Murray Electric Riding Mower Conversion

My attempt at converting a Gas Riding Mower to Electric. In this video you will see the finished product of the conversion. It uses a 44V-48V lithium battery pack from a GM/Chevy Volt as the power source.
My newer conversion is available here: • John Deere - EV Conver...
John Deere Electric Conversion:
• John Deere Riding Mowe...
GoKart Electric Conversion:
• Playlist
Electric mower Build Details
1. Motor: ME-1004
www.evdrives.com/product_p/mo...
2. Contactor: SOL400 (add the suppression diode)
www.evdrives.com/ProductDetai...
3. Wire Lugs: 0 - 2 gauge
www.evdrives.com/product_p/wl...
4. Fuse: 400 Amp
www.evdrives.com/product_p/fs...
5. BMS: 12s 4.2v/cell
www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...
6. Chevy Volt battery module:
www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-Volt-L...
7. Wire RED and BLACK: 10ft:
www.evdrives.com/product_p/wc...
8. Alltrax SPM-48400 DC motor controller:
alltraxinc.com/spm-products/

[@JerryRigged]

Folks may be interested in other Electric Conversions I have done such as: 1. Go-Kart: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nInHYamQaquVo9U 2. John Deere: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIDZp3awechpp8U 3. Husqvarna: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3OlZ6Zqm56Fj5o

[@ScottTheis]

Super cool! Hey, whatever your video is doing, it gave me vertigo, and I nearly threw up. LOL.

[@dustintesky9621]

I do the same thing rc cars and looking at doing a conversion on my atv as well as possibly a snow machine if I feel comfortable after the atv

[@merkurmaniac]

Jerry, I am about to embark on something similar but different. I have a 48V chevy volt module, and the mot energy Me-0708 motor, so I'll be running at 48V constant, no motor controller. I'll be posting some KZbin videos. The main difference is that my mower will be a snapper rear engine rider with a continuously variable friction disc transmission that should not consume much power, as it will be doing almost nothing when Idle. Dunno about run time. My lawn is a little bigger than yours, so good to know that you can cut with one battery, as that's all I'll have. Nice videos. Good tinkering.

[@merkurmaniac]

Sorry, ME-1004 motor that I am using.

[@JerryRigged]

Hey sorry, just noticed this response. I hope the conversion went well for you. Did you end up needing more batteries? I personally am running two in parallel now on my converted John Deere. I do worry about overheating with a motor without any load at full tilt.

[@Farmerjoefred-cv2vy]

Hi great video, thanks . What sort of motor is best? If I used a 48v 1000w motor at about 3000-3500 rpm would that do the job? I don't want to mow with it, I am just converting it as a ride on for my young son and it will not have deck or blades. Also would it be best to have a geared motor to create more torque? Thanks

[@JerryRigged]

That RPM range is about accurate for most mowers. For just a ride on, without a deck, 48v may be too much. A mower without a hydrostatic transaxle will transfer torque to the drivetrain immediately causing wheelies.

[@mygiguser]

Do you have a video of this tractor mowing?

[@JerryRigged]

Yes and No. I have a video of the same components on another electric riding mower I built mowing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmQnKSEqqZjaac

[@AaronPaluzzi]

Looking to do the same conversion. I have the motor already and I'm about to order the volt module. Have you found the BMS to be necessary or not? Are you still bypassing it?

[@AaronPaluzzi]

Thanks for the input Jerry! I've decided to forego one for now. Most of my components are here minus my crimp lugs and charger. That's my next order. I saw you using a battery monitor and voltmeter. Mind sharing links to what you used? I've had a hard time finding a monitor for a 12s setup.

[@JerryRigged]

@@AaronPaluzzi www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WW0IL7U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NZV7K3G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 the links are for my two different meters. One is for overall charge remaining and the other is the voltage i am sending into the motor

[@RicardoVargas-dy9tf]

what kind of power are you getting out of it compared at what you had before (gas motor). I have a zero turn ride mower in need of a new motor but I'm looking to rather do an electric conversion. the old motor is from a Kohler 18hp. when it comes to electric, not sure how to determine the right motor application for the mower.

[@dickmorris2149]

What motor did you use? Can you send a link or model number? AC or DC?

[@JerryRigged]

@@dickmorris2149 Sure, you would want an ME1004. I received mine as part of a kit from evdrives.com

[@fendergrab123]

What BMS are you using?

[@JerryRigged]

I got the BMS off of Ebay. I do not know that it has a name but here is a link: www.ebay.com/i/322370780260?chn=ps

[@roberto.wallrath3034]

what was the cost to convert?

