RE: (ET) Blown Fuse

["Elie, Larry (L.D.)" <lelie ford com>]

I think I do.  I have had OTHER controllers drop control fuses on 
efficient circuits by ringing into the return line, especially on 
large inductive loads.  There is no other place to drop the harmonics 
in the current line and the dump to the control fuse.  Actually, that 
may be the main reason that fuse is there.  I would have to study the 
schematic to be sure but I have seen this on other controllers.

Larry Elie


-----Original Message-----
From: Pieter Litchfield [mailto:plitch attglobal net]
Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2001 8:38 PM
To: Discussion list Electrac tractor
Subject: (ET) Blown Fuse


I have been using my loader equipped E-15 to move a lot of sand to fill
skidder ruts during walking trail maintenance activities.  Three scoops 
fill
(mounded!) a 7 cu. ft. dump cart I tow behind a 4wd  ATV.  The ET is the
perfect size for the job since the bucket is as wide as the cart is long,
resulting in an even load and little spillage.

My ET has always demanded that it come to a complete stop when changing
direction.  I was in a hurry to load a wagon, and as the sand filled bucket
was raised with rear wheels spinning , I shifted (speed lever) from  direct
drive forward to full reverse. All of a sudden, I got no movement, and as I
moved the speed lever, just some noises like relays clicking rapidly.
Fearing a welded relay, I disconnected the batteries at the main disconnect
and got out the wrench to open the control panel.  I have welded relays
before, but now use the "Bill Gunn Improved Model" with good results.

Fortunately along the way, I checked the fuses - the "Control" fuse was
blown, and with a quick replacement, I was back in business. There was no
other damage.   Of course, I was careful to shift (speed lever) from 
forward
to reverse s-l-o-w-l-y, and after two more full days of moving sand, the
problem has not occurred again.

Moral of the story :  If it dies, check the fuses first!  But what caused
the problem?