When we reviewed the original EGO 56V cordless lawn mower we knew we had entered a definitive period where the battery-powered mower was finally hitting the mainstream market. At the time, our only question was how long it would take EGO to incorporate a self-propelled option. The EGO LM2102 self-propelled lawn mower solved this problem and was first to market.
The EGO LM2102 56V self-propelled lawn mower uses the same technology as the original 56V lawnmower. It just changes the form factor. The self-propelled model now features a more conventional look, with the motor assembly rising above the center of the deck. It looks more like a machine in our opinion—and that familiarity is probably going to be more appealing to consumers.
You get the same great features of the original EGO 56V lawnmower. However, EHO now gives you an integrated variable speed “cruise control” that does most of the driving for you. This mower certainly complements the company’s EGO 15 in string trimmer and the EGO 16-inch cordless chainsaw.
Pros
- Rapid charging in under an hour
- Adjustable pace self-propelled drive that works with you
- Simple height and handle adjustments
- Cuts up to 1/2 acre on a charge
- Quiet at 80 dB(A)
- Kit presents a good value at $549
Cons
- Plastic deck
Summary
We’ve been big fans of the EGO self-propelled lawn mower since it was released, and now we have some cold, hard facts to back up our belief in it. Considering it made its debut in 2016 and really hasn’t been modified since then, the LM2102SP is a working example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It excels in cutting performance and works pretty quietly while doing so. Plus, it presents a good value at $549 when kitted with a 7.5Ah 56V Power+ battery and rapid charger.EGO Self-propelled Lawn Mower Features
The EGO 2102SP self-propelled lawnmower runs just as quietly as the original 56V model. The self-propelled motor adds a slight whine when you engage the throttle. Compared to the sound of a traditional 2-cycle lawnmower, it might as well be silent. In fact, when the lawnmower first arrived, I popped in the battery and started it up in my living room. Try that with a gas model, and you’ll likely be sleeping on the couch!
The kit version includes a 7.5 Ah “ARC Lithium” battery and a 60-minute rapid charger. It gives you up to 60 minutes of run-time when performing light cutting. The “ARC” in the lithium battery name refers to the shape. It dissipates heat while providing a completely sealed design. EGO also coats the internal electronics with black epoxy to prevent damage from the weather and drops.
The new EGO LM2102 lawnmower features a 21″ cutting deck. That gives it an extra inch of diameter over the original EGO Power+ mower. That may not seem like much, but one inch extended over the course of an entire lawn makes a difference.
The battery-powered drive system propels the EGO LM2102 mower from 1.8 MPH to 3.6 MPH. Just setting the sliding speed control lever on the left and grasp the side-mounted trigger handle with your left hand.
Starting the Mower and Setting the Self-Propelled Pace
The lower speeds are perfect for cutting while the maximum speed is perfect for when you need to put away the mower when your work is finished. A rear-mounted motor drives the left rear wheel via a gearbox. Speaking of wheels, EGO upgraded the wheel bearings on this new mower, giving it a smoother push and further reducing friction—all things that increase the mower’s run-time and ease of use.
The 21″ LM2102 lawn mower has the familiar EGO push-button start. Press it along with pulling the bail lever to start the mower. It also continues to be one of the most compact models on the market. With the handle collapsed and folded, you can store it vertically in a 37.5 x 22.5 x 16.6 in. space.
The mower is IPX4-rated which means it can be splashed with water in any direction for up to 5 minutes. The practical result of that rating means that you don’t have to worry if you’re mowing, or even if you need to transport the mower in the bed of your truck, and it starts to rain.
Yes, It Has Headlights
Pros could presumably use the EGO Power+ 21″ self-propelled lawnmower to take care of smaller areas. It works particularly well in locations where noise abatement is necessary. It’s a great supplement to a zero-turn mower and one that stores on a trailer quite easily. Finally, while I don’t believe mowing in the dark is most people’s “thing”, the dramatic reduction in noise and the presence of twin dual-LED headlights mean that you at least have that option. More than likely, it will help you get an early start. Below you can see the LED headlight on the new EGO self-propelled lawn mower (left) compared to those of the original model on the right.
EGO 56V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Run-time
The advantage of the EGO self-propelled lawn mower is that it takes nothing to grab it and get work done. Since it’s powered by a 7.5 Ah ARC lithium-ion battery, you’ve got absolutely zero prep time to get it up and running. There’s no oil, no gas, and starting is instantaneous. In Florida, we got to start a little early on our mowing, though the winter months did a number on the quality of our grass this season.
The EGO LM2102 lawn mower can run on any of the available battery packs. As with any power tool—the more you give it the longer it runs. Larger battery packs also tend to deliver more power, helping it overcome tougher turf. We ran it with both a 5.0 Ah battery and the included 7.5 Ah ARC Lithium battery. We saw nearly an hour of run-time using the larger battery pack. On a 1/8-acre lot, the EGO 7.5 Ah battery pack let the EGO 56V 21″ mower make quick work of the front, side, and back yards. It was interesting to watch the visible light on the back panel of the EGO mower. It demonstrated how the 7.5 Ah pack handles a lot more aggressive grass without “turning red”—something the smaller packs tend to do. The red light indicates the battery is either heating up or running low on energy.
Testing the EGO LM2102 Lawnmower
We ran the mower in mulching mode across thick St. Augustine turf grass. To mulch, you ensure the plastic plug is inserted. This lets the blades “double cut” the grass. It turns it into finer pieces that help provide nutrients back into the soil. Battery life was excellent, letting us mow for more than 52 minutes even though the grass was a tad higher (and less tame due to the season) than we’d normally see.
For a different type of test, we also operated the EGO LM2102 mower on a really damaged lawn. This included fallen leaves, small twigs, and tons of acorns. For this test, we inserted the bag and removed the mulch plug so we could see how well the internal vortex created by the blades would lift the material into the container. If that’s not a difficult test, I’m not sure what is.
After emptying several bags, we determined that the mower did a fine job of cutting through the bigger material and pulling cut grass and leaves into the bag. You’ll get even better results on a well-maintained (and regularly cut) lawn. The EGO self-propelled mower cuts quickly, and the blades are nice and sharp. Plan on sharpening the blades twice a season for best results. We tested it on both dry grass and damp turf with little to no difficulty. Overall, I prefer using this mower with the mulch plug inserted.
Like any self-propelled mower, it takes some time to get used to the controls and develop a feel for “letting off the throttle” when you come to the end of a cut or need to turn the mower. After a few passes, however, it all starts to come naturally!
Conclusion
The EGO LM2102SP Power+ 56V self-propelled lawn mower kit is priced at $549. We know that’s not cheap, so if you don’t need the self-propelled system, the LM2101 version shaves $100 off the price but keeps the other features (it looks nearly identical). Still, if you factor in gas at $1.75/gallon, winterization & maintenance to keep your mower going, and the sheer joy of having a grab-and-go mowing solution, this battery-powered mower might just be your favorite purchase this year. You spend a lot of time mowing your lawn—you might as well enjoy it! Get more information from the EGO Power+ website.
