Like conventional pull-start lawn mowers, electric start tools differ by power, size, and other important features. Despite the similarities, the availability of an electric start feature can be decisive if you want to escape bending and pulling the cord every time.
I wrote this guide to help you pick the best electric start lawn mower by learning what you pay for. Below is a concise but detailed guide for buying the right tool, along with my experience-based reviews of the 4 best models by trusted manufacturers. Read on, don’t forget about safety, and enjoy gardening!
Table could not be displayed.4 Best Electric Start Lawn Mowers
In these short reviews, I included all the information you may need to understand whether the tool matches your demands or not. Be attentive and consult the buyer’s guide at the end of this piece if you’re new to the topic.
1. Craftsman M275 – Best Electric Start Gas Lawn Mower
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Craftsman is a house brand by Black+Decker. This US company has been making excellent affordable tools for over 90 years. M275 is my favorite easy start gas lawn mower. This self-propelled 21-inch tool has large rear wheels and a powerful 159-cc motor that easily deals with bagging and mulching. You can also enable side and rear discharge if needed.
You can benefit from 6 height settings that let you make cuts from 1.25” to 3.75”. Speed adjustment is also provided to match your walking speed. Together with an electric start feature, this is one of the best options for average-size yards. As a bonus, Craftsman provides a limited lifetime warranty.
- High rear wheels for easy steering;
- Adjustable front-wheel-drive speed;
- 3-in-1 deck;
- Mulching capabilities;
- 6 height settings;
- Powerful 159-cc motor;
- Lifetime warranty (limits apply)
- Some plastic parts are easy to damage.
2. Lawn-Boy 17734 – Excellent Key Start Lawn Mower
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Lawn-Boy is a Toro brand with over 80 years of history that makes lawnmowers with simple constructions. The 17734 21’’ model is equipped with a 149cc Kohler overhead-valve engine that drives rear wheels at one speed, but it feels convenient enough.
The engine has a simple design, so it’s easy to maintain. Mowing height can be adjusted between 2 points for shortcutting and superficial trimming. The large bag collects mulch effectively, so you don’t have to discharge it too often.
The 3-year starter warranty guarantees that the tool will start in 1-2 pulls (key rotations) for at least 3 years. Otherwise, the brand will tune-up the tool for free.
- 2-year full-coverage warranty;
- 3-in-1 discharger;
- 3-year starter warranty with free-repair;
- Easy-to-maintain engine;
- CARB-compliant for California;
- Self-propelled.
- 1-speed drive;
- Rather small wheels.
3. Husqvarna LC221FHE – Good Push Button Lawn Mower
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Husqvarna is currently the oldest power tool manufacturer that has been making lawnmowers since 1919 and engine-powered mowers since 1947. Before that, the brand had been producing guns for 300 years.
This 21’’ lawn mower comes with a powerful 163-cc Briggs-and-Stratton engine. It provides excellent cutting ability and bags around 95% of clippings. At low speed, it collects almost 100%. The engine is powerful enough for cutting moist grass after rain without losing mulching quality. You can adjust cutting speed on the go, which is very convenient, but it will take a while to get used to the controller. The warranty is only 1-year, but the tools by this brand are known for their long lifespan.
- Oil is included;
- 4 height adjustments;
- Powerful 163-cc engine;
- Front-wheel drive;
- Excellent bagging system;
- Large rear wheels;
- Quick electric start.
- Electric start is a bit fiddly during first uses;
- Slightly more expensive than competitors as it’s an export tool and the warranty is short.
4. MELLCOM Gas Lawn Mower – Powerful Lawn Mower With Electric Start
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Mellcom is a small young power tool manufacturer, but a small brand doesn’t necessarily mean bad quality. This brand offers excellent quality for a moderate price. This 21’’ lawn mower is evidence.
The tool comes with the most powerful OHV engine on the list. It has 173cc under the cap. It drives large rear wheels and perfectly mulches the clippings. The large bag comes with a convenient handle that makes discharging effortless. I also like the handles that let you easily switch between 8 height adjustments (from 1.2 to 3.2 inches)
- 4-in-1 cutting;
- Fast cutting ability;
- Powerful 173cc OHV engine;
- 8 height adjustments;
- Large 16-gallon bag with a handle;
- No need to mix gasoline;
- An affordable model with many extras.
