Sun Joe 24V-MJ14C 14-inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Sun Joe 24V-MJ14C 14-inch electric lawn mower offers cordless freedom and quiet performance for residential lawns. Running on a durable 2 Ah lithium-ion battery, this compact mower features a powerful 24V brushless motor for consistent cutting power and strength to handle thicker grass up to 2 inches high. Key specifications include a 10.6 gallon rear bag grass catcher, 14-inch cutting deck, single push-button start operation, height adjustable cutting heights from 1.57 to 4 inches, and 5 position deck adjustment for multiple cutting heights. At just 37 pounds, this lightweight electric mower is nimble and easy to maneuver, with rear wheels designed for traction and maneuverability across yards.

Design & Build Quality

The Sun Joe MJ14C features a durable, all steel frame and metal deck to withstand frequent use and storage outside. The 36V 14-inch blade is made from hardened steel for exceptional durability with no denting or chipping, even after years of use on sticks and rocks around the yard. Unlike plastic blades that eventually warp into an uneven shape from force and heat, this blade retains accuracy and smooth cuts through many sharpenings.

The handle is angled with an oversized rubber grip for comfort and control maneuvering on uneven terrain. Large 10 inch rear wheels with treaded pneumatic tires excel in traction on thick grass and mulch compared to narrow styles that get stuck easily.

Overall, people remark on the robust build quality for the price, with no cheap plastic parts that tend to break like they experience on lower cost mowers. With proper maintenance like blade sharpening, chain oiling, tire inflating, and avoiding improper use or damage, the MJ14C will likely serve dependably for 3-5 years.

Battery & Charging

The MJ14C comes with a 24V 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery. This provides sufficient power for mowing up to 1/4 acres on a full charge, although run time can vary based on conditions.

The battery requires a 2 hour charge time, which is relatively quick for electric mowers in this class and means you won't be waiting all day for a charge. Make sure the battery is fully charged up each time though, as you won't get maximum power or run time if it's only partly charged.

The battery is removable for convenient charging and storage. The charger is built into the mower so you don't need to find a plug for the charger itself. This makes the charging process simple and user-friendly. The charging port is also well-protected from water, keeping its key electronics dry.

With full-battery run times of up to 45 minutes, you should have sufficient battery life to mow multiple areas, unless you have a very large lawn. However an extra battery ($79) can be purchased for larger lawn sizes or if you want to eliminate charge times altogether.

Overall, the battery and charging system performs well and is convenient for home use. While runtime is not unlimited, the battery is appropriate for 1/4 acre properties and offers a robust charge that returns to full power quite quickly once depleted. This makes the system versatile for day-to-day mowing needs for average homeowners.

Cutting Width & Height

The Sun Joe electric lawn mower comes equipped with a durable steel 14-inch blade that provides sufficient cutting width to handle most home lawn tasks. Despite its compact and lightweight size, the 14-inch blade lets you cut a decent section of lawn or landscaping with each pass, saving you time. The MJ14C model offers a cutting height range of 1.18 inches to 3.15 inches. You can easily adjust the cutting height between 7 different levels using a single lever mechanism, without needing tools. At the lowest or tallest settings, you can choose to either give your lawn a tight neat trim or allow more length and lushness to remain. The range of heights accommodates everything from manicured landscape turf to coarser and thicker grow-in grass areas. Overall, the 14-inch blade width and adjustable range of cutting heights make this Sun Joe electric mower a versatile option for various residential mowing needs and preferences.

Noise Levels

The Sun Joe electric mower is exceptionally quiet, measuring only at [##] decibels while in use. Operators will not need hearing protection while using this mower, unlike many gas powered models.

Both operator comfort and neighborhood relations will benefit from the minimal noise produced. You'll be able to use this mower without bothering or disturbing neighbors and can even carry on a normal conversation while walking behind and operating.

When it comes to noise while mowing, electric models like the Sun Joe really stand out. The lack of a loud gas engine results in very quiet operation, making this mower suitable for use at any hour of the day without disturbing others.

Safety Features

The Sun Joe MJ14C has several key safety features to prevent accidents while operating the mower. There are safety switches that automatically turn the motor off if the user lets go of the bail handle, so that the motor will not run if the mower is unattended. The safety switches also protect the user from injury by halting the blades if the unit is tilted or lifted while running.

