Thank you. My Ego mower is only 5 months old and has exhibited the locked rear wheels since about the fourth time I cut the grass. For a while I thought that the problem was related to moisture on the grass, but subsequent testing has proven that it is not. This is such a common problem that, in my opinion, the mowers should be recalled.
I fully agree that EGO should recall due to this issue. I have this same mower and have been experiencing the same issue. I have called EGO customer support multiple times and they refuse to acknowledge it is an issue. (I even sent them video clips of it happening.) That to me is more frustrating than the actual issue.
Bought mine about six months ago. Stopped working all together three months after. Something locked up somewhere and now it won’t start. Cannot find anybody to work on it. There it sits in the shed. An overpriced piece of metal waiting for my next trip to the landfill. Buyers beware. As for this video, it’s great. Those with mechanical abilities should try this tip. Great video
If you purchased it new from an authorized dealer, call Ego customer support and they will tell you where to take it for service. These have a 3-year warranty. The only reason I didn't was because I didn't want or need the SP feature. If it was something more serious, I definitely would have.
Thanks for the video as it was very helpful! I have a slightly different model so I didn't have the spring, and there was only one c-clip to hold both drive gears (I left the wheel gears in place for OEM balance/stability) . My only addition is to mention I only removed the problematic rear right wheel gears. That leaves the left rear wheel to still operate the self-propelled feature if wanted. Thanks again!
I didn't think I would need the self propel feature until I got this mower..now I wouldn't have another mower without it..sometimes on a slight hill or high grass that feature is terrific..
My wheels lock up every 3rd or so rotation when pushing the mower forward. And when I engage self propel, you can hear it catching on something. I will be following these steps. Thanks!
When you are mowing and using self propell, as you get close to where you need to stop or turn, disengage the wheels and continue easily moving. Now when you come to a stop or sharp turn, the wheels are in neutral and you can gently pull the mower backwards....the wheels are not locked.
Wouldn't it be easier to just take the gear off the wheel? Looks like just 3 screws to hold the gear on. Less parts to remove means less parts to store, in case you need to reinstall them for warranty service. 🤔
Yes, I may have to or if I want to sell it, they may want the SP. The smaller gears are easier to store in a small hardware drawer. But yeah, removing the gears from the wheels would serve the same purpose.
I never use self propel (too slow for me) except for some small hills. If I remove the gears from the right wheel, then will I still get some propulsion on the left wheel for the few times that I need to use SP? Also, some other folks mentioned that there may be too much grease in the gears which are causing some internal pins to get sticky and not release properly. Have you tried removing excess grease and cleaning the pins?
Has anyone else noticed the cut is more consistent, especially adjacent rows, when you don’t use self propel? I feel like self propel lifts the deck slightly and then it returns to the original height when you release self propel. This creates a slightly uneven cut. I have not been using SP and loving it, except for the locking wheels.
Yes! It lifts like a hovercraft and then drops down at the end of the row when you turn and scalps the lawn. This and the locking wheels makes me hate this mower. I am 71 and bought this to not have to crank a gas mower.
@@helencarter1546 I watched the video, and paid close attention to the comment where you can remove the two rear wheels then remove the large gear (both sides). It was a game changer and now I love manually pushing the mower with no gear resistance. I put the gears and related screws in a zip lock bag in case I ever want to reinstall.
Yes, if you have a place to store them. I have no larger drawers or cabinets in my garage, only smaller hardware drawers so the smaller gears are easier to store and they're not difficult to remove, if I have both hand available and not holding a camera. Seeing you're here watching it, I hope the video helped you get your problem solved. 😀
to prevent this problem..when you take your thumb off of the self propel button you need to continue to push the mower forward about a foot or so..this unlocks the drive feature so it free wheel..
Like I said @ 0:30 I was still having the problem even when not using the SP feature. It was a mechanical issue that only occurred when turning the mower 180 degrees.
@@naamangeist7843 I find I have to cut it twice to really get it clean. I love most about it but the few things I don’t, I REALLY DON’T LIKE! I only had it for 2 months as well and practically brand new but just past the 90 days to return. I wanted to get the top end Honda but thought this would be better for the wife if she needed to use it while I recover from back surgery. Now I am questioning it. This fix may help as I do like it overall.
