Raven MPV 7100: 1 Year Review

[@aspenwells8240]

So basically a Prius that cuts grass

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

lol if you want to put it that way.... But I wouldn't call it that.

[@microsoftwindowslover8346]

Aspen Wells ??

[@roni1976]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheFarmallfarmer]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 brother that's not an off router. That thing cannot go anywhere. My Honda ATV can go get a normal riding mower not some Prius riding mower.

[@pineyhavenhomestead8947]

I just bought one of these used. I am very happy with it. I have a small pasture that is very hilly and this is perfect for keeping it mowed.

[@alextran8188]

I think the idea of this mower is great but the quality of it is not the best. Honda or Husqvarna or somebody should buy the patent from this mower and create a better version of it.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

My thoughts exactly. Great idea, poorly executed.

[@coyote102076]

agree! A big company needs to adopt this. BadBoy already made a electric sideXside UTV, and builds kick ass ZTR's, they have the R&D and assets to build one if they only *would* :-D

[@andybub45]

yeah

[@timchaney2644]

all parts are made in china imported and assmbled here in the states ,first generation of these had to much torc on mower deck and would break off blade bolts and blades would fly out for under it and they catch on fire i worked for one of the stores that sold them and we got everyone we sold back for fires and blade problems

[@spencers4121]

Only took me about 2 mins of looking over one to say hell no, I knew the thing would be falling apart in a year. Way to plastic, to be of any use even light duty work. Felt like I was going to break something just looking over it.

[@Haderg33]

That's probably why it smokes. It starts up then the engine is at full speed right off the hop. If it warmed up at a slower speed it wouldn't smoke.

[@spencers4121]

It's burning off oil that's collected, why it goes away so fast.

[@allensandven0]

Dude let it warm up and never run WOT (wide open throttle) with out a load on engine! Your valves are likely needing adjustment

[@conner5611]

@@allensandven0 it only has one running speed

[@ReeForLife]

HG TV there is no throttle!!

[@5spottedbass]

My father in law owns one of these. It's a $3000.00 POS. It might be fine for scooting around back and forth to the mailbox but it's a death trap when used as a mower

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

So far I've enjoyed it as a mower. My main problem with it has been reliability. I've had a few issues since this video

[@carl6405]

How is it a death trap for mowing?

[@1001-u6r]

A death trap for mowing? How is that possible?

[@gjm8220]

I have had my Raven for 3 years no issues, I did haul too much and literally ripped off the tow bar, but is replaceable, other than that it's a beast, fast, maybe to fast,

[@yubtypin]

I think its pretty cool. It reminds me of a KLR650. It may not do anything in particular the best but will do it all.

[@redneckbryon]

I would love to purchase one of those, but they are not sold by Lowe's-Home Depot Canada But I definitely see some engineering flaws some of which you pointed out. The Hi-Lo should be more accessible like from the driver seat. Same with the choke you would think it would be accessible from the driver seat. Theory on why it doesn't have a throttle cable the generator needs to run at a certain RPM to produce power.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

That's a good theory. It's really hard to find one of these to buy nowadays

[@redneckbryon]

qqjmcb 182 I found a few on eBay if I had the money I would definitely import one.

[@mrX-fd4dz]

Fuck Rick Bubbles shut up hey Ricky fook you

[@andersonnettleship845]

I’ve had my Raven MPV 7100 for 3 years now and have only had minor issues with the exception of bending a blade motor shaft and blade when I hit a hidden stump. It isn’t perfect but it does a good job cutting grass and having generator that you can drive is handy on a farm. Sadly Denver Global (Manufacturer) doesn’t make the Raven anymore but they are fully supporting it. If you need a replacement motor thy sell them a Harbor Freight for about $365.00. With the all electric drive and mower deck the Raven will cut tall wet grass better than any other lawnmower available today.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yes it's a good machine, just has a few bugs.

[@TheSaltblock]

Im 4 years in with mine. Theres a forum for ravens which a couple guys still have parts. Ive replaced motors and controllers on my deck. You can easily find comparable batteries online. Other than the deck and batteries, ive had no issues.

