Husqvarna vs Craftsman Lawn Mowers (2021): Gasoline vs Battery-Powered Lawnmowers

Lawn mowers are at their best when you can rely on them to get the job done in no time, especially when you’re not particularly fond of yard work. Top brands Husqvarna and Craftsman are well aware of this and strive to offer top quality power tools to busy homeowners. In this comparison we examine the specs and features of popular mowers from both brands, the gasoline-powered Husqvarna 7021P and the battery-powered Craftsman V60. Interestingly, you’ll also get to see the pros and cons of both power sources and how they affect lawn mowing for most homes. Read on to see which one’s better for you.

Husqvarna 7021P vs Craftsman V60 Comparison Chart

Engine

The Husqvarna 7021P has a more powerful engine than the Craftsman V60.

Though it’s not definitive by any means, you can easily see the difference in the physical sizes of each mower’s engine. Taking into account that it also has a fuel tank, the Husqvarna 7021P’s gasoline engine is noticeably larger than the Craftsman V60’s battery-powered core, but it shouldn’t necessarily translate into more power. However, gas-fueled motors can output more power in general than their battery-driven counterparts, which is one reason you won’t find power output specs on most electric lawn mowers.

For light trimming and small lawns, you’ll probably not feel any difference between either mower’s engine power, but once you move on to bigger yards and taller grass, the discrepancy becomes apparent. An electric-powered mower like the Craftsman V60 experiences reduced cutting power the more resistance it encounters. It just won’t have the same momentum and torque that a gas lawnmower with heavier blades can output.

That said, the Craftsman V60 will be perfectly capable of keeping your lawn consistently well-trimmed if you do so regularly. If you tend to skip certain weeks and let your grass grow out though, you’ll want the muscle that the Husqvarna 7021P brings.

Handling

The Craftsman V60 is lighter and easier to push than the Husqvarna 7021P.

Just as gas lawn mowers are more powerful than electrics in general, the same applies for average weight, in that the former is typically heavier than the latter. You’ll find the Craftsman V60 easier to push and maneuver around your yard. It should practically glide along your lawn as long as the grass hasn’t gotten too tall yet. If you’ve been considering getting a self-propelled mower because you don’t want to have to push a heavy machine any more, the V60’s lightweight build might just change your mind.

Even though you’ll need to employ more force overall with the Husqvarna 7021P, you’ll enjoy better stability with its considerably larger rear wheels with double ball-bearings. Going up inclines or downhill will feel more smooth thanks to its comfortably solid weight, and some users actually prefer the feeling of powering through an unkempt yard leaving freshly trimmed grass behind. You also get a bit more momentum from pushing this forward compared to a lighter mower.

Cutting Efficiency

The Husqvarna 7021P will be better for larger yards than the Craftsman V60.

As mentioned, expect more cutting power from gasoline-based engines. Though both of these models have 21″ cutting decks and 3-in-1 cutting options, the Husqvarna 7021P can propel its blade consistently faster, resulting in greater efficiency the bigger the area you have to cover and the taller the grass you have to cut. A fully-filled tank should also allow you to finish cutting your entire outdoor space without stopping for a refill, and even then, it won’t take more than a couple of minutes to top it up and resume mowing.

Craftsman recommends their V60 lawn mower for those with yards smaller than a quarter of an acre, and this is due in part to two factors. First, its 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery can store enough juice for around 30-45 minutes of cutting a light to average load. This expected battery life varies a lot depending on other conditions as well, such as grass height, type, and moisture level. Second, if you’re not done mowing by the time the battery runs low, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to fully charge the Craftsman V60, which is a bit of a hassle if you have plans later or just want to get the chore done in one sitting.

Still, if you have a small to average-sized lawn that you like trimming regularly, you’ll be fully satisfied with the cutting performance of the Craftsman V60. If your backyard and front lawn is bigger than half an acre though, you’ll appreciate the Husqvarna 7021P more.

Safety, Comfort, and Ease of Use

The Craftsman V60 is a bit easier to operate, recharge and store.

The first big difference in ease of use between these two units is that you only need to push one button to start the Craftsman V60’s engine. That’s a huge upside if you find pulling cords multiple times frustrating, which shouldn’t be the case with the Husqvarna 7021P though, since it’s notable for nearly always starting on the very first pull even after months of use. Nevertheless, being freed from the pull/choke system is a nice welcome change.

You should also find it easier to store and recharge the Craftsman V60, since you can fold it vertically to minimize storage space and you simply plug it in to get it ready for the next round. Another point in its favor is its single-lever height adjustment system, whereas you’ll need to individually adjust each wheel of the Husqvarna 7021P. Both have multiple height settings for the handle though, so you should be able to find the optimal length to push either mower comfortably.

Finally, the electric engine of the Craftsman V60 will be significantly quieter than gasoline-based motors, making it easier to overhear your neighbors for some new, juicy gossip. It also doesn’t expel any fumes, making it slightly more environmentally friendly while also ensuring it’s just freshly cut grass you’d be smelling the whole way through.

Verdict

The Craftsman V60 is recommended for lawns smaller than 1/4 acre; otherwise, the Husqvarna 7021P is better.

Overall, both lawn mowers are excellent choices for homeowners with moderately-sized green spaces to tame. It’s just that the bigger your yard is, the better your mowing experience will be with the Husqvarna 7021P due to its more powerful motor, consistent cutting speed, and bigger energy pool. Those with yards a bit more on the smaller side will find the Craftsman V60 ideal instead, since it’s easier to push, quicker to start, and more convenient to operate all around.