Our “EGO Select Cut LM2135SP 21″ lawn Mower review” will show you what improvements were made and tell you if this is actually worth the purchase OR if maybe you should stick with the older version, the LM2102SP. Is this a waste of the extra 100 bucks in 2020?
EGO Select Cut self-propelled lawn mower technology is taking the industry by storm with this new 2020 model, the LM2135SP.
This new model cost USD 100 more than the old model and EGO uses phrases such as…
“The Torque of a premium gas mower”
“The best lawn mower technology in the industry”
That is a heck of a standard to deliver. We all know EGO mowers are good but the Torque of gas? Best in the industry?
Let’s find out guys…
Full Product Review
Product Name: EGO Select Cut LM2135SP 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Mower
Model #: LM2135SP
Company: EGO
Manufacturer: Chevron
General Price: USD 650-800
Best place to buy online: The Home Depot OR Amazon
Warranty: 5 years on mower, 3 years on battery
Special feature: Self Propelled
Now let us dive into the review.
For each review we do here, we focus on the ten pillars of any good lawn mower purchase. These are observable features and not just the specs on the mower. Here is what I mean:
- Design
- Power
- Performance
- Efficiency and ease of use
- Durability
- Ease of locating replacements for wearable parts
- Overall Value
- Complaints from buyers
- Praises from buyers
- Warranty and Customer service support from the company
Before we start, take a look at this video I found that EGO made to introduce this new Select Cut Lawn Mower
What’s in the box?
*Extra Bagging Blade also in the Box.
Design – How did EGO improve in this area?
This is probably the biggest difference between the older model and this newer EGO Select Cut LM2135SP. What do I mean by that? The blade is now a dual blade system.
Take a look at the specs in this table below comparing the EGO Select Cut LM2135SP and the EGO Power + 56V 21″ LM2102SP cordless electric self-propelled lawn mower. (Zoom to see words more clearly)
Now, let us see how each will translate into improving or stomping on your mowing experience.
There were 6 major changes which we will highlight in this bold green for your convenience if you already have the older model.
Remember to always charge your battery for 45-60 minutes before using the mower!
The start option and handle controls
The starter
This is a push-button – pull-lever system. NO CRANKING. So if you have a gas mower and you are looking to switch out, this is something to look forward to.
➳So you have your SAFETY BUTTON which must be pressed down before the motor can be started.
➳Then you have your BAIL SWITCH which is located on the upper handle of the mower. The switch starts or quickly stops the motor/ blade.
➳To switch to self propel mode, you have your SELF-PROPEL TRIGGER that turns the self-propel function ON and OFF. This was improved and now includes all the lefties.
IMPROVEMENT #1 — In the older model, the self propel trigger was on the right side of the handle but now EGO has gone one step up and included one on the left side also for people who are left dominant.
➳You also have the SELF-PROPEL SPEED-CONTROL KNOB that increases or decreases the self-propel speed by moving the control knob with a flick of your finger from 1.4 – 3.6 mph
IMPROVEMENT #2 — This is a big improvement from the older model where the speed control knob was located further down on the handle. Now you can drive and adjust the speed with one hand.
The Handle
Back Handle:
The ergonomic handle is super comfortable.
➳The handle adjustment positions are made easy by the quick-adjust lever that locks and unlocks the handles in 5 different positions for convenience.
To adjust the heights, All you have to do is press and hold the lever until the handle slides into the position that you want then snap into place.
The 5 handle positions include:
1. Locked Storage Position
2. Grass Bag Attachment/Removal Position
3. Upper Operating Position
4. Middle Operating Position
5. Lower Operating Position
This is awesome because we have people of different heights and a lot of lawn mowers do not consider this.
#2 makes it very convenient for us to remove the grass bag attachment without the handle getting in your way.
➳Another great feature on the handle is the night LED light. This was also improved.
IMPROVEMENT #3 — Select Cut LM2135SP 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Mower now has the option to turn on the light from a more convenient location on the handle opposite the battery indicator as seen in the video below. With the older model, you would have to reach down to the battery housing to turn the lights on.
So if you are mowing and it gets dark just switch your lights on and keep going.
