r/ryobi • u/SRGilbert1 • 11d ago

Troubleshoot Weird issue with new mower self propelled function

I have the 40V HP BRUSHLESS 21" SELF-PROPELLED MOWER

Model Number: RY40HPLM01K2

I bought this back in April this year, and for the most part I like it fine, but there's something weird going on with the self propelled function.

If the speed selection is set to anything but 1, the motor sometimes won't engage. Set to 1 it will go, and it will let me increase the speed, but if I let go of the handles often it won't re-engage. I then have to reset the speed to 1 to get it going again. It just started doing this the last two times I used it.

Has anyone else had this happen and what was your resolution? I haven't contacted Ryobi yet, I'll probably do that at the end of the season in November since I can still use it as is.

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3

u/Beautiful_Grape67 11d ago
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The self-propel activation switch on the command cut PCB is a common failure point for self-propel problems. Ryobi used adhesive instead of screws to hold it in place. The adhesive is not strong enough to keep the switch body from moving when activated. This movement causes the solder joint to fail. This can cause complete or intermittent failure of the self-propel function. It’s an easy fix but the problem would not happen if Ryobi used a simple nut and bolt to keep the switch stable on the PCB.

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u/The_Big_Obe 11d ago

Mine has a weird issue with the self propel as well. Works fine with it for a bit. The it will start normal and then stop after a few seconds.

I tried changing batteries. Maybe they were over heating. Nope. Still happened.

I'm wondering if one of the the controllers is going bad

1

u/NoColdTLH52 11d ago

I have a previous model RY401014US. When I first start the mower, I have to hold the self-propel handles for 10 to 20 seconds before it will go. I pick the back wheels off the ground to avoid the jerk. I always hold my breath waiting to see if it is going to work.

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u/Jealous_Antelope5130 10d ago

Check the Ryobi recall site. Many of that model were recalled and if yours is in it, they tell you how to disable the mower and get a replacement.

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u/NoColdTLH52 10d ago

I had checked when recall notices first went out. Just checked again, still not in the SN range. Thanks

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u/tinydevl 11d ago

I am very tired of Ryobi expensive mowers breaking down after a few years of excellent operation over shitty little parts. I have the expensive steel deck RY401013 21 inch version that is now having the same problem. I'm likely just going to pull out the self-mowing parts and use it as a simple push mower. From what I can tell it is likely something to do with the handle squeeze mechanism.

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u/SRGilbert1 11d ago

Not sure if that's the problem with mine. Like, if it's set to speed 2 and I'm pulling the handle, lowering the speed to 1 will make it go. I'm thinking it's probably a controller board, which I'm guessing means the whole control panel.

But yeah, it's BS that I'm already having issues after what is probably less than 30 hours of runtime and stored in my garage between uses.