Best Electric Start Self Propelled Lawn Mower [2021]

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Best Electric Start Self Propelled Lawn Mower — Lawn-Boy 17734

Top Pick

After personally testing out 36 models, we’ve concluded that the Lawn-Boy 17734 is the best overall model, thanks to its heavy-duty mowing/mulching capabilities and guaranteed one-pull ignition.

Here’s what the Lawn-Boy 17734’s key specifications are in a glance

  • 149-cc Kohler Engine
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • 21-inch Deck
  • 3-Year TruStart Commitment

Out of the box, the 17734 is nearly ready to roll—just fill the 4-stroke engine with fuel and oil, turn the key, and listen to it purr.

The 17734 is protected by a 3-year warranty that guarantees a one-pull start every time, or Lawn-Boy will repair the engine for you, free of charge.

Mowing and mulching couldn’t be easier. The 149-cc Kohler engine delivers a ton of torque to spin the tri-cut blades at high speeds to leave clippings virtually invisible.

The 17734 also comes with a handy, oversized collection bag to store more clippings with infrequent emptying out.
Take a look at this video to see the 17734 in action.

 

Pros

  • Excellent traction
  • Safety-handle keeps the 17734 in place
  • Tri-cut mower blades
  • Large collection bag

Cons

  • Front height adjustment could lock in place better

The Lawn-Boy 17734 is a fan-favorite for a reason: it works beautifully. Slopes or flat surfaces, the 17734 can tackle the most demanding residential mowing job easily.

If you’d rather outsource landscaping duties to your child, you can deprive them of an allowance right now.

An electric start, self propelled lawn mower eases the task of mowing large gardens by doing the heavy lifting for you.

In this guide, we’ll tell you all of the best electric start self propelled lawn mower on the market.

We’ve researched over 30 different models by mowing tens of thousands of square feet to show you we mean business.

Top Electric Start Self Propelled Lawn Mower Compared

Product ImageProduct NameFeaturesPrice
Lawn-Boy 17734
  • Engine Size: 159 cc
  • Deck: 21 in.
  • Drive: FWD
  • 3-in-1 Capabilities
CRAFTSMAN M275
  • Engine Size: 80V
  • Deck: 21 in.
  • Drive: RWD
  • Brushless Motors
Greenworks Pro 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Tool-Only, MO80L00Greenworks PRO 80V Lawn Mower
  • Engine Size: 160 cc
  • Deck: 21 in.
  • Drive: RWD
  • 4-in-1 Versamow
Honda 21''3-in-1 Self Propelled Self Charging Electric Start Lawn MowerHonda 21''3-in-1 Lawn Mower
  • Engine Size: 163 cc
  • Deck: 21 in.
  • Drive: FWD
  • 2.5-bushel bag
Husqvarna LC221FHE
  • Engine: 24 hp
  • Deck Size: 54 in.
  • Transmission: Dual Hydrostatic
  • Reverse Mowing

Reviews of the Top Electric Start Self Propelled Lawn Mower

The Lawn-Boy 17734 isn’t the only model that deserves recognition. Based on our test results, the following models are some of the best that the market has to offer.

Best Premium - CRAFTSMAN M275

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 159-cc Engine
  • 21-inch Deck
  • Front-Wheel-Drive
  • 3-in-1 Capabilities

The CRAFTSMAN M275 sports a 159-cc engine and 21-inch steel cutting deck that mow through tall grass and complete chores in fewer passes.

The convenience of the electric starter means never struggling with recoil cords—simply pull and it’s ready for action.

The M275 has front-wheel-drive at a single speed that works beautifully at navigating the steel deck along curves and around obstacles.

As for slopes, it could be better, but this unit is designed specifically for flat surfaces.

This is a 3-in-1 machine that stores, discharges, and mulches clippings easily and efficiently. The collection bag could be bigger, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

Pros

  • Maneuvers easily around obstacles
  • Bags, mulches, and discharges clippings
  • Lightweight with wide deck
  • Built-in deck-wash port

Cons

  • Collection bag could be bigger

If you’re looking for premium-quality mowing, then the premium-grade CRAFTSMAN M275 is for you. With front-wheel drive, this electric start lawn mower moves around tree trunks and along curves with ease.

Best Budget - Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Lawn Mower

best overall rating Greenworks Pro 21-Inch 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Tool-Only, MO80L00

Key Specifications

  • 80V Battery
  • 21-inch Deck
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • Brushless Motors

The most budget-friendly lawn mower you can get on the market is the Greenworks PRO 21-inch. This lawn mower does not require gasoline or engine oil to run—as long as the 80V battery has a charge, it’s ready for action.

