Hi. I needed to take care of some leaves that had accumulated on the backyard patio and deck. After I collected the leaves in a pile, I realized that I had left my electric blower/mulcher outside since the last time I used it. I dont remember exactly when I used it last, maybe three weeks ago? It has rained since then and it was not under a roof while it was outside. I am including a pic of the blower/mulcher. I never had a problem with it before. It started up for just a second and then died. Also, it is about 21 degrees fahrenheit here today. I checked the extension cord and I checked the outlet.

Do you think that the cold or that leaving it outside caused this problem? Can you think of anything that I might be able to do to fix it? Thanks.

 

Hi. I needed to mulch some leaves I collected in my backyard today. I took out my used electric mower that I bought this last spring, and never had a problem with. I used the mower to mulch up the leaves. When I was about 90 percent finished the mower stopped operating. I had not mowed over anything other than leaves and grass. I checked the mower blade. The blade is difficult to turn manually. And I did seem to smell a slight electric motor malfunction smell. I checked the extension cord and I checked the outlet. It is about 21 degrees fahrenheit here today. Do you think it is the cold that is causing the problem? Can you think of a way that I may be able to fix it? I attached a pic of the mower to this thread. Thanks.

 

I have merged your two threads since they are the same question.

 

Ok. Thank you. I was thinking about putting the questions together, but I was not sure. As you can see from my questions, I am not having a great day today!

 

Did you use the same cord for both? Mower blade hard to turn sounds like bearings are bad. Try a different cord for both.

 

I understand maybe not having a place to keep them indoors, but, if there is any way to do so, I would at least squeeze them indoors for a day or two, to reduce and hopefully eliminate condensation. Unfortunately it wouldn't necessarily take a lot of condensation on some of the components to begin some corrosion, but it would be best to get rid of whatever you can. No gasoline to worry about, so lay down a few layers of newspaper or whatever to catch any drips and you should be safe enough. I don't know anything about them, but assume that electric mowers may have a reduction drive, which would explain the drag when you try to turn it from the driven end. After they have dried out, follow any lubrication instructions in the manuals, then, as suggested, try a new cord and see how they work.

 

How did you check the receptacle?

 

Oh I checked the receptacle by plugging another electrical appliance into that receptacle and that other appliance worked fine.

 

hi. i wanted to thank you for your responses. i brought the mower and blower inside last night. the blower started ok inside today. there were a couple of small chunks of ice that came out of the unit when i brought it inside. note to self, dont leave electric tools outside.

the mower is another story. i took the cap off of the motor compartment. i tried to start it inside. i saw some spark, then some smoke, then a burning smell. i disengaged it quickly. i think the problem may be with the brushes and/or the bearings. i also noticed the fan blades need to be replaced. i bought the mower used for 60 bucks, so i think it would cost me more to repair this one than it would cost to buy a used replacement. i want to buy the replacement now, when there is low demand, as opposed to in the spring, when everyone will realize that their lawn mower isnt working. thanks again.

 

Allow me please to amend my previous post to include that the purpose of bringing them inside was to help get rid of some of the moisture, but take them back outdoors to run them; just too much chance of flying debris, etc. As far as repairs, a friend who is handy might be able to give you a fairly accurate idea of what is needed, and then it becomes a matter of parts availability. Whether you repair or replace them, I would at least invest in a small tarp and maybe see if you can't come up with a couple of pallets to make a small lean-to, just something to keep the rain and snow off of them.