I thought of using a standard thumb throttle to replace the broken on/off switch on my Ryobi 18v cordless lawnmower. I could simply buy a replacement switch but they cost at least £15 and are extremely flimsy. The Ryobi switch is simply fed by positive and negative wires.Presumably it doesn't matter that ebike thumb throttles have 3 wires, or does it?
Thumb Throttle for Lawnmower
- Thread starter Oldie
- Start date
Yes it does matter. A throttle gives an input to an intelligent controller. Your motor doesn't have such a thing. You could use a motor speed controller with either a throttle or a potentiometer if you can find one with the right current rating.
This one can manage 100 amps:
Pardon our interruption...
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Thanks. That saved me some wasted effort.
I'm now turning my thoughts towards a momentary toggle switch although, in normal use, that might be awkward/tiresome to use efficiently. I might be better continuing to shop around for the correct Ryobi part, perhaps on ebay.
As it happens, when I reported the non-starting issue to Ryobi they immediately sent me a new lawnmower without even discussing possible causes. Wonderful customer support but I am reluctant to add to the global pile of junk by binning the old machine.
I'm now turning my thoughts towards a momentary toggle switch although, in normal use, that might be awkward/tiresome to use efficiently. I might be better continuing to shop around for the correct Ryobi part, perhaps on ebay.
As it happens, when I reported the non-starting issue to Ryobi they immediately sent me a new lawnmower without even discussing possible causes. Wonderful customer support but I am reluctant to add to the global pile of junk by binning the old machine.
Perhaps post a pic or 2? In my minds eye your chances of finding a standard microswitch perhaps embedded within a dayglo yellow fitting are high..
With pics of the switch/void im sure a few workable suggestions could be forthcoming? Im game for a punt at your expense of time n effort
With pics of the switch/void im sure a few workable suggestions could be forthcoming? Im game for a punt at your expense of time n effort
I've actually just reinstalled the switch after an attempted repair (unsuccessful) so, to save time, I've attached a link to the appropriate part. The two small horns are the culprit - they snap off.
www.gardenhirespares.co.uk
Genuine Ryobi RY18LM37A Switch - 5131042260
Genuine Ryobi part suitable for OLM1833B, RY18LM37A
I may be able to glue a small block to replace the horns which should activate the switch when the levers are pulled but it's not a particularly urgent project.
Just to explain the operation of the switch - the round button is depressed followed by the button to which the horns are attached. This allows the round button to remain depressed so long as pressure is applied to the handle.
In the meantime, in order to facilitate a final cut of the year I've ordered a basic on/off switch which, of course, is not recommended.
Just to explain the operation of the switch - the round button is depressed followed by the button to which the horns are attached. This allows the round button to remain depressed so long as pressure is applied to the handle.
In the meantime, in order to facilitate a final cut of the year I've ordered a basic on/off switch which, of course, is not recommended.
Pardon our interruption...
www.ebay.co.uk
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Yikes, at first glance it looks like a pneumatic switch pumping air through the broken prongs..
An epoxy putty product, 2 part putty in a 'sausage roll' lob off an end with a knife and kneed the 2 parts together for a mouldable putty/clay may allow you to form a workable fix, melt a cm or so of paperclip steel wire as an anchor too perhaps? (not sure of dimensions?)
Or the youtube superglue and baking powder trick a diy composite you can add layer by layer..??
An epoxy putty product, 2 part putty in a 'sausage roll' lob off an end with a knife and kneed the 2 parts together for a mouldable putty/clay may allow you to form a workable fix, melt a cm or so of paperclip steel wire as an anchor too perhaps? (not sure of dimensions?)
Or the youtube superglue and baking powder trick a diy composite you can add layer by layer..??
Just tried a very rough fix. Cut a piece of hard plastic and superglued it to the switch. I can't understand the logic behind "horn" design as they don't appear to mate with the handles in any special way so I'm hopeful that this might work just as well.
