Checking the Motor Brushes
Checking your motor brushes on a regular basis can help keep your motors running in top condition for longer.
You'll have to work out yourself how often to do this, depending on how many hours a week your Big Brute runs for. The longer it runs, the quicker your brushes wear down.
Warning!
We advise that these checks are carried out by only by a competent electrician.
Always disconnect the Big Brute from the power source before working on the power unit.
Checking the brushes
Unscrew the four retaining bolts at the corners of the top cover. Keep them safe for later.
Gently remove the top cover of the power unit by pulling it upwards.
You may need to remove the wires connecting to the motors to get access to the motor brushes.
These next photographs show how to locate and remove the motor brushes. This is a brand new motor here which is why it's not mounted inside a power unit - you won't have to remove your motors to check your motor brushes.
Each motor has 2 motor brushes opposite each other.
They're small carbon rods enclosed in a plastic casing. The case might be a different colour from the one shown here, depending on the model of your motors.
The motor brushes will either be held in place with a small bracket (as shown left) or the motor brush housing itself will be held in place with two screws.
Undo the two screws holdling the brush in place.
You should then be able to remove the brush. Do this very carefully!
While you're inside your power unit, make a note of the model number of your motors.
You'll need this if you want to check what type of motor brushes your motors take.
The carbon rod inside the motor brush is sprung so it should push itself all the way out as you remove it.
Check how much carbon rod is left. If it's a centimeter or less, we recommend you consider replacing them.
If you've got more than a centimetre of carbon rod left, you should be OK until your next check.
Be very careful replacing the motor brush - the carbon is quite fragile and if it gets damaged, it could damage your motor.
Replace the motor brushes and screw back into place.
Replace the top cover back on the power unit and make sure it's secure before using again.
Getting spare parts
If you need new motor brushes, or any other spare parts for your Big Brute, they're available from us at Big Brute Industries (Australia).
Getting help
If you need any help with any aspect of maintaining your Big Brute, give Laurie or Scott Cheetham a call on 1300 441 281 or by email: info@bigbrute.com.au