Sun Joe MJ402E Electric Lawn Mower
Model: MJ402E
Cutting Width: 40.6 cm (16 inches)
Amperage: 12 A
This manual provides essential safety instructions and operating guidelines for the Sun Joe MJ402E electric lawn mower. It is crucial for all users to read and understand these instructions before operating the machine to prevent serious injury or death.
Important Safety Instructions
Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or personal injury. These include:
- Never operate the mower without the grass bag, discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and in good working order.
- Using any other attachment or accessory may increase the risk of injury.
- Regularly inspect the grass bag and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
- Familiarize yourself with the controls, especially how to stop the mower in an emergency.
- Only responsible individuals who understand the instructions should operate the mower. Keep children away from the mower.
- Save this manual for future reference and reread it at the start of each mowing season.
General Safety Warnings
- Do not use the mower in wet grass or rain.
- Keep children, bystanders, and pets at a safe distance.
- Dress appropriately: wear safety glasses, rubber gloves, protective footwear, and a dust mask. Avoid loose clothing, long hair, or jewelry that can get caught in moving parts.
- Use the right tool for the job; do not force the mower.
- Maintain balance by keeping both feet firmly on the ground.
- Stay alert and use common sense; do not operate the mower when tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Disconnect the mower from the power source when not in use, before servicing, changing accessories, or performing maintenance.
- Store the mower indoors in a dry, locked location, out of reach of children.
- Maintain the mower with care: keep blades sharp and clean. Periodically inspect the power cord for damage and have it repaired by an authorized service center. Keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.
Electrical Safety
- Ensure that the electrical circuit is protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
- Use only an outdoor-rated extension cord suitable for the mower's power consumption. For lengths under 15m, use a 14 AWG cord. For lengths up to 30m, use a 12 AWG cord.
- The mower features a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). Use only a polarized extension cord and outlet. If the plug does not fit, reverse it. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug, cord, or outlet.
- To prevent the cord from accidentally disconnecting, tie a knot with the mower cord and the extension cord.
- Do not misuse the cord. Never pull the mower by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it from the outlet. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp objects.
Double Insulation
This electric lawn mower is double insulated, eliminating the need for a separate grounding system. Use only identical replacement parts. Read instructions before servicing a double-insulated tool. Use this lawn mower only as described in this manual.
Safety Symbols
The following symbols are used on the machine and in this manual:
- DANGER! KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY: Indicates a hazard that can cause serious injury or death.
- Warning: Indicates a hazard that can cause injury.
- Eye and Ear Protection: Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Disconnect Cord: Disconnect the power cord if it is damaged or entangled.
- Projection Hazard: Objects and the rotating blade can cause serious injury.
- Foot Hazard: Toes or fingers can be severed by the rotating blade.
- STOP: The blade continues to spin for a short time after the safety button is released.
- Keep Spectators and Children Away: Maintain a safe distance.
- Read Manual: To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.
- Do Not Use in Rain: Do not use the tool in the rain.
- Warning! Stop and Disconnect: Stop the tool and disconnect it before inspecting, cleaning, changing accessories, or performing maintenance.
- Sloping Terrain Hazard: Risk of slipping on slopes. Exercise extreme caution when mowing on slopes.
- Cord Clearance: Keep the extension cord a safe distance from the blade.
- Double Insulation: No grounding is necessary.
Getting to Know Your Mower
Familiarize yourself with the mower's components:
- Lever-bar switch
- Safety push-button
- Extension cord retainer
- Upper handle assembly
- Power cord
- Cord holder
- Upper handle bolt and knob
- Lower handle assembly
- Grass bag fill indicator
- Discharge chute
- Grass bag
- Cutting height adjustment lever
- Quick-adjust knob
- Rear wheel
- Front wheel
Technical Specifications
- Rated Voltage: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
- Power: 12 A
- No-load Speed: 3500 ±10% RPM
- Rotor: 38 cm (15 inch) steel blade
- Cutting Width: 38 cm (15 inch)
- Cutting Height: 30 mm to 85 mm (1.2 to 3.3 inches)
- Grass Bag Capacity: 35 L
- Deck Width: 40.6 cm (16 inches)
- Weight: 13.8 kg (30.4 lbs)
Unpacking
Contents of the box:
- Electric lawn mower
- Upper handle assembly
- Lower handle assembly
- Upper handle bolt and knob (2)
- Cord holder (2)