Sounds like your wheel bearings fell apart. I've heard of that happening to someone else on a Facebook Ego group page. If your mower is out of warranty, I'd remove the good wheel and take it to a bearing supply and have them find matching bearings. I haven't had that issue with mine but I'm pretty sure they would be a standard size bearing and should press out of the wheel. Best of luck!
@@naamangeist7843 yes they did, when I the cap off the bearings feel out and the wheel cover thats plastic is coming apart as well. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.
Funny ..... Self Propelled Gas Mowers don't do this and never have for me in 36 years of using them on a hilly lawn ... Right off the bat , that plastic drive gear will be gone in 2 or 3 seasons if you're pulling hills... These mowers are just average and will improve with time. Also I've read that the propel motor is rated for 200 hrs. Of cutting time....!!! Wait until you have to fool around replacing that ! How bout WAY more power and a self propel simple 2 or 3 speed transmission that runs off of a belt from the main engine.... That engineering has been around forever.... But see we can't build it that way because there's not enough POWER. Face it folks, we'll get there, whether it's garden equipment, Automobiles, etc.. But we simply are not even close yet... If you have a simple little flat lawn that gets done in 1/2 hr. , That's about where the battery lawn mower is a good idea.... Not many of us are so lucky ! 🙂
Nah. My 21" is making little grind noises on the self propel because I have absolutely blasted it, chattering the wheels at full speed on super steep hills, slamming the self-propel by the mower moving backwards as the motor comes on, clearly nicked the teeth a bit. It's still fine 5 years on aside from that. Go take a look at the new Aluminum Deck model, it is a beast. The thing you *do* have to do is go all-in on battery lawn equipment. Have to get a few batteries, as batteries are about 1/5 the energy density of gas. With 2 batteries and a high speed charger you could literally go continuously on normal grass/slopes.
Thank you. My Ego mower is only 5 months old and has exhibited the locked rear wheels since about the fourth time I cut the grass. For a while I thought that the problem was related to moisture on the grass, but subsequent testing has proven that it is not. This is such a common problem that, in my opinion, the mowers should be recalled.
I fully agree that EGO should recall due to this issue. I have this same mower and have been experiencing the same issue. I have called EGO customer support multiple times and they refuse to acknowledge it is an issue. (I even sent them video clips of it happening.) That to me is more frustrating than the actual issue.
Bought mine about six months ago. Stopped working all together three months after. Something locked up somewhere and now it won’t start. Cannot find anybody to work on it. There it sits in the shed. An overpriced piece of metal waiting for my next trip to the landfill. Buyers beware. As for this video, it’s great. Those with mechanical abilities should try this tip. Great video
If you purchased it new from an authorized dealer, call Ego customer support and they will tell you where to take it for service. These have a 3-year warranty. The only reason I didn't was because I didn't want or need the SP feature. If it was something more serious, I definitely would have.
I have the 2135sp and it does the same thing with the locking up or dragging the wheels. This is exactly the solution I have been looking for.
Thanks for the video as it was very helpful! I have a slightly different model so I didn't have the spring, and there was only one c-clip to hold both drive gears (I left the wheel gears in place for OEM balance/stability) . My only addition is to mention I only removed the problematic rear right wheel gears. That leaves the left rear wheel to still operate the self-propelled feature if wanted. Thanks again!
I didn't think I would need the self propel feature until I got this mower..now I wouldn't have another mower without it..sometimes on a slight hill or high grass that feature is terrific..
Wasn't terrific for me or many others I'm reading about on the Ego Owners Facebook group but glad you're having better luck.
My wheels lock up every 3rd or so rotation when pushing the mower forward. And when I engage self propel, you can hear it catching on something. I will be following these steps. Thanks!
My self propel broke and this saved me alot of strain pushing through the none working motor
When you are mowing and using self propell, as you get close to where you need to stop or turn, disengage the wheels and continue easily moving. Now when you come to a stop or sharp turn, the wheels are in neutral and you can gently pull the mower backwards....the wheels are not locked.
Yes, they do. As stated in the video, I wasn't using the SP feature and the wheels still locked up during turns.
Wouldn't it be easier to just take the gear off the wheel? Looks like just 3 screws to hold the gear on. Less parts to remove means less parts to store, in case you need to reinstall them for warranty service. 🤔
Yes, I may have to or if I want to sell it, they may want the SP. The smaller gears are easier to store in a small hardware drawer. But yeah, removing the gears from the wheels would serve the same purpose.
