Re: (ET) Newbie E20 owner questions.

["steves" <ssawtelle fcc net>]

Welcome aboard!

See embedded comments:

> 1. Can I use 3 12 volt deep cycle batteries instead of the 6 6 volts, and
> what are the advantages/disadvantages?

Yes and no - the lift requires 18V - if you tap it at 12 it may not lift
well (never tried it though). The snowblower is heavy and wil probably need
the full 18V. 24V on the lift will burn it out. You may be able to get a
voltage converter or something - but see comments below....

>
> 2. If the amperage is the same on the 12v batteries as the 6v will the
> tractor run as long?
>    (I'd make up the weight difference using a few cement blocks)

Yes, but it won't be unless they are big 12Volters - see below.....

>
> 3. Can I use Sealed Lead Acid 12 volt batteries, like the ones from 
> Sears?
> This seems like a good idea so the water level never has to be
> checked/adjusted.  I've had great luck with the Sealed batteries in my
cars.

- Ok here's the real poop. you can but I think you will be dissapointed. 
You
need deep discharge batteries as used in golf carts, fork lifts, and solar
backup. Car batteries will not do the job as well as they are constructed
for a completely different market - short burst of high power, quickly
recharged, never discharged low. Golf car batteries, etc can deliver high
power for extended times and can stand more discharge (though they still
don't liek being pulled too low). There are probably sealed btteries out
there that may work, the key is what application were they designed for.

>
> 4. If I don't use the 3 12volt batteries, are the 6 volt deep cycle
batteries
> from Sam's Club for $47 a piece any good?

Check the archives or those taht have them pipe in. As I recall they are
pretty good, but the actual manufacturer may vary, so they may be different
from store to store, or year to year?

Prefered battery is the Trojen T105 - about $70 each.

Another option for a newbie and unknown tractor is used batteries from a
battery store, golf cart repair place, or golf course. I had no luck with
golf courses here, but got a good used set (T105s) from my local battery 
guy
for $20 each. One was new and just had a stud broken off.

>
> 5. Does it make any difference to the onboard charger as to whether I use
3
> 12 volt batteries or not?

- No

>
> 6. Were there any product recalls on these?  I don't want to blow up a
> battery.

There were service bulletins which can be found in various manuals on
elec-trak.org. More important though is common things that go wrong. A few:
- The wire bundle can rub against the motor pulley and wear through.
- Contacts  - esp to relays, fuse block,  and controlboards can oxidize
- The main disconnect can get resistive or open

>
> 7. Is there anything else I should be aware of? I have the Elec-Trak
> Homeowner's Service Manual.

elec-trak.org, us, Bill Gunn (for parts)

>
> I'll probably be asking many more questions when I get the thing.  I've
had 2
> nearly indestructable cub cadets which I fixed up and sold, but I've
always
> wanted a quiet electric tractor.  I can't wait to get it running.

Hope you enjoy it - this list was invaluable to me in getting mine up and
running.

Where abouts are you?

SteveS
E20

> Thank you for any advice you can give,
> Jim
>


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