Help - Handle "switch" broken? I've been very happy with my Lawn Hog for a few years. I think, however, that the handle has a loose connection. This is the orange part that I have to hold in order for the motor to run. If I don't hold it in a specific way, the motor will stall. Has anyone else encountered a similar problem and how was it fixed? Hoping for some input before I take it apart this weekend. Help - Handle "switch" broken? I've been very happy with my Lawn Hog for a few years. I think, however, that the handle has a loose connection. This is the orange part that I have... » Read More Help - Handle "switch" broken? I've been very happy with my Lawn Hog for a few years. I think, however, that the handle has a loose connection. This is the orange part that I have to hold in order for the motor to run. If I don't hold it in a specific way, the motor will stall. Has anyone else encountered a similar problem and how was it fixed? Hoping for some input before I take it apart this weekend. « Show Less
266083
I went through this recently with a much older BnD mower (13yr old MM850).The handle pushes a "button" inside the casing that turns the motor on. Both parts are plastic and over time they wear out just enough that the contacts don't quite reach in the switch. You can easily replace the handle and switch for about $15 with a little searching online (for instance http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-mm850-type-mulching-mower-parts-c-4167_9514_11387.html, but I haven't bought from them so caveat emptor). I am well aware of the dangers of mowers so I took the low road and wired around the safety switch but that's not advisable if anyone but yourself is going to use the mower. I went through this recently with a much older BnD mower (13yr old MM850).The handle pushes a "button" inside the casing that turns the motor on. Both parts are plastic and over time they wear out just enough that the contacts don't quite reach in the switch. You can easily replace the handle and switch for about $15 with a little searching online (for instance http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-mm850-type-mulching-mower-parts-c-4167_9514_11387.html, but I haven't bought from them so caveat emptor). I am well aware of the dangers of... » Read More I went through this recently with a much older BnD mower (13yr old MM850).The handle pushes a "button" inside the casing that turns the motor on. Both parts are plastic and over time they wear out just enough that the contacts don't quite reach in the switch. You can easily replace the handle and switch for about $15 with a little searching online (for instance http://www.ereplacementparts.com/black-and-decker-mm850-type-mulching-mower-parts-c-4167_9514_11387.html, but I haven't bought from them so caveat emptor). I am well aware of the dangers of mowers so I took the low road and wired around the safety switch but that's not advisable if anyone but yourself is going to use the mower. « Show Less
266084
Thanks for the info! I opened up the housing and found that the plastic pin that forms a 'pivot' for the orange handle was partially broken. No hope of repair without buying new parts. So (like you), I rigged the switch to be permanently on! Still have all my fingers & toes after one mow.
2058127
mines still in a shed from October so I haven't seen it in a while, but I had a problem too theres a choke and a fuel switch, play around with the fule switch. I think mine was backwards maybe or something
2010045
Hi! I finally got the blade off my can opener! There is a little lever that says "blade release" that needed to be pushed down, but, I kept moving the handle either too much or not enough while I pulled on it, but, finally, it popped off. Now if I can only remember how I did it for thenext time!! :) Thank you all.
1193078
if by "stuck" you mean the motor is running but the blad doesn't turn, then your gear has snapped. Looked at many reviews below, this is a frequent problem with these machines. If under warranty you'll get the repair for free but you have to pay for shipping. Good luck
1044350
Francisco. There is a key (sort of looks like a fuse) that must be plugged into the side of the mower of it will not start. Make sure it is firmly inserted. I had the same issue initially.
1971180
Tammy,I figured out after that happened to me was to get the motor running and pour the mixture in using the slot in the top. I haven't had any more trouble with it sticking. It does seem to freeze up quicker than the time it says in the booklet. I scrap it out with a rubber spatula and put it in a container to finish in the freezer. I got a good hint from another web site to put a little acholol ( rum or tequila)in it to keep it from freezing rock hard. Hope this helps
324948
No such problem with mine. Sure you are keeping the handle squeezed? Are you using a 12-3 extension cord? Most are 14-3 wire and if more than 75 feet from house will cause electric motors to overheat. Actually small cords will burn your motor up! This would explain the overheating. As the motor gets hot, the safety inside the motor prevents re-starting until it cools. GET A 12-3 CORD. These are great tillers!
