(ET) E15 with a forward drive problem

[Peter Schut <schutp igs net>]

Hi everyone:

I'm new to this list, so allow me to introduce myself.  I'm the proud
owner of a new (to me!) Electrac E15 that I picked up a few weeks ago.
I live near Almonte, Ontario, and am interested in alternative energy
contraptions and power systems, but one of my major reasons to buy an
old mower was to further the education of my son Nathan, who at 11 is a
budding engineer.   I've got fairly limited experience at tinkering with
old semi-functioning devices, and can't provide him with all the
guidance I'd like.  We're going to be learning together.

Anyway, our tractor has a forward drive problem.  In both reverse gears
the motor works just fine, it engages promptly and reliably, and has
plenty of power.  In all the forward gears it has a problem.  Sometimes
I can get it to advance in the lowest gear, but not always, and when it
does go, it is usually totally gutless.  The other gears do nothing.
Sounds like an electrical contact problem to me, but before we start
ripping it apart I thought it would be useful to get some insights from
anyone who has dealt with this kind of problem before.  I'm assuming
that since it works fine in reverse, the motor is probably not the
problem.  Does that sound reasonable?

Oh, and another thing... if anyone is trying to transport an electrac in
a open trailer, try to avoid crashing thunderstorms with heavy rains and
high winds, followed by gridlock traffic on unfamiliar highways through
major urban centers.  Also, it might be easier on your peace of mind if
you use a trailer that is substantially newer than the tractor being
transported....  :-)

Thanks, Peter.