Troubleshooting

Find the fix

Search a symptom, select a category and work through the checks in order.

Stop using the machine if it is smoking, leaking fuel or hydraulic oil, or making an unusual noise. Contact the workshop.

won't start no water low pressure won't lift overheating tripping leak won't move stalls

10 matching procedures

Machine-specific fixes

7 results

Low or pulsing pressurePressure Washer · Pressure WashersFirst check: Turn the water tap fully on and check the supply hose isn't kinked.

Surface cleaner leaves stripes or swirl marksPressure Washer Attachments · Pressure WashersFirst check: Slow down and overlap your passes.

Engine shuts down on its ownLight Tower · Construction LightingFirst check: Check the fuel level.

Shuts down with an alarmIndustrial Generator · Generators & WeldersFirst check: Read the alarm on the controller display (for example low oil pressure, high coolant temperature or low fuel) and note it.

Hoses won't connectHydraulic Beaver · Hydraulic ToolsFirst check: Trapped pressure. Stop the engine and switch the flow lever off and on to relieve it.

It leaves hollows or swirl marks at the edgeFloor Edger · Floor CareFirst check: The machine was held in one place. Keep it moving at all times.

It digs hollows into the surfaceBelt Sander · Power ToolsFirst check: The machine was tipped or held still. Keep it flat and moving.

Standard checks

Apply to every machine with that power source.

Petrol engine

Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

Fuel valve or switch off
Stale fuel
Low oil sensor
Choke position
Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

Choke left on
Blocked air filter
Low fuel
Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Vibratory Plate Compactor, Large Plate Compactor, Reversible Plate Compactor, Large Reversible Compactor, Jumping Jack Rammer (Ele & Kanga), Concrete Mixer, Power Trowel, Pressure Washer, Trash Pump, Portable Generator, Inverter Generator, Lawn Mower, Floor Grinder, Block Saw, Pavement Saw, Trencher, Stump Grinder, Garden Tiller, Brush Cutter.

Diesel machine

Applies to Roller Compactor, Excavator, Telescopic Handler, Skid Steer Loader, Compact Track Loader, Welder, Backhoe Loader.

Electric (corded)

Applies to Concrete Vibrator, Submersible Pump, Carpet Vacuum Extractor, Spotter Vacuum Extractor, Wet/Dry Vacuum, HEPA Vortex Vacuum, Floor Polisher, Floor Planer, Floor Washer, Floor Sander, Air Blower, Ozone Generator, Dehumidifier, Angle Grinder, Breaker Jackhammer, Power Planer, Demolition Jackhammer, Rotary Jackhammer, Orbital Sander, Router, Sawzall, Core Drill, Rebar Bender, Rebar Cutter, Miter Saw, Circular Saw, Tile Saw, Floor Edger, Upright Carpet Vacuum, Hybrid Air Dryer, Portable Water Pump, Sump Pump, Drill, Drywall Driver, Jigsaw, Metal Shears, Belt Sander, Table Saw, Chop Saw.

Air powered

Weak, slow or won't cycleShared · Air powered

Likely causes

Pressure too low
Leaking coupler
Undersized hose
Water in the line
Dry tool

Checks to try, in order

Set the compressor's regulator to the pressure printed on the tool.
Check couplers are fully seated and listen for leaks along the hose.
Use the right hose size — long, narrow hoses starve heavy tools like breakers.
Drain water from the compressor tank.
Unless the tool is marked oil-free, add a few drops of air-tool oil into the inlet at the start of the day.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Applies to Nail Gun, Air Jack Hammer, Hopper Spray Gun, Air Scaler.

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