Earthwise 50214 14″ 8-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower Review
Made by the eco-friendly American Lawn Company, the Earthwise 50214 electric lawn mower is a high-quality, non-polluting machine with dimensions of 46” x 19” x 38”. Powered by an 8-amp motor, it weighs a lean 36.4 pounds and doesn’t require oil or gas to run. As one of the smallest-powered mowers on the market, the 50214 doesn’t have an internal battery and should remain connected to an outlet with an extension cord. The Earthwise 50214 has got 2-in-1 side discharge and a mulching option, the latter of which keeps your lawn looking well blended and topnotch. The mower’s cutting width is on the small side at 14 inches, so that feature and the needed extension cord means it’s a good mower for tinier-sized yards. Of course, you could get a longer-sized extension cord for a larger yard, and if you’re okay with the 50214’s cutting width, then it could indeed be used to medium- and larger-sized yards. Some would describe this mower as having a cute little look for a lawn mower. Though it may look a bit like a toy, the 50214 is lightweight, easy to manage, and gets the job done. Believe it or not, it’s small enough when the handles are folded to be stored in a closet.
Key Features
- 3,700 RPM with 2-in-1 side discharge and mulch option
- Single-lever height adjustment (1.5 to 4 inches)
- Adjustable comfort “V” handle with cushion grip
- Handle folds for easy storage
- 5.5-inch front wheels and 6.5-inch rear wheels
Performance
This is a durable mower that will last for years with minimal maintenance. Yet the cutting deck, at 14 inches, means mowers may have to do more passes across their yards to get the results they want. You can look at this as a hassle or as good exercise. But remember, this is a clean-air mower that’s good for the environment, so those extra passes aren’t all that big of a deal.
Surprisingly, I’ve seen this baby cut through high clover and weeds in wet grass, and it managed to get the job done, though the motor did overheat at times. (If that happens, just ease up on it for a bit and things should be okay.) Additionally, the mower’s small size means that it can at times act as a weed whacker because it can get into tight spots. It’s also great for small gardens.
Overall, this durable mower cuts grass evenly and handles both clean-cut grass well and, surprisingly, overgrown grass pretty well because of the range of the cutting heights.
Ease of Use
Earthwise machines are clean-air mowers that are better for the environment but also designed to be easy to use, starting with the 14-inch cord on the mower that plugs into an extension cord with no problem. Once you’ve got it plugged in and have assembled the handle, it starts like a dream with the simple turn of a switch. Afterward, you’re ready to go. The ergonomically designed V-shaped handle has a soft grip and is easy on your hands, and when you’re done, the 50214 collapses easily on top of the mower for super-simple storage in a shed or garage. Though this mower can cut into tight spaces, some may not like how the rear wheels are set a bit wider than the front ones, which may mean the rear wheels bump up against obstacles more often than the front ones. Since it stays plugged in, the electric power source for this mower is constant (no battery)–you don’t have to worry about recharging.
Cut Quality & Options
Though not the most powerful of mowers, the 50214 can mulch to keep your yard looking nice and offers a discharge option. And if you do discharge your clippings, they’ll have to go through a deflector, which makes for a much cleaner, controlled release onto your yard. I should say that some people find the deflector annoying and remove it, but not me. The 50214 is quieter than a gas-powered mower but also not as hushed as some of its competitors.
A few tips when using the 50214: Don’t mow in circles. Begin at a point closest to your power outlet and then move back and forth across your lawn while moving away from the outlet. Doing this will keep the cord behind the mower, staying in the already-cut portions of your yard.
An electric mower like this one takes a bit of getting used to. Avoid the extension cord getting wrapped around trees and shrubs and other obstacles and debris. If you pick up the extension cord while mowing, you can wind it in loops and prevent it from getting tangled. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be slinging this thing around your yard with one hand.
Maintenance
Simply put, this is a simple little mower. Like any mower, make sure to keep the blade sharp and balanced, and replace it when needed. Keep the guards in place and make sure they’re in good working order. Keep the mower stored in a dry place, and make sure the handle stays free of oil and grease. Keep the extension cord in good condition, and be sure it’s heavy enough to maintain the current that the mower will draw. A wire gauge size of at least 14 is recommended for a cord that’s 50 feet or less in length. Remember, the smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord will be. If you’re using an undersized cord, it’s going to cause a drop in line voltage, and this will result in a loss of power or possibly overheating. Lubricating parts of the mower such as the height lever, wheel axles, and motor shaft is fine, but bear in mind that the 50214 comes lubricated for the life of the unit, provided it’s being used under normal operating conditions.
Safety Features
The 50214 comes double insulated, which means it won’t need a three-wire grounded power cord. The exposed metal parts are separate from the internal metal motor parts and have insulation that protects. The stop/start mechanism is child proof.
Special Features
The 50214 comes fully lubricated for the life of the unit, under normal operating conditions. Its adjustable cutting height (1-¼” to 4”) caters to the preference of what mowers want their yards to look like. The double-layered deck is made of plastic but sturdy. And, whether you’re tall or short, it doesn’t matter when using the 50214–the handle is adjustable for all body types. When you combine that with the lightness of the mower, most anybody can walk behind this machine. The wheels are on the small side at 5.5 inches (front) and 6.5 inches (back), but still, the maneuverability of the 50214 isn’t bad. Those who don’t want to deal with large-sized mowers due to age or decrepit bones may want to consider getting the 50214, which doesn’t have a shoulder-hurting pull start. It’s also ideal for smaller-sized city yards or those who mow yards around their townhouses. Also, it’s quiet enough to not annoy your neighbors at odd hours, though again, I’ve heard quieter electric mowers that are in the same class.
Cost Effectiveness
The Earthwise 50214 has the stuff you need to maintain a beautiful lawn at a reasonable price. This machine runs on electricity, not gas and oil, and it’s worth noting that it uses less electricity than some similar models. So that alone will save you time and money, and you’re helping the environment when you use the 50214 electric mower. At the same time, the 50214 doesn’t require battery recharging, so you’re saving time and there’s no need to ever purchase a new battery.
The 50214 comes lubricated for the life of the unit, so that’s another cost-saving feature. Finally, some would say this is a mowing weed whacker since it can get up close and personal with tight spots in your yard. So there’s no need to get a weed whacker if you purchase the 50214.
