Electric lawn mower overheating. 5 Reasons Your Electric Motors Keep Overheating

Reasons Your Electric Motors Keep Overheating

An overheated electric motor will bring your equipment to a screeching halt. And while excessive heat may be the problem confronting you, knowing how and why your motor overheated is imperative. Until you get to the root of the problem, your motor will continue to reach peak temperatures, failing again and again.

Qualifying an overheated electric motor

The first step in dealing with an overheated motor is to make sure overheating is actually the problem. Unless you’re actively monitoring it when it fails, you may not suspect heat. To verify overheating, you’ll need to get the motor up and running again — this time with methods of monitoring it:

• Check the thermal reset button on your motor if it’s equipped with one. This is the quickest, easiest way to qualify an overheat.
• A simple thermostat will give you clear indication that temperatures are rising above and beyond safe levels of operation.
• If you have a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera handy, it’ll quickly show you when a machine reaches overload temperatures.
• Want a high-tech solution? Smart temperature sensors will do more than just tell you about an overheat — they pinpoint exactly when it happened and at what temperature.

Any of these methods will qualify an overheat, so you can be sure that’s what you’re dealing with. Once confirmed, you’ll need to understand why your electric motor keeps exceeding safe operating temperatures.

Common problems leading to overheating in motor equipment

As is the case with any electrical system, heat is a product of poor operating conditions. What happens when an electric motor overheats? Overheating is most generally traced back to one of these five core issues:

Electrical overload caused by excessive voltage supply or overwork by drawing more current will lead to overheating issues. As the motor works harder or under unusual load, heat will be the chief byproduct, leading to failure.

Low resistance is the most common reason behind electric motor failure. Degradation of motor windings by heat will pave the way for short-circuits and leakages, which leave the motor at risk for failure.

Contamination of dust and debris will raise the internal temperature of a motor and keep it from cooling, which leads to excessive heat over a longer period of time. This generally occurs without proper maintenance or venting for particles.

Start-stop frequency plays a big role in heat damage. Excessively starting, stopping, and starting your motor again won’t allow it to cool properly. The result is a high-heat environment that wears on the integrity of components.

Vibration from a condition like soft foot leads to excessive heat. If vibrations are severe enough, they’ll raise temperatures to unsafe levels and stress components beyond their capacity for heat.

Most electrical technicians can spot heat-causing catalysts like these upon disassembly or inspection of the motor.

Motor overheating troubleshooting

The issue with heat-induced failures is that they’ll continue to happen until maintenance solves the core issue. Thankfully, there are ways to nip these problems in the bud without too much modification to a maintenance plan:

• Thorough, routine maintenance ensures individual components within the electrical system get the attention they need to minimize overwork and overheating.
• Smart sensor installation can alert techs to heat-induced issues in real time, enabling fixes and modifications before total breakdown occurs.
• Installation of overload protectors and proper configuration will prevent load issues, directly addressing several catalysts for head damage.

Alongside friction in mechanical equipment, heat is the bane of any factory’s electrical devices. Keeping heat in check starts with understanding what causes it and what you can do to minimize or eliminate those variables.

Issues with your electric motor overheating? You can always count on the professionals at Global Electronic Services. Contact us for all your industrial electronic, servo motor, AC and DC motor, hydraulic, and pneumatic needs — and don’t forget to like and follow us on !

Lawn Mower Engine Overheating

Your lawn mower works hard in the summer heat to keep your lawn beautiful. The combination of heat and long hours of operation can put thermal stress on your lawn mower engine, but your machine should be able to keep hot temperatures under control. Under certain circumstances, there are a few issues that can cause lawn mower engine overheating.

A lawn mower engine overheating can lead components to expand, seize up, and combust. Read more to see what can cause your lawn mower engine to overheat, and how to resolve the issue.

Dirty lawn mower engine

One of the main causes of a lawn mower engine overheating is a dirty engine. Dirt and debris may get into the vents, blocking the air intake. This means the cool air cannot get to the engine to cool it.

The solution: Remove the mower casing and clean the dirt and debris caught inside. Use compressed air or a soft brush to knock debris loose. Avoid using a pressure washer because this can push water into the lawn mower engine and contaminate the fuel and oil.

Low oil level

Always check the oil level before starting your lawn mower. Another major cause of a lawn mower engine overheating is a low oil level. A low oil level is the result of lubricant not circulating through the enough. This means internal friction that generates heat is not being reduced. Friction causes heat and too much friction will lead to overheating.

The solution: Check the oil level before you start the machine and add oil if necessary. If your lawn mower is already in use, allow the lawn mower engine to cool down and then add oil. Refer to your owners manual for the correct amount of oil to add.

Damaged cooling fins or shroud

The cooling fins and shroud work to disperse heat and move it away from the lawn mower engine and into the airstream. Broken cooling fins don’t properly direct the heat away, which increases the risk of overheating.

