Husqvarna LC 251iS review: a cordless mower that makes lawn care effortless and enjoyable

We may be coming to the end of mowing season now, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still think about investing in one of the best cordless lawn mowers. Before you tick off those last few gardening jobs of the season, I’ve got another mower worth looking at.

Husqvarna is already well known for its impressive range of robot lawn mowers, but its cordless models are also strong contenders. I’ve been testing the Husqvarna LC 251iS on my medium-sized lawn over the past couple of weeks, and with all the rain we’ve had recently, the grass was just the right length to put it through its paces.

You’ll find my full thoughts below, plus where to buy it if you’re tempted.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: price and availability

The Husqvarna LC 251iS has an RRP of £699 (around $950) and is available to buy from Husqvarna’s official store and selected retailers, including Radmore & Tucker and Broadfield Garden Machinery.

The main downside is that the battery and charger aren’t included, so you’ll need to buy those separately. That said, the mower is part of Husqvarna’s 36V Bli-X system, meaning one battery works across multiple Husqvarna tools – so if you already own one, you’re good to go.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: unboxing and setup

The mower arrived in a large, well-packaged box. Assembly was minimal and just included fitting the handle, which was quick and straightforward thanks to the instruction guide. Compared to some other mowers I’ve tested, the entire setup process was refreshingly simple.

The handle has two height settings that can be folded down with large quick-release knobs, and it folds over neatly for storage. The battery was only 30% charged out of the box, but charging was easy, with a 4-LED indicator showing battery status. It slotted neatly into one of the two battery ports and was simple to click in and release. My only real complaint is that the clear plastic battery lid feels a little flimsy compared to the rest of the build.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: design and features

The Husqvarna LC 251iS is a self-propelled battery mower with a steady 4km/h forward speed, making it simple to use and efficient across mid-sized to large gardens. It’s designed to take the effort out of mowing whilst giving you a wide cutting deck and two cutting options – collection or side discharge.

On the design front, the steel cutting deck feels solid and more durable than plastic alternatives, whilst the handle is ergonomic, fitted with soft grips, and can be adjusted to two different heights for comfort. There are also handy lifting points at the front and back, which makes it easier to move the mower into a shed or car when needed.

Safety-wise, the mower won’t start without turning the key switch in the battery compartment to position one. It also has a smart SavE mode, which helps preserve battery life when conditions are light, as well as a built-in Power Boost that kicks in when mowing thick patches, slopes or damp areas.

The LC 251iS also comes with a large 65-litre grass collector that’s quick to remove and empty, as well as a side-discharge option. Fitting the side deflector is straightforward and just included lifting the sprung-loaded cover and lock it in.

Cutting width is a generous 51 cm, and the central lever makes adjusting height easy with seven settings ranging from 25mm up to 75mm. The only thing missing is the BioClip kit for mulching, which isn’t included in the box but can be bought separately if you want to finely chop clippings and leave them on the lawn.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: performance

I had a really positive experience with the Husqvarna LC 251iS, especially when it came to the overall results. Unlike a petrol mower, it starts instantly when you press down the brake handle, which only works once you’ve released the sprung safety catch. Let go of the handle, and the mower stops right away. The self-propelled drive kicks in with a simple pull of the drive bail, and again, it stops immediately once you release it.

I set the cutting height to a mid-level using the central lever, and off I went. The mower had plenty of power, sailing through long, damp grass without breaking a sweat, and the tucked-in wheels make it easy to get close to edges and navigate around the lawn.

About halfway through, one of the handle locking nuts worked loose and fell off – probably because I hadn’t tightened it enough during assembly. It would have been great to see Nyloc nuts or spring washers as a standard instead, but a quick fix later, and I was back in action.

On a full charge, the battery just about lasted the entire cut of my lawn, only giving up right at the end. I’d definitely recommend a second battery if you don’t want to stop mid-job to recharge.

That aside, the cut itself was excellent, resulting in a clean finish on the first pass at a mid-setting, with plenty of room to adjust lower if I’d wanted. I was more than impressed, especially as you could see the visible difference right away.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: verdict

Overall, the Husqvarna LC 251iS is a great choice if you’re after a self-propelled cordless mower that feels powerful, durable and genuinely easy to use. It’s got plenty of cutting strength, and the wide 51 cm cutting deck, adjustable height settings and generous 65-litre grass box make it well-suited to medium or larger lawns. It should be noted that the transparent battery lid feels a bit flimsy and the battery isn't included, but those small issues aside, it’s a capable, reliable mower that delivers excellent results every time.

Husqvarna LC 251iS review: alternatives to consider

If you’re looking for something similar, I’d recommend the Stihl RMA 448 RV. Like the LC 251iS, it’s a battery-powered, self-propelled mower perfect for medium gardens, but it also comes with a rear roller for that classic striped lawn look.

Another option is the Gtech CLM50, especially if you're looking for something cheaper. It has clever touches like quick-release latches so the handle folds into three parts, a fixed battery key that can’t be lost, a visible battery indicator.