Problems With Electric Start Lawn Mowers

Electric starting mechanisms eliminate the need to pull tirelessly on a rip cord in order to get your lawn mower running. Instead, when using an electric start mower, you simply need to flick a switch or turn a key, just like with an automobile’s ignition. Despite the several advantages of electric starting mechanisms, the mowers that utilize them can still have several problems.

Power Cord Chaos

Most electric start mowers on the market are entirely electric, using electricity to power cutting blades--and front or back wheels with self-propelled models--in addition to powering starting mechanisms. Obtaining the electricity for an electric mower typically requires running a power cord across your lawn to an indoor or outdoor power outlet. In most instances, manufacturers do not include long cords with the mowers, which means you have to spend additional funds on an extension cord before you can cover any real distance, according to the lawn mower resource, Lawn Mower 411.

However, there are limits when it comes to using extension cords with electric mowers, which means the mowers are not well-suited for covering large areas. You should never use more than 230 feet of cord, according to the lawn mower resource Lawn and Mower, otherwise your mower may not run properly. In addition, towing around a power cord while you mow can be a hassle, and running over it is an electrocution risk.

Lack of Power and Durability

An alternative to the corded, all-electric start mower is the cordless battery-powered all-electric start mower. While this type of mower eliminates the hassles of a traditional pull-start mower without reverting to the use of chaotic power cords, the mower--like all electric mowers--still has several problems. The cordless mowers are often not sturdy enough for heavy-duty landscaping and professional lawncare work and are much less powerful than gas-powered mowers, the lawn mower resource, Electric Lawn Mowers, reports.

Battery Drawbacks

There are some mower models, such as the Honda HRX217K2HMA, which utilize standard, cord-free, gasoline-powered engines in combination with electric start mechanisms. Instead of receiving electricity from power outlets, these starting mechanisms run on battery-power; eliminating the distance-restrictions, hassles and risks associated with using corded electric start mowers. Using such a mower also eliminates the power and durability problems associated with electric mowers in general.

The downside, however, is when the battery powering the starting mechanism of a gas-powered mower dies, you cannot start the mower--unless, of course, the mower has a back-up, pull-start mechanism. So even though you may be able to take an electric start, gas-powered mower further than an all-electric model, if it breaks down, you will have to push it all the way back to charge or replace the battery.