EcoRider - riding mower electric conversion - Page 3 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Daox · 02-02-2009, 07:37 AM

Yeah, I got home from the EV build day and decided it was just way too nice out to stay inside. So, I went out and started working on my grandmother's Ford Taurus that needs new hard brake lines. I got as far as I could on that without having to make a parts run and it was still too nice to go inside. I eyed up the EcoRider, grabbed my ratchet, and started going to town.

Speaking of the Etek, I was talking to Tom about what motor to use (mentioning that you offered yours) and the possibility of not using a controller on it and how that all works. He said it would be fine as long as I didn't overvolt the motor too much. So, I'm curious as to what kind of voltage the extra motors you have laying around are? What are their rated specs? He said something with 2-4 hp would be fine.

lectruck · 02-13-2009, 11:32 PM

Great Idea! I have been looking for motors to build an electric mower also. There are a lot of motor to check out, some have high voltage 90 to 200. What kind of rpm are you looking for.

Thanks Itse..

bennelson · 02-13-2009, 11:34 PM

I promised Daox that I would bring my best forklift motors with next time I see him.

Hopefully, we can get some suggestions from the other EV club guys on which one might work the best.

Daox · 02-14-2009, 08:41 AM

From what I've read, which isn't a TON, the target RPM should be anywhere from 1700 to 3400 rpm. However, in my case I can simply use a different size pulley if the motor is too slow which will likely be the case (vs it being too fast).

frugal builder · 02-15-2009, 02:50 PM

Old walkie/rider trucks were built using contactors only.Old Barret, Big Joe ect. have 12v to 36v motors, the contactors, possible sufficiant wiring and the control devices necessary for a lawn tractor. They will use more power at low speeds than electronically controlled units, though. The curtis contolled trucks have been around since the mid to late 80s so a cheap set up should be available also. The problem with a lawn tractor is battery storage and the sheer weight of it all on soft ground and slippery grass. Extra wide turf tires might be wise to reduce depressions in the soil and traction issues with upgrade mowing. The center of gravity will need to be low enough to avert tipping on hilly terrain. With a large flat lawn, a power trailer would solve all the issues including range.

Daox · 02-19-2009, 09:57 AM

Well, I just hit the jackpot last night. Tom G, the owner of the 300V Neon in progress that we've been working on just donated a ton of parts for the project. Almost everything I'll need.

I've also decided to move this project over to EcoRenovator's Forum. All further updates will be over there.

Daox · 02-27-2009, 10:35 AM

I got another good update. I took apart the motor last night and think I've figured out where everything is going to go.

EcoRider - riding mower electric conversion - EcoRenovator

Daox · 02-28-2009, 02:00 PM

Another update. I got the motor face drilled and tapped and found some pullies for the motor.

EcoRider - riding mower electric conversion - EcoRenovator

lectruck · 03-20-2009, 01:05 AM

On Craiglist Jacksonville, fl I picked up a 24v Electric Mower that the guy said was under powered and didn't charge right, took it home and it charged right up. I mowed and loved it. Great deal for $100. Tomorrow I am going to check out a Golf Cart also $100, it is missing a switch but does have the electric mower. I also hope to build and Electric Rider.

Daox · 05-31-2009, 05:06 PM

Big update here. I just got back from the first ride on the ecorider! It was a blast.

Check it out here:

EcoRider - riding mower electric conversion - Page 5 - EcoRenovator