I was mowing the lawning using a friends Flymo Hover Compact 330, when the mower made a screaching sound and then the motor changed pitch, becoming much higher. Now the blade no longer turns when the mower is operated (it can be turned manually, although there is a fair amount of resistance).

Sounds like the motor is has no resistance. I assume something got caught in it and broke the attachement from the motor to the blade.

Would it be the belt that is broken? How can I find out? Is is easy to replace?

Ian, July 2009

Thanks for info, my belt had slipped off and is now back on and working! Thanks for the help!

Ian, May 2012

I can unscrew the top panel - the motor turns when there is power to it. But I can't get to the belt as I don't have a big enough spanner to take the blade off (I assume that this is how it is done)? I gather the mower should have come with a special spanner, but looking around I can't find it (like I said, the mower isn't mine, its a friends).

Ian, July 2009

Sadly i would suspect that the motor has packed in! Usually there would be a burning electric smell and some smoke as well? The front top panel should unscrew (if you have the correct bit) and you can see the motor turning if you move the blade by hand. Good luck!

tomba, July 2009

Dismantle it and check the belt.
New ones are available from ALM Manufacturing
01423 797208

Richard, July 2009