Traditional gas-powered lawn mowers almost all come with one big draw back…
The pull cord.
If you’ve ever started a gas lawn mower, you know the pain of yanking and yanking the pull cord until the mower starts. If your mower is tuned up and in good condition, it may only take a few pulls. But, more often than not… more than a few pulls are required.
Electric mowers, on the other hand, require little effort to start up. Many electric mowers require little more than turning a key or flipping a switch.
While the process may be simple, there are a few important things to keep in mind as you start up your mower. Keep reading for a closer look at how to start an electric lawn mower quickly and safely.
Getting Started — How to Start An Electric Lawn Mower
While you don’t need to check the gas tank or the oil level before starting an electric mower, there are a few other simple checks worth performing before you turn on the power. An electric lawn mower does still need to be operated safely. Most home owners also prefer to keep their tools in good operating condition for as long as possible — so make sure you treat your mower right too.
Just like you would with any lawn mower, start by checking around the wheels and deck. Check for anything that might have become tangled in the cutting blades or wheels. It’s also a good idea to make sure there’s nothing under the mower.
If you didn’t clean your mower last time you used it, now is great time to dust off the old clippings and clear out any build up under the deck. Make sure the mulch place or clipping chute are clean and free of obstructions too.
Next, check to make sure the wheels are adjusted to the correct height. There are few things more frustrating than realizing your lawn mower is set too low or high midway through mowing.
Finally, make sure that the clippings bag or mulch plate are attached properly and securely. A problem with either of these things could be a real safety issue.
Once you’ve checked everything out, roll your mower out into the yard where you plan to get started. There’s no need to start up your electric lawn mower in the garage or on the driveway — you may end up cutting something other than grass.
Starting a Battery Powered Lawn Mower
Before you start up a battery powered lawn mower, it’s very important to make sure the battery is fully charged.
If your batter isn’t charged… well… you’re not going to make it very far. Even if your electric mower only has a slight amount of juice left in the battery it will still run as if fully charged… but not for long. And if you only have one battery, it can be very frustrating to stop and let it charge for hours.
If you’ve already checked the battery and you’ve checked the rest of the mower, simply depress the safety lever and turn the key to get going.
Starting a Battery Powered Lawn Mower: Tips & Tricks
Battery powered mower not starting up right away?
Check the battery before you do anything else. A battery that’s not fully charged (or not charged at all) is the number one reason for a battery powered mower not starting.
Always charge your lawn mower battery the day before mowing to avoid this problem.
Battery charged but the mower still isn’t starting?
Make sure the battery is connected properly and that the connection points are clean. Mowing is a dirty business and dirt and debris often find their way into battery connections.
Starting a Plug-in Electric Lawn Mower
A plug-in electric mower starts up just like a battery-powered mower. All you need to do is turn the key while holding the safety lever.
One important check to make before starting: your electrical cord and connection. Make sure you have enough cord to mow your entire lawn and that all the connection points are clean and secure.
Starting a Plug-in Electric Lawn Mower: Tips & Tricks
If your corded electric mower doesn’t start up right away, be sure to double check your cord connections first. Dirty or loose connections may prevent you from getting power.
If that doesn’t work, try checking the electrical breaker for the outlet you’re using. An electric lawn mower can draw a lot of power, easily tripping some breakers.
Your mower also likely has a fuse that could blow, causing your mower not to run. Check the owner’s manual for the fuse location and change the fuse if necessary.