Re: (ET) Electric Tractor Conversion Update

Dennis,

Yes I'd need two motors, if I replace the current ICE and the two hydro units with electric motors.

As for the "number designations that GE Elec-Trak used was suppose to be equivalent Horsepower", that's kinda correct, but...

What GE really probably meant was that they were equivalent with respect to torque, not horse power.

Based on performance curves and engineering data that I acquired from Len Knecht who worked for the General Purpose Motor Department at GE's motor facility in Fort Wayne , Indiana back in 1979; an E15 motor was rated by GE at 1 HP @ 2250 RPM, the E20 motor was rated at 1.2 HP at 2250 RPM, and the series wound snow blower motor was rated at 2 1/2 HP at 3100 RPM.

Mike in KY

----- Original Message -----

From: Pestka, Dennis J

To: Mike Wallace ; ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA ; elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu

Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 8:17 AM

Subject: RE: (ET) Electric Tractor Conversion Update

Do you really think you need (2) motors.

I had always thought that the number designations that GE Elec-Trak used was suppose to be equivalent Horsepower.

i.e.; GE E15 was equivalent to a 15 HP gas tracer, GE E20 equivalent to a 20 HP gas tractor.

Others please comment.

Dennis

Elsberry, MO

From: elec-trak-bounces cosmos phy tufts edu [mailto:elec-trak-bounces cosmos phy tufts edu] On Behalf Of Mike Wallace
Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 8:07 AM
To: ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA; elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: Re: (ET) Electric Tractor Conversion Update

Geof and all,

Speaking of converting from ICE to electric, I could use some advice and/or tips on doing something similar myself. Ever since I met Shawn Lawless last year at the Louisville Lawn Expo and saw his ZTR, I've wanted to try something similar.

I recently bought an older (late 80's maybe) Model 411 Grasshopper with intentions of converting it. It currently uses an 11 hp Briggs (horizontal shaft) driving two Eaton hydro units that then drive the wheels through 13:1 double chain reduction systems.

I'm thinking about using two E15 drive motors and two Alltarx units to drive them. Without a lot of major changes, I think I can position the two drive motors parallel to each other with one pointing east and the other pointing west. I'll mount the smallest possible #40 sprockets to the output of each motor to drive the first 4:1 reduction.

One possible problem I'm wondering about is that one motor will be turning it's normal "optimum" direction and the other will be essentially running in reverse while the mower is going forward. And visa versa for when backing up.

Do I need to consider modifying the brush position/location or even possibly the field winding connections such that when going the predominate forward direction, both motors are in "optimum" direction mode?

With the Briggs engine gone, (this is a front mounted deck Grasshopper with the single tail caster wheel) I figure there ought to be plenty of room to finally do something with those 60+ Saft BB-600 NiCads I've had for about a year now.

I figure I'll replace the current shaft driven 36" deck with a 42" ET deck and that swap shouldn't be a big deal.

Any of you guys got any suggestions or words of wisdom for me?

Mike in KY

----- Original Message -----

From: ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA

To: elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu

Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 6:38 AM

Subject: (ET) Electric Tractor Conversion Update

Hello All

www.electriclawntractor.com

Edmonds Electric says the Electric Conversion Kids will be ready early 2007 at $2000, (not sure if that Canadian or American).. I also noticed a 36V to 120AC solid sate inverter.

I've got a nice little Cub Cadet just waiting for a transplant.

Geof Thompson

A-60,

E-81,

ER8-36,

R-36

E-8,

E-10x2,

E-12M,

E-12,

E15x2,

E-20x2,

B-145X2,

C-185,

E-141X2.

I-5

(21)

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