I have found I can plow as long as I want without drawing the batteries down. Snow blowing on the otherhand can really discharge the batteries. I think the electrak is a much better plowing machine compared with the gas tractor I had. The snow blower however is somewhat limited compared to the gas machine. I think a two stage thrower would be much more efficient.
Rob Brockway NH
Christopher Meier <mr23 mn rr com> wrote:
Here in Minneapolis we have finally had enough snowfall to haulout the plow. I was a little concerned that I'd have enough traction,as this E16 had been changed over from 6 golf cart batteries to3 Hawker SBS60's, and obviously there is a lot less weight.However, the tractor had no problem pushing around the heavywet snow, although we've had only 3 or so inches here so far.I was able to push the piles of snow that accumulated as well(due to my plowing pattern). I believe that a couple inches moreof this heavy snow would require more weight, but I have a coupleof the 6 volt blocks ready to drop in if necessary.Had good power the whole time, didn't even notice that it wasgetting down to empty, and the headlights were nice and bright.Yee ha! Been waiting all winter to try it out. Took the batteriesdown to 12.16v (couple of minute rest after I had cleared the driveand much of the street - to avoid the city plow filling in the endof the driveway). I'll probably add another 3 of these SBS60'sfor the winters to pick up some more weight, and keep thedischarge level down to 50-60% discharged, for battery longevity.-Chris