2231904
If the wheel itself is not staying attached to the "AXLE", THEN IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE "PAL-Nut" has departed for the great spring thaw....if that's the case then go to the hardware store and look in the assortments for a new PAL nut, and get on with it....If its the blue wheel adapter "bracket" is broken or missing a tab, just duct tape it to the orange hoop for now.... I've had quite a few of these products, I buy them in pairs so that I have extra handle extensions, clips and Plan "B" when its crunch time....its one of the tools in my company's snow removal arsenal, and a valued one at that....I find that they take a beating when your removing snow deeper than the hoop..(12") at a time, also if there is a layer of crust within the bottom 3" of the removal path, that also puts a hurtin' on plastic bits....we have learned how hard to push them, what their limitations are, and when to change tactics....this really is designed well, but as a maintenance tool.....its really a finish mower compared to a brush hog. Hillbilly Greg ;})-
2219553
I had the same problem and found the controller was not connected well. The battery connections are not very user friendly either. I took the motor and connected directly to the battery and it worked. I then checked power out of controller when I forced a turn on, all worked fine. So, it knew it was a bad controller to motor connection. I kept on messing with the connector , controller to motor, and it finally started working. I am talking about the connection inside the hopper that connects motor to controller.
522917
The kill switch is part of the handle as it is on most modern mowers. You must hold it as you mow. If you let go, the mower motor stops/dies. (In the mower picture it is shown as a light weight metal piece at the top of the handle where your hands would be as you mowed)
962105
I think the only way to know is to get a flashlight and crawl into the belly of the beast and read the label on the motor. Take a picture with your cell phone. Also look at the back of the switch used to control the motor, may times cargo has dislodged a wire to the switch and made it arch, in which case you may only need a new switch.
1028013
Mine is easy to start. Do you not have the instructions on the small list of how to start? Do not hold the hand throttle down when starting, it could be dangerous especially if you are not used to machines like this. I guess everyone has told you the switch is waterproof but hard to read. We just remember it's on when pressed toward the motor. Off when pressed toward the outside edge of the machine. Mine's great and I have a big garden.
1210830
My weed eater blower locked up as well. My neighbor was able to unlock it by taking the case of the spindle and loosen it up. I had no idea how it did it but he told me anyone who works on engines can unlock it. Should cost less than $10
1345211
I've had no problem with mine. Just had to plug it in and make sure I touch switch is flipped to ON and when you wrap your hand around the handle it should lower. One finger touch won't trigger it. You need to touch where the dots are or on the bottom of the handle. The sides of the handle won't trigger it either. I am literally using mine right now. I use it almost daily for my sewing projects. I just purchased it from Amazon a month ago and have had no issues with it raising and lowering. It's possible you got a faulty product.
1304416
Anyone resolved the issue with the height adjustment? I have the same problem -- the mower does not raise/lower when the handle is squeezed...
2269661
Sorry, I have had a great deal of trouble with this too, although I love my little mower!! I DID manage to get it on once, at the very beginning, so I know it can be done, but I have given up because it's so frustrating....I'm going to ask my oldest son who is very clever with machines....and will post if he gets a surefire way to do it....It is a wonderful mower and perfect for my tiny vegetable garden which has grass paths, but I do wish the catcher would work!!
94371
If you pull it backwards quickly it should unclog easily. It sounds like the grass is too long and maybe moist. As long as you stick to a routine of once a week or once every two weeks there shouldn't be any problems. The first time I used mine the lawn hadn't been mowed for two months, so I had to stop and rake the cut grass and a few pulls backwards. After that it was all smooth sailing, no problems.