GE Hedge TrimmerGE Edger/TrimmerBlowing Snow!Modern on-board charger!Curtis 36V PWM ControlCharger wiring to rear packTraction Motor Control RelaysTraction Motor Relay Control wiringCurtis Controller Wiring
OwnerJohn Gislason
Owner's Other EVJD 826
LocationCanton, Texas United States map
Email email image
Vehicle1973 General Electric Elec-Trak E12
Second owner of this good example. Also have Elec-Trak 36Vdc single stage snowthrower and a spare deck motor (short version). Now with new batteries and a good charger, it will mow all day, and blow even wet snow for over an hour.
MotorGeneral Electric Permanent Magnet DC
brushed
DrivetrainPeerless belt driven transaxle.
ControllerCurtis 1204 36V
We recently updated the speed control to a Curtis 1204. We retained the hand throttle and relay based reverse feature. The tractor is now much easier to control.
Batteries6 US Battery U2200, 6.00 Volt, Lead-Acid, Flooded
Typical golf Cart batteries, 6 YO now and still going strong because we have a good charger.
System Voltage36 Volts
ChargerMinn Kota MK330
3 banks 36V/30A total from 3 x 12V/10A circuits. Charger is now on-board and connects directly to the battery terminals, 3 x 6V battery pairs (12v/pair), when parked.
HeaterMother Nature
DC/DC Converter none
tapped pack
InstrumentationSystem Volts and Amps
Top Speed8 MPH (12 KPH)
on level ground
Acceleration0 to 8 in 3 seconds
Range3.5 to 4.0 hours under "normal" mowing conditions, up to 1.5 hrs snowblowing time to 50% SOC.
Seating Capacity1 adult
Curb Weight850 Pounds (386 Kilograms)
Manufacturer data. Est. w/snowblower and rear weights (home made): 1250#
TiresTurf
Conversion TimeAs built.
Added a MinnKota 12V/10A 3-bank "Smart Charger" in 2005 for $130 as the ferroresonant GE charger died after 30 years of reliable service.
Conversion Cost$150 (adoption fee) + $64.20 for 6 used batteries.
6 new US Battery U2200s installed in 2005 at a cost of $372.
MinnKota330 charger installed 2005 at a cost of $130
Additional FeaturesElec-Trak snowblower.
3 blade rear discharge deck modified for multching.
Weed trimmer (disassembled).
Rear lift/winch.
MK330 (3 x 12V/10A) 3 bank "Smart" charger.
Rear weights (est. 350#).
Tire chains.
GE radio/cassette player.
GE "Power head"
GE Drill
GE Hedge Trimmer
GE Edger
While it certainly is not as cheap to operate as an $85 "el cheapo" gas mower, nor do I get the excersize that I should, I do not miss the smell of exhaust! That alone is well worth the money. Never running out of gas, and having to run to the gas station is an added benefit. August 2011 update: Recently mounted the MK330 under the "hood" and hard-wired the charger circuits to each battery pair. Now the charger is always with the tractor and the kids do not need to worry about connecting the charge cables correctly, just plug it in to the mains!

code by jerry