No because there are two gears and one of them is buit in the wheel itself
I never use self propel (too slow for me) except for some small hills. If I remove the gears from the right wheel, then will I still get some propulsion on the left wheel for the few times that I need to use SP? Also, some other folks mentioned that there may be too much grease in the gears which are causing some internal pins to get sticky and not release properly. Have you tried removing excess grease and cleaning the pins?
Has anyone else noticed the cut is more consistent, especially adjacent rows, when you don’t use self propel? I feel like self propel lifts the deck slightly and then it returns to the original height when you release self propel. This creates a slightly uneven cut. I have not been using SP and loving it, except for the locking wheels.
Yes! It lifts like a hovercraft and then drops down at the end of the row when you turn and scalps the lawn. This and the locking wheels makes me hate this mower. I am 71 and bought this to not have to crank a gas mower.
@@helencarter1546 I watched the video, and paid close attention to the comment where you can remove the two rear wheels then remove the large gear (both sides). It was a game changer and now I love manually pushing the mower with no gear resistance. I put the gears and related screws in a zip lock bag in case I ever want to reinstall.
The comment I am referring to is from Cliggster
When the wheel is removed there are 3 screws that hold the gear on the wheel would be much easier.
Yes, if you have a place to store them. I have no larger drawers or cabinets in my garage, only smaller hardware drawers so the smaller gears are easier to store and they're not difficult to remove, if I have both hand available and not holding a camera. Seeing you're here watching it, I hope the video helped you get your problem solved. 😀
to prevent this problem..when you take your thumb off of the self propel button you need to continue to push the mower forward about a foot or so..this unlocks the drive feature so it free wheel..
Like I said @ 0:30 I was still having the problem even when not using the SP feature. It was a mechanical issue that only occurred when turning the mower 180 degrees.
Do you need to do this for both wheels? How has it been working since this fix?
Yes, both wheels. No issues since, other than the usual mohawk effect on taller thick grass but that's another issue.
@@naamangeist7843 I find I have to cut it twice to really get it clean. I love most about it but the few things I don’t, I REALLY DON’T LIKE! I only had it for 2 months as well and practically brand new but just past the 90 days to return. I wanted to get the top end Honda but thought this would be better for the wife if she needed to use it while I recover from back surgery. Now I am questioning it. This fix may help as I do like it overall.
My back left wheel started wiggling and then it just fell off. My right rear wheel is tight and fine.
Sounds like your wheel bearings fell apart. I've heard of that happening to someone else on a Facebook Ego group page. If your mower is out of warranty, I'd remove the good wheel and take it to a bearing supply and have them find matching bearings. I haven't had that issue with mine but I'm pretty sure they would be a standard size bearing and should press out of the wheel. Best of luck!
@@naamangeist7843 yes they did, when I the cap off the bearings feel out and the wheel cover thats plastic is coming apart as well. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.
Funny ..... Self Propelled Gas Mowers don't do this and never have for me in 36 years of using them on a hilly lawn ... Right off the bat , that plastic drive gear will be gone in 2 or 3 seasons if you're pulling hills...
These mowers are just average and will improve with time.
Also I've read that the propel motor is rated for 200 hrs. Of cutting time....!!!
Wait until you have to fool around replacing that !
How bout WAY more power and a self propel simple 2 or 3 speed transmission that runs off of a belt from the main engine.... That engineering has been around forever....
But see we can't build it that way because there's not enough POWER.
Face it folks, we'll get there, whether it's garden equipment, Automobiles, etc..
But we simply are not even close yet...
If you have a simple little flat lawn that gets done in 1/2 hr. , That's about where the battery lawn mower is a good idea....
Not many of us are so lucky ! 🙂
Nah. My 21" is making little grind noises on the self propel because I have absolutely blasted it, chattering the wheels at full speed on super steep hills, slamming the self-propel by the mower moving backwards as the motor comes on, clearly nicked the teeth a bit. It's still fine 5 years on aside from that. Go take a look at the new Aluminum Deck model, it is a beast. The thing you *do* have to do is go all-in on battery lawn equipment. Have to get a few batteries, as batteries are about 1/5 the energy density of gas. With 2 batteries and a high speed charger you could literally go continuously on normal grass/slopes.
If you simply let go of the button a second or two before you want to turn or stop it doesn’t have that issue. Mine works great!!
The button was never pressed at all. As stated in the video, I don't even use that feature.