Hi Widget,
Difficult to tell without looking at that models electrics.
I'd look for a loose wire or connection first.
How the Overload Switch Can Cause the Issue:
Worn or Sticking Switch: As overload switches age, they can become overly sensitive or malfunction, causing them to trip unnecessarily. This could lead to the Muncher cycling on and off repeatedly.
Faulty Reset Mechanism: Some overload switches have a reset mechanism that may stop working properly with age or wear, so the switch keeps tripping and never fully resets.
If the run capacitor goes weak or fails:
The motor can start but struggles to stay running.
It may hum, stall, or trip the overload.
You can get that on → off → on → off cycling because the motor draws too much current (overload trips, then resets).
Sometimes I hold the reset switch in and it fixes the problem and with these mulchers that aren't worth much, I'd just tape the switch so
it can't trip or bypass it.
Cheers
Max.