(ET) zero radius mower

[Bruce Conner <bconner mediaone net>]

My sainted mother always said I had too active a brain, and this may
prove her point.  

I'd like to toss out a project to the group. . . a zero radius mower. 
Yes, I looked in the archive, and there was mention of Bill Gunn having
made one, but nothing further seems to be known of it!  I don't care if
the mower is commercially viable because my intent is to build one for
my own use, if and when I find the time.  The other purpose is to keep
my mind limber though use! :')  It's a long winter ahead.

If this topic doesn't fall under the umbrella of the elec-trak list,
just say the word and I'll drop it here and take it over to someplace
like the EV list.

Here are my ground rules:

1. Scrounged/used parts are good.  I'm currently looking for used golf
cart and forklift stuff.  Elec-trak parts are OK too, but I hate to part
them out for a non-restoration project.

2. 36 volts is OK by me.  If you have a good reason to suggest more,
just back up your claim.  Making it cheaper is always a good argument!

3. Zero radius turning.  Arrange it however you like.  I'm hoping for
some inspiration on this part.  I figure dual motors, but you tell me.
Heck, I don't care if your design a quadrapedal walking machine as long
as it turns on a dime.

4. Front or mid mower deck?  Seems like zero radius cries out for mid
mount, but a front mount is easier to tip up and clean off between
mowings.  Perhaps a novel method of getting at the mid mount??

5. Able to mow at least 1 acre of grass on a charge. No need to bag the
clippings.

6. Make the speed controls as simple as possible. <=6mph is fine for
mowing. I'm not overly concerned with the charging system either.  Keep
it simple if possible. The GE charger ain't perfect, but it gets the job
done.

I'm driving an E12M right now, so I want something that has about the
same capabilities for mowing.  Extra goodies like hooking on my plow and
rototiller would be nice, but not required.

There it is guys, fire away!

Bruce Conner