Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 14 Inch Electric lawn mower: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 14 Inch electric lawn mower is an affordable and eco-friendly solution for mowing small- to medium-sized lawns. This cordless electric push mower from Snow Joe / Sun Joe utilizes a 14-inch cutting deck and powerful electric motor that provides emission-free operation without the need for oil, gas, or tune-ups. The rechargeable battery is removable and provides up to 45 minutes of run time, allowing homeowners to quickly and quietly cut up to a quarter-acre of grass on a single charge. With simple push button start, an ergonomic fold-down handle, and compact vertical storage design, the MJ401E-PRO mower aims to deliver convenient and hassle-free lawn care. This review will take a closer look at the Sun Joe electric mower's features, performance, ease of use, maintenance needs and overall value to help determine if it's a worthwhile purchase for those seeking an eco-friendly, electric alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers.

Design

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO electric lawn mower features a sleek, streamlined design with a total dimension of 32.7 x 16.5 x 21 inches and a weight of 29.8 pounds. Despite the lightweight and compact build, the mower still delivers ample power and performance.

The push button start, foldable handle, and 9 position height adjustment make the mower easy to start up, maneuver, store and adjust for custom cutting heights. The telescoping handle can extend to suit users of different heights and collapses down for convenient storage.

The overall design focuses on user-friendliness, portability and functionality. The mower is easy to operate with one hand and has a balanced feel so users don't have to exert a lot of effort to move it around the lawn. At just under 30 pounds, the mower is light enough to push around obstacles with minimal strain.

Cutting Deck

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO has a 14-inch cutting deck, which is about average for electric walk-behind mowers. The deck is made of plastic which helps reduce weight.

It uses a single fixed steel blade that spins to cut the grass. The blade design is optimized for efficient cutting rather than mulching or bagging.

The mower uses side discharge to expel clippings out the right side of the deck while mowing. There is no option for mulching or bagging clippings with this model.

Cutting height can be adjusted between 1.18-inches to 2.52-inches using a single lever. There are 6 height settings to choose from that should cover most homeowners' needs. Lower heights provide a closer cut while higher settings are better for healthier grass.

Motor

The MJ401E-PRO features a 14 amp electric motor that delivers enough power to cut through even tall, thick grass with ease. This high torque motor spins the blades at 3,100 RPM for excellent cutting performance.

It runs on 120V AC power and has electric push button start, so there's no pull cord to struggle with. Just push the button to start the motor. The motor is very efficient and powerful for an electric mower in this price range. Overall, the motor provides plenty of cutting power while still being energy efficient.

Batteries

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO electric lawn mower comes with two 20V 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries. These batteries provide enough power to allow the mower to run for up to 25 minutes on a full charge.

The lithium-ion batteries are lightweight yet powerful. They offer fade-free power with no memory issues like you may experience with traditional lead acid batteries. The batteries use smart charge technology that helps extend the battery life by preventing overcharging.

The two battery system makes it easy to keep mowing continuously. When one battery runs low, you can quickly swap in the charged backup battery to keep working. The batteries charge fully in under 2 hours so you can maintain momentum in your yard work.

Overall, the batteries deliver solid performance and cordless convenience in a compact package that makes the mower easy to maneuver and transport. The long enough runtime suits smaller-medium sized yards of up to 1/4 acre nicely.

Additional Features

The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO comes with several nice additional features that improve the mowing experience. One handy feature is the 14.5 gallon detachable rear grass catcher, which makes collecting clippings quick and easy. No more raking up grass after you mow!

The mower also has built-in LED headlights, allowing you to mow in low light conditions or at night. The headlights illuminate the path in front of the mower for improved visibility.

Safety features include a safety key that must be inserted for the mower to start, preventing accidental starting. There is also a removable safety guard to protect against flying debris. The mower will automatically shut off if tipped too far forward or backward as well.

Overall, the additional features of the grass catcher, headlights, and safety features make the Sun Joe a versatile and safe electric mower suitable for any yard.

Ease of Use

The MJ401E-PRO is fairly straightforward to assemble right out of the box. The instructions are clear and most users are able to put it together in under 30 minutes.

Once assembled, the mower is easy to maneuver thanks to its lightweight design and 14-inch deck size. It can make quick turns and get into tight spaces that larger mowers struggle with. The maneuverability makes it a great option for smaller yards.

One of the standout features of the MJ401E-PRO is how quiet it is compared to gas-powered mowers. It operates at around 60 decibels, which is equivalent to the volume of a normal conversation. Users don't have to wear ear protection when mowing their lawn. The quiet performance makes this electric mower a great choice if you have nearby neighbors.

Maintenance

The MJ401E-PRO requires little maintenance to keep performing well. The polymer deck is rust-proof and keeps grass clippings from sticking. You'll want to check and tighten any loose fasteners prior to each use.

The 14 inch steel blades will need to be sharpened periodically to maintain a clean cut. This can be done by removing the blades and using a file. Replacement blades are also available from Sun Joe.

No oil changes are required on the maintenance-free electric motor. However, it's a good idea to periodically check for any dirt or debris buildup around the cooling vents and clean if needed.

The MJ401E-PRO comes with a full 2-year warranty to protect against defects. The warranty does not cover normal wear parts or damage from improper use or maintenance. As long as you follow the operating instructions and perform basic upkeep, the mower should deliver years of reliable service.

Overall, the MJ401E-PRO is designed to be low-maintenance while still delivering powerful cutting performance. Just be sure to regularly inspect, clean, and sharpen the blades. The limited maintenance helps make this an attractive option for homeowners looking to avoid the hassles of gas mowers.

Pros

• Powerful 14-inch cutting deck can handle thicker grass and weeds
• Battery run time lasts up to 45 minutes on a single charge
• Equipped with 3 different adjustable cutting heights to tackle any yard
• Lightweight and compact design makes storage and maneuverability easy
• Easy push button start with no pull cords needed
• Safety features like blade guard and lock prevent accidental starting
• Mulching and rear bagging capabilities for versatile grass clipping options
• Foldable handle makes storage compact even in small spaces
• Quiet electric motor operation won't disturb others as gas mowers do
• Minimal maintenance without oil changes or tune ups required

Cons

• The 14-inch cutting deck is smaller than some competitors, which can make mowing larger lawns more time consuming.

• It lacks advanced features like self-propulsion and a mulching option. You have to bag or side discharge grass clippings.

• Battery life is limited to about 30 minutes of continuous mowing. For larger properties, you may need to invest in additional batteries or take longer breaks to recharge.

• The plastic wheels feel a bit flimsy and unstable at times, especially when mowing over uneven terrain.