It comes out of the box ready to use, just charge the batteries, plug them into chassis, attach bag and you're off and running for about 110 minutes. The bag is easy to install and remove to empty. For safety reasons, the instructions require removal of the batteries before emptying the grass catcher. The handles have three heights, easily adjustable, and over 7 adjustments for the height of the deck. It is a bit louder than expected, and the motor generally runs at one speed. You can adjust the walking pace, but not the mower blade speed, which self-adjusts based on the effort it takes to spin the blade. The motor speed increases as you hit thicker patches of grass. If you need to stop and manually push, to cut around a tree, or other obstacle, the rear wheels need to rotate one full revolution without power in order to disengage the drive gear. This is not mentioned in the instruction manual. The 2 - 5 watt hour batteries are supposed to last 2.5 hours, but don't quite make it to 2 hours. If you use 2 - 4 watt hour batteries only last 90 minutes instead of the expected 2 hours. In order to cut 1/4 acre lot it required 3 battery changes, however, the third set was only partially discharged after 4 hours. The batteries also are too warm to start charging for over an hour, and take several hours to recharge using the charger that came with the mower. It is highly recommended to buy at least one extra pair of 5 watt hour batteries to have ready when the first pair are discharged. Since I have 1/2 acre, I was unable to complete my mowing session in a single outing. I suspect I would need 12 batteries to get the job done. I ended up using a second plug-in mower which I was using previously. It is nice not to have to drag a long electric cord all over the property. The unit is made to be stored sitting with the blade exposed, and instructions are quite clear about keeping the mower deck clean between uses, and to use a plastic scraper or wire brush to remove the grass debris that sticks to the underside of the deck and keep the mower blade sharp every 50 hours or so. The handle locks in place, and can easily be moved while folded up. It is very well designed and built to last. My biggest concern is the battery life, and their idea that 50 hours of use is several years usage. The manual claims this model is ideal for 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots. The motor can handle the continuous running time to support the claim, however, the battery life is a bit overstated. They might have boosted the battery running time by adding a separate battery to handle the self-propelled motor. The frame is a bit heavy, and could have been made of plastic or composite to make it lighter and easier to propel The manual also makes a point not to use water or any solvents for cleanup, so that water does not damage the motor or controls. Overall, it is a sturdy machine, not likely to require much maintenance other than replacement batteries and keeping the blade sharp. As Doug Marcaida would say - it will cut!