I guess I'm growing older!

July 17, 2012 2:19 PM

Looking for an electric start gas powered lawn mower. Because of some recent back problems, I would like to avoid yanking on the rope of a recoil start lawn mower.

I don't need a self propelled mower (small lawn), but I do want one gas powered (lawn not that small). I suppose an all electric one is possible, but I've heard they are underpowered and expensive. Any recommendations?

posted by Rad_Boy to Home & Garden (6 answers total)

I've had a Toro electric start mower for a years now and it runs like a champ. I think most of theirs are also self propelled (which is nice regardless I think). 6.5hp is a decent strength mower that'll be able to tackle most lawns + small twigs. If you have drop-offs or mow near a drainage ditch, a mower with large back wheels is also a plus.
posted by samsara at 3:18 PM on July 17, 2012

Seconding a Toro. We got a 22" Recycler last summer. It's a good mower. Self-propelled, though. I'm not sure you can get a Toro that isn't self-propelled anymore. I had back surgery a couple of years ago and like the self-propelled aspect. I can't imagine pushing it around on my own with my back.
posted by Thorzdad at 3:37 PM on July 17, 2012

Avoid the electrics. Batteries stink, cords stink.

You're probably going to wind up with a self propelled mower, as electric start is typically a premium add-on to the better models of a manufacturer's line.
posted by jgreco at 5:06 PM on July 17, 2012

How well do you keep up on your lawn? I know you said "gas" but would you consider a very easy-to-push reel mower? The Fiskars reel mower is a revelation - my neighbor's eight-year-old can push mine up our little terrace. It does a really nice job as long as you don't let the lawn get too long. And it's a hell of a lot easier to push than even the lightest gas mowers.
posted by notsnot at 7:26 PM on July 17, 2012

Consider a non-electric-start motor with a starter you wind up by turning a circular crank on the top.
posted by KRS at 6:39 AM on July 18, 2012

Response by poster: Where can I get one of those?
posted by Rad_Boy at 11:15 AM on July 19, 2012