➳Finally, we have the battery indicators on the handle opposite the light switch. Here was significantly improved from the last model.
IMPROVEMENT #4 — In the LM2102SP, the battery indicator is located on the battery housing, now it is literally right at your fingertips.
In the older model, the battery indicator only indicates when the power is down to 25% or if it is full/ 100%. Now it is way more sophisticated.
What do all these flashing lights mean on my EGO select cut mower?
The indicators are like a car! Good for the mower, annoying for me because I had to read the manual to figure it out. I hate reading manuals but I guess if there is ever a problem with this EGO I’ll be ready for it.
➳Solid Green — Mower is working properly and battery >15%
➳Flashing green — The side rails are not fully extended or the handle is not locked in an operating position.
➳Flashing red — Low battery.
➳Solid orange — The mower stops due to overheating. Remove the battery from the mower, move them to the shade and cool them at least 15 minutes.
➳Flashing orange — The mower is overloaded.
➳Flashing red/green alternately — Error — Contact EGO customer service center.
➳Dark & LED on battery flashing — Battery overheating so release the bail switch, wait until the battery pack cools down to approximately 152°F (67°C), then restart the mower.
Front handle:
This was relocated from the “lip” of the mower to the space found within the back handle when folded. Why? I am yet to figure this one out. Let me know in the comment section if you have.
2. The motor
The motor is now brushless which means instead of using brushes, now those brushes are gone and the motor has coils that produce an electromagnetic field that is generating the electricity for the mower.
If you want to get really geeky and learn more, you can watch this video below. I found it interesting. If you want to skip Geekland, that’s fine too. All you need to know is that brushes generate a lot of heat, wear and tear and decrease your motor’s life expectancy.
IMPROVEMENT #5 — It now promises 1000Wh of power and 7 ft/lb of torque which is the equivalent of a premium gas mower. This is upgraded from 5.9 ft/lb in the older model.
This means your mower should be a beast but is it? We’ll talk about that below in the performance comparison.
3. The battery and charger pack
The battery is basically the same as before but has always been an excellent design. So if it ain’t broken, why fix it?
They are very durable in all weather conditions and better than other brands because they have a special design.
The “ARC” in the lithium-battery name is talking about the shape of the battery. This design allows for the dissipation of heat while providing a completely sealed design. It is coated in black epoxy to prevent damage from the weather conditions. It also helps to keep the battery safe in the case of drops.
The battery is compatible with all EGO Power + tools so if you have other power + tools you can use the batteries interchangeably.
To insert the battery, lift the battery cover, align the battery with the slot and push the battery pack until you hear a “click”. The battery-release button will spring up when the battery pack is securely attached.
I would confidently say that this battery and charger pack is the best on the market right now but it weighs 6.2 lbs and is very expensive to replace. This contributes greatly to the overall weight of the mower.
I would be concerned about the price but nobody has ever complained about these batteries so they seem to be beating the test of time.
The Wheels
Wheels are of the same sturdy built as the older model with ball bearings and nice grooves to keep your mower from dragging.
Cutting height
This EGO self-propelled mower cuts from 1.5 inches to 4 inches high. A single leaver adjuster is used for all four wheels. So never again with adjusting all four wheels one at a time.
This is a rear-wheel drive by the way and has a bigger set of wheels (9-inches) at the back than the 2 at the front (7-inches).
Take a look at the video below introducing all the new features of the EGO Select Cut LM2135SP 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Mower and comparing it to the older model.
The Blades:
There are 2 blades on the mower and an extra blade in the box. 1 upper blade and 2 lower blades (interchangeable bagging and mulching blades). I think EGO figured that since they improved the power of the mower it would be wise to also improve the mulching function and cut quality. Then the only logical next step would be to improve the blades and height adjustments to allow for great mulching, which I am pleased to say they did.
The blades:
- EGO EDGE Upper blade (x1)
- Premium EDGE bagging blade (x1)
- Premium EDGE mulching blade (X1)
IMPROVEMENT #6 — Mulching was one of my concerns in my review of the EGO LM2102SP, so with this new mulching blade, we should be seeing finer clippings of grass on our lawns.
