Re: (ET) [Fwd: [EVDL] The Case for the Electric Tractor] (fwd)

[SteveS <stevesgroups verizon net>]

I think you are right about the ET's failure. It may have been a bit 
high priced, but I think, in the end, it's as you say - there was (and 
still may not be) the right infrastructure to support it properly. 
Perhaps though a more modern version with electronic controls would be 
feasible as it fits in to the 'don't repair it -replace it' mentality 
today. In this case it would be replace an electronic module or motor. 
Coupled with the positive aspects of low noise, no exhaust, and no gas 
cans I hold out hope that we'll see modern ETs everywhere some day.

- SteveS

Pieter Litchfield wrote:
> SteveS:
>
> I think the ET never really took off in the marketplace because of its 
> dual nature.  Mower dealers really didn't want to sell it because they 
> had to learn how to service electric and electronic circuits and 
> parts.  That's not what your average lawn care dealer was doing in the 
> 60s and 70s, or today for that matter.  Since the ET had golf cart 
> guts, for the most part, why not sell it through golf cart dealers?  
> How many do you shop at?  Golf cart dealers are relatively few and far 
> between, and often do a small retail trade.  So IMHO the ET failed 
> because there was no "infrastructure" in the marketplace to support 
> it.  The logical sales folks couldn't service it and the service folks 
> couldn't sell it.
>
> I really don't have a solution - maybe there are 'all electric" 
> stores, or soon will be.  But in the meantime, its kinda of a 
> in-between vehicle still.
>
> I think an ET with the modern golf cart controller ( 
> http://www.alltraxinc.com/index.html) is close to what you suggest, 
> even though it still uses the plain vanilla lead acid batteries.  I 
> have an Alltrax especially programmed for the ET, but have yet to 
> install it.  Now I just need an infallible charger.....