Beatrice Lang
Electric mowers can stop unexpectedly for a variety of reasons. Common causes include stale fuel, clogged air or fuel filters, and battery issues. Less frequently, the engine flywheel brake may be engaged, or the oil chamber could be too full, causing smoke. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues, including changing the oil, keeping the blade sharp, and storing the mower in a dry, cool place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Old fuel can cause the mower to stop. Drain and replace with fresh fuel. |
| Fuel Filter | Check, clean, or replace the fuel filter. |
| Air Filter | Remove and inspect for dirt or debris. Clean or replace if necessary. |
| Oil | Regular oil changes are important. Check for leaks and do not overfill. |
| Blade | Keep the blade sharp and clear of grass clippings. |
| Battery | Check for a full charge and correct seating. Inspect terminals for corrosion or loose contacts. |
| Engine Flywheel Brake | Ensure the bar is fully depressed before pulling. |
| Grass Height | Mowing too much grass can overload the engine. |
| Speed | Pushing the mower too fast can cause the engine to cut out. |
| Tire Pressure | Ensure proper tire pressure for smooth operation. |
| Storage | Store in a dry, cool place, away from heat and moisture. |
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What You'll Learn
Stale fuel
If you haven't used your mower in a while, the fuel sitting in the tank can become stale, affecting its starting and running. To check if the fuel is the problem, start by draining out all the old fuel and replacing it with fresh fuel. If your mower still isn't starting, the stale fuel may have damaged the carburettor. In that case, the next step is to remove and assess the carburettor for any damage or to see if it needs to be replaced.
To drain the fuel, gently tease the pipe away from the fuel outlet, put your thumb over the end of the pipe to stop any spillage, and then quickly replace it with the spout of a jug. An alternative method is to draw any fuel out through the filler cap. If you have someone helping you, one person could tip the mower, and the other could catch the fuel in a jug from the filler cap. If you don't have a second pair of hands, you could use a hand pump. After you've drained the fuel from your lawnmower tank, the carburettor will have filled up with fuel, so you need to repeat the process to drain the carburettor to ensure all stale fuel is out of the mower.
Once the fuel has stopped flowing, you can refit the drain bolt. Make sure you don't misplace the fibre washer on the drain plug. Then, clean up any spilt fuel. If your stale fuel was only in the carburettor, there's a good possibility that your mower will be able to start at this point. If it still doesn't start, you may need to clean or replace the fuel filter.
To maintain the fuel, it is suggested to purchase a fuel stabiliser as this will keep the fuel fresh for longer.
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Clogged air filter
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons your lawnmower might stop working. When the air filter becomes congested with dirt and debris, it restricts airflow to the engine, making it difficult for the engine to run properly. Dirty air filters can also lead to worn-out air filters, with holes in the fibrous material or cracks around the edges, allowing dirt and debris to enter the engine and cause premature wear to internal parts.
To prevent this, regular maintenance and care are essential. This includes regularly changing the air filter, as well as the oil, and keeping the blade sharp. A sharp blade will cut grass more efficiently, reducing strain on the engine and helping to prevent problems with starting and stopping.
If your mower keeps stopping, first check your air filter. Remove it from the mower and inspect it for any dirt or debris. If it is dirty, clean it or replace it with a new one. You can clean the air filter if the entire component is still intact, with no tears or holes in the filter fibres. However, if the air filter is covered in oil, the fibrous material is torn, or there are cracks around the filter, you should replace it. This is a simple job that you can do yourself, and it is much cheaper than having to rebuild or replace the engine due to damage caused by a dirty air filter.
To save money, you can cut a piece of a home A/C filter to use in your mower. This will give you at least a year's worth of filters for your mower.
