Hi there,
Electric mowers rely on a complex system of parts, and when they overheat, it can lead to performance degradation, engine damage, and safety hazards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into each of the causes, providing clear explanations and practical solutions to fix your electric lawn mower overheating. Join us and restore your mower performance!
Why Is An Electric Lawn Mower Overheating?
Mower overheating is an important issue affecting your lawn mowing performance. So let’s see what causes your lawn mower to have this problem!
Blocked Or Clogged Air Vents
When the vents of a mower get clogged, it can cause the machine to overheat. The vents are like windows that allow air to flow through the lawn mower and keep it cool while running.
If grass clippings and dirt get trapped in these vents, air can not pass through. Hence, the motor and other parts of the mower overheat because they cannot cool down properly.
Faulty Motor Parts
Over time, parts on a lawn mower can wear out or fail, leading to problems like increased friction or drag.
In other words, the motor must work harder to do its job, then generate more heat. That heat will build up and cause the mower to overheat if it cannot escape properly.
To avoid these problems, regularly check the motor and replace any worn or defective parts. This tip will help keep the mower running smoothly, prevent overheating, and ensure your machine runs well for longer.
Overloading The Motor
You can overwork the motor when you demand too much of an electric lawn mower by cutting thick grass or riding it for hours.
Just like a person can get tired from doing too much, the motor can also get tired and generate a lot of heat. This extra heat can cause the mower to overheat.
Thus, if the grass is too thick, you can try increasing the cutting height or making more passes to make the engine work easier.
Electrical Issues
A problem with the electrical connections or wires inside the mower can interrupt the flow of electricity to the motor.
Then, the mower will work harder if it does not have enough power. This extra work generates more heat, which can cause the mower to overheat.
Besides, the motor may have difficulty supplying enough power when the electrical connections are loose.
Also, the cord can cause more problems if it is damaged. Specifically, damaged electrical wires can create sparks or short circuits and generate heat.
What Happens When A Lawn Mower Overheats?
When the lawn mower is too hot, it will certainly not be able to work well and cause some consequences as follows:
Performance degradation
The motor may run less efficiently, resulting in reduced cutting power and uneven cutting. So, the mower may have difficulty maintaining a steady speed.
Engine damage
Increased heat can cause engine internals to expand, warp, or even melt. Hence, you have to undertake costly repairs or replacements.
Safety hazards
Excess heat can lead to a fire if the mower is not cared for properly. When the lawn mower overheats, it may emit smoke or a toxic odor, indicating a problem.
In such cases, turn off the mower, and disconnect it from the power source. Then, allow it to cool down before taking further inspection or maintenance.
So you must regularly maintain and repair it when the engine is hot. In the next section, we will provide detailed solutions!
Lawn Mower Overheating Fix
Once you know the cause of this problem, you can find a solution. Let’s fix it together with us!
Clean The Air Vents
Before carrying out repairs, turn off the machine and disconnect it from the power source for safety. Then follow these steps:
1/ Locate the vents on the mower. They are usually on the top or sides of the engine housing.
2/ Use a brush or soft cloth to remove any visible debris or grass from the vent. With stubborn or hard-to-reach dirt, you can use compressed air to blow it out.
3/ Ensure the vents are clear of obstructions and allow proper airflow.
4/ Reconnect the mower to the power source and start the machine to ensure the vents work.
Besides, we recommend regularly cleaning this part to help maintain adequate airflow, prevent overheating, and ensure optimum lawn mower performance.
Check And Clean The Cooling Fins
Like the first method, remember to turn off the device. Here is the simplest way to clean cooling fins:
1/ Locate the fins, usually near the cylinder head or around the flywheel.
2/ Use a brush or compressed air to remove debris, grass, or dirt clogging the fins. Be careful not to damage the fins in the process.
3/ Finally, rinse the fins with water and let them dry completely before restarting the mower.
If your lawn mower is still not working, try the third method!
Check And Tighten Electrical Connections
For this task, follow these steps to be safe:
1/ Check electrical connections, including wires, plugs, and terminals.
2/ Look for any loose or corroded connections.
3/ Use a wrench or screwdriver (depending on the type of connection) to tighten any loose connections. If there is corrosion, gently clean the corroded area with a wire brush or sandpaper.
4/Double-check all connections to make sure they are secure.
Contact a professional if your lawn mower still does not work after checking and performing the above steps.
FAQs
Will The Lawn Mower Not Start If Too Hot?
Yes. Overheating can cause the ignition system to malfunction. Then, it prevents the mower from starting until it has cooled down sufficiently.
Do Lawn Mowers Need To Cool Down?
Yes. Allowing the mower to cool down helps dissipate the excess heat and prevents potential damage to the engine or other components. It is vital to give it time to cool before restarting it.
How Long Should You Let A Lawn Mower Cool Down?
We recommend waiting 15-30 minutes before starting it again. Yet, it’s best to consult the mower’s manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations.
Conclusion
Understanding the reason for electric lawn mower overheating is essential to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of your device. You can then take proactive steps to address and prevent overheating.
Remember to prioritize safety by disconnecting the mower from the power source and letting it cool down before performing any maintenance or repair.
Thank you for reading!