Lawnmower Repair - Can I Fix My Broken Down Bosch Rotak Mower?

After many years of service, my 12 year old Bosch mower looks like it might finally have decided to call it a day.... Can it be fixed?
Shot on iPhone 14

[@seintime]

Thanks for posting this. Seems burnt out windings for me here too. Only had the mower for 2-3 years,
time for a new one.

[@handyman-at-home]

Yep. There's definitely an issue with Bosch mowers in particular - I think the newer models are regularly only lasting 2 to 3 years ... plenty of videos on RUclips to that effect. They've likely cut back the design from what it used to be (I worked for Bosch in Germany in the late '80s and they were a proper German engineering company back then) and then subbed it all out to China for manufacturing ... Seems to be a common occurrence in other products too ... we recently had a Vax vacuum cleaner motor burn out after only 3 years use ... and I don't have a large castle to hoover 🤣 Cheers, Chris

[@thomasbarratt5333]

If i by passed the switches and turned the mower on and it still doesn't run - would that be a correct method to remove the switch being at fault?

[@handyman-at-home]

It's a bit difficult to say, but if the motor runs OK, then it could point to the switch being at fault. Other causes might be a break in the cable (either before or after the switch), or the thermal cutout having failed completely. The usual caution about mucking about with electricity applies !! Good luck! Cheers, Chris

[@57PaoloB]

Thank you for sharing your findings. I had a similar problem with an occasionally used 3/4 year model. Same technical outcome.
A chat to Bosch might get some closure. Best wishes

[@handyman-at-home]

Thanks. There's definitely a design issue, especially in the more recent versions of this mower. I've seen numerous videos since talking about motor winding burnout after 1 to 2 years!! Cheers, Chris

[@garaged3134]

I think it should have had a pre-summary warning of failure - but still indicating some useful learning points.

[@handyman-at-home]

Fair point. I'll try and think about doing that in future videos of this type. Cheers, Chris

[@garysewell5465]

Very interesting and thank you for such a well put together video :-)

[@handyman-at-home]

Thanks Gary 👍

[@harrisrmn1385]

Hi there, My Webb 33 services us after five years to day I did the same with you but seems like can't help : (

[@handyman-at-home]

You have my sympathy... I suspect many of these lawnmower brands are getting their motors manufactured in China these days, and they're just not intended to last more than a few years. I think I did well getting 12 years out of mine. Cheers, Chris

[@harrisrmn1385]

@@handyman-at-homeHi Folk, Reassembled the stupid mower then it's back! Save another hundred quid for a new one! Anyway, thank you for your sharing. Follower from Chigwell x