- Grass bag
- Manual and registration card
1. Carefully remove the mower from the box and inspect it to ensure all listed items are present.
2. Inspect the contents to ensure no items were broken or damaged during transport. If parts are missing or damaged, do not return the machine to the store. Contact Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
NOTE: Do not discard the shipping carton and packaging until you are ready to use your new electric lawn mower. The packaging is made of recyclable materials. Dispose of these materials properly and in accordance with local regulations.
IMPORTANT: Packaging materials are not toys. Do not let children play with plastic bags, metallic foils, or small parts, as they can be swallowed and pose a choking hazard.
Assembly
WARNING: Do not plug into the mains until assembly is complete. Failure to heed this warning may result in accidental starting and serious injury.
WARNING: Before performing any maintenance, ensure the machine is unplugged from the power source. Failure to heed this warning may result in serious injury.
WARNING: The machine must be fully assembled before use. Do not use a partially assembled or damaged machine.
NOTE: Before using the lawn mower, follow these instructions to assemble the handle and grass bag.
Handle Assembly
- Unscrew the quick-adjust knobs on both sides of the machine. Insert the threaded ends of each side into the lower handle assembly (Fig. 1).
- Adjust the lower handle assembly to a comfortable height by aligning the line on the mower deck with one of the three marked lines on the lower handle assembly. Insert the quick-adjust knobs and tighten them onto the threaded ends (Fig. 2 and 3).
- Align the line on the mower deck with one of the marked lines on the lower handle assembly. The same line must be used on both sides of the machine.
- Place the upper handle assembly onto the upper ends of the lower handle assembly. Align the holes. Use both sets of knobs and bolts for the upper handle assembly to attach it (Fig. 4).
- Attach the power cord to the lawn mower using the cord holders (Fig. 5).
Grass Bag Assembly and Adjustment
- Thread the plastic protection bands onto the support rod of the grass bag (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7).
- With one hand, lift the discharge chute. With the other hand, grasp the grass bag by the handle and attach it from above (Fig. 8).
Cutting Height Adjustment
This electric lawn mower is equipped with a 6-position cutting height adjustment lever to customize grass cutting heights from 30 mm to 85 mm. To change the grass cutting height, follow the instructions below.
WARNING: Before making any adjustments, unplug the lawn mower from the power source and wait for the blade to stop completely. Due to the proximity of the blade, wearing gloves is recommended.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE SAFETY MEASURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED PREVIOUSLY IN THIS MANUAL.
- Turn off the engine and unplug the lawn mower.
- Push the cutting height adjustment lever outward from its slot (Fig. 9).
- Insert the lever into the desired slot. The 6 cutting height positions are: (1) 30 mm, (2) 41 mm, (3) 52 mm, (4) 63 mm, (5) 74 mm, (6) 85 mm.
- Plug the lawn mower back in and resume mowing as normal.
Starting and Stopping
Do not operate the mower until it is fully assembled. Before starting the machine, always inspect its power cord and extension cord to ensure they are not damaged. Use only intact cords.
WARNING: Damaged power cords pose a serious hazard. Immediately replace any damaged cord.
WARNING: Before starting the mower, check that it is not in contact with any foreign objects. Keep feet and hands a safe distance from the rotating mower blade and discharge opening. Failure to heed these warnings may result in serious injury.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the mower in tall grass.
- Place the machine on a level lawn surface.
- Push the loop of the extension cord through the slot in the cord retainer by winding it around the retainer in the opposite direction. Insert the power cord into the extension cord (Fig. 10).