[@WmLatin]

@@TheSaltblock Could you post a link to the forum? (I'm buying a used Raven.) I found the defunct mgfr/importer site on Facebook- with tons of people complaining... :-( I still like the idea of this machine... We'll see I guess.

[@TheSaltblock]

@@WmLatin raven-mpv.proboards.com/thread/2/welcome-raven-mpv-forum Alot of good advice on there. The mower deck will be 90% of your problems. Lots of luck!

[@Matthewjforester]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182Hi, i was wondering if you could help me find replacement air filters?

[@winstonyoder2319]

That mower seems like a pos nothing about is makes it useful in one area

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

everyone has their own opinions

[@winstonyoder2319]

A Rural Vermonter - Qqjmcb 182 that is true

[@brandonmurphy4657]

Absoulte garbage

[@NHHalKnowsHow]

That's crazy how fast it goes!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

it's got some pep!

[@carl6405]

Have to say, I love mine too! I use this machine for many things.. I flipped the tow bar up and attached a 1 7/8 ball hitch and easily tows my utility trailer around. Have cut trees down and pulled them up to an area for cutting up. Towed 19ft ski boat thru the yard to move out of way. Yanked up roots with it. My 48v battery went out and found the battery is simply a series of 4 12v motorcycle batteries, so thats an easy fix when you have this problem. Just remove the battery from the rear, figure out the bat battery and get a new 12v motorcycle battery from Walmart or auto parts store. Have had other issues, but was under warranty. Company was great and came to my house to fix or replaced the whole machine. I have also powered my 31ft travel trailer with it and with the AC running! Also, this machine has got us through a few power outages after storms with its 7000w generator. This machine was a hell of an idea. Too bad they are not making it any more, but glad i bought one.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I'm glad I bought one too. They are great

[@WmLatin]

Thanks for the insight- I'm probably buying one (used) and it's very helpful.

[@christisstanley2348]

Greatly appreciate and found very informative

[@colinthepanamerican]

electric mode is that you can ride it without the generator engine running, so that means there are 2 motors one is the generator, which it runs on gas, and one is the electric motor that runs on batteries, and it would mean that they both use the batteries at the same time

[@colinthepanamerican]

if you want to ride it on mornings, you set it to electric mode so that it is quiet and not wake everyone in the neighborhood up, and then if you want to use it like at noon or the afternoon, you can use the generator engine

[@yebx9366]

The reason you cant mess with motor rpms is because of the generator function of it. The assembly used for most generators does not perform well with the speed of the engine changing at random.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

That makes sense

[@Dana_Watson]

My man, got a rifle on the riding mower lol. Good informative review, thanks.

[@mattjohnson8090]

It's a air rifle

[@liveandletlive2894]

Murica

[@electrohacker]

how does a suspension and a mowing deck not fight each other at every chance?

[@thnksno]

Yeah, while I have a bit more invested. I'll stick with my JD Z930M, Honda Pioneer 500 and cheap Champion generator. Each unit does great at what it's supposed to do rather than all combined into one mediocre unit.

[@gracedashnaw]

Hey! I have one of these, love it. I am down near Jacksonville, VT. Have you had problems with the generator? The last two times i used it, the generator seems to be putting out 1/2 or less power. Any ideas? Thanks

[@dangle0921]

I think the eco friendly thing went out of the window when it burned that quart of oil at startup. Has some interesting features though.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yeah lol. I fixed that issue thoigh, it was the valve seals

[@davethemagnificent2576]

Is the deck easily removed? Wouldn't think you could do much "off road" with the deck attached.

[@smoothbore4377]

So, it's "eco friendly", ... except for the smoke ?

[@jamesexploringonline872]

I know its a while back, but did you check valve stem seal ? Curious

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

No I didnt

[@jasonbranson4262]

Just watched this video today, 10/27/2021. I’m curious where this machine videoed is today. I’m also wondering if this company is even still in business. Oh, don’t you get tired of spending money on things that are supposed to make everything better, but ends up you and your purchase were only guinea pigs for companies like this? Seems that way to me.

[@eosjoe565]

You have to unload any cargo and tilt the rear bed just to start the engine?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

No just to use the choke

[@WmLatin]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 I really think one could put a cable from the choke to make it more accessible, yes? IF I get mine I'll try to do that right away... I think I'm buying a used one.