To keep cool air around the cooling fins, the flywheel has fins that act as a radial fan. When the lawn mower engine is running, these fans bring air in from the shroud and push it around the engine to remove heat. If anything gathers on top of the shroud it can cause airflow problems.

The solution: Once this issue has been found, replace these parts to avoid overheating the lawn mower engine. Fixing this issue will also save your engine from needing a rebuild.

Fuel-air mixture

Fuel plays a role in cooling as well. It absorbs heat from the combustion chamber and keeps combustion heat at a sufficient level. If your lawn mower engine runs lean, temperatures can increase and lead to overheating.

The solution: A lean mix is commonly caused by a dirty air filter so make sure the one in your lawn mower is clean. Also, consult your owner’s manual and adjust the carburetor for a mix that is heavier on fuel.

Keep an eye on signs or overheating. As you know, this can lead to lawn mower engine failure and expensive repairs. If your lawn mower is in need of repairs or maintenance feel free to bring it to our service experts.

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Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to FOCUS exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.

Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.

Weingartz46061 Van Dyke Ave. Utica, Mi 48317(586) 731-7240[email protected]

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Lawn Mower Starts Then Dies? Try These Easy Fixes

A lawn mower which starts up then quickly dies is quite a common problem.

So don’t worry – you’re not alone!

Many others face this problem, and have found themselves on Google with their mower sitting out in the yard over the long grass.

In this article, we cover all of the main causes for this issue. The quick answer is that

If your lawn mower starts then dies, it’s gas may be bad, not enough oil, dirty carburetor, or bad spark plugs. If it’s an electric mower starting and dying, it may need more charge, be overheating, or have an electrical fault.

The answer depends on the type of mower and what specifically is happening. Since there’s both gas and electric mowers which can start and die, there’s a good amount of detail to go into.

If you want to get this problem solved, then read on and let’s breathe some life back into your lawn mower.

What Kind of Mower Do You Have?

Yes, it’s important to know what kind of mower you have to identify possible reasons why your lawn mower is starting and then quickly dying. Specifically, do you have a gas-powered or electric-powered mower? For example, if you have an electric mower, you don’t have to worry about bad gas being the problem.

Since gas mowers are the most common, let’s look at why your lawn mower may be cutting out on you.

Why Your Gas Mower Starts Then Dies

If your gas mower is starting and then shutting down, one thing you can say for sure is that a power cord isn’t the problem. No, when it comes to a gas-powered engine, you’re going to look at several things not seen on an electric-powered mower.

Old Gas

A key concern and common culprit with a gas lawn mower is how long it’s been stored and how old the gas within it is.

The reason this is a concern is the longer gas sits in a mower, and if the mower goes through a range of temperature changes in the surrounding environment, things like sludge and condensation can build up in the gas. The result of this can be poor to incomplete combustion.

Poor or incomplete combustion ends up with a mower that will die quicker than it runs.

To fix this, you can try adding new fuel, fuel stabilizer, or siphon the gas out and refill with a whole fresh tank.

Dirty Carburetor

Continuing with the theme of incomplete combustion, if the gasoline is good or new, then the next avenue to inspect is your mower’s carburetor.

If you’re wondering what the carburetor does or why it’s important, let’s retreat back to that whole incomplete combustion topic. There are two important requirements for a gasoline engine to run: gas and air.

You’ve already addressed the gasoline. Now you need to check the carburetor to ensure enough air is getting mixed with the fuel prior to combustion.

If the carburetor is the issue, then you’ll likely just need to do a good clean-out. Although there are several ways to do this, it’s recommended to follow your manufacturer’s guidance for your specific mower. That being said, cleaning a carburetor usually always involves pressurized air and a cleaner that gets gunk out.

Bad Spark Plugs

Yes, more talk about issues with combustion. Already addressed the gas and the gas/air mixture needed for combustion. Now let’s get to the actual possible problem with making that tiny explosion within the engine that is converted into power (or makes the mower work).

In this case, you may have a bad spark plug. If you don’t know what a spark plug does, it basically provides the spark that allows for the combustion of the gas/air mixture. It creates the BANG!

Your Electric Mower is Overheating

This one you might not consider your mower is overheating right off the bat. After all, you were barely able to run it. How can overheating be the reason it’s shutting down.

Well, in this case you need to take into account the climate you may be dealing with and where you store your mower. If you live in a place that gets hot and humid, your mower is probably more than hot before putting it to work.

If you live in such an area and you store your electric mower in a place that gets hotter than the air outside, your mower might already be in an overheating situation before you run it for long.

In either or both cases, try to mow in the morning or late afternoon when it’s somewhat cooler. And let your mower at least acclimatize to the outside air for a while after pulling it out of the garage or shed. Letting it sit in a nice breeze can do wonders.

Now, if your electric mower does run for a while and then overheats and shuts down, you may have clogged vents. Inspect them and clean them out if they’re clogged up or obstructed with lawn debris. Clogged vents are a good way to see your motor overheat, which will almost always lead to a shutdown.