NOTE: Do not plug the extension cord into the mains until it is attached to the cord retainer and plugged into the mower's power cord. Use only a UL-approved outdoor all-weather extension cord. Do not use an extension cord longer than 30 m. Consult the extension cord table on page 3.
- Place the loose end of the extension cord on the lawn near where you will begin mowing.
- Before starting the mower, hold the handle assembly with both hands and tilt the handle down to slightly lift the front of the mower. This will reduce the risk of damaging the lawn at startup (Fig. 11).
- To start the electric mower, press and hold the safety push-button while pulling the lever-bar switch towards you. Once the machine starts, release the safety push-button (Fig. 12).
- Allow the motor to reach operating speed by gently lowering the front of the mower and begin mowing (Fig. 13).
- To stop the mower, release the lever-bar switch (Fig. 12).
Grass Bag Fill Indicator
- If the grass bag is empty or not completely full, the fill indicator flap will remain open (due to airflow) or will open and close intermittently as grass accumulates in the bag (Fig. 14).
- When the grass bag is full, the fill indicator flap will remain closed (due to lack of airflow). This indicates it is time to empty the bag (Fig. 14).
Mowing Tips
WARNING: Inspect the mowing area before mowing and remove all sticks, stones, wires, and other debris that could be thrown by the rotating blade.
NOTE: A sharp blade will significantly improve mower performance, especially when cutting tall grass.
- Periodically inspect the blade for signs of wear and sharpen it at least once a year as described in the maintenance section.
- To avoid electric shock, do not use the mower when the grass is wet or damp.
- Do not mow in circles. Mow back and forth across the lawn, following the mowed path (Fig. 15).
- When mowing thick grass, reduce your forward speed to mow more effectively and properly discharge the cut grass. To maintain a healthy lawn, always cut one-third or less of the total grass height. The average lawn height should be between 3.8 cm and 5 cm during the cool season and over 5 cm during the warm season. If there is regrowth, the lawn should be mowed in the fall.
- While mowing, ensure the power cord is always behind you and rests on the already mowed portion of the lawn.
- The lawn will look better if it is always cut to the same height and in alternating directions.
- When crossing gravel surfaces, release the lever-bar switch to stop the mower. Stones can be picked up and thrown by the rotating blade.
- When mowing on uneven terrain or in tall weeds, set the mower to the maximum cutting height.
- WARNING: If the mower hits anything, stop the motor and disconnect the power cord. Carefully inspect the mower for any damage. Repair any damage before using the mower.
Overload Protection
The mower is equipped with a circuit breaker that will temporarily stop the motor if overloaded. This circuit breaker will suddenly stop the motor if it overheats during mower operation.
- Unplug the mower and inspect the blade to ensure it is not blocked by anything.
- Before restarting the mower and resuming normal operation, wait 2 minutes or longer, depending on the ambient temperature and the ongoing mowing.
WARNING: The mower blade continues to rotate for a brief moment after the machine's motor is turned off. Do not tilt or carry the machine while the motor is still running, and do not touch the blade while it is still rotating. Failure to heed this warning may result in serious injury.
Maintenance
WARNING: Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the mower, disconnect the machine's power cord and ensure all moving parts have completely stopped.
General
- Keep the mower clean and free of grass, dirt, or other accumulated debris.
- Keep the handle dry, clean, and free of oil and grease.
- After each use, remove cut grass and debris with a clean cloth or hand brush. You can also clean the material with a cloth dampened with mild, non-abrasive soap. Do not use cleaning agents or corrosive solvents, as they can damage the machine's plastic parts. Ensure no water enters the machine, which could destroy the switch and electric motor.
- Do not clean the mower with running water, especially high-pressure water.
- Before each use, check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are properly tightened.
- Periodically inspect the grass bag for signs of wear and replace any damaged parts immediately with genuine Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® parts.
- Replace excessively worn or damaged components immediately.