[@johnphilips6868]

That actually looks like a pretty cool machine

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

Looks like a ring issue or loose tolerances with the pistons in the block. Is this an ATV or a mower? It looks like both, with a bit of Tonka or Powerwheels added in for fun. I also thought that having a suspension on a lawn mower was a very bad idea. It would be great if the manufacturer devised a way to LOCK the suspension when in mowing mode, and then UNLOCK when you were in ATV mode. Also, the gear and choke controls are really sucky since you can't control them from the cabin area.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

it was the valve seals. its a mix between atv/mower, and i agree about the choke controls

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Premature failure. But as other has said the engine is likely a Chinese variant.

[@eds1994fatboy]

The head gasket is not the smoking problem........oil is leaking past valve seals

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Oh really? I geuss that makes sense. Damn Chinese engine

[@colindunn864]

That’s right it’s not that uncommon have a Kawasaki engine done it alls it’s life now has over 2000hr on still goes fine on a John Deere lx279

[@deerslayer4331]

I was thinking that too, my other thought would be the rings if there is dust infiltration getting past the air filter.

[@margaretgreene3004]

I am having issues finding someone to repair electrical problem and getting parts. Paid $4,000. for mine brand new in 2017. The oil cap pops off on its own and I worry about losing it while mowing. It doesn't screw down, it's held on by suction. I had good results till the electrical problem and now having problems getting it fixed. Has been sitting at the store where I bought it for approx. 2 yrs. Couldn't get parts. Then at my son's diesel shop, same problem couldn't get parts. Now I have a friend who has it in his trailer trying to find a good repair dealer or mower repair person. It gets hot, has to totally cool down to recrank and. runs till it gets hot again. No one has any suggestions on who or how to get it fixed. Appreciate any help I can get on this problem to repair the machine.

[@Max-oi9es]

Can we get an update on this unit, it's almost 202 and I'm curious to know if it's still running for you? It seemed to have been riddled with issues only 1 year after purchase thanks.

[@JollUsARoint]

I see that this video is about 5 years old I just seen one of these on Facebook Market and had to see what it was all about that was a cool video man and this is a pretty cool machine👍🏻👍🏻 the one I seen was a 2015 it don't have a price but they said new about 5k I seen one as low as 500 and there's a couple on there for about 2k I think it's fair that right there would be really good for somebody that's disabled and wanted to be outside hope you have a great one thing's for the pool video man💚👍🏻👍🏻

[@williamvanlanen5314]

Hello to all. I am impressed at how difficult it is to access schematics for these units. I have had this raven for about 7 years. Purchased one, then the next year purchased another for the wife. Both smoke right off start up. They both seem to have an on/ off pulsation wile in forward position mower deck running or not as well as engine running or now or batteries only drive. We have replaced all batteries with both units and now 1 season letter one of the units will cut in and out the mower deck. Cutting power to the deck, at first, would allow the mower engine to run. Then after just a few times of this the engine died and will not restart. With both units showing the same issues I'm sure this is a simple or at least a quick fix. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Bill

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

You need to either replace or clean the carburetor. Then it will run like new

[@billybobasan]

So do you still have this mower? I have one and it stopped mowing on one side only. I went online to get some tech help and the website has disappeared. I found out its been recalled. Nobody told me! I like mine. I made sure blades were still attached. Checked connections, fuses, ect,ect. Then I tried mowing again. Mowed ok this time. Only 19 hrs on mine. Love to hear how yours is doing now.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Oh yeah I still got it! 430 hours on her and going strong. Yes, I realize their out of business, sad to hear. Luckily, if you know your way around electronics and mowers you can keep them running. Mine has had many issues, the blades wouldn't engage, the generator stopped working, and the seat safety malfunctioned, but I managed to sort of rewire it. Just let me know if you have any issues, I could try to help troubleshoot.

[@WmLatin]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Sounds like there needs to be a Facebook group or similar for owners to discuss problems, find parts, etc. You know of any?

