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Wife too weak, push button start gas engine-- Not interested in Electric Mower

#1

S

schreib69

My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!


#2

Tiger Small Engine

Tiger Small Engine

schreib69 said:
My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!
Click to expand...
The mower you buy will have whatever engine the dealer/store ordered. Just because you had one with Briggs engine and it would not start with push button start, but start while using rope recoil , really means nothing. It isn’t as if you can now eliminate all Briggs engines from your buying decision. I mean you can, but it will leave little choice. The remaining choices of engines are: Kawasaki and Kohler (doubtful these would be on the mower you are looking for), or Chonda engines (Chinese Honda), ie: LCt, Loncin, Powermore, etc.


#3

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

I know what your OP said, but I suggest you consider a cordless electric (battery) powered mower. They're lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to start. And they're perfect for small areas. Look for a 6 Ah or higher battery. If Lowes is convenient, check them out as they offer different brands than HD. One to think about is the EGO LM2125SP.

If you eliminate B&S and electric, you'll end up with a small selection.


#4

S

schreib69

Thanks for the comments folks.

hmmm. I was hoping to hear about some great whiz bang Cub Cadet engine / mower. . . on the Cub Cadet forum.
I have LOTS of B &S engines and am not against them per se. I figure they just don't what they're doing for the choke / carb end on this model they sell under a number of brands between $450 and $500. Maybe the ONE I got was a lemon?

I would buy it again and hope that after 5 starts it would CONTINUE to start with the button but not going to go through the return process again when it fails after the 30 day warranty.

I guess no one here is aware of Cub's market model with elec. start, huh?


#5

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

schreib69 said:
I guess no one here is aware of Cub's market model with elec. start, huh?
Click to expand...
I have a Cub Cadet with a Kohler engine and electric start, but it's a lawn tractor. I think it's great. I wasn't aware of a Cub Cadet gas powered walk behind mower with electric start and without a B&S engine so I checked their website. They have around a dozen walk behind mowers. I didn't see any that met your requirements: walk behind mower, electric start, not B&S engine, under $800. They had a 159cc mower (SC100) with electric start and a Cub Cadet engine at one time, but it's been discontinued. Which mower are you considering?


#6

S

schreib69

I am looking at the CC600; hard to find but I DID find one through King Tool and Machine(Singapore) for $665 and free shipping. I am considering pulling the trigger. . . Cub Cadet engine, not B & S.


#7

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

The CC600 is an OK machine for a particular need. If you're in the USA, the CC600 goes for $1,200 and should be in stores next month. So, $665 with free shipping is a bargain, or maybe not. I looked up my lawn tractor on that website and it goes for $1,260 vs $2,600 at HD. I also have a Honda mower that goes for $511 on that website vs $999 at HD. I also see they don't take credit cards. Makes me wonder. But, if it doesn't make you wonder, go for it.


#8

northcreeek262

northcreeek262

My B&S engine on my log splitter would do the same thing ( spin like crazy and not start then start with one pull) never could figure it out , have to think that the spark is degraded when starting electric but, WHY ?


#9

S

schreib69

cc600, but appears no longer manufactured; I believe they upped the ante to the cc800 and now want $1200


#10

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

schreib69, good luck with your search. IMO, it's just as well as the cc600 seemed to be overkill for your need. Perhaps you can reconsider a cordless electric (battery) mower like the EGO I mentioned in post #3. They are well suited to small areas (large areas, too - for a lot of money) and their maintenance is much less than gas powered mowers. Cordless mowers are lightweight and much quieter. Also, it's nice to smell the cut grass instead of petrol fumes.


#11

S

slomo

schreib69 said:
Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot
Click to expand...
There's your answer. Buy from a real mower shop.

Recommend hiring a lawn crew if you can't start the equipment and use it properly.


#12

S

schreib69

TonyPrin said:
The CC600 is an OK machine for a particular need. If you're in the USA, the CC600 goes for $1,200 and should be in stores next month. So, $665 with free shipping is a bargain, or maybe not. I looked up my lawn tractor on that website and it goes for $1,260 vs $2,600 at HD. I also have a Honda mower that goes for $511 on that website vs $999 at HD. I also see they don't take credit cards. Makes me wonder. But, if it doesn't make you wonder, go for it.
Click to expand...
No, like you that half price sent up red flags. I figured out their email and sent them an inquiry asking a few pointed questions. No reply. NOPE, likely a scam. I actually found two similar websites like that out of Indonesia.