- To maximize the lifespan of your mower, all bolted parts, including wheels and axles, should be cleaned and lubricated. There are no parts inside the machine that require maintenance or additional lubrication.
Blade Maintenance
IMPORTANT: The mower blade is sharp and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Wrap the blade or wear gloves and exercise extreme caution when handling it.
The steel blade is designed to cut tall or thick grass effectively. Deterioration in cutting quality indicates that the blade is worn or damaged. Follow these steps to determine if the blade needs sharpening or replacement:
- Unplug the mower.
- Turn the mower on its side to access the underside of the blade housing.
- Inspect the blade.
- If the blade is dull or shows minor wear, sharpen it. For assistance, call Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
- If the blade shows signs of major wear or is severely damaged (e.g., nicked, warped), replace it. For assistance, call Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
WARNING: If a mower vibrates excessively, it means the blade is not properly balanced or has been deformed by hitting an object. In this case, the blade must be repaired or replaced. Follow the appropriate blade maintenance procedures or call Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563) for assistance.
Blade Replacement
IMPORTANT: Use only replacement parts specified for this mower. You can purchase a replacement blade (model ION16LM-BLD) and other genuine replacement parts by ordering online at snowjoe.com, or by calling Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563). Using parts that do not meet the original machine's specifications may cause abnormal mower performance, compromise user safety, and void the manufacturer's warranty.
- Unplug the mower.
- Turn the mower on its side to access the underside of the blade housing.
- Use a cloth or wear gloves to grip the blade.
- To remove the blade bolt, firmly hold the blade with one hand and use a wrench (not supplied) to loosen the blade bolt by turning it counterclockwise (Fig. 16).
- Reassemble the new blade, washer, and bolt by following the same steps in reverse order (Fig. 17).
Storage
Follow the steps below to prepare the mower for storage:
- Unplug the lawn mower.
- Clean the mower using a damp cloth or hand brush.
- Carefully inspect the mower for any worn, loose, or damaged parts. Check connections and screws and tighten as needed. Pay special attention to the mower blade and replace or sharpen it if it shows signs of wear. Consult the maintenance section.
- Store the mower indoors in a dry, clean, cool place, out of reach of children. Do not store the machine near corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or sodium chloride.
- Wipe the extension cord to remove any foreign substances, such as oil or stains. Immediately replace the extension cord if it is cut or damaged in any way.
- Coil the cord to prevent it from twisting.
- Do not cover the mower with a plastic tarp. Plastic covers retain moisture around the mower, which can damage the machine.
Maintenance, Repairs, and Technical Assistance
If your Sun Joe® MJ402E electric lawn mower requires technical service or maintenance, please call 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563) for assistance.
Model and Serial Number Information
When contacting the company to order parts, you must provide your machine's model and serial numbers. These are located on the sticker affixed to the mower deck or handle. Copy these numbers into the space provided below.
Please note the following numbers on your new machine's deck or handle:
Model No.: MJ402E
Serial No.:
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The motor does not turn |
|
| Motor power drops |
|
| Motor performance drops |
|
| The grass bag does not fill sufficiently |
|
Only a company specialist can solve problems that cannot be resolved using this table. Please call Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
Optional Accessories
WARNING: ALWAYS use genuine Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® replacement parts and accessories. NEVER use replacement parts or accessories that are not intended for use with this tool. Contact Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® if you are unsure whether using a particular replacement part or accessory with your tool is safe. Using any other detached part or accessory may be dangerous and could cause personal or mechanical damage.
| Item | Model | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38 cm (15 inch) mower blade | ION16LM-BLD |
| 2 | 35 L grass bag | ION16LM-BAG |
| 3 | 15 m (50 ft) 14-gauge extension cord, Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® SJTW-A with illuminated ends when energized. | PJEXT50-B |
NOTE: Accessories are subject to change without notice from Snow Joe® + Sun Joe®. Accessories can be ordered online at snowjoe.com or by calling Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® customer service at 1-866-SNOWJOE (1-866-766-9563).
