Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower

Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower Review

I recently decided to fire our lawn service and purchase a mower. I ruled out gasoline-powered models for reasons to do with safety of fuel storage, plus concern about the smell, noise and emissions. Since our yard is a little too big (1/4 acre lot) for either a corded electric mower or a manual push mower to be practical, I focused on finding a suitable rechargeable mower. After comparing all the models available, including those from much better-known companies, I selected the Solaris S21HB.

I've had it for a couple of months, now, and feel I have a good sense for its pros and cons. In general, I'm very pleased with the Solaris, which I've used in both bagging and side-discharge modes so far. It tends to bog down a bit if the grass is high and wet, though I understand that's true for most mowers, even a push-reel. The mower's deck is very rugged, the safety locks well-designed, and the motor much quieter than a gas model's. The biggest challenge is the mower's weight. At about 110 lb. with batteries, it is a beast to push on even a slight grade. My wife jokes that this is saving me one gym workout a week, but if I had it to do again, I'd have bought the self-propelled model, which was only about more.

A big part of the weight is due to the unit's two 24V lead-acid batteries, which contribute about 30 lb. (The only Lithium-ion battery mower I could find, made by Bosch, is not yet sold in the US.) Their combined 40 Amp-hours of storage equate to the energy content of less than 4 ounces of gasoline. Even if it uses its stored energy 3-4 times more efficiently than a gasoline engine, the mower's range is still substantially less than from the typical 1-quart fuel capacity of a gas mower. As a result, I must adapt my lawn mowing to the limitations of my new, green device. Since I can't cut all our grass in one go, I have to split the chore into two sessions at least 8 hours apart, to allow enough time to recharge the batteries. I'm seriously considering investing 0 in a second set of batteries, which are currently out of stock. This unit would really benefit from an upgrade to Lithium ion batteries, which are both lighter and store more energy.

I was torn between a 3- and 4-star rating. The Solaris is a well-built machine, but its weight limits my satisfaction. If I had a smaller, flatter lawn, I'd have no hesitation for 4, which I finally settled on for this reveiw.

Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower Feature

• Most advanced electric motor technology equals more power and longer run times
• Removable Batteries Featuring On-Board And Off-Board Charging
• Push Button Start With LED Battery Level Indicator
• 7 position height adjustment from 1.5-inch to 3.5-inch
• 2 Year Limited Warranty

Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower Overview

Powerful. Pollution-free. Low-maintenance. Combining strength and innovation, the Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower is an extra-wide rotary mower that cuts the average yard in one charge. Thanks to its high-performance motor and extra-large wheels, the Solaris is perfect for rough, hilly, or dense terrain.

Features include extra-large wheels for optimal traction.See More.

Accessories include an optional solar panel (not included).

The Terra Phase High-Performance Motor provides enough power to cut long, thick, or wet grass.See More.

The quiet, zero-emission design is advantageous for you, your neighbors, and the environment.See More.

The cordless Solaris requires no gas, oil, or cords, cutting maintenance to a happy minimum.See More.

Easy Maneuvering with Extra-Large Wheels
If you are seeking the low-maintenance, zero-emission benefits of a cordless mower but don't want to forgo power and mobility, the Solaris is the answer. A combination of strength and innovation, the Solaris is a versatile push mower with extra-large wheels that ensure optimal traction even in rough terrain.

Hassle-Free, Emission-Free, and Extra Quiet
With the Solaris it's simple: just push and go. This cutting-edge mower requires no engine maintenance and absolutely no gas, oil, or cords. So when you decide it's time to mow, you can get right to work without wasting valuable time on upkeep. The hassle-free design also means you can store the mower (even upside down or hanging on the wall) without worrying about spills.

To save you time, the Solaris also boasts a three-in-one capacity to mow using the side discharge, mulch, or bag. Its handy mulching ability eliminates the need for an additional mulching device. The side-discharge and bag components on the deck allow for efficient waste collection, and the wide 21-inch cut capability speeds up the mowing process.

