Repairing Garden Vacuum/Blowers

These machines are very simple. They consist of a large motor and fan assembly in a case and therefore do not tend to develop many problems.

For information on how to tackle and resolve faults and problems on a wide range of appliances see our other articles »

Most of these vacuums actually blow air from the bottom of the tube upwards, reducing the air pressure at the tubes mouth and drawing loose debris into the air flow. This debris is deposited into a string bag for the user to empty as required.

The main tube is typically 100mm or greater and is not likely to get blocked unless small twigs or sticks are drawn into the machine. These are easily removed by taking off the debris bag and passing a broom handle through the tube to push out the blockage.

Some garden vacuums have an adjustable control at the bottom of the tube that can divert the air flow to either all the way up the tube (vacuum only), part way up the tube and part to the ground (for damp leaves stuck to the floor) or all out at the bottom (blower mode).

Faults and Repairs:

Switches can stick on or off and become intermittent. The wires to these switches are usually pushed into holes which contain spring plates designed to hold the wires in place and not release. To remove the wires you need to push these barbs open and release the wire core.

Motor Faults:

These come in three types of problems:

1) Wear related i.e. brushes are worn, causing poor or no drive and sparking, or bearings worn and cause squealing.

2) Overheating, usually as a result of restricted air flow from poor maintenance and blocked air vents. On occasion the motor windings insulation can fail causing short circuits and overheating.

3) Seized, this can be due to poor storage in damp conditions or the motor windings distorting as a result of overheating.

In most of these cases it will be necessary to replace the whole motor.

The other problems you are likely to experience are cabinet damage (these have large heavy plastic bodies that break and split if dropped) and power cable problems. As these units are used in the garden it is essential to check the power lead is dry and free from damage. In addition, always use an RCD adaptor to help protect from electrocution.

These appliances usually have a row of ten or more screws around the edge of the two cabinet halves. To access the motor, switch or components inside, simply remove the screws and gently separate the two parts.

Get the Part: View our range of Garden vacuum spares and RCD devices

* All information provided is a guide only. BuySpares accepts no liability for any problems occurred while attempting any advice shown. If in any doubt contact a qualified repair service.