[@JerryRigged]

About $1300

[@evansolomon169]

@@JerryRigged oof! Looks like I won't be doing this then.

[@edgrier7254]

Thank you for sharing your project. How much money do you think you have in this project? an you provide a list of materials?

[@JerryRigged]

No problem. About $1100 into this one at the time. There is a list of materials in the description with links to the original products.

[@danielauen7790]

Whats the top speed?

[@JerryRigged]

I never measured the original but this feels to have a bit more kick and top end. Because I am using the original transaxle, this is not a speed machine lol

[@phatpunxs64]

how's the mower working 4 years later?

[@JerryRigged]

I still use the same components in a John Deere tractor. It works great still

[@Disneyforlife14]

links to products would be nice :)

[@JerryRigged]

Most of the electronics are from evdrives at: www.evdrives.com/product_p/ck-1004.htm

[@JerryRigged]

Other parts such as the Chevy volt batteries are from eBay. My BMS is from AliExpress, I cannot find the original product but the key is to search for a 12s lipo balancer. Any voltage or amperage readings are from : SMAKN® DC 12v 24V 36V 48V 60V 72V 96V Acid lead batteries percentage capacity indicator LED Tester voltmeter(Default 72v) www.amazon.com/dp/B00WW0IL7U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.uH4Cb7PEENFE

[@JerryRigged]

I have added the parts list that for some reason I kept forgetting about. The parts are in the description now

[@doingstufforatleasttrying4843]

How is it working? Do you still have it? Just curious how it worked for you and if you had any issues that needed to be resolved. I recently built one myself with a 36 volt dc motor and it works good for now. I will subscribe..

[@JerryRigged]

It worked very well until the hydrostatic transmission went out on the chasis. I ended up using a different chasis, 2 times over at this point ;-). I was given a John Deere with a blown engine, then a few years later I purchased a Husqvarna with another bad engine. Both of which I actually have videos for if you are interested. John Deere: kzbin.info/aero/PLTgcaSqX6FAALoibqbmBFPYstTfzE5q6u Husqvarna: kzbin.info/aero/PLTgcaSqX6FAB9LBwNte1Cp7Jmtk91UPuq Overall, I was very pleased with the mowers. In the end, they always mowed the entire yard with plenty of power to spare. I did eventually dismantle and sell the John Deere and Rebuilt the Husqvarna with a replacement engine and sold it as well because I purchased a broken Husqvarna Zero Turn that I have since fixed and have been using. As soon as that engine dies or... I get bored enough... I will be converting it as well :D For now, I have 1 of the ME1004 motors powering an electric Yerf Dog Go Kart. Here is that playlist if you are interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLTgcaSqX6FAAL6G0dKeM356ImdEbDr9ks

[@doingstufforatleasttrying4843]

@@JerryRigged I did watch all of your videos. Very well done. Thanks so much for the reply. I think we all go through the swapping out from this to that. It’s funny, I feel we always try to get bigger and better. I watched several videos and yours are much better than most. I did the same to a craftsman riding mower, (but I’m looking for a John Deere or something better than this basic mower) for now it’s working. I used 3 12 volt batteries which was my first mistake. I will most likely take them apart and add a 36 volt BMS and do away with the battery balancer. I used a floor burnisher motor. (Brushed dc 36 volts) it’s about the same power if not more than the gas engine I took out. Again great job… Here is mine if you are interested. Thanks again for the reply.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6KcaJ-mq5yghJosi=mYm53Uo2j73_Fs4l

[@izmark671]

5

[@bjl1000]

You know is Jury-rig, right?

[@JerryRigged]

Right... but my name is Jerry ;-)

[@mbrenengen]

Don't cut the bolts off the battery or all the plates will separate and not go back together.

[@JerryRigged]

I had to recently for a different build. I just used two large bar clamps to hold everything together while I did it.

[@solexxx8588]

Great video. Blow your nose or give up the coke. lol

[@MaddMax458]

Rude! Go show how you could have done better. He did far better than you talking heads.

[@larrydrader3720]

He needs to think through the video before he starts. To disjointed

[@MaddMax458]

Go show how you could have done better. He did far better than you talking heads.

[@zip-tv_]

What about electric motors for the deck?

[@JerryRigged]

I know they make them now. They were much more difficult and expensive to find at the time. I would probably try to find some refurb units off eBay from actual electric riders and wire them in. The issue is the motors are usually brushless now, you would need a controller for each