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Old 11-03-08, 09:41 AM   #1
Daox
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Default EcoRider - riding lawn mower electric conversion

Well, the time has come for my first EV project! I really wanted to convert the Toyota Paseo I picked up a while ago, but it would have cost too much for me at the moment. So, my next thought was that I really could use a riding mower. I have push mowed my lawn, and it takes a long time. So, I talked things over with Ben Nelson and MetroMPG, the two EV guys I know and decided to go with an electric riding mower.

This weekend I picked up a Simplicity 728 (no idea what year) from a very kind gentleman. I found and got the mower for free using FreeCycle.org. It currently has a mildly used 8hp Briggs engine in it. The deal with the donator was that I take the engine out and return it to him since it hasn't seen much use. I was all too happy to oblige! So, now I have a new project for this winter. Hopefully updates will come fast.



For future reference:

Belt size:
Drive: L485
Mower deck: L478
Mower blades: L470
Snow blower: L482

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Last edited by Daox; 05-08-15 at 11:26 AM..
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Old 11-03-08, 11:54 AM   #2
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This sounds like fun. I'm interested to see how everything goes for you to see what I can apply to my electric push mower conversion that I hope to have finished before spring. Be sure to take a lot of pictures!
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Old 11-03-08, 01:22 PM   #3
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that's awesome. have fun with that

sell me the Paseo while you're at it
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Old 11-06-08, 09:51 AM   #4
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Daox- this is GREAT news for me. When I first stumbled upon Ecomodder, I wanted to build an Electric Motorcycle once my tour in Iraq is over. I figured it would be a good way to understand all the work and components required to build an EV. After further thought I decided that an electric rider would be better, (less chance of injury )
Now that you've got a project like this, I will be following along closely. Please take pics, and If I can help with researching info please let me know. Not that I could compare to Ben or MetrMPG, those guys are awesome!
I can't wait to see the progress!
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Old 11-06-08, 10:43 AM   #5
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Well, I took the mower out for a spin last night. I really needed to cut the grass and chew up the leaves. So, the mower got its last run on gasoline. It worked quite well for what I seemed to think of as a small mower (only 8 hp).

I'm now starting to track down the necessary other items for the conversion. Ben Nelson said he would donate a few things so I'm really psyched about that! There will be many pictures to come.
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Old 11-06-08, 12:58 PM   #6
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cool idea! what kind of range do you think you'll get?
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Old 11-06-08, 02:15 PM   #7
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I'm going to start with humble targets. I'd like to be able to mow half of my yard on one charge. Below is a pic of the two 'halfs'. I actually think, depending on the quality of the batteries, that I should be able to do the entire yard. However, I'll be fine if I can't do the entire thing all at once.

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Last edited by Daox; 02-27-09 at 03:25 PM..
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Old 11-15-08, 11:13 PM   #8
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Wow, Tim, that's a really nice spread you got there. Is the white structure by the cul-de-sac yours, too?
I am also very excited to see your rider conversion as it progresses. I have been thinking about doing the same, but have not committed to it...yet.
And yes, post lots and lots of pictures!
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Old 11-16-08, 11:57 AM   #9
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any progress on the mower Daox?
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Old 11-16-08, 08:23 PM   #10
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Yes: I reneged on a free motor controller I offered to send Tim.

OK, technically Ivan reneged, since it's half his I suppose. Sorry!

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