it might be the carbon brushes If it is the carbon brushes, then when turning with a light load or with no clothes inside it should be making a gratering or crackling noise as the brushes spark. but because you say the drum does turn with a light load - more commonly when brushes wear out the motor just doesn't work at all
a loose drive belt might also cause the drum with a light load in.
I bet its NOT, hotpoint have "out of balance detection" which means if the load is out of balance it will only spin at ditribution speed. This is to stop the m/c "dancing" over the floor.
The remedy is to take some things out when spinning.
I was once called out because it wouldn't spin one sweatshirt, it wont, not meant to, put towel in with it spun like a dream
check the manual if you do not believe me, also its onlys since about 7years ago that they can do this
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Message to sparky (sfd) you can click the EDIT button yo add to your own post
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