WORX 40V Mower Problems | Troubleshooting Guide

Lawn Mowers
M
Marcus Chen
Small Engine Mechanic, ASE Certified
WORX 40V cordless battery lawn mower
WORX 40V cordless battery lawn mower

WORX offers budget-friendly battery mowers featuring their Intellicut technology that adjusts power based on grass conditions. While affordable, these mowers develop specific issues. This guide covers common WORX 40V mower problems and solutions.

Table of Contents

Model Overview

WORX 40V mower models:

ModelCut WidthDriveFeatures
WG74317”Push2x 20V batteries
WG75120”Push2x 20V batteries
WG77914”PushCompact, 40V single
WG75321”PushIntellicut

[NEED REAL IMAGE: WORX 40V mower showing battery compartment]

WORX Power Share: Many WORX 40V tools use two 20V batteries together. Batteries interchange across the WORX 20V/40V ecosystem.

Battery Issues

Mower Won’t Start

Check first:

  1. Both batteries installed (for dual-battery models)
  2. Batteries charged (check LED indicators)
  3. Safety key inserted (required on most models)
  4. Bail engaged before start button

If still no power:

  • Remove batteries, wait 30 seconds, reinstall
  • Clean battery contacts with dry cloth
  • Try known-good batteries
  • Check for debris in battery slots

Short Runtime

Expected runtime varies by model:

  • WG743 (2x 4.0Ah): 30-40 minutes
  • WG751 (2x 4.0Ah): 25-35 minutes
  • Higher capacity batteries extend runtime

If runtime drastically reduced:

  1. Battery age (capacity decreases over years)
  2. Grass conditions (tall/thick grass draws more)
  3. Blade sharpness (dull blade increases load)
  4. Intellicut mode (turbo uses more power)

Batteries Not Charging

WORX charger troubleshooting:

  1. Check outlet power
  2. Clean battery and charger contacts
  3. Allow battery to reach room temperature
  4. Try different charger if available

LED indicators:

  • Solid red = charging
  • Solid green = full
  • Flashing = error or temperature issue

One Battery Drains Faster

On dual-battery models, batteries should drain roughly equally.

If one drains much faster:

  1. Check battery health on both
  2. Clean all contacts
  3. Try batteries in opposite positions
  4. One battery may be failing

Motor Problems

Motor Won’t Engage

When button pressed, nothing happens:

  1. Verify safety key inserted
  2. Check bail engaged
  3. Ensure both batteries installed
  4. Look for error lights on display

If click but no spin:

  • Blade may be jammed
  • Motor overload triggered
  • Controller fault

Reduced Motor Power

Motor seems weak:

  1. Charge batteries fully
  2. Switch Intellicut to turbo mode
  3. Sharpen blade
  4. Clean deck (buildup reduces efficiency)

Motor Overheating

Symptoms: Mower shuts off mid-use.

Thermal protection triggers when:

  • Grass too tall/thick
  • Ambient temperature high
  • Blade dull (motor works harder)
  • Mowing too fast

Allow 10-15 minutes to cool. Prevent by:

  • Raising cutting height
  • Making multiple passes
  • Mowing during cooler hours
  • Keeping blade sharp

Strange Motor Sounds

Normal: Electric whine under load Abnormal: Grinding, scraping or rattling

For abnormal sounds:

  1. Check for debris in deck
  2. Inspect blade for damage
  3. Verify blade bolt tight
  4. Motor bearing may be failing

Intellicut System

WORX Intellicut automatically adjusts motor power based on grass thickness.

Intellicut Not Responding

Symptoms: No power variation in different grass.

Check:

  1. Verify Intellicut enabled (not in manual mode)
  2. Sensors may need cleaning
  3. Firmware update may help
  4. Sensor failure possible

Intellicut Too Aggressive

Motor constantly boosting:

  1. Grass may be uniformly thick
  2. Lower cutting height increases load
  3. Dull blade triggers boost constantly

Switching to Manual Mode

Some users prefer consistent power. If your model allows:

  1. Access mode setting (button or display)
  2. Select desired power level
  3. Manual mode disables auto-adjustment

Cutting Performance

Uneven Cut

Check:

  1. All wheels at same height setting
  2. Blade condition (bent, damaged?)
  3. Deck level (should be slightly nose-down)
  4. Consistent walking speed

Poor Mulching

WORX mulching improvements:

  1. Sharpen blade - critical for mulching
  2. Mow dry grass only
  3. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of height
  4. Slow down in thick areas
  5. Clean deck regularly

Scalping

Mower cutting too low in spots:

  1. Raise overall cutting height
  2. Slow down over uneven ground
  3. Level low spots in lawn
  4. Check for bent blade

Discharge/Bagging Issues

If side discharge clogs:

  • Grass too tall or wet
  • Blade dull
  • Moving too fast
  • Discharge chute blocked

If bag doesn’t fill:

  • Remove mulch plug
  • Verify bag installed correctly
  • Clean chute area
  • Check bag for holes

Maintenance Guide

After Each Use

  • Remove debris from deck
  • Clean battery contacts if dirty
  • Store batteries at room temperature

Weekly (During Season)

  • Inspect blade for damage
  • Clean deck underside
  • Check wheel operation

Monthly

  • Sharpen blade or inspect closely
  • Deep clean mower
  • Lubricate any pivot points
  • Check all fasteners

Storage

  • Clean thoroughly
  • Store batteries at 40-50% charge
  • Keep indoors (not freezing garage)
  • Charge batteries every 2-3 months

Troubleshooting Specific Issues

Mower Stops Randomly

Possible causes:

  1. Thermal shutdown - Motor overheated
  2. Battery depleted - Check charge level
  3. Overload protection - Blade hit object
  4. Loose battery - Check connection

Height Adjustment Won’t Stay

If cutting height changes on its own:

  1. Height lever mechanism worn
  2. Spring broken
  3. Detent positions damaged
  4. May need replacement part

Wheels Don’t Roll Smoothly

Check:

  1. Debris around wheels/axles
  2. Bearing condition
  3. Height adjustment mechanism
  4. May need lubrication

Common Parts

PartDescriptionCost
Blade (17”)WA0034$15-22
Blade (20”)WA0027$18-25
4.0Ah BatteryWA3578$89-109
2.0Ah BatteryWA3575$49-69
ChargerWA3875$39-59

Warranty Information

WORX warranty:

  • 3 years on tool
  • 2 years on battery

Covered: Manufacturing defects, motor/electrical failure Not covered: Normal wear, abuse, commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions

How does WORX compare to EGO or Greenworks?

WORX is more budget-oriented. Quality is decent but not premium. Good for smaller lawns and light use.

Can I use my 20V batteries?

Yes, two 20V batteries create 40V. This is the WORX Power Share system. Single 40V batteries also work where applicable.

Is Intellicut worth it?

It extends battery life by reducing power when not needed. Useful for varied grass conditions.

How long do WORX batteries last?

Expect 2-4 years depending on use and care. Store properly for best lifespan.


WORX mowers offer good value for budget shoppers. Keep the blade sharp, batteries maintained and deck clean for reliable performance.