A solar electric lawnmower conversion for just $1,500
This isn't the first time you've seen a solar lawnmower on AutoblogGreen. In fact, we've seen quite a few different green yard and farming implements in our time -- even solar powered tractors. The ever-increasing price of gas, though, may be causing the electric mowing option to loom a bit larger in people's minds these days. So, here's another man's attempt to save a little gas, and therefore the related emissions, from his own neighborhood when he goes out to mow his lawn. Starting with a standard push-mower powered by a typical small gasoline engine, three steps will be required to get your very own home-built solar recharged electric mower. If you are hoping that this little mod is going to be saving your hard-earned green, though, you may want to think again. The estimated cost of a conversion such as this one runs about $1,500.
[Source: Hack N Mod via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lad 7:53PM (5/30/2008)
When will we see a BELT (Battery Electric Lawn Tractor)?
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Passengers Only 8:35PM (5/30/2008)
A better one is here (rechargeable battery powered) and half the price $479:
http://www.dwr.com/product/outdoors/accessories/neuton-battery-powered-mower.do?search=basic&keyword=mower&sortby=ourPicks&page=1
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John Rowell 8:48PM (5/30/2008)
Interesting. I used to have a battery powered electric lawnmower that I would recharge with a solar panel on the roof. It worked great for several years, the solar panel provided enough power to mow the lawn at least once or twice every week - but eventually it wore out and rather than buy a new one I got a push-reel mower. I don't know why more people don't use electric mowers, the modern ones work about as well as any gas ones (sometimes better) and they require no expensive gas or maintenance and don't spew out noxious fumes.
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Mh 10:08PM (5/30/2008)
I used a corded electric mower for 10 years and finally upgraded to a rechargeable by Neuton a couple of weeks ago. So far so good.
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Phil L. 10:11PM (5/30/2008)
Lad -
They did it years ago. Google "Elec-Trak"
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Kevin Nugent 10:37PM (5/30/2008)
That 15000 dollar price tag is going to kill people and makes it easier and more efficent to get a gas one. But 2 me it has always made sense for small appliances, leaf blowers/suckers, lawn mowers small tractors shoudl be electric and have advanced battery technology
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Gary Reysa 12:02AM (5/31/2008)
There are a couple much cheaper ways to do it here:
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Vehicles/vhehicles.htm#Tractor
See "Lee's Solar Lawn Mower" and the entries just above and below it. Lee has about $212 into converting the mower plus about $300 into the solar charger.
And, a good article on the ElecTrak tractor. The ElecTraks come up on ebay from time to time -- a good one with a few accessories brings about $2K. There are rumors of a new electric tractor coming -- an ElecTrak size tractor with new technology.
Gary
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Lad 11:54PM (5/30/2008)
@PhilL:
Yes! I'm aware of the GE and other than the battery problems and price, it was a fairly well engineered unit. But, just think about how nice a unit could be engineered and built today with the improvements in batteries, motors, control electronic, etc. I think it's a product waiting to be built.
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BlackbirdHighway 8:42AM (5/31/2008)
Another option:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/brill-razorcut-38-reel-mower.html
Cheaper, environmentally cleaner, and good exercise too.
May not work well on larger lawns, in case of large lawn, start a victory garden!
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Dave B 10:13AM (5/31/2008)
Home Depot has one for $317. It's perfect:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100612273
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Dave B 10:14AM (5/31/2008)
Following up...I saw it the other day when I was at the store. It looks like a regular old gasser. It'll be my next mower, which was $100 more than the gas version. It probably won't pay for itself, but we're getting closer.
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James Bowe 12:24PM (5/31/2008)
newer reel mowers are light as hell. I got a 16" for $85. It cuts great, and weighs about 20 lbs, a lot lighter than a gas mower. For a small lawn, it's a no-brainer....
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bill laura 4:51PM (6/30/2008)
Hello Sir/ma,
I am dealers of Science medical equipments,and am interested in some product from your company to be sent to one of my clients in GROSSE ILE/MICHIGAN ,can you please tell me if you ship out,and my payment method is with my credit card account,and also let me know the stock availability of the item.please let me know the accepted credit cards.And let me know the last price. OVERNIGHT Shipping via FED EX OR TNT EXPRESS.
ITEMS NEEDED
A solar electric lawnmower conversion ============2unit
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR PAYMENT
DELIVERY ADDRESS.
Contact Person : Mr DAVID SCHAFER
Address : 8240 BELLEVUE RD
Country: UNITED STATE
Postal Code : 48138
City/State : GROSSE ILE/MICHIGAN
=================
BILL MEDICAL SUPPLY INC.
1601 Pen field Rd
Rochester , NY
14625 United States
Tel--718-234-8097
Am waiting for your respond very soon.
Thanks
Bill.
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