#13

S

schreib69

northcreeek262 said:
My B&S engine on my log splitter would do the same thing ( spin like crazy and not start then start with one pull) never could figure it out , have to think that the spark is degraded when starting electric but, WHY ?
Click to expand...
It would be nice to ask some tech guy at B & S but they have off loaded ALL their tech help to their certified dealers-- nobody at corporate! It IS a conundrum.
The other part is no one appears to really understand how their choke system works or can explain it well, so I can't even come up with a theory . . .


#14

S

slomo

Toro makes a nice Super Recycler with E start. Has the big Briggs 190cc engine. Don't even have to change the oil in it either LOL. Personal Pace, my fav.


#15

S

schreib69

slomo said:
Toro makes a nice Super Recycler with E start. Has the big Briggs 190cc engine. Don't even have to change the oil in it either LOL. Personal Pace, my fav.
Click to expand...
Yep, looks good. THAT would work! But $900 for a lawn mower for occasional use. Twice as much as I was hoping for. I think I will just give up and tell they wife to ask me to cut the grass . . . my normal mode. I am obviously asking the market for something it just is not ready to do.
The machine I bought at HD last year cost only $440. I figured SOME company out there had a competing product. The answer is simply: NO
I figured the dominant engine manufacturer B &S could make a product that would reliably start with a push button; how hard can that be?! Auto choke engines have been around for 80 years! New technology with lithium batteries enables huge power in small packages perfect for a light machine yet, no company can combine them? I give up.


#16

F

Fueler

I am curious as to which brand of mower this briggs is mounted on.
Since the Briggs starts manually there has to be a wiring issue somewhere with the instart feature.
It spins just fine but the circuit that fires up the ignition/coil has to be the source would be my guess. Bad switch? Safety switch? It happens. Got a voltmeter?
I would not condemn this just yet.
Can you find your manual with a wiring diagram here?

Find Manual & Parts List | Briggs & Stratton

Whether you are putting your equipment away for the season or needing to replace a part, locate your equipment or engine manual to get the information specific to your product.
www.briggsandstratton.com www.briggsandstratton.com


#17

P

pay1920

TonyPrin said:
I know what your OP said, but I suggest you consider a cordless electric (battery) powered mower. They're lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to start. And they're perfect for small areas. Look for a 6 Ah or higher battery. If Lowes is convenient, check them out as they offer different brands than HD. One to think about is the EGO LM2125SP.

If you eliminate B&S and electric, you'll end up with a small selection.
Click to expand...
Bad choice, replacement parts are not available for some Electric/battery powered mowers, the part that holds the blade is made out of plastic, once you damage this, you can not mount the blade safely, Check before you buy, if parts are available, and don't take the stores word for it, look for yourself. good luck


#18

P

pcpotter

schreib69 said:
My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!
Click to expand...
Have you considered the Ryobi 40volt battery powered walk behind I’ve had 2 of these gave my first one to my sister so she could keep her small yard mowed it’s still going strong 3yrs later and got my wife a self propelled battery powered mower and she loves we’ve had it 3yrs and it’s still going strong one thing that’s important is to keep your yard mowed on a regular basis


#19

N

nc10

TonyPrin said:
I know what your OP said, but I suggest you consider a cordless electric (battery) powered mower. They're lightweight, easy to maneuver, and easy to start. And they're perfect for small areas. Look for a 6 Ah or higher battery. If Lowes is convenient, check them out as they offer different brands than HD. One to think about is the EGO LM2125SP.

If you eliminate B&S and electric, you'll end up with a small selection.
Click to expand...
With apologies to OP, I couldn't agree more. I ended up w 2 mowers while selling one house, buying another. One gas, one electric, an 20" EGO electric bought in 2014. Still going fine, using orig batteries, 10th season. The EGO is the only mower my wife will use, much lighter, much, much easier to maneuver, easy to store, the handle folds and it sits on end. Easy to haul around. Much less noise. No need to winterize. Great for mowing around trees, flower beds, gardens, etc. I have 2 batteries, ~ 5 amp hr. EGO and HD/Ryobi both make good electrics. Pricy, due to batteries, decent models start around $400, more w 2 batteries. Ex the initial cost, a really good fit for applications like this.