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Poor battery health
Battery Terminal Inspection
First, inspect the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or loose connections. Over time, the battery terminals may develop corrosion, reducing the effectiveness of the electrical connection. Additionally, loose connections can lead to increased resistance, hindering the flow of current and causing the mower to shut off. Cleaning the terminals and ensuring secure connections can help prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Battery Charging and Voltage
Ensure that your battery is fully charged before use. While a battery may indicate that it is fully charged, there could be instances where one of the small battery cells inside fails, resulting in a voltage drop when you start the mower. This can cause the mower to shut off abruptly. Check if your battery is seated correctly, and consider charging it overnight to ensure a full charge. If issues persist, consult a professional to test the individual battery cells for any faults.
Safety Mechanisms and Switches
The safety mechanisms and switches in your electric mower play a crucial role in its operation. Faulty switches can inadvertently cut power to the motor, leading to sudden shutdowns. Inspect the safety handle switch and start button for proper engagement and functionality. Regular maintenance of these components is essential to prevent unexpected stops. Keep the connections clean and test switch functionality periodically.
Pushing Speed and Grass Thickness
While this may not be directly related to battery health, it is important to note that pushing your mower too quickly over thick patches of grass can cause it to shut off. The engine may not be able to keep up with the demand, resulting in overheating or sudden shutdowns. When encountering rough or thick patches of grass, consider slowing down or raising the deck to reduce the load on the motor and battery.
Blade Sharpness and Grass Clippings
A dull mower blade can increase the strain on the motor and battery. Sharpening the blade regularly will help cut the grass more efficiently, reducing the demand on the battery. Additionally, ensure that the mower blade is not clogged with grass clippings, as this can also increase the load and cause unexpected shutdowns. Periodically clear the underside of the mower to prevent grass clippings from building up.
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Engine flywheel brake engaged
If your electric mower keeps stopping, there could be several reasons. A common cause is old fuel, which can become stale and affect the mower's performance. Another reason could be a clogged air filter, which restricts airflow to the engine.
Now, if you believe the issue is related to the engine flywheel brake being engaged, here's what that could mean:
The engine flywheel brake is a safety feature designed to stop the flywheel from spinning when activated. If your mower won't start and you suspect the flywheel brake is engaged, ensure that the brake lever or handlebar control is fully released. Check for any debris or damage around the brake mechanism that might be causing it to stick.
To maintain smooth operation and prevent starter rope binding, it's important to regularly inspect and clean the brake assembly. Additionally, vibration in the mower may be an indication of an issue with the flywheel. If you experience vibration, especially at higher RPMs, it could be due to an unbalanced flywheel.
- Inspect the brake mechanism for any debris or damage and ensure that the brake lever is fully released.
- Regularly clean the brake assembly to prevent binding and maintain smooth operation.
- If vibration is an issue, inspect the flywheel for any signs of imbalance or damage.
- Consult the engine's manual for specific instructions on inspecting, maintaining, and servicing the brake system.
- If issues persist, contact a professional technician or the manufacturer's customer support for further guidance.
Remember, proper maintenance and care of your electric mower can help prevent unexpected issues and extend the lifespan of your equipment.
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Poor blade maintenance
Clogged blades can also cause issues. When blades are clogged with grass clippings, the mower's performance suffers. The engine may struggle to rotate the blades effectively, leading to unexpected stops. Regularly cleaning the blades and ensuring they are clear of debris is essential for consistent performance.
Additionally, blades that are not properly secured can vibrate loose during operation, causing the mower to shut off unexpectedly. It is important to inspect the blades periodically and tighten any loose fasteners to prevent this issue.
To prevent problems caused by poor blade maintenance, it is advisable to sharpen or replace blades as necessary, clean them after each use, and ensure they are securely fastened before use. Regular blade maintenance not only improves the mower's performance but also extends its lifespan.
Aside from blade maintenance, other factors can contribute to your electric mower stopping unexpectedly. These include old or stale fuel, a clogged air filter, and low tire pressure. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and storing the mower properly, can help prevent unexpected stops and extend the life of your equipment.
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