Electric zero turn lawn mower

[askbob]

Was looking to buy a new lawn tractor a few weeks ago when I stumbled onto this electric zero turn lawn mower. Hustler makes really nice commercial grade zero turn mowers as well as residential sized units. I had no idea they made a successful electric version. The model is called 'Zeon'. 48 volts using 4 deep cycle 12 volt batteries. Each drive wheel with its own electric motor and gear assembly. 2 motors for the cutting blades. Heavy gauge steel frame and deck with plastic fenders. Around 800 pounds. It is only a 42" cut, but perfect for manuvering around landscaping, trees and such.

I can easily mow my 3/4 acre yard twice with battery to spare. Great power and a razor sharp cut(two things I'm picky about ). Whisper quiet when driving around much like an electric golf cart. With the blades engaged, it sounds like a large fan. I'd estimate it being only 30% as loud as a comparable gas version. It took my neighbor a few minutes to realize that there isn't an engine.

Now if I can just integrate my Futaba controller...

[GoMachV]

Very cool! I work on riding mowers for Sears and haven't seen any electrics coming down the pipe for us yet. Should put me out of work with no belts to replace lol!

[limestang]

Looks great Askbob but I don't see any cup holders?

[askbob]

[Coelacanth]

Should put me out of work with no belts to replace lol!

Aftermarket battery vendors, however, will be having dollar signs in their eyes.

[justinspeed79]

Pretty cool. It will be interesting to see how those batteries hold up.

[R Cane]

LIPO or NiMH?

[Coelacanth]

LiPos? Better not over-discharge that sucker or you'll blow your ass into the next state!

[askbob]

Would need a hell of a lipo sac too!

I got the mower at a sweetheart deal due to the fact that even though it was new, it sat around long enough to ruin the batteries. They hadn't been filled correctly or charged. I put a set of standard blems(blemished new) in it to see how I like it before spending $400 on 4 new deep cycle batteries. For my use, the blems have plenty of power and reserve, but I'll be getting the deep cycle batteries for next season.

This mower is real surprising how much power it has and how well it cuts.

[biff85ta]

I have too much yard for that mower but I am interested to see your thoughts on it. I like the idea and if I ever end up in a place with a smaller yard I would consider it when it comes time to replace my current mower.

[limestang]

Touche Askbob - Cup Holder problem solved:)

[twinrider1]

Does it have belts?
It would be great if not, but I can see a need to isolate the motors from sudden blade stoppage (exposed root, overly thick grass, etc).

[askbob]

No belts. The blades are direct drive. There is a small control box that I presume(from what I've read and been told) that monitors voltage to the blades and the drive wheels and will cut power in the event of sudden voltage resitance. A company named Smartec designed and produced all of the electrical parts and drive assemblies. It really is a much simpler machine than a gas powered zero turn which I'm real familiar with too. Way fewer parts compared to the gas powered with the hydraulic pumps and such.

[DennisM]

I´d keep an eye on those tires, they might scratch the floor

[askbob]