Producing zero emissions and no greenhouse gases, this mower is perfect for anyone who is looking for an easy way to protect the environment. And if you are someone who wants to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible, you can choose to recharge the Solaris with an optional solar panel (sold separately), which makes mowing your lawn absolutely carbon neutral. Plus, the quiet motor helps make lawn maintenance more relaxing while reducing noise pollution in your neighborhood.

High-Performance Motor Cuts Long or Wet Grass
The superb Terra Phase High-Performance Motor has a brushless, electric construction, which increases the mower's run-times for maximum efficiency and gives the mower the torque to cut through long, thick, or wet grass. this state of the art technology and a durable solid steel deck keeps the Solaris performing and looking like new for the long term.

Powerful Batteries Let You Tackle Your Lawn in One Charge
An average lot (7,000 to 10,000 square feet) can be cut in just one charge of the Solaris' highly efficient batteries. The included batteries only take 12 hours to charge, or they can be charged in four to five hours with the Rapid Charger Station sold separately. Charging can be done on board the mower with the built-in charging plug, or you can remove the batteries and recharge them using the included off-board charging cradle. Also, a built-in LED battery level indicator on the mower keeps you in-the-know about your battery power levels.

What's in the Box
Solaris S21HB 21-Inch 24-Volt Cordless Bag/Mulch/Side Discharge Lawn Mower, two batteries, charger, off board charging cradle, and manual.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

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Customer Reviews

Overall - good product/happy - L. Lee -
I've had my Solaris for a couple of months now and have been able to mow my St. Augustine grass multiple times. Overall this mower works ok in the stock configuration. I have around 7,000 sq. ft of yard and it was able to mow it all and still have battery life to spare (yellow lights still on). I do have to say that I'm not impressed with the mower's blade. I put on the bagging attachment the other day and it hardly filled it. The stock blade just doesn't have enough suction. I went out and bought a replacement blade and it made a world of a difference. Now it has plenty of suction but it uses up a lot of battery as well. I went through one set of batteries to do just my back yard (just under half of my yard). I guess it's a good thing I bought a spare set of batteries. Even having to use 2 sets of batteries I'm still happy with my purchase, maybe I can find a blade somewhere in the middle. My last mower was a reel mower that was awesome for the grass but it was too time consuming and was too difficult to use if the grass was too long.
If you don't have a large yard this mower is for you.



Expensive Disappointment - M. Andrews -
Despite charging the batteries for the directed period of time, the mower simply did not work. The first attempt, the charge lasted long enough to mow about 40 feet of my yard. The second and third attempt, the charge lasted 60 seconds, then 10 seconds, respectively.

Needless to say (but I'll say it anyway), I'm very disappointed. I was looking forward to having a quieter, exhaust-free mower. I'll try a different brand next, but this one's being returned.

Side note: I've just begun the return process. So far, it's very easy. Amazon is having UPS pick up the mower (at no cost to me) instead of making me lug it anywhere to be shipped.



Good on the second try. - J. Starke -
We were disappointed that the first mower did not start. after a phone call to trouble shoot, it was decided that returning it was the only option. The return process was easy and the second mower works great.



Great mower. Power enough for my lawn and my neighbor's too! - Joe -
I was very impressed by this lawn mower. It has plenty of power and seems to go on forever. I have a pretty good sized backyard and this mower will complete the front and back sometimes without even one green light going off. There are 3 green lights, one orange and one red to indicate the level of charge remaining in the batteries. I have never seen more than one light go out for any of my mowing needs. The posters that complain about the mower only going for 20 minutes must have not followed the directions on the first charge to put the power on the charger for 24 hours straight before the first use. I regularly mow over 45 minutes at a stretch without even coming close to discharging the batteries. The mower is very sturdy and seems well built. I just mowed 8 inch tall wet grass today on mulch and of course had to go a little at a time (as you would with a gas mower) but the thing ripped through it all without skipping a beat. I would recommend this mower to anyone.