It sports a 21-inch deck and has rear-wheel propulsion to mow up along slopes and rough terrain with relative ease.
The Greenworks PRO also has brushless motors that propel lawn mower and keep the blades spinning.

The advantage of brushless motors is less power consumption and less heating, thereby improving mowing and mulching performance.

Take a look at what the Greenworks PRO can do in this video.

 

Pros

  • Zero-emission motor
  • Low-maintenance motor
  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Travels up and down slopes easily

Cons

  • Could be better at mowing wet grass

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly lawn mower, there’s nothing better than this Greenworks machine. Being battery-powered, you don’t need to maintain the engine as frequently, nor purchase engine oil or fuel.

Honda 21-inch 4-in-1 Lawn Mower

best overall rating Honda 21''3-in-1 Self Propelled Self Charging Electric Start Lawn Mower

Key Specifications

  • 160-cc Engine
  • 21-inch Deck
  • Rear-Wheel-Drive
  • 4-in-1 Versamow

The Honda 21-inch 4-in-1 Lawn Mower is one of the most versatile electric start, self propelled lawn mowers you can find.

Thanks to the Versamow system, this Honda mower can also finely ground leaves for efficient storage and easy disposal. Best of all, users can adjust grass clipping collection and mulching levels to their exact specifications.

This heavy-duty lawn mower’s 160-cc engine offers rear-wheel-drive to drive effortless up and down slopes. However, the speed limiter and engage lever can take some getting used to.

Pros

  • Bagging, mulching, discharging, and leaf-shredding
  • Collects and mulches simultaneously
  • Excellent at mowing up hills
  • Great fuel economy

Cons

  • Variable speed could be easier to control

This Honda lawn mower does everything you could ever need. The 4-in-1 capabilities truly set this machine apart from the rest.

Husqvarna LC221FHE

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 163-cc Engine
  • 21-inch Deck
  • Front-Wheel-Drive
  • 2.5-Bushel Collection Bag

The LC221FHE is a fantastic Husqvarna-made electric start, self propelled lawn mower for residential settings. It features a hefty 163-cc Briggs & Stratton engine that powers the 21-inch mower blades to chop through tough grass.

When switching to mulching mode, the deck produces multiple cuts to shred clippings to a finer ground to reduce the amount of storage needed.

With a front-wheel-drive system, the LC221FHE maneuvers perfectly around obstacles, tree trunks, and along curves. When you get the hang of using the variable speed lever, it’s smooth sailing every time.

Pros

  • Incredibly efficient bagging system
  • Excellent maneuverability around obstacles
  • Powerful mowing and mulching capabilities
  • Easy to start

Cons

  • Variable speed could be easier to control

Overall, the Husqvarna LC221FHE is an ultra-reliable lawn mower that deals with home lawns like a beast. You’ll enjoy how little space of the bag is used when mulching clippings to a fine grind.

FAQs

Now, let’s take some time out to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about electric start, self propelled lawn mowers.

Do I need an electric start, self propelled lawn mower?

For homeowners across the country, we would highly recommend getting this type of lawn mower if your gardens are less than half an acre in size. The electric start ignition practically eliminates the struggles of starting a cold engine, and the self-propelling feature ensures quick and effortless mowing across large gardens.

How many hours does self propelled lawn mower last?

The lifespan of such a lawn mower varies from model to model, but on average, you should get about 350 hours of use. This is roughly the amount of mowing time across the span of 3 seasons. With regular maintenance and proper storage, you might be able to squeeze out an extra 400 to 500 hours from the engine.

Should I get a used electric start, self propelled lawn mower?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Homeowners tend not to care for their lawn mowers since they’re seasonal pieces of equipment. Improper storage can accelerate the deterioration of the engine, causing it to sputter the following season or when it switches hands to a new owner. Also, these lawn mowers are relatively inexpensive, including our premium pick.

Should I get a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive lawn mower?

The most common type is front-wheel-drive. They excel at mowing large, flat surfaces, as well as maneuvering around turns and tree trunks. Rear-wheel-drive mowers, on the other hand, are better for mowing up and down slopes. You should choose the type of self propelled system based on your garden’s terrain. 

Summary

This is the end of our guide on the best electric start self propelled lawn mower.

The best lawn mower is one that makes your work easier, not forces you to hire pro landscapers.

We hope you learned something from our research of over 30 models. If you have any questions, please let us know by dropping a comment below. 

Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jerry Ward

Jerry has been fascinated with power tools, especially saws and drills since his childhood days. He loves to travel and contributes to various online platforms.

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