I have found the most difficult part of mowing with an ET is trying to trim around the flower beds, etc. If you track the bed edge with the edge of the mower, its easy to end up with a wheel in the flower bed. Its also difficult to mow close to trees. I'll confess to using an electric trimmer or a push mower to go the trimming some of the time.
As pointed out in another post, you can cut forwards and backwards. In fact, I think my ET does a better job mowing backwards, and by mowing just past a tree or other edge and then backing with the front wheels turned a bit, its possible to get a closer cut around things without getting a wheel in the wife's flower bed.
However, the stock ET mower (or the ones I have used) will rip up the turf with the rear roller axle support bracket if turned while backing up on an uneven surface.. I was able to find a solution from a person on this list who made up a "kit" of modern plastic round ball shaped wheels and axles that install easily and result in the mower have rear casters. This allows for backwards mowing with no chance of the rear roller support brackets acting as a plow. I am sorry I can't find the name in my files, but perhaps the archives of this list have a reference to these rollers.
And forget the Zamboni analogy! That's a farmer techniques used as long as there have been tractors. Mentally divide the rectangle to be mowed in 1/2 lengthwise. Cut down the middle, continue to either side (assuming you can make the turn), cut back along the edge. Turn and cut to the next strip beyond the middle and continue. This technique will keep the turn radius the same as you "walk" the pattern across the lawn area.
I have found the ET mower to be a poor performer in sharp corners in terms of cutting - it seems to leave a long of standing grass on sharp corners. Using a cutting pattern that allows wide radius corners will help solve this problem. Also I use quite a bit of overlap - maybe as much as 1/3 of the mower chassis overlapping the last strip cut. My mower is set up as a rear discharge, and I often tow a 36" lawn sweeper behind it to pick up clippings. So backing up is a poor strategy many times.
I find the mower works well only if the batteries are pretty well charged. Any reduction in blade speed shows up as a poor cutting job.
Finally, I tend to go slow on cuts. I use 2nd gear on maximum throttle (field weakening engaged on an E-15) or 3rd gear "direct drive" (the throttle position that does not use resistors or field weakening). On hilly areas I prefer to use full throttle in a lower gear range (2nd) to keep the drive motor draw on old batteries down, allowing better blade speed.
I do find, however, that the ET does a pretty good job of mowing, and as long as I have good mower motors, I'll continue to use it.
Hope the tips are helpful.
From: Pestka, Dennis J [mailto:Dennis Pestka Covidien com]
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 7:24 AM
To: Peter Bishop; Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: Re: (ET) Front mount mower mowing pattern
Peter;
Good and Bad !
I think they are better than a belly mower in some situations, and worse in others.
I really like to be able to pull straight up to something with the front mounted mower.
Cutting a circle around a tree, not so good. Belly type mower is much better
As an old hockey player and ice skating rink worker, I like to use the Zamboni technique.
Cutting a large area, start cutting around the perimeter 3 times in a counterclockwise pattern.
Then cut down the middle in the longest direction, and continue around the perimeter on the right side going down, and the right of the middle swatch coming back.
Keep moving over each time and continue until you have the entire area complete.
This technique allows the turning radius needed.
If you need help, tune in to the Stanley Cup Playoffs going on right now.
Dennis
Elsberry, MO
http://www.evalbum.com/1366
From: Peter Bishop [mailto:plnsbishop frontier com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 9:13 PM
To: Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
Subject: (ET) Front mount mower mowing pattern
OK, fellow ETers, is it just me or do front mount mowers suck for maneuverability? Wondering if anyone has any ideas for mowing patterns?
Pete Bishop
ph: 608-235-9390
e-m: plnsbishop frontier com
Deo Submissus,
In Deo Potens
Viva Cristo Rey!