Do key-start lawnmowers work as advertised?

[Dennis S]

If I pull the cord 3 times and it doesn't start, I am PO'd for the rest of the day. Are they more likely to start the mower than the rope? Do you pay much extra for them? Are there many to choose from?

[rgG]

My key start Troy-Built worked just fine until the battery died. I have been starting with the pull cord lately until I get around to replacing the battery. The key start models will probably be a little more expensive.

[lafinfil]

No - they have the same likely hood of starting as a pull start mower that has been maintained in the same way.

If you don't take care of a small engine properly (end of year storage, draining old fuel, spring tune up)
then the engine doesn't care if you are turning it over with a rope or an electric starter.

IMHO - If the engine has not been maintained then you have a better chance of doing it harm with an electric start
from constant non productive cranking

[AAA]

My electric start mower is great. Toro personal pace.
Except for when my wife put 'premix' fuel into it.

[Mike Johnson]

If my mower didn't start with three pulls I'd change the oil and check the spark plug and air filter. A new mower, key start or no, won't need much less maintenance than my antique Craftsman.

[lafinfil]

Mike Johnson wrote:
If my mower didn't start with three pulls I'd change the oil and check the spark plug and air filter. A new mower, key start or no, won't need much less maintenance than my antique Craftsman.

Those are all good things that should be done as part as the regular maintenance, but most of the time I've
found the problem to be the fuel system. Stale gas that has varnished up a carb after sitting for a few month over the winter
or a filter that needs changed - occasionally a plugged vent in the cap but this is usually shows as a "runs and quits" problem.

The majority of non running power equipment that I have bought usually have been repaired with a good carb cleaning.

[Mike Johnson]

lafinfil wrote: Stale gas that has varnished up a carb after sitting for a few month over the winter

I can't even imagine the sheer luxury of letting my mower sit for a few months over the winter!

[Dick Moore]

My key-start Troy-Bilt has been great, and when the wife wants to mow and I have something else to do, no problem, it starts for her, too!

[Lux Interior]

lafinfil wrote:
constant non productive cranking

That happens sometimes when you get too drunk.

[mattkime]

Mike Johnson wrote:
[quote=lafinfil]Stale gas that has varnished up a carb after sitting for a few month over the winter

I can't even imagine the sheer luxury of letting my mower sit for a few months over the winter!
you can't imagine the sheer luxury of using a snow blower for those months!