Someone's father gave this mower to a guy who left it in the garage for years, I think, and he sold it to me. It ran when last tried (however long ago), but it doesn't run now. It is old-looking. The front and back skirt (do you know what i mean? The flat parts that are plastic on the back of modern mowers) are made of metal. The grass is cut by two blades that overlap each other, like an old-fashioned egg-beater or like two-bladed helicopters.
Is the problem likely to be dust build-up or moisture build-up in the electric motor? If so, how might I fix that? The blades didn't turn freely at first, but a little push with my hand (not plugged in, of course) got them to move. They seem to be geared together--if I rotate one by hand, the other moves as well. Is there some kind of lubrication I should try?
It looks as if it was once a real good mower, and might serve me real well if I can get it going. Otherwise, I'll see about getting my money back. But, it was only $30. I wasn't able to try it on location because the electricity was off on this presently-unoccupied rental property. The guy offered to pay me back right away, but I'd really rather have the working mower if possible.
Come on, guys, doesn't anyone have anything helpful to say? Before I started writing this second post, the listing said there were 118 views--but, not one reply!
Perhaps I could get a response by posting the question this way: A corded electric mower was left in garage storage for years, and then it wouldn't start. What would happen to such a mower to cause that? And, would it be reversible?
Do I need to clean it in some way, either to get out dirt or moisture? Would the wiring or switch corrode in such a way that it needs to be polished and reconnected? Should I figure the bearings stopped working properly (and, if so, can I lubricate them back to health?).
If I can't solve this quickly, I'll have to spend much more money to get a mower that is working, now.