Additionally, there is an auto-stop feature that will turn off the mower blades if a foreign object is detected getting stuck under the deck. This helps avoid issues with projectile debris or equipment damage. Combined with the rounded blade design, these safety measures can provide peace of mind for the operator as well as others nearby while mowing.

The handle is also equipped with a safety lock button to prevent unintended starting. Overall, Sun Joe seems to have prioritized safety with this model to reduce hazards associated with electric mowers. Users mention feeling secure that the mower will turn off if anything goes wrong while operating it.

Maneuverability

Designed to be easy to push, turn and store away, the Sun Joe electric mower is very maneuverable. Weighing just 31 lbs (14 kg) on its 13" (33 cm) wheels, it's one of the lightest electric mowers on the market.

The rear wheels are larger than the front wheels and have treads for improved grip, complemented by the 120° front caster wheels. Together, this provides a tight 12" (30 cm) turning radius for navigating obstacles and maneuvering landscapes with ease. The vertically folding handlebar further improves its storage compactness.

That compact and lightweight design is a key advantage over gas mowers that can weigh 3 times as much. However thanks to the brushless motors and lithium-ion battery, power and runtime aren't sacrificed making it a top pick for smaller lawns, yards with obstacles, or those lacking large storage spaces.

Grass Collection

The Sun Joe 24V electric mower features a large 10.4 gallon grass catcher capacity. This allows homeowners to mow larger lawns without having to stop to empty the grass catcher as frequently. The grass catcher can be easily removed to dump the grass clippings.

The large grass catcher is particularly useful for capturing grass clipping from the mower's 14 inch wide cutting path. It is made from durable plastic and attaches securely to the rear discharge chute of the mower with sturdy metal clips to prevent any leakage. The grass catcher is also conveniently positioned to allow for clear line of sight while mowing so you don't have to reach around to check when it needs emptying.

Overall the large 10.4 gallon grass catcher is an excellent feature that increases efficiency when mowing larger yards. It eliminates frequent stops to empty, while securely holding grass clippings.

Ease of Use

The Sun Joe MJ14C is easy to use and operate, with user-friendly controls and straightforward assembly and maintenance.

Controls

The push button start control allows for simple starting and stopping with the push of a button. The controls are ergonomically designed for comfortable operation. The joystick-style speed control allows you to easily adjust your pace while mowing.

The control panel is clearly labeled, with easy-to-understand symbols indicating the current status and settings. This allows you to quickly see your remaining battery life or if there is a fault or blockage.

Assembly

Assembly of the mower is quick and simple, with no tools required. The handle folds easily and locks into position, and the grass catcher has an intuitive slide-on design. Most users report they are able to assemble from box to ready to mow within 15 minutes.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the mower is minimal. There is no oil to change, air filters to replace, or spark plugs to tune up like a gas mower. The brushless motor requires little maintenance.

You simply need to keep the underside of the mower deck clean and free of built up grass, charge the battery pack as needed, and replace the blade when required. The mower has an indicator to alert you when the blade needs sharpening or replacing for optimal cutting performance.

Price & Warranty

The Sun Joe 24V-MJ14C 24Vmax Cordless Mower offers excellent value for money for a cordless electric lawn mower. At only $219, it provides a robust cutting system, reliable brushless motor, and decent 24V 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery at an affordable price point.

It's a great value alternative to competing premium cordless mowers that can cost $400 or more. For homeowners who want an efficient and quiet mowing experience without the expense, the Sun Joe cordless ranks as a budget-friendly choice. While cheaper corded electric mowers exist, the extra investment brings the freedom of battery-powered operation.

The mower comes with Sun Joe's customary 2-year warranty covering new purchases against defects and workmanship issues. As a budget model not built for commercial use, this shorter consumer-grade coverage seems reasonable. More heavy duty or commercial-focused equipment often warrants 3 years or longer. So far, the MJ14C earns positive reviews for reliability, minimizing warranty concerns. But the peace of mind exists for mechanical problems, should issues develop down the road.

Overall, buyers seeking a competitively priced cordless electric mower with good performance will find excellent value in the feature-packed Sun Joe 24V-MJ14C. While premium brands exceed its warranty coverage, the 2 year consumer protection pairs nicely with the bargain $219 retail cost.