- The plastic dashboard could be sturdier.
Electric Start Lawn Mower Buyer’s Guide
Do you need more knowledge about self-start lawn mowers? Below are all the facts that you need to consider before buying one for your garden. Enjoy learning and make your lawn healthy!
What is an electric start lawn mower?
This is a subtype of gas-powered lawnmowers that can be turned on with a push of a button or turn of a key. Unlike recoil-started machines, this type doesn’t require any effort from you to turn it on. Most modern models have a battery that powers the starter motor, while the others can be plugged to power the starter.
What to look for in an electric start lawn mower?
Choosing an electric start mower isn’t very different from picking a gas-powered machine. Here are the main considerations.
Engine
Engines range from 140cc to 190cc. Tall wet grass cutting, mulching, and bagging require more power. Overhead-valve engines are the most common and affordable, but you can also opt for a diver-overhead-valve style that’s more expensive but reduces noise, emissions, and vibration.
Cutting width and the deck size
The recommended deck size is between 58 and 54 inches for a 2.2-acre. This size lets you mow the lawn in around 1.5-2 hours. Do the simple math to see what size you need.
Self-propelled vs. push mower
Self-propelled mowers have a transmission that drives the wheels and helps you move the tool around the yard. They are usually more expensive but don’t exhaust you at all. You can set a comfortable speed and steer them around. Push mowers cannot boast of such convenience, and you should have enough strength to move them around.
Adjustable height settings
This feature lets you cut grass to the needed height. It’s a useful feature as it makes you more flexible, but you can get a mower without it if you are sure that the fixed cutting height matches your needs.
Features
Here are the features to look for:
- Easy-access gas and oil tanks;
- The air filter cover should be easy to remove;
- Wash-out fitting – lets you connect a hose for cleaning grass from under the deck;
- Tall rear wheels – they make it easier to move over rough surfaces.
How to maintain an electric start lawn mower?
Here are the main maintenance rules:
- Drain gasoline at the end of each moving season;
- Check oil level;
- Clean the air filter;
- Change spark plugs on time;
- Keep the blade sharp;
- Opt for a professional tune-up;
- Clean the undercarriage.
Electric Start Lawn Mower FAQ
If you still have questions, this section may help you out. I picked the most frequently asked questions of my friends and readers to save you time.
How does an electric start lawn mower work?
Electric start movers are basic gas machines, but they are equipped with an electric starter. This part is powered by an accumulator and spins to turn its crankshaft. The only thing you have to do is push the button or turn the key.
How long does an electric start mower last?
If you maintain the machine properly, the mower’s gas engine will last from 8 to 10 years. If you don’t provide it with the needed care, it will be around 4 years optimistically. Some manufacturers may also promise a limited number of hours, which you can translate into years.
Why is my electric lawn mower not starting?
To understand the reason, you have to inspect the mower. Unplug it and check the cable for damage. Most probably, the cable is cut. There also can be a problem with the engine, which is impossible to detect without taking the tool to the service center. Battery-powered mowers may not start if there’s a problem with the battery pack.
Can I add an electric start to my lawn mower?
Some engines, like Briggs-Stratton, are compatible with starter converters that let you adjust an electric starter quite easily. Incompatible engines can be started with a drill and a 4-inch square-head bolt, but that’s not very convenient.
Easy-Start, Easy-Do
Now you’re ready to make the best model amongst electric start self-propelled mowers offered by the vast number of manufacturers. My favorite tool is Craftsman M275 (see the first review), but your pick can be different from that as our needs may differ. Always remember that to avoid overpaying or underestimating your lawn size.
Have you ever used an electric start walk behind mowers before? Do you like them more than pull-start models? Why? If you have experience with one of the tools from my listing, I’ll be happy to see your opinion in the comment. You can also ask me questions about these tools if any. Take care!
