cubby with original test conversion
OwnerEric James
Owner's Other EV1968 General Electric E-15
LocationGettysburg, Pennsylvania United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1968 72
Converted Cub Cadet Garden tractor. Inherited from grandfather and needed to replace the IC engine after 30 years of service
Motor
Originally used 15 amp angle grinder. Switched to a 3hp 120 volt permanent magnet dc motor from industrial treadmill
DrivetrainBelt/shaft drive to three speed transaxle. Soon to be changed to all shaft drive and adding a hi/low range.
Controller Tripplite
transformer based inverters are better for surge loads like starting a load.
Batteries4 Something big from Battery Warehouse and other use, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
approximately 240 amp/hr six volt batteries.
System Voltage12 Volts
Charger Iota 12 volt
12 volt three stage smart charger.
55 amp output

I recently added a desulfator, and it seems to help my aging batteries
Instrumentationlow battery alarm on inverter
I need to replace the battery status gauge
Top Speed6 MPH ( 9 KPH)
Slow, but I can pull loaded garden carts through the mud!
AccelerationPeople are usually surprised at the power in one little motor.
Range
Seating Capacity1 rider and I can drag a few
Curb Weight1,000 Pounds (454 Kilograms)
I haven't actually weighed it, but it can pull really well
Tires16" x 4.8" front
23" x 10.5 rear
Conversion TimeInitial test conversion was one afternoon.
Final conversion is on going, but took about 32 hours.
Conversion Costinitial conversion was around $200 with used batteries
Final conversion will be around $1,000-$1,200 with new batteries and all other new components.
Additional FeaturesI have been adding work benches to the hoods of my garden tractors. Very handy to have. I have 120 VAC power wherever I have my tractor.
This conversion could have stayed very inexpensive, and that is why I like it so much. It is not the best conversion, and is not the most efficient, but it is very functional. I built my house using this tractor to power all of the tools. I use an electric chainsaw and trimmer on this tractor at least once a week year round, and I converted an old tiller to electric as well and use that in the spring. Very reliable, and because I used stock components anything that breaks can be repaired or replaced in very little time. The switch in the motor from the buffer or grinder to a heavy duty treadmill motor was a vast improvement.

code by jerry