Your Mowing Height is Too Low

The good thing here is a power problem or a motor problem. You’ve simply got the mower height set too low and you’re essentially tasking your mower with more volume than it can handle. As a result, the mower shuts down similar to a gas engine stalling out.

The solution is as simple as raising your mowing height and not overloading the motor.

Grass and Debris is Collecting Under Your Mower

A quick visual inspection should let you know if this is an issue within a few seconds.

Take a look under the mower (after you secure your power cord or battery). Are there large chunks of matted clippings or dirt or both? Any branches that could be preventing your blades from rotating efficiently or rotating at all?

If the answer is yes, clean out whatever’s preventing normal blade rotation and get back to work.

Electrical System

Here, you’re just going to have to do a good visual inspection of your electrical cabling, checking for damage, cuts, and loose connections. If you have a corded mower, inspect your power cord as well.

Lastly, check your breakers on your mower if you have any and reset them if they’ve tripped.

Your Motor May Be Failing

This is the worst case scenario but shouldn’t be considered until the other tips above have been exhausted. If none of those correct your mowing issue, then it may be time to call a service center and consider the possibility of having to repair or replace the motor.

Conclusion

Lawn mowers should run when they’re expected to. But like a lot of technology, it doesn’t always happen the way you want every time. That being said, the causes of an immature mower shutdown are often common and easily correctable.

The main thing is to know your mower and what your manufacturer recommends as far as troubleshooting for your design and to not jump to the worst case scenario without exhausting those recommendations.

I’ve been helping homeowners with appliance repair since 2016. Starting out as an enthusiastic amateur, I’ve since worked with many Appliance, HVAC, and DIY experts over the last 7 years. My mission is to help your fix your appliances and systems. saving you money and lowering your energy bills. Visit my author page to learn more! Read more

Hi there! My name’s Craig, and I started Appliance Analysts back in 2017.

My mission is to help our readers solve appliance-related issues without paying through the nose for contractors or a whole new model. I’m joining up with experts from across the HVAC, Appliance Repair, DIY industries to share free expert advice that will save you time, stress, and money.

Why Electric Lawn Mowers Can Overheat Plus Fixes

Overheating can ruin the battery or motor of your electric lawn mower. This will affect the operation and functionality of the mowing machine.

In this article, we share common reasons why electric lawn mowers can overheat and their possible fixes to ensure a smooth lawn mowing experience.

Why Electric Lawn Mowers Can Overheat And Fixes

Here are some reasons why electric lawn mowers can overheat plus fixes:

Clogged Cutting Deck

Your electric mower can overheat if the mower’s cutting deck gets accumulated with a load of dried-on clippings and other debris.

When the mower deck is clogged up, the airflow becomes less efficient, making the motor work harder in discharging grass clippings. This will cause the mower to overheat.

Fix: Turn the mower over and scrape off the debris bit by bit until it is cleared.

It is advisable to rinse and wipe down the mower’s undercarriage after every mow especially if the grass is a bit wet when you mow.

Blocked Air Vents

Electric mowing machines come with air vents to prevent them from overheating.

It channels the flow of cool air into the mower’s motor to maintain an ideal temperature while operating the mower.

When the vent gets blocked, there will be restricted airflow and this will cause your electric mower to overheat.

Fix: Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the vents.

It is important to regularly check the condition of the mower’s air vents.

If the debris can’t be removed, you can also use an air compressor to blow the debris out.

Loose or Bent Blade

A loose blade won’t allow your mower to cut the grass properly. It may also cause the cutting height to change constantly, causing uneven cuts on lawns.

In this process, bent or loose blades can cause a strain on their motor which could get hot while functioning.

Fix: You can simply tighten a loose blade and replace it with a new one if the blade is bent.

Dull Blades

Using dull mower blades to cut the grass may also cause your electric mower to overheat.

Dull blades don’t cut grass well but rip it, leaving ragged edges that can clog the air vents of your mower.

Once the vents are clogged, the batteries may overheat and this will cause the mower to stop working.

Fix: You can sharpen the dull blade but the best option is to replace it with a new one

Setting the Cutting Height Too Low

Setting the mowing height too low may increase the chances of overheating.

When the grass is cut too low, it clogs the mower. It can also attract flying rocks or debris that can harm the user and mower.

Fix: The easiest way to fix this is to move the mowing height a notch or two from where you usually set it.

Obstructed Blade

The blade of your electric mower can tackle rugged terrains like gas lawn mowers.

If you notice that the blade can’t move properly due to excess build-up, you need to free up the area before operating the mower.

Furthermore, mowing on wet grass can affect the performance of the blade.

A bad bearing can cause the blade to get obstructed. In addition, a broken socket prevents the bearing from moving properly, causing the blade not to spin when the bearing stops.

In this case, the mower’s motor will work until it overheats.

Fix: Check the blade before you mow. Inspect the bearing for dirt and pull it gently so that the blade can move freely.

Sam has over a decade experience in landscape and yard maintenance. He enjoys testing and reviewing different yard tools.