Electric mower blade running backwards?

Michael A

Forum Newbie
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Threads
2
Messages
3
I bought a used 19" Craftsman electric mower. I mowed one lawn with it and it was OK. I started to mow a second lawn and it was no longer cutting. The motor was running but the grass was not being cut. I turned it on its side and observed that the rotary blade is turning backwards (clockwise), meaning the dull edge of the blade is contacting the grass instead of the sharp edge. That's not right, is it? What would cause this to happen all of a sudden? The first lawn was cut just fine, so it must have been turning in the correct direction for that one. Thanks.
 

RobertBrown

Lawn Addict
Joined
Aug 20, 2010
Threads
33
Messages
1,279
Reverse polarity?
Was the second lawn in another hemisphere?
I'm done:frown:
 

KennyV

Lawn Pro
Joined
May 5, 2010
Threads
26
Messages
5,447
I bought a used 19" Craftsman electric mower. I mowed one lawn with it and it was OK. I started to mow a second lawn and it was no longer cutting. The motor was running but the grass was not being cut. I turned it on its side and observed that the rotary blade is turning backwards (clockwise), meaning the dull edge of the blade is contacting the grass instead of the sharp edge. That's not right, is it? What would cause this to happen all of a sudden? The first lawn was cut just fine, so it must have been turning in the correct direction for that one. Thanks.

Actually RobertBrown is right...
Or partially right...
It is a polarity problem.
Although you are using an AC power source the motor runs on DC, I suspect you have a shorted diode, check them out and replace them before you continue,,, you will eventually burn out the motor windings.
Before it burns up change the diodes, :smile:KennyV
 

Michael A

Forum Newbie
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Threads
2
Messages
3
Actually RobertBrown is right...
Or partially right...
It is a polarity problem.
Although you are using an AC power source the motor runs on DC, I suspect you have a shorted diode, check them out and replace them before you continue,,, you will eventually burn out the motor windings.
Before it burns up change the diodes, :smile:KennyV

OK, thanks a lot. I will look into that. I took the top off and can see all the wiring. Just have to figure out what the diodes are and how to replace them. That's what I get for trying to save a few bucks and buying used. MA
 

KennyV

Lawn Pro
Joined
May 5, 2010
Threads
26
Messages
5,447
Just have to figure out what the diodes are and how to replace them.

Hey .. nothing wrong with used... after the first season of use everything new will be used ...

If you can post a picture of the wiring, the diodes should be easy to spot... measure their resistance forwards and backwards... :smile:KennyV
 
Top