavy, wet snow
Battery life drops significantly under demanding conditions
Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied machines
Who should buy this
This snow blower is best for homeowners with short driveways, sidewalks, patios, and walkways who typically experience lighter snowfalls. It’s an excellent choice if you value quiet operation, easy storage, and the convenience of a shared 40V battery system. If you regularly face deep, wet, or heavy snow, or if you need to clear large areas, you may want a wider or more powerful model.
Verdict
The Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless Snow Blower is a practical, user-friendly solution for routine winter cleanup. It’s not built for extreme conditions, but for everyday light-to-moderate snow removal it shines. The cordless convenience, quiet operation, and compatibility with Greenworks’ 40V lineup make it a solid investment for many homeowners.
