MAWHguy2019 21 #1 Posted November 30, 2019 I have been seeing these ads for riding mowers that are fully electric. No ICE at all. So my question to you is this: If a fully-electric engine came along that could power your WH, would you swap out your existing engine? Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #2 Posted November 30, 2019 22 minutes ago, MAWHguy2019 said: I have been seeing these ads for riding mowers that are fully electric. No ICE at all. So my question to you is this: If a fully-electric engine came along that could power your WH, would you swap out your existing engine? Thoughts? All electric riding WH's have been a thing for 40+ years now That said, If something came out to retrofit my current WH's, I'd say no. I'll keep running my Kohlers as long as I can. 7 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,307 #3 Posted November 30, 2019 I would consider it. Maybe install the electric conversion in an engineless roller? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,858 #4 Posted November 30, 2019 Expensive batteries have a limited life, I wouldn't want to replace them based on years instead of actual use. There is a reason that the Wheel Horse and General Electric models were discontinued. Batteries may have improved over the years, but the price is high. I like the fact that tractors powered by an internal combustion engine can be fully recharged in the time it takes to fill the tank. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,985 #5 Posted November 30, 2019 It's a no from me. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 28,619 #6 Posted November 30, 2019 6 hours ago, MAWHguy2019 said: If a fully-electric engine came along that could power your WH, would you swap out your existing engine? Thoughts? No - not to an existing working engine, but Yes to a roller! And they already exist. Have for a long time... Thinking of doing that right now If / / when I find another Black Hood roller that I like... Yes battery cost / life is issue, but I think it Would be pretty cool, relatively easy, and would be way less intrusive on the neighbors when I cruise the neighborhood pulling nieces and nephews / kids / adults around... 1 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #7 Posted November 30, 2019 Not me.I like the roar of a gasoline engine.Plus,I'm a low tech guy living in a high tech world. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #8 Posted November 30, 2019 D. All of the above... 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,841 #9 Posted November 30, 2019 I think this technology still needs time to work out the bugs. I see them on Craig's list the question is why. I would of tried a push mower but I have a new Toro. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,444 #10 Posted November 30, 2019 (edited) I seen this place that specializes in conversions. http://ddmotorsystems.com/ElectricLawnmowers.php#PicJumpTo I know the electric controllers and batteries have improved tremendously. I like the idea not going to get fuel. If I had more time might jump into one, but not in the cards right now. Electric MTD from website. Edited November 30, 2019 by MrOiluj52 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Razorback 1,133 #11 Posted November 30, 2019 3 hours ago, Pollack Pete said: Not me.I like the roar of a gasoline engine.Plus,I'm a low tech guy living in a high tech world. I have worked in a high-tech world for 38 years..... used to keep up with all the high-tech stuff outside of work. But for the last 15-20 years, I have enjoy getting more and more low-tech every day! Still in the high-tech work world, but I love my no-tech vehicles, “dumb” house, wood heat, old GT’s, etc! 2 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,858 #12 Posted November 30, 2019 Not exactly high tech or cutting edge, Henry Fords wife drove an electric car. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 7,889 #13 Posted November 30, 2019 I've been using a WORX battery powered push mower to mow my smaller city lot in Mo. for 8 or 9 years now. I'm about 5 years into the 2nd battery pack (sealed lead acid deep cycle), and the third blade. Starts every time I hit the go button. Works well for my application. Controls are simple on/off with the typical collection of idiot proofing safety switches. Electric power for the bigger lots we have at the lake? I don't think it is quite ready yet. The jobs I use my Wheel Horse for are too varied. The throttle on the IC engine provides simple flexibility to get them all done. Electric cars are starting to become more common. Maybe Tesla will bring out a CyberGT next? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #14 Posted November 30, 2019 I thought electric vehicles would be more popular by this point than they currently are it's all about the batteries battery technology has improved significantly during this past decade - with more improvement EVs will become even more popular 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,232 #15 Posted November 30, 2019 (edited) Garten Tractors are history as far as going out and buying a new one. John Deere is the only company left that is making a true Garden Tractor. That is the 700 series and might as well just get a Scut. They have been making Lawn Tractors cheaper with ever new design for the last 50 years. I wouldn't expect new electric Lawn Tractors to be any better. I don't think we will never see a new Electric Garden Tractors being manufactured. Me going electric with my Wheel Horses not likly. Edited November 30, 2019 by Lee1977 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAWHguy2019 21 #16 Posted December 3, 2019 Great responses everyone. Interesting that these are somewhat already out there. I do have a roller and will need to look at this further. What do you suppose the future is of the GT in general? It would seem that with the push to move everything to electric these may be included. I would think to achieve the power requirements we may need to wait a bit for the batteries to catch up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,084 #17 Posted December 3, 2019 In Portage in July, there was a Lawn Ranger converted to electric. The guy housed the batteries in a trailer box and had a heavy duty cable to power it all. It was quite a cool setup, just not too fast for cruise night! He also owned the doodle bug thingermajig that I drove around for a hot minute. We used my generator to power an electric motor on a belt to start the hit and miss engine, then we realized why he couldn’t start it by hand. There was a hole worn in the copper fuel line and it was sucking air. I think we electric taped that. All kinds of electrical in this story! I don’t believe he is a member here... but if you are, please show your face! It was a lot of fun chit chatting with you and your lady friend! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,084 #18 Posted December 3, 2019 Also, I must point out... almost every internal combustion engine relies on some type of electricity... be it a field magnetic spark, starter or coil ignition... or glow plugs for a diesel guy. So that pretty much means I should be able to park any vehicle I want in a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle parking spot, right? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,339 #19 Posted December 3, 2019 11 minutes ago, pullstart said: Also, I must point out... almost every internal combustion engine relies on some type of electricity... be it a field magnetic spark, starter or coil ignition... or glow plugs for a diesel guy. So that pretty much means I should be able to park any vehicle I want in a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle parking spot, right? Isn't that a hit and miss motor on that one ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tom2p 2,394 #20 Posted December 3, 2019 IMG_3108.MOV 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,084 #21 Posted December 3, 2019 39 minutes ago, The Tool Crib said: Isn't that a hit and miss motor on that one ! Yep! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
C-85 769 #22 Posted December 3, 2019 'If a fully-electric engine came along' I'm having trouble with this when I was in the Army we referred to engines as gas/diesel, and if they were electric they were referred to as 'motors.' Now would I switch, the answer is no, I really like Kohler power! I've seen a few Nissan Leafs and saw that they have 'zero emission vehicle' on their tailgates.' I also have trouble with this , I bet there's a fuel burning plant somewhere making the electricity for these vehicles. When we go totally to solar and wind power, I'll believe it then! C-85 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,212 #25 Posted December 3, 2019 (edited) Kevin, i‘ll think you’re right. Each Shift Gear Car, with a key without theft protect chip, can be moved only by Starter. If you use a Key with chip, you can drive on Fuel. that means in logical consequences it’s an Hybrid, it can drive electric and with Fuel.. and nobody told how fast it must drive in electric.... 😎 No doubt about... Edited December 3, 2019 by Tractorhead 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
