Fwd'd from the ev list...
Date sent: Sat, 7 Nov 1998 18:17:49 -0500
Send reply to: ev listproc sjsu edu
From: goldie ev1 juno com (David E Goldstein)
To: ev listproc sjsu edu
Subject: Re: (no subject) . . . > Electric Lawn Tractors
> >Trying to find an electric garden tractor, or conversion parts for
> >existing gasoline driven 12 hp tractor. Any suggestions? Where could
> >I get parts or plans to build one? Looking for something inexpensive,
> under > $2,000.00 US.
> > Stuart
> >email: skaufman inil com
Stuart, as I see it, there are three directions you can go.
1. Buy a brand new electric tractor. Yes, there is one, though it is
pretty far out of your budget. I can't resist mentioning it though,
because it's such a nicely designed piece of machinery. It has
microprocessor logic, joystick control and zero turning radius, with
individual wheel motors (front wheel drive). It's built in Canada by
Electric Tractor Corporation. I don't know if they have any US dealers,
but if they don't they sure ought to.
It's, uh, a bit pricey at Can$7995 (US$5268). It includes a 115 volt
inverter for portable power tools and the like, but other attachments
are
extra. The 44" 3-motor mower deck costs Can$1695 (US$1117)and
the dozer blade Can$585 (US$385). Sigh. ETC also have a simpler
model, with conventional steering, for a slightly more affordable
Can$5995 (US$3950).
See their webpage http://www.golden.net/~etc/ for more info.
2. Convert a gas or diesel lawn tractor. If you're reasonably handy,
and
are considering doing a car or truck conversion, this might make a good
introductory project. Check EV parts suppliers. I'm not endorsing
these dealers (or slighting the ones I don't mention) when I list a few
here:
Electric Vehicles of America http://www.inc.com/users/evainc.html
Electro Automotive http://www.electroauto.com
Innevations http://www.mcn.org/a/innevations/
KTA Services http://www.kta-ev.com
Wilde EVolutions http://www.Wilde-EVolutions.com/
Any of these folks should be able to recommend appropriate motors,
controllers, contactors, and accessories. You will have to dope out a
way to mount the motor in place of the old engine and find places for
all the batteries.
John Wayland, on this list, converted a tractor a couple years back.
Though I haven't seen it -- I'd like to -- it's reportedly his usual
outrageous work, right down to the high power stereo (yes, on a garden
tractor). I believe there have been others, too. Do an archive search
at
http://crest.org/ev-list-archive/ for John's "heavy metal garden
tractor"
and other tractor conversions.
Looking for a cheap way? Visit local golf car dealers for used parts.
Golf car motors and controllers are very reasonably priced, even new.
With the tractor's low gearing, the more substantial golf car parts
should give you ample power. You need a motor rated at only 4-6 hp
to equal a 12 hp gas engine. In fact, peak hp with 36 volts and a 275
amp Curtis golf car controller will easily be in the 12 hp range.
3. A used GE Elec-trak. I own one, and I'll echo what's been said
here. They are indeed remarkable sturdy -- good thing, since any you
find will be *at least* 25 years old already.
They are harder to find that they used to be. However, if you watch the
classifieds and garage sales, you may stumble on one. If you're not
too fussy about condition or appearance, they are well within your
budget; you should be able to pick up one in need of TLC for a few
hundred dollars. Often all you need to do to get one running is evict
the mice <g>, vacuum out the insides, clean some contacts with very
fine crocus cloth, and drop in new batteries.
A few notes about the Elec-trak.
Your best bet is to find a used one with all the attachments you are apt
to need. New/rebuilt ones are available, but can cost many times what
you paid for the tractor. For example, a new mower deck with rebuilt
motors (it has 3 of them; all ET attachments have their own motors)
will set you back over $1200.
Unfortunately, it's getting more difficult to find Elec-trak bargains.
Many
Elec-trak owners are almost collectors, grabbing every used machine
they can find, to stock up on extra parts and attachments. On the
other hand, if you have such an owner in your area, you may be able to
buy some of his spares.
Repair parts aren't as much of a problem as you might think. A few
shops can supply new old stock, and one operation (Technical Service
in Wisconsin, 608 868-6220) actually manufactures and adapts parts
for the ET. Prices from this source can be a bit steep, but probably
not much more so than buying parts from a lawn/garden dealer.
ET's came in several models -- early, E-8, E-10, E-12, E-15 and E-20;
later they added E-14 and E-16 models. Unless you want to do just
light lawn mowing, avoid the E-8. The E-10 has double the energy on
board and is more useful, but doesn't have the guts for heavy work.
The E-12, E-15, and E-20 (large frame) tractors are most capable. All
E-10s, and late-production E-12 and E-14 tractors, use PM motors
which are not as rugged as the wound-field motors in the other tractors.
Inspect carefully for rust around the frame. Surface rust is no
problem,
but careless battery box maintenance (or just years of sitting behind
the garage in the rain) can lead to serious structural weakening. Also
confirm that the motor runs (and that motors on attachments work too).
Just about any other part can be replaced or improvised fairly
affordably,
but the motors can be costly.
Good luck! Let us know how you make out.
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