E-Lawnmower Think Tank

[BrianG]

@feisty: I can't see the article, but the fact they provided Ardino code tells me that it probably is an automatic setup. I want to make an R/C one.

@hoober: Blades that size are going to take some serious power. The electric one I saw was rated at 18A @ 120v AC (which is ~2HP) using an 18" deck. Assuming that level of power actually is adequate and power scales linearly with blade size (probably not), 46" blades will require over 5HP each. Three blades = 15HP. Even with something crazy like 100vDC (27s lipo), the current draw will be 112A constant. To get any kind of decent runtime, that's gonna require serious capacity. Yikes.

My yard is really small so I'm thinking about making something based on an 8th scale truggy with a converted gas trimmer head mounted to a custom deck.

[zeropointbug]

Hmmm, I would like to contribute to the idea of this, but I can't make myself. I couldn't make myself sit on a ride on mower, I LOVE pushing around a mower in the hot sun and sweating bullets. I know it's all for fun, but still, I wouldn't pass up on one of the 'reasons' to get out in the sun.

[squeeforever]

Originally Posted by zeropointbug

Hmmm, I would like to contribute to the idea of this, but I can't make myself. I couldn't make myself sit on a ride on mower, I LOVE pushing around a mower in the hot sun and sweating bullets. I know it's all for fun, but still, I wouldn't pass up on one of the 'reasons' to get out in the sun.

Yea, yea, yea...We know, Mr "I look like Matthew Maconahay."

Sorry, couldn't help it.

[nitrostarter]

Originally Posted by zeropointbug

Hmmm, I would like to contribute to the idea of this, but I can't make myself. I couldn't make myself sit on a ride on mower, I LOVE pushing around a mower in the hot sun and sweating bullets. I know it's all for fun, but still, I wouldn't pass up on one of the 'reasons' to get out in the sun.

Ok, come push my yard and the condo association I take care of. That'll make you want to ride a mower in no time.

O I forgot to throw in the word, acreage.

[zeropointbug]

Okay, okay, that's enough! You know I just got called Mcconaughey again the other day when I was out of town believe it or not!


If you want a battery suggestion, I would use the A123 15 or 20Ah prismatics, that is, if you weren't already thinking of using them.

http://www.cloudelectric.com/category_s/385.htm

There is a link to some DC motors that should work with a mower blade, there is a nice 24v 900watt unit that should be just right for the job, $150. IMO better than using a BL outrunner, all you need is a contactor, and probably more durable for sure, built for the type of duty.

[feistyacorn]

Originally Posted by BrianG

@feisty: I can't see the article, but the fact they provided Ardino code tells me that it probably is an automatic setup. I want to make an R/C one.

It is RC. I haven’t had a chance to read the entire article yet, but I will take a look at it later today. I bought the magazine from barns and noble or something like that. Here is a video link of the lawnmower : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbOZa9SQPpA