A good electric start petrol lawnmower is defined by its reliable, instant-start feature that eliminates the need for manual pull-starts, a robust battery that maintains consistent charge, and a powerful engine that ensures smooth operation and longevity, all contributing to a more convenient and user-friendly mowing experience.
My Favourite Electric Start Petrol Lawnmowers
- Best for Smaller Lawns – The Hyundai 17″/43cm 139cc Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower with electric start provides effortless ignition and is perfectly sized for the convenient maintenance of smaller lawns.
- Best for Medium Lawns – The Cobra MX484SPCE 48cm (19in) Petrol Lawnmower features an electric start for quick operation and is ideal for managing medium lawns with its efficient cutting and self-propulsion.
- Best for Larger Lawns – The Hyundai 20″/51cm 196cc Electric-start Self-propelled Petrol Lawnmower offers a wide cutting area and an easy-to-use electric start, making it a powerhouse for maintaining larger lawns with ease.
- Best Rear Roller – The Hayter Harrier 41 Autodrive Variable-Speed Rear-Roller Lawnmower 375A combines the convenience of an electric start with the aesthetic benefit of a rear roller, creating perfectly striped lawns with minimal effort.
Summary
Many people are discouraged from purchasing a petrol lawn mower, because they are under the impression that it can be arduous and unreliable to start when pulling on the recoil cord. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be a problem if you choose a petrol lawn mower that has an electric start option. In this article I will not only list the best electric start petrol lawn mowers currently available in the UK, but will briefly cover how they work and what you should look for when purchasing one.
Yes, the electric start option will cost a little more, but is it worth the extra investment? In this article we look at the pros and cons of electric start petrol mowers, so you can be sure to pick the best option to suit your personal needs and lawn’s requirements.
In a Hurry
Before we jump into more detail, I appreciate that some of you may be in a hurry, therefore I have listed below my top selection of best electric start petrol mowers divided by the most popular features.
Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mowers For Large Lawns
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect electric start petrol lawn mower for a large lawn.
Best Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mowers For Medium Lawns
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect electric start petrol lawn mower for a medium lawn.
Best Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mowers For Small Lawns
Select your requirements by ticking the applicable boxes below; so I can help you pick the perfect electric start petrol lawn mower for a small lawn.
Guide To Purchasing The Best Electric Start Petrol Mower
Introduction
When deciding whether or not to buy a petrol lawn mower which has an electric start function, you will need to consider all the other factors and features including lawn size, power, cutting width, cutting functions, self-propulsion and so on. In this article I will primarily be focusing on the electric start feature of petrol lawn mowers. However, if you would like to find out more about all of the features you should consider, please see my comprehensive Free Guide To Buying A Lawn Mower.
So why would you want to buy a petrol mower that has the added feature of electric start and are there any downsides? Simply being able to press a button to start your petrol mower offers you the simplicity of a cordless mower, but provides the additional power that only a petrol lawn mower can provide.
Pros & Cons Of Electric Start Petrol Mowers
Why Purchase An Electric Start Petrol Mower?
I hope that you can see from the pros and cons listed above, it is well worth paying a little extra to include an electric start on your new petrol lawn mower. A well maintained petrol lawn mower should always start with no problems using the recoil, however it still requires physical effort to do so and can be a cause of starting issues such as flooding the engine. The electric start option really does take this worry away making the task of mowing your lawn a breeze and stress free.
Yes, there are some disadvantages of an electric start petrol mower, such as ensuring the battery is charged before setting out to mow the lawn. But having said that a single charge battery on some models will allow you to start the mower for the entire season. Alternatively most mowers will offer the ability of a quick charge that will provide enough starts for at least 20 mows. Don’t forget that you have the recoil start backup available too, if needed.
I mentioned above that an electric start petrol lawn mower will cost more, but how much more and is it worth paying the extra?
Looking at current Hyundai petrol models with and without the electric start, the mowers with electric start cost around £60 more compared to the same model without this function. So in my opinion the 15% extra you are going to pay for this feature is well worth the investment in terms of time saved and convenience.
When investing in a petrol lawn mower, getting one that best suits you and your lawn requirements is paramount to ensuring your lawn maintenance is successful and trouble free. Having an electric start petrol mower goes a long way in fulfilling this need, but just remember it will still need to be regularly maintained to ensure that the recoil and the electric start work effectively.
Electric Start Petrol Mower Video
If you would like to see how an electric start petrol mower works, please see the video below.
Some petrol mowers, like in the video, will use a key to start the mower, where others will simply have a push button starter.
Other Features To Consider When Purchasing An Electric Start Petrol Mower
As mentioned above there are many features to consider when purchasing a petrol lawn mower such as self-propulsion, variable speed, hose wash port, rear roller, mulching to name a few. To help you in your decision I have created a very handy lawn mower selection tool that allows you to tick all of the features you require on your new petrol mower, and the best will be shortlisted for you in seconds. Why not head over to this selection tool now using the image link below.
