[DMA]

Hi all,

This is my first post on this forum, and would like some advice if possible.

I've been planning a project of converting a compact tractor (Iseki TU 318f) from diesel to electric for a little while now.

I've done a fair amount of research (on this forum and other online resources), and would like to go for a 48v power system . I've found two possible candidates for motors:

1. Motenergy ME1004: http://www.evdrives.com/product_p/mot-me1004.htm
2. D&D ES-84C-1: http://www.evdrives.com/product_p/mot-es-84c-70.htm

The ME1004 has a much smaller physical size and slightly higher constant kW output rating. However, it doesn't have as much torque (about 25ft/lb). The smaller size could be of benefit, as the Iseki is quite a compact tractor. It is rated at 3360 RPM at 48v unloaded.

The D&D physically is quite a bit larger, but has much higher peak torque (72 ft/lb @ 1361 rpm). Apparently it has a rating of about 2300 RPM at 48v.

My question is regarding the RPM rating of the original diesel ICE, and more a mechanical than electrical one. My understanding that the HP ratings given to ICE motors is at a 'perfect' RPM. i.e. the HP rating is maximum possible output, and that occurs at the stated RPM rating.

In the Iseki's case, that seems to be 2500RPM: http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/006/2/4/6249-iseki-tm217-engine.html

Here is my question: would running an electric motor at an RPM faster than this ICE 'rating' (maybe even up to the 'red line') potentially damage the internal gearbox? Or is this nothing to worry about? I guess it would be like running the ICE at a higher rev (which would probably damage the engine before the gearbox, correct?).

As a comparison, I know the Kybota BX2350 that Smoothwake in Canada converted uses the ME1004 to replace the 3200 RPM rated 3 cylinder diesel engine (http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/005/2/9/5296-kubota-bx2350.html). Other than the higher RPM rating, the two engines seem fairly similar in size/output. Here is a video of that tractor conversion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4va1YoQW70

Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated.

Warm regards from a cold New Zealand,

Duncan.

 

[DMA]

I ended going for the ME1003 in the end (lower RPM rating than the ME1004).

 

[Woodsmith]

The gearbox will probably be fine, as being a tractor you won't be clocking up huge miles at high speed. It might get warm though so make sure the oil is in good condition and the gearbox not showing signs of wear or lack of maintenance.

If it is a working tractor then much will also depend on the use you want to put it to.

You may be spending much more time in low gears to keep the motor spinning at high speed for efficiency.

I put in a 9" DC series motor in my tractor to have low speed torque and ended up with so much low speed torque that I have broken my second axle!

Do you have photos of the project?

 

[DMA]

Thanks Woody! I'll keep those things in mind - might be a good idea to flush and replace the oil in any case.

I have no idea what the gearbox's current condition is in, but overall the tractor seems okay for its age.

I'll create a new thread for the conversion and post pictures in there.

 

[DMA]

For reference, I've just created a thread of the tractor conversion project here.

 

[major]

I ended going for the ME1003 in the end (lower RPM rating than the ME1004).

I wish I had replied earlier. Those PM motors can be somewhat fragile. I would have recommended to use the wound field field motor for that beast of a tractor. It would be much more durable. But at least they did double down on the brushes on that PM motor. Nevertheless, I'd not box yourself in on the motor install in case you need to upsize in the future

 

[DMA]

I wish I had replied earlier. Those PM motors can be somewhat fragile. I would have recommended to use the wound field field motor for that beast of a tractor. It would be much more durable. But at least they did double down on the brushes on that PM motor. Nevertheless, I'd not box yourself in on the motor install in case you need to upsize in the future

Hi Major,

No worries on not replying sooner. I chose the ME1003 for a few reasons, namely the low voltage (48v, possibly 72v), cost, size and hearing good things about it being 'quite a workhorse' from Steve at Smoothwake who converted a Kubota using a similar ME1004:

I'll keep a very close eye (and log the data) on the motor's temp, adding extra cooling if it does climb a but. But thanks for the advice! Off the top of your head, what field wound motor do you think would be suitable running at 48v, possibly 72v?