How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower
You can use an electric lawn mower in five easy steps: charge your batteries, ready your mower by doing a quick check, start and mow your lawn, clean any debris off the mower when done, and then store your mower. Modern electric lawn mowers like Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD offer incredible benefits over a traditional gas mower, you just have to understand how to use them.
We've written this guide to help you get ready to mow your lawn in five simple steps.
Key Takeaways
- Different electric lawn mower types include push, riding, robot, and remote control.
- You can use an electric lawn mower by preparing your lawn mower, setting up your lawn mower for success, starting your mower, mowing, and then storing it afterward.
- If your mower won't start, vibrates excessively, or the blades become jammed, your lawn mower may need repairs.
What are the Different Types of Electric Lawn Mowers?
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Push Mower | Manual or self-propelled — available in corded or cordless models |
| Riding Mower | Suitable for larger lawns and includes zero-turn models for better maneuverability |
| Robot Mower | Autonomous mowers that can be programmed to mow without supervision |
| Remote Control Mower | Controlled using a remote, offers specific control over your lawn care without strain or tedious walking/standing |
How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower: 5 Simple Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare | Clear the yard of any obstacles such as rocks, branches, or toys to avoid damaging the mower |
| 2. Set Up Your Mower | Insert the fully charged battery into the mower (for cordless models) or plug in the cord (for corded models) |
| 3. Start Your Mower | Press and hold the start button for a few seconds until you hear the motor hum to life |
| 4. Mow Your Lawn |
|
| 5. Store Your Mower | Clean the mower thoroughly after each use, removing grass clippings from under the deck and around blades |
1. Prepare Your Electric Lawn Mower
Before mowing, preparing your electric lawn mower effectively can significantly improve its performance, lifespan, and energy efficiency. For example, regularly sharpening the blades can reduce energy consumption by up to 33%, while setting the cutting height slightly higher (around 2.75 inches) extends battery life and reduces motor strain.
Fully charge the battery, check that the blades are sharp, and begin prepping your yard for your lawn mower. You should set up the boundaries for your robot lawn mower (if you have one), check the weather conditions the day before, and have all the tools you need on hand.
2. Set up Your Electric Lawn Mower
Setting up your electric lawn mower correctly can boost efficiency, extend battery life, and ensure safe, effective lawn care. Fully charge the battery (typically 80 to 100 minutes) to maximize runtime, or have a backup for larger areas.
Be sure to use a durable, long outdoor extension cord for corded models, and mow away from outlets to prevent tangling. However, you won't have to worry about this step for a cordless electric lawn mower. You should familiarize yourself with safety features and decide on mulching or bagging options to further enhance performance, keeping your lawn healthier with each mow.
3. Start Your Electric Lawn Mower
Starting your electric lawn mower is quick and environmentally friendly, with most models powering up within 5 seconds and running at a quieter 78 dB — ideal for residential use. For added safety, ensure the safety key is inserted and press the start button while holding for 5 seconds to engage the motor. If the mower doesn’t start, check the battery connection and safety key, and check for any blade obstructions.
Starting a corded mower will differ from a cordless electric mower, here's how to start up both:
- Cordless Mowers: Typically, you press and hold a start button or you may need to pull a start handle to engage the motor. The battery must be fully charged and properly inserted, since it powers the motor.
- Corded Mowers: Since they draw power directly from an outlet, starting is nearly instantaneous once you press the start button and, if applicable, pull the start handle. A stable power connection is crucial, so always ensure the extension cord is securely connected.
4. How to Mow with an Electric Lawn Mower
Once everything is up, and you're ready, it's time to actually use your battery-powered mower to mow your lawn. Start and stop by double-checking that your blade height is never going to cut more than a third of the blade at a time, and begin mowing in even, straight strips. As you lap to and fro, slightly overlap each previous pass so you can catch all the uncut strips you may have missed while keeping a steady pace throughout.
Cord management is key if you have a corded mower. If you have a cordless mower, keep an eye on your battery level and have your charger on hand. Once you've finished mowing your lawn with your electric lawnmower, you should allow a few grass clippings to stay on your lawn. You'll want to let these act as nourishment for the rest of your grass so it can grow healthy and strong.
5. How to Store Your Electric Lawn Mower
To properly store your electric lawn mower, start by ensuring it is completely powered off and disconnected from any power source — unplug corded models and remove the battery from cordless mowers. Then thoroughly clean the mower by removing grass clippings and debris from the blades and underside. Avoid direct water contact with electrical components, and wipe down exterior surfaces.
Inspect the mower blades for wear and sharpen or replace them if necessary, handling them carefully with gloves. For cordless mowers, fully charge the battery before storage, store it separately in a cool, dry place, and recharge it periodically if stored long term.
Choose a dry, sheltered storage location like a garage or shed, ideally elevating the mower and covering it with a breathable fabric to protect against dust while allowing air circulation. Finally, secure your mower to keep it clear of children or unauthorized users by removing keys or safety pins.
What are Some Common Electric Lawn Mower Issues?
A few common battery-powered lawn mower issues that you may encounter while mowing your lawn include:
- Your lawn mower won't start
- The blades keep jamming
- The lawn mower keeps cutting out
- Excessive vibrations while you mow
- Battery issues if you have a cordless mower
- Uneven cutting when you start mowing
Are you looking for a new electric mower that makes your mowing experience as easy as possible? Take a look at the Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD, Mowrator's solution that's powered up and ready to make your yard immaculate. This innovative battery-powered lawn mower offers an intuitive remote control solution to let you mow from afar and in comfort — shop today.
How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower FAQs
How do you start an electric lawn mower?
To start an electric lawn mower, you'll need to press and hold the safety button or insert the safety key. You may need to check the owner's manual transcript to unlock your mower's potential power, especially if you're working with a corded lawn mower or string trimmer.
Can I use an electric mower on damp grass?
No, you should not use an electric lawn mower on damp or wet grass because of several safety and performance concerns. You may risk electrocution, slip on wet grass, or find that your mower's cut isn't as precise in wet conditions. If you can avoid it, do not use your electric lawn mower in wet or rainy conditions.
Back to Top: How to Use an Electric Lawn Mower