Wheel Motor Blocked - Automower Drive Defect

Common Easy to Difficult Low to High Cost 5-60 Minutes
← Back to Overview
Problem: The error messages "Wheel motor blocked", "Right/Left wheel motor overloaded" or "Drive problem" appear on the display. The mower no longer drives or only drives in one direction.

Problem Description

The error messages "Wheel motor blocked", "Right/Left wheel motor overloaded" or "Drive problem" appear on the display. The mower no longer drives or only drives in one direction. Especially models 310 and 315 were previously affected by gearbox problems. With newer models, blockage by grass or foreign objects is usually the cause.

Affected Models: Common with 310, 315, 320, but also other models affected (405X, 420, 430X)

Possible Causes

  1. Grass or objects blocking drive wheel (most common cause with current models) – Wrapped grass, cords, or dirt in wheel area
  2. Obstacles in work area – Mower tries to drive over obstacles that are too large
  3. Slope too steep – Mower overloads on slopes
  4. Defective gearbox in wheel motor – Known problem with older 315 models
  5. Defective main board or MOSFET (rare) – Electronic defect

Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Clean Wheels

Time Required: 5-10 minutes

  1. Turn off the mower
  2. Carefully turn it over or place it on its side
  3. Remove grass residue, cords, and dirt from the drive wheels
  4. Turn each wheel by hand – it should turn easily
  5. Also clean the area between wheel and chassis
  6. For heavy soiling: Clean with brush and water
  7. Dry the wheels and test the mower
Tools Needed: Brush, work gloves, garden hose if needed, cloth
Tip: Pay special attention to wrapped grass between wheel hub and chassis. This is the most common cause of blocked wheel motors in newer models.

Solution 2: Optimize Work Area

Time Required: Variable, 10-30 minutes

  1. Place the mower on a clear area without obstacles and test
  2. Create an island or exclusion zone around problem area with boundary wire
  3. Check the slope with a spirit level:
    • 305/310: max. 25%
    • 315/320: max. 35%
    • 420/430X/440: max. 45%
    • 450X: max. 45%
  4. Relay boundary wire for slopes that are too steep
Important: If the error only occurs in certain locations, the work area is usually the problem, not the mower itself. Save expensive repairs by optimizing the mowing zone.

Solution 3: Check and Replace Wheel Motor (for Advanced Users)

Time Required: 30-60 minutes

ONLY for recurring problems after cleaning:

  1. Test the wheel motor via the service menu (if available on your model)
  2. Check torque by braking the wheel with your hand while mower is driving
  3. If torque is too low: Wheel motor is defective
  4. Wheel motor replacement requires partial disassembly of chassis
  5. For 315 models: Gearbox is often the main problem (known defect)
Tools Needed: Screwdriver set, Allen keys, Torx screws (depending on model)
Note for 315 Owners: Older 315 models had a known gearbox problem. Many of these mowers still have warranty coverage for this issue. Check your purchase receipt and contact Husqvarna before attempting self-repair!

When Should You Consult a Professional?

Gearbox damage or defective wheel motor requires replacement of the complete wheel drive. For electrical problems (MOSFET on main board), expertise in electronics is necessary. Older 315 models often have warranty coverage for this problem – contact us or Husqvarna directly.

We offer professional diagnostics and stock all spare parts: wheel motors, gearboxes, drive wheels, and main boards for all models.

Preventive Measures

  • Check wheels weekly for cleanliness – Especially after wet weather
  • Tidy up garden – Remove cords, ropes, and toys from mowing area
  • Regular thorough cleaning – Complete cleaning every 2-4 weeks
  • Observe slopes – Stay within manufacturer specifications
  • For older 315 models – Have wheel motors checked preventively
  • Adjust mowing times – Take mowing breaks in very wet grass
Pro Tip: If your mower frequently works in wet grass, clean the drive wheels daily. Wet grass wraps particularly easily around wheel hubs and causes blockages. A pressure washer (on low setting) is very effective here.

Need Spare Parts for the Drive?

Wheel motors, gearboxes, drive wheels, and all other original spare parts for your Automower can be found in our shop. For diagnostic questions or warranty claims, we're happy to help.

Contact Us Now View Spare Parts
← Back to Problem Overview

Back