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Greenworks 80v Self-Propel Problems

#1

S

SonOfGloin

Hi all,

After years enjoying gas-powered equipment ranging from a vintage wheel horse rider to a simple Lawn Boy, I decided to dip my toes in the battery-powered world and bought a self-propelled 80v Greenworks 21" mower. It has been very impressive, up until today. Out of the blue, the self-propel boost started to lose a bit of oomph until it declined to an few intermittent bursts. Now it barely works at all. Sometimes when engaging it, nothing happens. Other times I'll get a weak set of bursts of power for a few seconds and it stops. I have to say, this is quite disappointing, as the mower has only been used about a dozen times since the Spring. I have no warranty to fall back on, because this was an off-season craigslist pickup (yeah, I know. Now I'm paying for it..).

I am completely new to this kind of technology. My understanding is that units like this use a second motor to directly drive the rear wheel. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this? I'm very handy, but I have no experience with this type of equipment. Am I looking at a cooked motor? Is there a clutch or gear that I should be checking? I checked all wiring to/from the self-propel logic board and all connections seem to be solid.

Thanks in advance!


#2

R

Rivets

In this case, because electric mowers are “new” to most of the techs on this site, I suggest you contact Greenworks with your problem. https://www.greenworkstools.com/contact


#3

Charlie8d

Charlie8d

I also suggest contacting Greenworks at then link above. I would also ask for a copy of the owner's manual to download, if you don't have one. . Damage can be done to the self propelled feature, if not operated correctly. Just before you stop cutting, let off the SP lever a few feet before stopping. If you don't , it is very hard to pull backwards & that can cause damage. Also, if you are pulling it backwards & apply the SP lever, it can cause damage,


#4

S

SonOfGloin

Charlie8d said:
I also suggest contacting Greenworks at then link above. I would also ask for a copy of the owner's manual to download, if you don't have one. . Damage can be done to the self propelled feature, if not operated correctly. Just before you stop cutting, let off the SP lever a few feet before stopping. If you don't , it is very hard to pull backwards & that can cause damage. Also, if you are pulling it backwards & apply the SP lever, it can cause damage,
Click to expand...

Thank you - this is very helpful information. When I first started using it, I wasn't used to how long it takes for the SP to disengage, so I (and my wife) definitely pulled back on it too early, more than a few times.

What part(s) specifically would likely fail if this sort of operator error persisted?


#5

Charlie8d

Charlie8d

Again, Greenworks would be the place to contact for that info.


#6

P

Poaceae

SonOfGloin said:
Hi all,

After years enjoying gas-powered equipment ranging from a vintage wheel horse rider to a simple Lawn Boy, I decided to dip my toes in the battery-powered world and bought a self-propelled 80v Greenworks 21" mower. It has been very impressive, up until today. Out of the blue, the self-propel boost started to lose a bit of oomph until it declined to an few intermittent bursts. Now it barely works at all. Sometimes when engaging it, nothing happens. Other times I'll get a weak set of bursts of power for a few seconds and it stops. I have to say, this is quite disappointing, as the mower has only been used about a dozen times since the Spring. I have no warranty to fall back on, because this was an off-season craigslist pickup (yeah, I know. Now I'm paying for it..).

I am completely new to this kind of technology. My understanding is that units like this use a second motor to directly drive the rear wheel. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this? I'm very handy, but I have no experience with this type of equipment. Am I looking at a cooked motor? Is there a clutch or gear that I should be checking? I checked all wiring to/from the self-propel logic board and all connections seem to be solid.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
This thread is from last year, but just in case it is still helpful. I had the same problem the second time I used my Greenworks mower! Because they did not have an authorized repair shop near me, they replaced the mower at no cost to me. So, I didn't try to take it apart to troubleshoot, but in my case the self-propel motor was not cooked. You can test this by pulling the engage self-propel bail with the battery installed, but the main motor that turns the blade turned off. When working properly, this allows you to move the mower using the self-propel, without starting the blade motor. In my case, the motor came on, and changed speed when I adjusted the lever on the left handle, but the mower moved about an inch and stopped. Because this is apparently a known issue (based on our sample size of two), I expect that Greenworks would be willing at least to offer advice even though you technically bought the mower used.


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