RE: (ET) Collector's Oddity

["Hazen, Dwight L" <hazen indiana edu>]

Darryl,

 I agree with you, when the grass needs cutting the ET cuts it. When the
snow falls the ET throws it. When the wood trailer and sail boat need 
moving
the ET moves it. When rock and dirt need pushing the ET pushes. When the
garden needs tilling, tilling it can do. When I need to fix and polish
something, the ET is always ready! 


  All this could be said about any well equipped lawn tractor, but then I
would be preaching to the choir about the special feeling you get driving
your ElecTrak! 

       Dwight

  
Dwight L. Hazen, Indiana University, UITS 
Bloomington, In. 47408-7378 812-855-5367 hazen indiana edu
http://php.ucs.indiana.edu/~hazen/ Ham Radio wb9tlh arrl net


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Darryl McMahon [SMTP:darryl econogics com]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2000 12:43 PM
> To:   elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu
> Subject:      (ET) Collector's Oddity
> 
> Chris and David both took issue with Larry's statement:
> 
> > The ET is fun but to be honest, it will
> > never be more than an collectors oddity at this point in time. 
> 
> As much as my ET (like most) is a working machine that has earn 
> its keep, I think the description of collector's oddity is fair.
> 
> These units are no longer in production - by automotive standards 
> they qualify as antiques.  Their original production volumes were 
> small compared to the gasoline-powered alternatives.  Their owners 
> (as evidenced by this list) tend to be very fond of their ETs and the 
> capabilities of their machines.  Clearly, I think that fondness is well 
> placed, and a real testament to the reliability, longevity and sheer 
> charm of these machines.  We are very fortunate to have this 
> network of enthusiasts and the support of Bill Gunn.  Be that as it 
> may, remember, GE gave up on these machines, as did New Idea 
> and Wheelhorse.  Today, they are hardly mainstream.  The next 
> running ET closest to me is 400 kilometres away.  I know of one in 
> Quebec, maybe a dozen in B.C. - so probably less than 20 running 
> ETs in all of Canada.  There are that many gasoline powered 
> tractors in my neighbourhood.  Several tractor owner's have seen 
> my ET in action now, none have asked me where they can get one. 
>  That is what makes them a "collectors oddity".  I don't think this 
> term was meant to be derogatory, or imply they are being put in 
> museums.  
> 
> Personally, I believe electric tractors will make a comeback in the 
> next few years, but it won't be ETs that appear in stores and 
> showrooms, but some successor, maybe ETC if they can get their 
> prices into the reality zone, more likely someone else like ZAP (the 
> electric bike and motorcycle people with something built off-shore).
> 
> In the meantime, I love this list because it means more ETs are 
> being kept in service, or even returned to service, and that usually 
> means another small gasoline engine with no emission controls is 
> being kept out of service.  This is just one more market niche 
> where electric is better than gasoline, and the more electric 
> tractors there are seen doing the job, the better that message will 
> be delivered.  That is why I am trying to get that rotary brush for 
> mine so it will be seen at a public event, doing the job.
> 
> 
> Darryl McMahon          48 Tarquin Crescent,
> Econogics, Inc.         Nepean, Ontario K2H 8J8
>  It's your planet.      Voice: (613)828-0805
>  If you won't look      Fax:   (613)828-3199
>  after it, who will?    http://www.econogics.com/