Reassembled with electricsWiringDrivelineControlsPulling a plow
OwnerMigraine Man
LocationFrederick, Maryland US map
Web/EmailWebPage email image
Vehicle1967 Sears Suburban 12
Saved from the recycling pile, this tractor was acquired with no engine.
MotorCurrie XYL-13 Permanent Magnet DC
600W scooter motor fitted with 2" pulley for 1/2" V-belt.
DrivetrainTransaxle, 8-speed (3 forward + reverse, hi/lo final). 1/2 x 30 belt drive from motor.
ControllerCurrie
40A 24V speed controller from a Currie scooter.
Batteries2 Everstart Maxx Marine, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Group 29 marine battery. RC = 205 minutes
System Voltage24 Volts
Charger All Electronics
24 Volt 2 Amp 3-mode
Heatersolar ambient
InstrumentationVisual throttle position indicator
Visual battery disconnect status
24V battery gauge salvaged from a B&D cordless mower (CMM1000)
Top SpeedThe older Sears tractors ain't known for their top speed
AccelerationNot scary at all
Range1.5 acres. Hasn't left the yard yet, and probably won't. Range testing info isn't available yet.
Seating Capacity1 adult plus one carefully-supervised lap-carried 3-year-old
Curb Weight400 Pounds (181 Kilograms)
Haven't put it on the bathroom scale yet. About 100 lbs. in batteries and 300 lbs of tractor.
TiresF: 16 x 6 x 8
R: 22.5 x 7.5 x 12
Conversion Time4 months of weekends
Conversion Cost$50 for the donor tractor
Less than $400 in additional parts
Lots of labor
3/2010 - +$200 for new tires
Additional FeaturesHaving the variable speed control is a nice feature. Start up would be abrupt in 2nd and 3rd gear with a simple battery-to-motor contactor arrangement. The motor is attached directly to the transaxle, which makes for a nice compact drive system.
The 600W motor is a bit anemic in 3rd/hi. This may be a function of current limiting in the speed controller. Performance testing is ongoing. Had the opportunity to pull the 10" single-bottom plow, and it did well in 1st/low. Didn't have enough grunt to pull the plow in higher gears. The new Carlisle All Trail tires are wonderful, even in wet grass.

code by jerry