RE: (ET) Red Hot Resistor

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

I use them all.

The lowest speed notch in LL is about right for heavy tilling.  It will go 
faster, but the tilth isn't as good.  I have blown snow (in drifts) 6" 
deeper than the snow thrower is high; creeping at the lowest notch in LL 
is the only way not to overload the motor and trip the thermal interlock.  
I blow my dad's drive as well; it's almost a quarter mile away.  D2 top 
notch is the only way to go (assuming the road is plowed) or I'd freeze.  
Normal mowing is D1, I change speeds within it depending on the grass.  
Normal snow plowing (which is quicker if I only have a few inches is D1 or 
L.

Larry Elie


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Tickner [mailto:JeffT softlanding com]
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2002 8:36 AM
To: ELECTRAK; owner-elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: Re: (ET) Red Hot Resistor



Related question, the PO of my E15 had disabled those 2 lower speeds (and
the 2 highest speeds), telling me I wouldn't need them and they aren't
efficient anyway since the resistor is running down your battery. In using
my tractor I haven't felt the need for them I usually just shift gears. I
find that the 3 speeds I have left are just fine. My previous ICE tractor
is hydrostatic  so I understand the convenience of a wide range on the
speed control, but I have also used plenty of tractors that were standard
and you had to shift.

I plan on my kids using the tractor when they are older so I will be
rewiring and re-enabling all the safety features that were bypassed by the
PO. I have to agree with him on the speed control though, when my kids are
using it I don't want them driving around in the 2 lower speeds, or using
the 2 highest speeds in high gear and having an accident at (relatively)
high speed.

Opinions from the list? Practical uses for the the lowest or highest gears?