The various implementations described herein include apparatuses and methods used to operate engine-based equipment using an electric starter motor. In one aspect, a method for operating an apparatus includes starting an electric starter motor. In response to starting the electric starter motor, the electric starter motor is coupled to a flywheel and the flywheel is turned. In response to turning the flywheel, an engine coupled to the flywheel via a power take-off of the engine is started. After starting the engine, the electric starter motor is decoupled from the flywheel and thus from the engine, and the engine is used to turn the flywheel, thereby enabling operation of a primary assembly coupled to the flywheel.