However, the proposed arrangement strikes me as less than optimal. I am assuming the use of 6 x 6-volt batteries, preserving the centre tap to power the lifts.
My primary concern is the two electrically centre batteries. The front and rear lifts tap at the 18 volt point, which splits the middle pair if you are charging at 12-volt points. If your use of the lifts is unbalanced, this middle pair will likely become unbalanced as well, and even an intelligent 12-volt charger is not going to actively address that imbalance on the two 6-volt batteries in series. If you are going to let that imbalance slide, why not just one 36-volt charger for simplicity (and likely lower initial cost).
If you choose to use multiple chargers in series, make sure the chargers are rated for this application (fully isolated). Any electrical common points in the chargers will lead to problems.
The Elec-Trak also has a 12-volt tap for the headlights, which would be addressed by using 3 x 12-volt chargers.
I use the Soneil 3610SRF on my E12 in preference to the original charger, and have for years. Disclosure: I am a distributor for Soneil chargers, because of my experience with this charger.
Darryl McMahon David Brandt wrote:
I plan to use 3 12V smart chargers in my E15 - they are only about $35 each at batteryweb.com or many similar websites. Of course if you desire to spend a lot more by going to a Lester offboard charger, or by getting a marine grade multi-bank charger, you can get excellent results that way, too, but I have heard from several on this list that went this route and would never go back. A 3A model is the smallest that you would want to get - it'll take a long time to charge, but a typical mowing schedule is only once a week anyway, and the smart chargers can be left plugged in. David Brandt
-- Darryl McMahon The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy (in trade paperback and eBook) http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/ Latest review of The Emperor's New Hydrogen Economy in Greenlife Magazine http://www.econogics.com/TENHE/tenheGLspring2009.htm