[DIYguy]

Originally Posted by cgates30

I'm interested in converting my Yardman Yardbug to electric. Can somebody point me in the right direction regarding the necessary components and good pieces of equipment to consider? Is a DC electric motor, switch/contactor, batteries and cable enough? Or do I need a motor controller? What about using the components from an old electric golf cart?

I haven't got into this yet...but I would like to do the same perhaps this winter. I think the system from a golf cart would be perfect. Motor, controller, contactor, pot etc.

[Jimdear2]

Originally Posted by DIYguy

I haven't got into this yet...but I would like to do the same perhaps this winter. I think the system from a golf cart would be perfect. Motor, controller, contactor, pot etc.

I just finished a conversion of an older Cub Cadet, The cub may not be one of the easiest tractor to convert, but when you are done you will have something that will last.

The one I did may have been over 40 years old and right now it runs and drives better then my one year old Husky. There are a wealth of parts and information available for the Cubs because of their toughness and the fact that they are one of the few tractors that will survive quarter scale tractor pulling.

You can generally find them without engines for $100.00 or less. They are very hard tractor to break so they can generally be broght back to life easily.

I used a rebuilt Prestolite HiLo pump motor and driect drive to the transaxle for mine, but the clutch and pressure plate system would be easy to adapt to an electric motor. I have an Alltrax 7245 controller and four 40ah agm batteries and a Tyco contactor. I put in an Albright Disconnect. I mounted all of the components under the hood on a plastic cutting board.

Two batteries went under the tractor on their sides in a combo footboard mountand battery rack and two under the seat/femder unit that doubles as a seat mount.

See the attached pictures of various stages of the conversion. Mine was done as a pulling tractor, and I think I can safely say it turnned out nice even with a quick rattle can paint job. You can see from a view of the transaxle why these things last, Thats a BIG lump of cast iron

Somre other tractors that should convert well are Wheelhorse, Allis Chalmers, Bolens, Sears Surburban and any other with a real steel frame cast iron transmission/axle and cast iron front axle.

If you want something that will last, stay away from hydros and anything with an aluminium transaxle unless you use a small motor, If you want something your grandkid will still be using, go with the older "real" garden tractors.

[cgates30]

That's a nice looking conversion you have there! Can you give more info on the conversion, maybe links for the parts and how much they should cost, etc?

Thanks!

[Jimdear2]

Originally Posted by cgates30

That's a nice looking conversion you have there! Can you give more info on the conversion, maybe links for the parts and how much they should cost, etc?

Thanks!

cgates30

I'll see what I can do tomorrow when I get home from work.

Jim