(ET) EGT120 Questions

[Stephen & Carol Welch <welches paonline com>]

Title: EGT120 Questions

Hi all,

I'm borrowing a New Idea EGT120 (E12 equivalent) from a friend.  It is set up with a front deck and the batteries are not new (but are properly watered).  After trying it out today (mainly in D-1, with a bit of D-2 on flatter areas) I could use some of the list's collective wisdom.

First the facts:
1.  When charging, the fuel gauge will get almost up to the white zone.  Once underway, however, it rapidly ends up in the low green and with blades running it isn't long before it is way into the red.  The owners manual says this isn't a good thing.

2.  The power use gauge is pegged beyond "High" when the blades are on (and the grass is barely tall enough to cut, so no jungle here).  Again, the manual indicates this isn't normal.

3.  I have a variably sloping property, steepest area might be 15 degrees.  It really has to work to get up the hill in D1 - you could probably walk faster.  Any slope seems to quickly slow it down.  

4.  This is my first experience with electric.  My frame of reference is my Deere 170 ICE with a 38"deck and 5 speed gear drive.  I can go anywhere on the property with blades running and in 5th gear.  I'm only limited by traction (wet grass is not my friend).  The Deere is 14 hp, and I believe the EGT120 is also 14.

5.  With the front deck I experience severe understeer at times (D-1).  That is, I turn the wheel but the tires don't seem to find much purchase.  The tread is good.

Now the questions:
1.  Would problems #1 and #3 be solved by new batteries?  Or am I expecting too much from the 12 in getting up the hill?  Would an E20 have more "guts"?  Given my topography, I'm not sure whether this particular rig is a good choice.

2.  Any suggestions on why the power use gauge pegs out under moderate to light load?

3.  Anyone else experience understeer,  and if so, what do you do about it?

Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated!

Steve