Checked on Consumer Reports, the top push mower with electric start in their ratings is a Honda HRN216VLA, but its out of stock as best I can tell.

Honda HRN216VLA Mower | 21" Walk Behind Mower | Honda Lawn Mowers

The Honda HRN216VLA lawn mower features electric start, Honda's adjustable speed Smart Drive transmission, Auto Choke™, MicroCut® twin blades, a powerful 4-stroke engine.
powerequipment.honda.com powerequipment.honda.com

The next model up, is $900, available on amazon, so too expensive... but seems to meet the requirements otherwise....


#20

F

Freddie21

I have the Kobalt electric and love it. Not good for2 acres, but it would be with additional batteries. Best thing for people that can't pull the cord. No gas, oil and routine maintenance except for keeping it clean (don't clean underside with water) and batteries charged.


#21

Z

Zedo

I bought a Toro battery operated mower 3 years ago , I coudnt be more pleased. Batter
TonyPrin said:
The CC600 is an OK machine for a particular need. If you're in the USA, the CC600 goes for $1,200 and should be in stores next month. So, $665 with free shipping is a bargain, or maybe not. I looked up my lawn tractor on that website and it goes for $1,260 vs $2,600 at HD. I also have a Honda mower that goes for $511 on that website vs $999 at HD. I also see they don't take credit cards. Makes me wonder. But, if it
Click to expand...


#22

Z

Zedo

I have a Toro mower ( 21 inch ) rear wheel drive that is battery operated over the years these battery operated hand tools and lawnmowers have come a long way.
Comes with a mulcher /bag/ option. I've had it for over 3 years and I'm happy with it, I have a little over an 1/4 acre to cut and the battery still has some life left in it
after a mowing. Thick gauge steel deck not flimsy at all. Light weight I might add. Might look it up if your interested. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-21...-RWD-5-0-Ah-w-Battery-Charger-21357/317276851 Here is another both the Toro and Ryobi get 4 1/2 stars, Maybe time to switch? https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-4...0-Ah-Batteries-and-Charger-RY401140/314600837


#23

D

d2wing

schreib69 said:
My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!
Click to expand...
I have an electric start Toro push mower that I have had for 4 years. It works great. Sometimes if it doesn't start right away I pause and work the throttle then try again and it always starts. I use premium gas without alcohol. I have had that problem on motorcycles with a weak battery. The battery may not have enough juice to turn the starter and energize the coil at the same time. Check the battery and the charging system, and connections.
I also have an cordless mower that is fine for small areas. It is not self propelled but is very light.


#24

D

d19john

schreib69 said:
My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!
Click to expand...

Honda HRX217HZA Mower | 21" Walk Behind Mower | Honda Lawn Mowers

The Honda HRX217HZA lawn mower offers the ultimate mowing experience. Featuring electric start, Cruise Control, Roto-Stop® blade stop system, and a 5 year warranty.
powerequipment.honda.com powerequipment.honda.com
I have had this electric starter Honda mower for years, and it has performed flawlessly! It will, however, cost you more than $800.


#25

F

Fueler

I realize everyone here is trying to be helpful but does it make sense to spend a few hundred more for another mower when the problem may only be a loose wire or a 20 dollar (hopefully) switch?


#26

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

Fueler said:
I realize everyone here is trying to be helpful but does it make sense to spend a few hundred more for another mower when the problem may only be a loose wire or a 20 dollar (hopefully) switch?
Click to expand...
I agree with you that a loose wire may have been the problem. But, given that he returned the mower, how would he know?