Update: Take a look at this video from our buddy at Tech Made Easy below this article
That takes us to our next question.
Power and Performance – Any improvements?
To answer the question we asked above, Yes. The new EGO select cut now works better in wet grass and mulches a whole lot better than the older model. Excellent results are seen here. When compared to all the other electric mowers we have reviewed so far, this has beaten them all.
What do I mean?
Let’s talk about the real reason we buy a mower – grass-cut quality.
➳ It gives a very clean, even cut throughout.
➳Most self-propelled mowers will not go anywhere near a slope without overheating. This mows at up the 15 degrees and we still get great cut quality. It does not stall going over the slopes.
Just remember that when mowing on inclines, go sideways and not up or down.
Now let’s talk about the true improvement in this newer model – Mulching
In my review of the older EGO self-propelled mower, I complained about the mulching capability of the mower. It wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t great either. At the price they were going for, we deserved great but not many electric mowers can deliver on mulching. What about now?
➳What we have now is superior mulching over all the other electric mowers we have reviewed so far. The new dual blade system delivers on the promise of fine clipping.
How long will your mowing session last?
➳The battery lasts for up to 60 minutes of mowing so you can mow up to a 1/2 acre before it dies. Of course, this will depend on factors such as your grass species, moisture level, how tall and thick your grass is, etc. In thicker or wet grass, you will notice 10-15 minutes off the run time in self-propelled mode.
What about tall thick grass?
Well, it cuts through like a pro without bogging down as other electric mowers would. Take a look at this video showing how EGO mowers handle tall grass.
So, what can we say about the performance overall?
➳This newer model has superior cut quality, great mulching capability, and also gives us the option for bagging and sideways discharge. Great for large lawns.
Efficiency and ease of use – Some pitfalls here
I must say that this is the industry-leading mower when it comes to efficiency. EGO took all the complaints from the buyers and made every improvement we suggested.
Pros:
➳The controls – They were already good in the older model but EGO took it up a notch and now everything is conveniently in one place on the “Dashboard” on the handle. You can drive, monitor, and control your mower all within finger reach. We couldn’t ask for a better design, especially the consideration put into including left-handed customers.
➳Easy to charge – If you are coming from a gas mower, you will enjoy the no gas mixing, oil changing, or filter. Removing, replacing, and monitoring the battery both in the mower and while charging is made easy by the indicators and it only takes 60 minutes to charge.
This is not the fastest charging battery out there but the protective mechanisms such as cooling before charging and a sensor for when it is fully charged make it worth the wait. At the end of the day, we get longer battery life.
➳Lighter than a gas mower – The self-propelled feature is the icing on the cake but even in push mode, the mower is still easy to maneuver around the lawn.
➳All 3 Mowing options – Three-in-one option with mulching, bagging, and sideway discharge all performing well with the dual-blade system and extra motor power. Switching from bagging to mulching and removing the bag and replacing it is no trouble at all. Everything fits securely.
➳Convenient storage – Folding the handle for storage is made simple by the adjusters on the handle. We love the ability of the mower to be leaned against the wall but…
Cons
➳ A downgrade from the older model where the front handle is concerned – I noticed that the front handle is no longer at the lip of the mower. It is now tucked away between the back handlebars when folded. In the older model, we have the option of hanging it on the wall for storage but now it has to stay grounded. This isn’t anything of major concern for most.
–>UPDATE: One of our top commenters pointed out that the new placement of the handle allows for more space to mow without the extra lip hanging over. So now you have less to do with your weed wackers and edge trimmers.
➳ Heavier than some electric mowers – The EGO select cut mower, though lighter than most gas mowers, is 54.5 lbs. This might be hard to take to the garage if you have back problems and you cannot push it from the lawn to storage for example if you have to lift it at any point. If you are coming from a gas mower, chances are this is lighter.
How does it compare to similar self propelled mower? Well take a look at this comparison of the Snapper XD self propelled mower and this New EGO
Durability
EGO is known for quality and this mower is no different. It looks durable from top to the bottom of the deck, made with the same material of the older model, we can trust that it will last.
