Electric Riding Mower

[jd5105]

Been searching the web for info on electric riding mowers. I found one called the Ox made in Canada I think. It looked like something out of Terminator 3. Couldn't find a price. Found a few articles on some others, they weigh 800 pounds!. Cost over three grand. I remember back in the seventies during Mr. Carter's gas crisis Cub Cadet or someone made an electric lawn tractor with a large mowwing deck and it would run over an hour on a charge. I don't remember how much they cost, but it was probably a lot. I think when hot weather hits here I am going to shave my lawn and be done with it. Screw the enviro-wackos, I think I will buy that 790. Fossil fuels rule!:Tractor2:

[Smog]

Screw the enviro-wackos, I think I will buy that 790. Fossil fuels rule!:Tractor2:

I think there's much more than the enviro wacko side of the electric tractors. I heard (!) it's so quiet you only hear the gearbox or the blades. no more exhaust fumes anymore and no more trip to the gas station ( electricity is 0.07$ per kwh and gasoline is 4.91$/US gallon here in Montreal).

[js5020d]

I have to agree, there is more to it than the enviro side,, cost of operation would be one, not only fuel but maintenence and repair also. Unforunately upfront costs hinder these machines.

[Smog]

Been searching the web for info on electric riding mowers.

some buy older cast iron lawn tractors and add the B&S ETEK electric motor with controler and all.

or get a used hydro-drive lawn tractor and replace the motor with a electric motor and just a on-off switch; no controler.

the MTD type variable pulleys "7 simili-speeds" tractors can also use a constant speed electric motor and use the clutch and variable pulleys to control speed and reverse.

a mtd tractor with blown engine is something like 100$, add 300$ for the 48v 3600rpm electric motor, 50$ for the on-off relay (continuous duty) then some deep cycle batteries or golf cart batteries and you are set. you can charge the batteries individualy with a cheap 12v charger or get a used golf cart charger.

[js5020d]

I have an older 2 wheeler with no motor and been thinking about a conversion to 24v. I can get everything for free to convert, just need to make the time.

[Ingersoll444]

I think elect tractors are a great idea!

Dont get me wrong, I LOVE gas engines!!, but there is so many things going for them. Just think how many lawn tractors have hit the dumps from bad gas, and lack of oil changes.

Add to that, being able to mow at 5am on a sunday am. :D

[js5020d]

Same here I'm not an enviro nut,, but they do have a lot going for them. Little noise, less maint, cheap to operate. Just wish they could get some better battery technology at a reasonable cost so you could get more run time.

[jd5105]

One of the websites I found had offered a conversion kit but discontued it due to lack of interest. I thought WHAT?? If the cost was reasonable I would be very interested. The website is Edmond Electric LTD. They are in Canada.

[js5020d]

Yes I saw that site and also the lack of interest comment. Sometimes these conversions are just to pricey for the average consumer,, and sometimes it's just bad timming for the manufacturer. I thought I saw a price on that ox at around 7 or 8k for just the tractor, to rich for me!

I found another manufacturer with a new model coming out soon, Modern Electric Tractor Inc,,, No pic's or pricing yet. Hopefully they will be a little more realistic with pricing??

[okieduc104]

Don't think you are getting a free ride. We have a 36 Volt golf cart. Batteries were replaced at 5 years for $690 plus tax. go watch the electric meter spin when you are charging the six batteries at 50 amps. However it is much less expensive to run than a gas engined golf cart. I have a friend that uses his electric golf cart to do light 1/8" rod diameter stick welding with on his windmill out in a pasture. He has a stinger with a H.D.ring terminal and a ground clamp with another ring clamp. He says if you weld more than a 3" bead at a time the batteries get hot, once he melted the positive terminal off the positive lead battery because of a dirty terminal.

[js5020d]

Absolutely! With the current price explosion in commodities batteries are Very pricey! and electricity costs too. Is there a huge savings? From just this one aspect, fuel, I'd say no,, there would be savings but not Huge savings, but then we could throw in costs we don't think about,,, like fuel and wear and tear for the vehicle that has to go get the fuel,,, etc. Biggest savings area in my opinion, maintenence and repair,,, that is if you don't do your own work,, and for some they are fully able to maintain/repair an I/C engine and have to hire out work on an electric,,, to me that would nulify any savings on the maint end. So is it cheaper or more expensive?? I think each owner would have a different answer and a reason for it.

[xPosTech]

I think there's much more than the enviro wacko side of the electric tractors. I heard (!) it's so quiet you only hear the gearbox or the blades. no more exhaust fumes anymore and no more trip to the gas station ( electricity is 0.07$ per kwh and gasoline is 4.91$/US gallon here in Montreal).

Wait till the fuel cost for producing electricity catches up with the current spike in oil prices. People with electric heat are gonna get cold this winter. :snowing:

Today gas in SE Texas is $3.80. Today is Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. It will be interesting to see what the price will be next week.

If you don't have an oil well, get one. :ROF

Ted

[gwiz]

General Electric made an electric tractor in the 70's. I didn't know about it until I read an ariticle about it in Home Power magazine. Now they seem to be in demand. They called them Electrak.

