[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: (ET) [Fwd: Re: PICS of E20 with mower in Virgina]

Ok, I'll buy that.
I've seen some toasted Elec-Traks as well, and it seems that the problems are either rust (a real pain to fix on anything) or those oddball controller cards on the E15 series tractors.
The E20's card 4 doesn't really do much aside from field weakening cutout control and some reverse tricks with diodes. From what I can see, the E15 is very complicated, with capacitors and one-shot SCR units to provide the timing delay inherent in the E20's more heavy use of contactors. My guess is the E15 is a lot cheaper to make than the mechanical E20 solution.
However this does bring up a point: Elec-Traks are not point and shoot tractors. They are not like the average Craftsman tractor which can basically be run with no maintenance till they fall apart in 7-8 years. In owning an Elec-Trak one sort of has to be able to do simple troubleshooting and some wire tracing/component replacement when needed. If nothing else, it's 30+ years old. And we're running them in production (well I am; mine needs to mow and blow reliably)
That said, the E12's and E10/8's are about as simple as one can find. In fact I'd have to say the E12 is about the most point and shoot Elec-Trak with the best bang for the buck. But even with an Altrax and a Landis one is still going to have to fiddle with the tractor to keep it running.
Is it worth it: Yes. Is it simple: Eh, depends. It's a bit harder without Bill, however I think the community here has filled that gap. Such is the way of things with any type of oddball, be it a Delorean, a Lotus, an electric car, or an electric tractor.
If someone's on this list they should be able to get this running. Heck, I'll get it running for you :-) 

Chris


The Nauglers wrote:

Chris and others,

Having seen a fair number of ill maintained ETs I was warning that the
relatively minor problems seen in the E20 photos may be indicative of
anywhere between poor maintenance to outright electrical incompetance.
Chris, you were right that perhaps the problem of the E20 being unable to
move might be no more than a loose wire.  Or it may be failed control
boards, relays that have fallen apart, or worse.  The winner should be 
aware
that the E20 may or may not be an easy fixer upper.  That is why I 
suggested
that it may want to be looked at as a candidate for a controls upgrade.  If
it turns out to be an easy fixer upper, that would be icing on the cake.

With respect to the odd motor on the deck not being in the middle, I was
merely repeating advice given to me by Bill Gunn.  He thought that 
balancing
the deck mechanically was beneficial for lifting reasons.  The small and
large diameter motors don't weigh the same.


Steve Naugler
snaugler earthlink net
----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Zach" <czach computer org> 
To: "The Nauglers" <snaugler earthlink net>
Cc: "Elec-trak list" <elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu>
Sent: Monday, November 01, 2004 7:52 PM
Subject: Re: (ET) [Fwd: Re: PICS of E20 with mower in Virgina]




1.  It was one large diameter mower deck motor, and two small diameter


motors.  The single mismatched motor should have been installed in the
middle.


Why? Motor's a motor; I have detected no cutting diff between tall and
short motors.



2.  It is missing its shift knob.


Easy fix compared to rust repair.



3.  The deck appears to have rust that may indicate perforations.  Or it


may just be rust.


Maybe, or the deck might just have surface rust. Actually looking at the
deck I'm inclined to believe it's in good shape: The deck has the angle
stiffeners, and the wheels don't look like they have been bent. Signs of
a good life.

The fact that the tractor doesn't run doesn't mean much. E20's are as
simple as a box of rocks, so anyone who can follow a wire should be able
to get at least the main system (speeds 1-4) operational. Might be he
doesn't know how to push the disconnect in before turning or something
simple.

Given the lack of rust on the body I'd say it's a very worthwhile
tractor. I'd grab it but what would I do with another E20?

Chris






_______________________________________________
Elec-trak mailing list
Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak