KW Crush
OwnerEdward Kiburis
LocationNewcastle, California United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1989 Montgomery Wards 422707
This tractor's 18 hp B&S engine was removed and put into another tractor that had a non functioning engine. What remained was gutted, saving only the front steering, front wheels, clutch/brake pedal, chassis, and body sheet metal.
Motor unknown
The motor, transmission, differential, axle and braking system was salvaged from an "Electric Mobility" scooter. Model # Rascal R240.
Controller
The speed and direction of the vehicle are controlled by 7 high current relays. Three relays apply the selected voltage, 12, 24 or 36 directly to the motor. Four other relays allow for reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the motor for direction selection.
Batteries4 Energizer 24 Marine, 12.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Three "deep cycle" 12 volt marine batteries are used for the motor drive and one standard 12 volt car battery is used to supply the speed and direction relays.
System Voltage36 Volts
Charger
Custom designed from 2 low cost, 3 amp plug in chargers, a 120 volt timer, and a couple switches to provide 12 volt charge to 2 batteries at a time for a selected time period, (programmable from 1 to 8 hours).
HeaterSolar, (the sun during the day, the moon at night)
DC/DC Converter
None
InstrumentationBattery voltage. Switchable to each battery.

Motor Current

Battery charge current. Switchable to charging battery.
Top Speed3 MPH ( 4 KPH)
Forward speed is selectable from, crawl, to slow, to maximum. Reverse speed is selectable from crawl to slow.
AccelerationInstantaneous.
RangeInitial design, using a variety of batteries borrowed from other tractors, gave about 1 mile on a track that was pretty level and included about six 5 to 20 % grades. The final design with the newly purchased "deep cycle" batteries has not been completed.
Watt Hours/Mile360 Wh/Mile
This would be on level terrain.
Seating Capacity1 adults
Tiresfront tires: 16 x 6.00 x 6
Rear tires: 18 x 9.50 x 10
Conversion TimeBeen in progress for about 6 months and still continuing
Conversion Costtbd
The goal of this project was to use inexpensive, salvaged parts to see what results. The salvaged, (free), low horse power motor was the controlling element. The salvaged tractor cost, about $25 was critical. The implementation cost got a bit out of hand and was more than planned.

code by jerry