Here (http://http://www.homepower.com/article/?file=HP70_pg44_Bryce) is the link to the article, but you can't read it without signing up. If you google electrak you will find loads of links. Getting a used Electrak may be difficult.

[mr electrak]

I've had GE Elec-Trak's for about 10 years, and I can't say enough about them. They were made in 2 basic sizes - "small frame" ( models E-8 amd E-10) and "large frame" Models (E-12, 14, 15, 16 and 20). All models are 36 volts. The number designation is an approximate equivalent to IC horsepower.

My main tractor is an E-15, with a 42" front mower, a 48" plow blade, and a 42" snowthrower. All the powered attachments run off 36 volts from the tractor. Many other attachments, including a 36" tiller, a front power broom, and loader were also available.

Probably the the most unique items were the accessories that also ran on 36 volts from the tractor. I currently have the drill, welder, cultivator, and trimmer edger.

Check out these sites: www.elec-trak.com

and: www.moderelectrictractors.com

Great info on both sites.

Steve D.

[mark777]

WELCOME to MTF Mr electrak!

Interesting first post....but please, don't stop there. Do you have any pictures of your equipment that you'd like to share with us?

If the demand for electric LT's starts heading in the direction you've chosen...we just might have to add an "Electric Tractor Forum" :D

Mark

[snoopi]

would be great to have an Electric Mower forum

currently working on converting a Commercial 16hp Snapper to electric and I haven't a clue to what Im doing. A forum with some guys who have done it or own one showing what they did would be sweet.

:OHCAN

[js5020d]

So what do you have in mind for components?

[mr electrak]

to correct my earlier post: www.modernelectrictracors.com is the correct url.

To address some previous questions:

Yes, the electrics are more $$ initially ( the Canadian made Electic Ox is about 8 grand ! ) I dont know what the pricing will be on the new Modern Electric Tractor (currently in prototype stage) but I imagine it will have to be somewhat competitive with an IC. The GE's when new, were 4 or 5 hundred more in 1970's dollars. About 33 thousand were made, and there are still a good number in use.

After GE gave it up ( cuz they didn't make 100 bazillion dollars in 10 minutes ! ) Wheel Horse built them for a few years - Models A65, B145, C185, and E-141, and then Avco-New Idea took a whack at it Models EGT 80,100, 150 and 200 before stopping production in the late 70's-early 80's

John Deere built a few - Model E90 and another I can't remember, and even Sears built some - (very rare)

The WH E141 and the Sears were built on converted IC chassis, and were not big sellers.

They show up often on Ebay, and typically sell for around 500 to 1500 bux.
Parts are sometimes tough to find.

In my experience, I've found overall operating costs cheaper. No oil, filter, plug, or belt changes to deal with. The on-board chargers on the tractors only pull about 10 amps or so, making electricity costs reasonable, compared to gas prices, especially now.

Pictures: go to www.elec-trak.com and click on the "forums" tab on the home page, and check out the picture gallery.

Sorry for the long post, I'll take a break and add some more later.

Steve D.

[Jim_WV]

Welcome Mr. electrak, great forum on that first link with some interesting info., unfortunatley the second link does'nt work :(, anyway neat looking machines. I'm gonna do some more investigating on those :fing32:

[mr electrak]

Geez ....I gotta get smaller fingers and better glasses !!!!

one more time: www.modernelectrictractors.com

sorry 'bout that !


Steve D.

[Jim_WV]

:thanku: for fixing the link Steve :fing32:

I was totally surprised at reading a statement on that website that Wheel Horse had made battery powered tractors :swow: , learn something everyday :).

[Ingersoll444]

Welcome to MTF Mr Electrak!!!!!!!!

DEFENTLY post more about these tractors!!! I have seen them around, but never eyed one upclose.

[mr electrak]

Back for more if you're ready...

The number one question I'm always asked: how much run time do you get on one charge ?

Depends on what I'm doing.....Mowing = about 2 acres; Snow plowing = 6"-8" of snow = I do my driveway - 2 cars wide x 4 cars deep, plus 3 neighbors 1 car by 75ft average, and have plenty of charge left to do a second cleanup; Snow throwing= my drive and 1 more if I'm lucky - really sucks up the juice! Pulling the trailer around the yard - hauling mulch / leaves/ firewood - about 5-6 hours per charge.

The large frame tractors (GE, W/H, Avco) all have capabilities for ground engaging attachments. I have a sleeve hitch with a manual lift (electric rear lift was an option) for use with my one-bottom plow, and box blade attachments for use with my E-15.

The large frames also have an electric front lift for use with the mower deck, plow blade, and snow blower. This was based on a modified GM window motor mated up to a gear reduction and driving a spool for a 1 inch nylon strap. Works pretty good except for the snow blower - it weighs about 300lbs !!

Here's a couple more links:

www.geocities.com/electraktractors/ - great info and lots of pix - including a converted Sears 38 inch tractor !

www.evalbum.com/1702 - shows a JD 755 converted to electric

www.evalbum,com/227.htm - wheel horse C-185 and others

www.econogics.com/ev/etsites.htm - links and info/pics about electrics

Enjoy !

