Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 6-Position Height Adjustment, 11-Gal Bag, 17-Inch Cutting Width - Heavy-Duty Yard Trimmer for Gardening Care and Maintenance, 24V-X2-17LM Review

Overview

The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM is a cordless electric push mower designed for small to medium-sized lawns (up to about 1/4 acre). It runs on two 24V batteries that work in series to deliver 48V of power, giving you gas-like cutting performance without the fumes, noise, or maintenance. This mower is best for homeowners who want a lightweight, easy-to-use machine that stores compactly and doesn’t require pulling a cord or mixing fuel.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with 1/4 acre or less – If your yard is small enough to finish on a single charge (about 40–45 minutes of runtime), this mower is a perfect fit. It’s nimble and easy to push, even on slight slopes.

First-time lawn owners or renters – You don’t want to deal with gas, oil changes, or carburetor cleaning. This mower is plug-and-play: charge the batteries, press a button, and mow.

Eco-conscious homeowners – Zero emissions, no gas spills, and quiet enough to mow early Saturday morning without waking the neighbors. It’s also lighter than most gas mowers (about 40 lbs), so it’s easier on your back.

Gardeners with narrow gates or tight storage – The 17-inch cutting width is narrower than standard 20-21 inch mowers, making it ideal for squeezing through garden gates or storing in a small shed corner.

Key Features Breakdown

24V-X2 Battery System (48V total) – Two 4.0 Ah batteries work in series to produce 48V of power. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it gives you enough torque to cut thick grass without bogging down, something many 40V mowers struggle with. On a typical lawn, expect 30–40 minutes of runtime.

17-Inch Cutting Width – Narrower than most push mowers, which means more passes to cover your lawn. But for small yards with obstacles like flower beds or trees, this width makes maneuvering much easier. You’ll trim less with a string trimmer afterward.

6-Position Height Adjustment (1.5–4 inches) – The single-lever adjustment is smooth and tool-free. You can quickly raise the deck for tall grass or lower it for a more manicured look. The range is good for most cool-season and warm-season grasses.

11-Gallon Grass Bag – That’s generous for a 17-inch mower. You won’t be emptying it every 5 minutes. The bag clips on securely and is easy to lift off and dump, though it can get heavy when full of damp grass.

Heavy-Duty Steel Deck – Most electric mowers in this price range use plastic decks. Sun Joe uses steel, which is more durable and resists cracking if you accidentally hit a rock or stump. It also adds a bit of weight (good for stability), but not too much.

Push Button Start – No cord to pull, no choke to fiddle with. Just insert the safety key, press the button, and go. It’s especially nice if you have arthritis or just hate wrestling with a gas mower.

Pros

• Quiet operation – At around 80 dB, you can mow without earplugs and without disturbing the whole neighborhood.
• No maintenance – No oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters. Just charge and mow.
• Lightweight and easy to push – At 40 lbs, it’s about 20–30 lbs lighter than a comparable gas mower. Great for smaller yards with slight slopes.
• Batteries are interchangeable – Sun Joe uses the same 24V batteries across many of their tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws). If you already own Sun Joe gear, you’re set.
• Compact storage – The handle folds down without tools, so it stands upright in a corner or hangs on a wall hook.
• Good bag capacity – For a mower this size, the 11-gallon bag is generous. You won’t be running back and forth to the compost pile.

Cons

• Runtime is limited – Real-world runtime is about 30–40 minutes on a full charge. If your lawn takes longer, you’ll need to stop and wait for batteries to recharge (about 2 hours). No quick-swap option unless you buy extra batteries.
• Narrow cutting width – 17 inches means more passes. If you have a 1/4 acre lawn, expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour mowing. A 20-inch mower would save you about 15 minutes.
• Not great for thick, wet, or tall grass – The 48V system is decent, but it’s not a gas engine. If you let the grass get too long or try to mow wet grass, the mower can stall or leave clumps.
• Bag can be awkward to empty – The bag attaches with clips, not a lever. It’s secure, but detaching it one-handed while balancing the mower is a bit clumsy.

Bottom Line

The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM is an excellent choice for homeowners with small, manageable lawns who want a hassle-free, quiet, and environmentally friendly mowing experience. It’s not a powerhouse—if you have thick St. Augustine grass or a lawn over 1/4 acre, you’ll want something with more deck width and runtime. But for the price (around $250), it delivers reliable, low-maintenance performance that gas mowers can’t match in terms of convenience. If your yard fits its sweet spot, buy it confidently. Just be prepared to mow more often and keep the grass short to avoid bogging down.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the batteries last, and can I buy extras?
Runtime is about 30–40 minutes of continuous mowing on a full charge. The batteries are Sun Joe’s 24V 4.0 Ah units (model iBAT40), and yes, you can buy additional pairs. They’re also compatible with many other Sun Joe tools, so they’re a good investment if you’re in the ecosystem.

Does it mulch or side-discharge?
This model includes a mulching plug and a rear grass bag. It does not have a side-discharge chute. If you prefer side discharge, look at the Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM-SD (the “SD” model). The mulching function works well on dry, short grass but can leave clumps on damp or tall grass.

Can I use it on a slope?
Yes, but with caution. The mower is light (40 lbs), so it won’t slide downhill easily, but it also lacks self-propulsion. On steep slopes, you’ll have to push it uphill, which can be tiring. It’s fine on gentle grades (under 15 degrees). For steeper slopes,