This morning I went out with a few guys in the local EV club to a salvage yard. One of the members knows the owner and got the call that he had just gotten in a few forklifts. So, we headed off to pull parts. We got a lot of stuff, but this nice voltmeter will be going on the mower. Its also has an hourmeter on it. I just need to get in contact with Curtis to get the pinout for the gage. Apparently it is capable metering 24, 36 or 48 volts which is very nice if I decide to bump up to 48V.

http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider059.JPG

Lucky dog. That'll be perfect for the mower. Are you still/also planning a meter on each battery? Or at least a single LED?

Yeah, the individual monitors are 'very close' according to Tom (the guy who is designing them). They'll likely replace this gauge. However, since I am using new batteries, balancing issues shouldn't really be a problem.

The Curtis website may have the info you need to wire it up. I found a manual for mine there.

I tried. The gauge must be an old model and they don't have the manual online.

Shouldn't be! But you won't know for sure unless you monitor them individually. Strongly recommended.

I agree, and I definitely will be getting individual gauges.

In other news, Curtis already got back to my email that I sent this morning. So, I have the pinout for the gauge. Very impressive customer service.

I started working on the battery racks last night. I'm planning on putting one up front (requires modification to the grill/top cover) and two right behind the seat. I'll get pics when I get some good progress.

Battery rack work continues. Here are a few pictures of the progress.

Here is the rack that will hold the two rear batteries. I cut the pieces but haven't done any welding yet as I am clean out of gas for the welder. It is made out of .75x.125 angle iron.

http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider060.JPG



Here are the support braces. They are bolted to the frame up front with two bolts on each side. They are 1.5x.125 angle iron.

http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider061.JPG



Put the fenders back on to test fit.
http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider062.JPG



Throw a battery on it. Everything looks like it lines up very well.
http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider063.JPG



Here is a lower profile shot. I will be adding braces going to the far extents of the rack to steady it.
http://ecorenovator.org/pictures/ecorider064.JPG

Wow! Now I get an idea of the size of those batteries. They're huge!

Your mower must be smaller than the Electrak.