English 
French 
German 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
Dutch 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 
Arabic 
Turkish 
Hebrew 
Hindi 
As the “power core” of an electric barbecue cart, many operators have encountered the dilemma of “short-lived motors”: some lose power after only half a year of use, while others find new motors less durable than old ones. In fact, frequent motor problems are usually caused by the combination of two factors: “inappropriate selection” and “inadequate maintenance”. To ensure the motor operates stably for 3 to 5 years, systematic solutions should be implemented from three dimensions: “scientific selection, precise maintenance, and fault prediction”.
I. Choose the Right Motor: Avoid 3 Misconceptions and Match Actual Needs
Many people only focus on price or power when replacing motors, ignoring compatibility, which is the primary reason for short motor lifespan. Scientific selection requires avoiding the following misconceptions:
Misconception 1: The higher the power, the better. Some operators blindly choose motors with power over 1000W, believing that “higher power means stronger performance”. However, if the barbecue cart only carries basic grills (with a total weight within 250kg), high-power motors will not only increase battery energy consumption but also accelerate mechanical wear due to “excessive power”. The correct approach is to match power with load: choose 400-600W for loads within 250kg, and 800-1000W for loads over 400kg or frequent travel on slopes.
Misconception 2: Pursue low prices and buy “three-no” products (no brand, no certification, no after-sales). Unbranded motors priced at 200-300 yuan on the market have thin insulation layers and poor-quality magnets, which may experience demagnetization and short circuits after half a year of use. Priority should be given to permanent magnet DC motors with 3C certification. These motors are 20% more efficient than series-wound motors, and regular brands provide 1-2 years of warranty, ensuring more reliable after-sales support.
Misconception 3: Ignore installation compatibility. If the new motor does not match the mounting holes of the original vehicle model and is modified by force, it will cause increased vibration during motor operation, easily damaging bearings and windings. Before replacement, record the model and installation dimensions of the original motor to ensure perfect compatibility between the new motor and the vehicle.
II. Use the Motor Correctly: Do 4 Maintenance Tasks Well to Extend Service Life
70% of a motor’s lifespan depends on usage habits. Daily maintenance should focus on four tasks: “pollution prevention, temperature control, moisture protection, and lubrication”.
Pollution prevention is the foundation. Oil stains and dust from the barbecue cart can easily block the motor’s heat dissipation holes, leading to overheating damage. After closing the stall every day, use a dry brush to clean debris on the motor surface, then wipe it with a semi-dry cloth, avoiding terminal blocks to prevent water ingress. Use compressed air to clean the heat dissipation holes weekly to ensure smooth heat dissipation.
Temperature control is crucial. The optimal operating temperature of the motor is 0-40℃. In high temperatures during summer, if the vehicle moves continuously for more than 1 hour, stop and cool down for 10 minutes. In low-temperature areas in winter, park the vehicle indoors at night to prevent the gear oil inside the motor from solidifying; before starting the next day, idle the motor for 30 seconds to “warm up”.
Moisture protection prevents short circuits. After operating in rainy or snowy weather, immediately wipe off water stains on the motor’s terminals and check if the wire insulation is damaged; if there are cracks, wrap them with insulating tape. Never rinse the motor directly when washing the vehicle; use a damp cloth for local wiping instead.
Regular lubrication is essential. The motor bearings need to be filled with special grease every 3 months. The amount should be 1/3 to 1/2 of the bearing space; excessive grease will increase resistance, while insufficient grease will accelerate wear. Clean the old grease on the bearing surface before refilling to avoid mixed contamination.
III. Fault Prediction: Identify 3 Types of Signals to Resolve Risks in Advance
Motors often send obvious signals before failure. Timely identification and handling can prevent minor issues from developing into major faults:
Signal 1: Abnormal noise. If the motor makes a “buzzing” sound during operation, or the noise increases with the speed, it may be caused by worn bearings or loose carbon brushes. Stop the machine for inspection immediately; if the bearings shake significantly or the carbon brushes are less than 5mm thick, replace them in a timely manner.
Signal 2: Power attenuation. If the vehicle has weak acceleration and difficulty climbing slopes, and the battery is ruled out as the cause, it is mostly due to worn carbon brushes or magnet demagnetization. Carbon brushes can be replaced by yourself; if the problem persists after replacement, it indicates severe demagnetization of the magnets, and the motor needs to be replaced promptly.
Signal 3: Sudden drop in range. If the range decreases by more than 30% compared to usual after full charging, and the battery is normal after inspection, the motor windings may be aged, reducing energy conversion efficiency. At this point, use a multimeter to test the motor resistance; if the resistance value is abnormal, contact professional personnel for repair or replacement.
IV. Emergency Handling: Master 2 Skills to Reduce Business Losses
In case of sudden motor failure during business operations, emergency handling can be done using the following skills:
If the motor suddenly stops, first check if the fuse is blown; if so, replace it with a spare fuse. If the fuse is normal, call 2-3 pre-saved maintenance service numbers and choose the nearest service provider. At the same time, issue a temporary stall adjustment notice via Moments or customer groups to guide regular customers to the temporary location.
If the motor stops due to overheating, never pour water on it to cool it down immediately. Push the vehicle to a cool place and wait for 30 minutes before attempting to start it. If it starts successfully, reduce the load and drive slowly to the destination to avoid overheating again.
In conclusion, the “short lifespan” of barbecue cart motors is not inevitable. The core lies in “correct selection, proper usage, and early prevention”. By scientifically matching motor models, adhering to regular maintenance, and promptly identifying fault signals, the motor can maintain stable performance, avoid business disruptions caused by motor problems, and provide reliable support for smooth business operations.