Steve D.

[diesel8]

i converted an electrak to 120v and installed a generator when i was a kid, it worked great for running power tools and i used an overhead extention cord to run it in the barn moving hay bales. it was alot cheaper than buying batteries

[grnspot110]

JD Electric 90, made in the 70's I think! One on Ebay now, up to $177. JD had another model, I believe #96. I think the #90 used 3-standard Deep-cycle batteries. ~~ grnspot110

[aproldan]

hi all new to this site, but not new to this question" How do you convert a ride on to electric" i have convert 3 of them but only for hauling not cutting... i do have one that is almost finished for cutting grass but need to find time to complete it... converting anything into electric is a lot easier then most people think... as long as you have basic knowledge of electric, then you can do it.. my first ride on cost me 92.00( that was selling the deck for 50.00)here it is (http://evalbum.com/840) it is 2 years old now and running as it did from day one.. this is my favorite conversion... the kids use it to goof around in and i use it to haul wood and trees and limbs....... and here are
all 3 of them together (http://evalbum.com/1243)
anyway if you want to convert one just set your mind to it and just do it.. you be happy of your creation in the end...
here is my wife riding around in the back yard, just having fun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACctfqiXyt8)
enjoy, armando.......

[Ingersoll444]

Welcome to MTF aproldan!!!!


You know, I was thinking about this...

If I convert one of my Ingersolls, that is hydrolic powerd, do I need a controler?? Seems to me, that sence its powering a hydro pump, just a on/off would work. Does that make sence???

[aproldan]

Welcome to MTF aproldan!!!!


You know, I was thinking about this...

If I convert one of my Ingersolls, that is hydrolic powerd, do I need a controler?? Seems to me, that sence its powering a hydro pump, just a on/off would work. Does that make sence???
i would still use a controller on it just so you won't have a hard jerk when the power is switched on and off... and it's safer if you have a controller... hope this helps, armando......

[Smog]

i would still use a controller on it just so you won't have a hard jerk when the power is switched on and off... and it's safer if you have a controller... hope this helps, armando......

how could the electric motor have a hard jerk if the gasoline engine don't have one ?

unless you turn the engine on with the hydrostatic engaged. (something we don't do with the gasoline engine anyway)

one question, can you tell us some details on the electric motors you are using ?

I'd like to get a very cheap MTD type lawn tractor with varidrive and busted engine to swap in a electric motor in a on-off setup as the rear-end is forward-reverse geared and the varidrive.... well... varidrive....

[aproldan]

how could the electric motor have a hard jerk if the gasoline engine don't have one ?
because an electric motor produces all it's torque in the beginning(low speeds) unlike a gas motor produces all it's torque is at higher speeds.. here is my electric ride on against my gas torro... mind you my electric ride on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMwUCwqPuME) has only a 1.5 hp motor in it and the torro has an 18hp gas motor.... and also my electric one is much lighter then the torro,(torro is heavy and should pull my rideon with no problem) and it still holds it's own... sorry if some don't agree with my view on the on/off switch setup but i would still go with the controller throttle setup... you have control of your speed it's easier on your motor and it's much safer.. and one more reason is that range on your batteries will be 3 time greater ... have a good weekend, armando....
ps the motor i have and use are 1hp- 1.5hp and the controller is 50amps - 100amps...

[Smog]

because an electric motor produces all it's torque in the beginning(low speeds) unlike a gas motor produces all it's torque is at higher speeds.. here is my electric ride on against my gas torro... mind you my electric ride on (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMwUCwqPuME) has only a 1.5 hp motor in it and the torro has an 18hp gas motor.... and also my electric one is much lighter then the torro,(torro is heavy and should pull my rideon with no problem) and it still holds it's own... sorry if some don't agree with my view on the on/off switch setup but i would still go with the controller throttle setup... you have control of your speed it's easier on your motor and it's much safer.. and one more reason is that range on your batteries will be 3 time greater ... have a good weekend, armando....
ps the motor i have and use are 1hp- 1.5hp and the controller is 50amps - 100amps...

ha, ok, my point was than an hydrostatic drive and the varidrive MTDs don't use the engine RPM to control speed. they can start moving slowly with an engine at steady 3600rpm without having the "hit" like a clutched setup. that's why I will go this way.

do you have a picture on the engine with manufacturer details ?

[scrodamoon]

http://buggies.builtforfun.co.uk/New-Tractor/

but I must say the OX would definatly be interesting to test out since its the newer of the eletric mowers out there.

[attorney_barnabas_collins]

I was curious about the battery placement in the tractor in the videos. I imagine you used 3-12v?

[Raisin]

Sears had an electric tractor in mid 70'. Looked like a mid sized lawn tractor. Used 3 12v deep cycle batteries. Had 2 blade deck. Colored yellow, white and black. My friend really liked it. I saw that tractor on Ebay 2 weeks ago.

[scrodamoon]

http://www2.ald.net/~roden/ev/photos/et-lf.jpg