Re: (ET) Question on converting a lawn tractor to electric

[JeffT softlanding com]

Don that's how I got started. An ICE with a bad motor.

After a little research, it is far cheaper to just get your hands on an
Electrak. If you'll notice, all the powered accessories on the Electrak
have their own motors. Because of all the friction losses with the
hydrostatic drive and belts powering the accessories, it would require a
powerful electric motor and drain a set of batteries pretty quickly. Price
out a 5-8HP DC motor, battery charger and controller (using the rough and
ready 3X multiple discussed here on the list IE multiply the HP rating of
an electric motor to get the ICE equivalent) and your at well over $1000,
before you started engineering. These components are all included with
every Electrak (though they don't necessarily work when you get them :-))

I bought an E15 and once I have it up and running I will sell my ICE and
probably break even. Your ICE is worth a lot more then a comparably
equipped Electrak, unless it is in pristine condition. Unless you live in
the far west you should be able to track one down within a days drive.




Hi all,
I am new to the list and have been observing for a few weeks.  I don't own
an ET (although I would like to).  My question is: Is there any reason I
can't convert a gas engine lawn tractor to an electric?

Hoping for some feedback!
Don cohen