Pros:
➳The battery life expectancy of 10 years
➳Brushless motor will last longer
➳Sturdy looking build from top to bottom including the clips
➳Metal blades
Cons:
➳ Plastic Deck/Polymer Composite – Even though EGO has used this before, and it seems to be doing well, plastic just doesn’t have quite the same ring to it as say “I have a metal deck”
Ease of locating replacements for wearable parts
Remember to always have the company send you to an authorized mechanic if you need repairs. If you are just getting blades, chutes, plugs, bags, etc I found them online at Home Depot and Amazon below the product.
Warranty – Truly Amazing
Other companies that we have reviewed so far only give us 3 years max on the mower and 1 year on the battery.
EGO gives 5 years on the mower and 3 years on the battery.
Customer Service and Company Support
I haven’t called about this mower but they are known for taking complaints very seriously. You will not have any problems with their CS reps. Let me know in the comment section below if you had a good or bad experience with them.
Overall Value – My Final thoughts
In my opinion, this new EGO LM2135SP is worth the buy over the older model if you want a better quality cut, if you are left-handed or if you are looking for better mulching. I have also seen it being used commercially so that’s a plus.
You are getting industry-leading technology that translates to good performance on your lawn. No fake promises were made with this model, which is a breath of fresh air among all the clout that EGO has going for them. We will keep you updated as the year goes by but this is definitely the best mower to have this mowing season.
The great design, power, and performance are enough to call this mower the #1 rated C-ELMR reviewed self-propelled lawn mower for this year. The other companies have some catching up to do.
If you have 1/4 acre – 1/2 acre of grass, you should go ahead buy one.
Until next time, stay safe guys. Let me know in the comment section if you think it is worth the extra 100 bucks.
Where to buy EGO for this season:
We suggest shopping online to avoid crowds:
SUMMARY
Pros and cons summary list:
Pros:
➳Lighter than a gas mower
➳Eco-Friendly – Zero harmful emissions.
➳Self-propelled
➳Easy to maneuver around your lawn.
➳Brushless motor
➳Push-button start option makes starting easy…no cracking
➳Touch Drive Self-Propelled function on both sides makes it for left-handers to operate
➳Speed options: 0.9 MPH to 3.1 MPH
➳Select Cut Multi-Blade System for great cutting performance
➳3-in-1 function: mulching, bagging, side discharge
➳Improved mulching
➳Cuts damp grass
➳Handle tall grass well
➳Handles thick grass well
➳Mows on slopes up to 15 Degrees without stalling in the self-propelled option
➳7-position cutting height adjustments: 1.5″- 4″ with great cut and mulching at all
➳A good amount of space in grass bag so no need to empty constantly — 2-bushels
➳60 minutes of run time on a single charge from the 56V 7.5 Ah ARC lithium battery but less depending on your grass type, height, moisture, etc.
➳Weather-resistant construction
➳Rust-resistant deck
➳21″ deck is an adequate cutting width
➳A lot more silent than a gas mower of similar power
➳Bright LED headlights for the option of night mowing since the mower runs so quietly
➳3-position handle heights
➳1-handed height adjustment
➳Folds for compact storage
➳An improved protective indicator system
➳Excellent warranty — 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
➳Reputable company
Cons:
We really couldn’t find much wrong with this mower. EGO did a fine job but here are some things that stood out.
➳Heavier than some other electric mowers – 54.5 lbs
➳Plastic Deck
➳Front handle placement now eliminates the option of hanging for storage.
Related Videos by Tech Made Easy on YouTube. Great Channel
Related Posts
EGO Select Cut LM2135SP 21-Inch Self Propelled Lawn Mower review
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Value
Summary
The New EGO Select Cut Lawn Mower now features improvements in all the areas we complained about, now featuring a brushless motor of 1000Wh and 7.2 ft/lb torque, good grass cut quality, efficient mulching, good bagging while retaining good runtime suitable for big lawns of up to 1/2 acres and is also being used commercially. Even so, is it worth the extra 100 bucks? Take a look at our full review of the new Select Cut LM2135SP 21″ lawn mower and let me what you think.