If you have any questions please feel free to add them in the comments box below and I will be happy to help you find the best electric start petrol lawn mower.
Best Electric Start Petrol Mower FAQs
What Does Electric Start Mean On A Petrol Lawn Mower?
When you see a petrol lawn mower advertised as having an electric start, this means that the mower does not only start using the traditional recoil pull cord method. This difficult to start feature is something that puts a lot of people off buying a petrol lawn mower, so the addition of electric start can make these mowers much more attractive and easier to use.
Are Electric Start Mowers Reliable?
For the most part, electric start petrol lawn mowers are very reliable and are not only easy to use in terms of getting started, but also deliver a great overall performance. If you’re looking for something that’s simple and efficient, this might be an option worth considering.
Do Electric Start Mowers Have A Battery?
If you are using an electric start petrol lawn mower then one thing you will notice is markedly different to a regular petrol mower, is the presence of a battery. However, this isn’t something you will need to worry about charging as these battery systems are self-charging. There may be times that the battery runs completely down, but this is rare as the charge is usually achieved while the mower is running. The battery is purely there for the starting process and has no other function.
Can You Pull Start An Electric Start Mower?
If you don’t want to use the electric start feature or the battery has run out, then it is possible to use the pull cord to get your mower up and running. You’ll need to hold the operator presence control bar at the same time as pulling the cord.
Is Petrol Or Electric Mower Best?
There are pros and cons to both a petrol and an electric lawn mower. However, if you are looking for something with ultimate power and efficiency, then there is no doubt that the petrol lawn mower is superior. Moreover, with an electric start feature, you don’t need to worry about struggling to get things going, so you’ve got the best of both worlds.
What Is The Best Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower On The Market?
The joy of being a modern consumer is that you are spoiled for choice when it comes to lawn mower brands. While most manufacturers offer reliable, efficient and high-quality products, there are some that stand out from the crowd. Where petrol lawn mowers with electric start are concerned, I would recommend manufacturers such as Cobra, Hyundai, Webb, Hayter and Honda. All of these companies produce excellently reliable machines.
What Size Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mower Do I Need?
The cutting width of your petrol lawn mower will depend on the size of your lawn. For a smaller lawn up to 500 square metres, you may only need something with a cutting width up to 42cm. If you have a medium sized lawn measuring up to 1,000 square metres then a cutting width between 39cm and 45cm would be suitable. Finally, for those with large lawns that exceed 1,000 square metres, a bigger lawn mower will be needed. In this case, you’ll need to look for something with a cutting width over 45cm, which may go up to 53cm.
What Petrol Is Used For Lawn Mowers?
While there are different types of fuel you can use, it is generally accepted that unleaded petrol is the best choice for your petrol lawn mower. In any case, you must make sure that the ethanol content of the fuel does not exceed 10%. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for correct fuel for your particular petrol lawn mower.
How Do I Fix The Electric Start On My Lawn Mower?
If you’re having problems with the electric start feature on your petrol mower and are sure that the battery is sufficiently charged, then you may need to take it apart and inspect it. First ensure that all fuel is drained from the engine and then remove the electric start key. Next, you will need to turn the mower over and inspect the blades; the most common cause of electric start failure is debris blocking the path of the blade. Remove any offending items and recheck the start feature. Please consult the manual for common faults and root cause analysis, as this may assist, whilst always following the outlined safety guidelines.
How Long Should A Petrol Lawn Mower Last?
Petrol lawn mowers are favoured because of their long service life. That said, they will only continue to perform well when they are well maintained. If you take good care of your lawn mower then you might expect it to last more than a decade. However, with a lack of maintenance, some petrol lawn mowers won’t make it past two or three years.
Do Electric Start Petrol Lawn Mowers Need Oil?
Yes. Regardless of the electric start, all petrol lawn mowers run on an engine that has moving parts. If oil is not present in the system, these parts will not move smoothly and may rub against one another causing friction. This friction can make the engine overheat which may result in damage. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that you keep up with oil changes and top up as required.
As a seasoned expert in the field of garden power tools, I have dedicated over a decade to working with and reviewing a wide variety of lawn mowers. My extensive experience has allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the benefits and limitations of different types of mowers and garden tools.
Over the years, I have honed my skills in writing informative articles and creating helpful videos for various blogs and publications. This has given me the ability to not only recognise what makes a good lawn mower, but also to help you choose the perfect garden tool for your specific needs and requirements.
With my wealth of knowledge and expertise, I am confident that I can provide you with valuable insights and recommendations when it comes to selecting the right lawn mower for your lawn. So, whether you're looking for a battery cordless, electric, petrol, or robotic mower, you can trust in my expertise to guide you towards the best option for your garden.