Isn't that called a husband?

Don't want to sound mean but todays mowers really aren't that hard to start when properly maintained and correct starting proceedure is used. Old fuel caused problems is the number one enemy.

If you have a true physical infirmity which gives you difficulty pulling the starter rope, consider an electric start.

I do have arthritis -- but even before that developed I found it hard to start things. I've wasted hours trying to start things and really believe that my idea would be a winner. I have an electric mower for places close to the house but I sure would like the other things to be light and easy to use. My husband is almost 80 -- it's hard for him to start things too.

They use to, may still, make an adaptor for a large electric drill motor to crank on the flywheel nut. Means making mods to the engine top and man, uh, womanhandling a large drill motor. With newer non blade brake mowers having a deadman control this becomes unsafe in more then one way.

Best advise is to trade in your mower for one with battery electric start.

Stihl and Echo have the Easy Start System available on some of their equipment.I have the easy start on my Stihl Trimmer.Check it out-mine works fine.

gorper brings up a good point since I spaced the need for other then mower help. Those brands do have recoil starters that specifically are designed to help folks like you with easier cranking. Additionally if you buy from a servicing dealer they will service and check the equipment before you take it home. This minimizes the potential for a unit that has a problem. They'll also go over the proper starting and maintenance proceedures, these things are not found at the box stores.