Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): electric lawn mower, electrical appliance shop, motor bearings

Question
Hi,



After too much time surfing trying to find an answer myself, I’m going the traditional route and asking an expert!  I’ve got an old (hand-me-down) electric (corded) lawn mower.  Lately, when I cut if off the motor continues to run and eventually cycles off (5-10sec).  I’m sure it hasn’t been serviced at least for 15 yrs.  So my questions are:



Is the starter switch bad?  How can I check to see if this is the cause?

Does the mower need any regular maintenance/check up?  Could I do this myself?



Thanks!!  

Answer
Hi Abigail
Yes ma'am, your start switch is sticking and needs replacing.  Any electrical appliance shop can replace the switch.

Whether or not something needs periodic servicing on this old machine depends on what type motor it has.  If it has a universal motor, it will have brushes and they will need servicing or replacing every few years depending on level of use.  

If it has a simple squirrel cage AC motor, no servicing is required, although replacing the bearings would almost certainly guarantee another 15 years of service.

Unfortunately- none of the above is an at home repair.  Oh I almost forgot- these motors, even though they are electrical, generally still have an air filter of sorts, to filter debris out of the cooling air for the motor.  Make sure the air path to the motor is clear.

So...  appliance shop- replace the switch, and the motor bearings if they seem worn, check the brushes if its a universal motor.

You'll be ready to go!