Mars Etek-RInstrument panelThe Controller & Motor
OwnerKris
LocationOklahoma City, Oklahoma United States map
Vehicle1998 Murray
MotorMars Etek-R Permanent Magnet DC
Very nice motor, has far more mowing power than previous 14.5 HP gas engine did.
ControllerKelly KD48300
Works well, I have not had any problems with it. I especially like being able to program it with a computer.
Batteries4 Everstart 27DC-6, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Very inexpensive, have worked well for about a year now. The only issue is that I don't believe the chassis can bear the weight of all 4 batteries, so they are on a small trailer behind the mower, for now at least.
System Voltage48 Volts
Charger Onboard 12 volt - 1.5 amp chargers
Inexpensive (only $10 each @ Harbor Freight) yet reliable chargers, one on each 12 volt battery. Charges for about 12-24 hours after 50% battery use before batteries are completely full again.
InstrumentationCurtis 48 volt state of charge meter, Safety power cut-off switch, Throttle nob
Top Speed10 MPH (16 KPH)
This is the same speed as the riding mower was before the conversion.
AccelerationBetter than before the conversion, but not really necessary for a riding mower.
Curb Weight600 Pounds (272 Kilograms)
Again, much of the weight is from the batteries.
Conversion TimeAbout 1 month planning and ordering, and 1 month building until complete.
Conversion CostAbout 1K
Additional FeaturesThe controller and all of its cool safety features, like overheat power cutback & that it won't give the motor power if the throttle is engaged on start up.
It was a fun experience converting the mower to electric power, and the end product is something I will use for years. It is more powerful than it was as a gas mower, and I feel better using it because of the lack of fumes and that it is much quieter. This conversion gives me about 1 hour of mowing out of a 50% discharge of the batteries, which is what I was looking for.

code by jerry