#27

F

Fueler

TonyPrin said:
I agree with you that a loose wire may have been the problem. But, given that he returned the mower, how would he know?
Click to expand...
ahh, ok. missed that little detail :cool:


#28

G

Gord Baker

schreib69 said:
My wife is too weak to pull-start our old mower, sold it. Bought a push button start gas mower from Home Depot with the Briggs and Stratton engine and battery starter. After using it about 4 or 5 times it refused to start even though cranking plenty fast. Just to be sure I charged it up. STILL refused to start. If I hand pulled it, it started fine. I putzed with this a few times and took it back; they gave me a credit for a new one. My plan was to buy some other brand of gas mower with a push button start. It seems there are almost none out there. I notice there is a Cub Cadet with a large than average cut width that has Cub's proprietary push button start on it. I am strongly considering that even though it is highly over rated for my simple small use needs. I just want her to be able to do a quick run through around her garden if she gets the feeling to do it. Money not an issue unless over $800.
Suggestions for some other brand engine than B & S on a decent mower?? THANKS!
Click to expand...
Check all electrical connections. You may need to replace Wife.


#29

chuckpen

chuckpen

Maybe your wife is subtley trying to tell you something. :)

Can you just start it for her?


#30

S

schreib69

Fueler said:
I am curious as to which brand of mower this briggs is mounted on.
Since the Briggs starts manually there has to be a wiring issue somewhere with the instart feature.
It spins just fine but the circuit that fires up the ignition/coil has to be the source would be my guess. Bad switch? Safety switch? It happens. Got a voltmeter?
I would not condemn this just yet.
Can you find your manual with a wiring diagram here?

Find Manual & Parts List | Briggs & Stratton

Whether you are putting your equipment away for the season or needing to replace a part, locate your equipment or engine manual to get the information specific to your product.
www.briggsandstratton.com www.briggsandstratton.com
Click to expand...
returned it last year to HOme depot, they refunded money with a credit card. Their tech tried to fix, and could not, asked for help with B & S dealer tech, could not figure it out. That is why they gave me refund. They no longer have corporate tech help, rely on dealers for all tech assistance to all customers from what I can tell. It's all water under the bridge now. . .


#31

S

schreib69

nc10 said:
With apologies to OP, I couldn't agree more. I ended up w 2 mowers while selling one house, buying another. One gas, one electric, an 20" EGO electric bought in 2014. Still going fine, using orig batteries, 10th season. The EGO is the only mower my wife will use, much lighter, much, much easier to maneuver, easy to store, the handle folds and it sits on end. Easy to haul around. Much less noise. No need to winterize. Great for mowing around trees, flower beds, gardens, etc. I have 2 batteries, ~ 5 amp hr. EGO and HD/Ryobi both make good electrics. Pricy, due to batteries, decent models start around $400, more w 2 batteries. Ex the initial cost, a really good fit for applications like this.

Checked on Consumer Reports, the top push mower with electric start in their ratings is a Honda HRN216VLA, but its out of stock as best I can tell.

Honda HRN216VLA Mower | 21" Walk Behind Mower | Honda Lawn Mowers

The Honda HRN216VLA lawn mower features electric start, Honda's adjustable speed Smart Drive transmission, Auto Choke™, MicroCut® twin blades, a powerful 4-stroke engine.
powerequipment.honda.com powerequipment.honda.com

The next model up, is $900, available on amazon, so too expensive... but seems to meet the requirements otherwise....
Click to expand...
OK , OK I will have to look at the EGO!


#32

S

schreib69

pay1920 said:
Bad choice, replacement parts are not available for some Electric/battery powered mowers, the part that holds the blade is made out of plastic, once you damage this, you can not mount the blade safely, Check before you buy, if parts are available, and don't take the stores word for it, look for yourself. good luck
Click to expand...
yeah, understand completely. I got stuck with a cheap electric long reach chain saw trimmer. It won't even charge . . . used it once.


#33

TonyPrin

TonyPrin

schreib69 said:
yeah, understand completely. I got stuck with a cheap electric long reach chain saw trimmer. It won't even charge . . . used it once.
Click to expand...
Clearly there can be problems with any type of power equipment. And not all brands are equal. In terms of cordless electric, I have an EGO 14" chainsaw I use for trimming and smaller trees. Afterward I got was so satisfied I purchased a blower and then a string trimmer but not a mower because I didn't think it could handle my property. A neighbor has an EGO mower and loves it.

I think cordless electric is a great option in the right circumstance. But I agree on doing your homework. Find the one that's right for you.


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