[@slammerjaxlive]

maybe change your engine oil to a high quality if not already for the smoking, maybe a thinner oil if its only happening when its cold

[@AlamoCityPatriot]

I'm going to buy one and seller is telling everything works fine except that it won't accelerate

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

What's the price? I'm sure you could fix te acceleration, so I would definitely buy it if it is a good deal!

[@AlamoCityPatriot]

qqjmcb 182 $900 in payments here in san Antonio tx

[@AlamoCityPatriot]

qqjmcb 182 I'm buying it from a friend and he doesn't want to deal with it so he just bought a need mower so its just sitting in his garage

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Sounds like a good deal to me!

[@Bajaheat]

Southern Texan sounds like a terrible deal, $900 for a mower that doesn’t move, an electric motor powered one on top of that

[@ainialb]

Any issues with the deck fuse? 100 amp bus...

[@eugeniolopez8539]

I like the fact that it has a generator on it. What else can it do? Can you tow a garden trailer? Do they made any implements for it, like a snow shovel?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yes it has a tow rating of 800 lbs. No implements are available, in fact the company just went under

[@thepatriot4355]

You Should have gotten a Craftsman T240 T260 or T310 built like little tanks

[@eastamericantrains589]

A golf cart that can mow...

[@thelighthawkdragonsinofwrath]

With a genny. Git it right

[@robbyboi]

Cool concept, but yeah if it had a more quality build, motor etc. that would have helped. Thx for review.

[@brewandview]

any issues with the 12v battery ? When I turn the key to start, there is a clicking nose which seems to me is a dead battery. Any tips on the 12volt battery ?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

you can charge it by taking off the passenger side metal panel. and also you can replace with any walmart battery

[@brewandview]

Any tips on the relay? Heard something about jump starting the relay??

[@kd1010163]

Do you want to get rid of that jacket?

[@hunterrunion6814]

Will this video show me where the battery is

[@vtwinaddicted5852]

I love the fact that you Vermonters are so green, love your state and beer, but being green only goes so far far when the work needs done with limited time

[@DavidLee-xl3no]

brah.. its a lawn mower.... not a Rols

[@colinthepanamerican]

is that a generac generator?

[@WmLatin]

Thanks much for the review and demonstrations ! From some of the comments- anti-tech, anti-environment, even xenophobic or nationalist- it sounds like the US wasn't ready for such a machine (at a relatively cheap price). IF a US company (Is there even one of those?) made something like this they would be trying to charge 3x more for it ! I still like the idea of a multi-purpose machine...

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

You are spot on. I wish they were still made, what a great idea wasted!

[@richarddashnaw3173]

I just bought the last one from DR in Vergennes - got a great deal. I am down in Halifax. Would like to touch base with you if issues come up.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Sure I'd be happy to help if you ever have an issue.

[@richarddashnaw3173]

Thanks - should be here in a couple of days.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

One thing I feel I must metion is that it is imperative you do the intial oil change after the first 10 hour break in period. I didn't do this and my valve seals burnt up, and it was a disaster. So make sure you do the initial 10 hour oil change!

[@pamelaosche5221]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 hey i have a question for any Raven owner, while mowing we lose power to the gas peddle and it doesn't do any thing .. What is the issue and how can we fix it. ?!? Thanks so much

[@conniesteiner7869]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 can you help me? My 7100 raven starts, but won't go forward or reverse.

[@prylosecorsomething3194]

Do they sell these without the mower deck because I've already got a zero turn and I kind of want one of these just for fun

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

You might be able to get one like that on ebay

[@BJ-pg8te]

Buy one then take deck off

[@rzr8hunnid517]

Get a fourwheeler

[@wildbill23c]

Yeah its called buy an ATV. These things are a joke, there's a reason they're not sold anymore because they were garbage from the beginning.

[@BJ-pg8te]

William Todd yeah you could get a atv and a decent size generator for the same price as it was sold for

[@debohannan4315]

Well it was a great idea , to bad it was built on yesterday's technology , wonder how difficult it would be to modify it for lifepo4's and a much quieter motor ? Could even use a twin cylinder low rpm onan with better batteries , but that would make it larger , heaver an certainly more expensive but what a useful machine it could be .

[@kurtyoung6769]

Smoking on start up yet clearing up after starting is a symptom of overfilling. This engine requires the dipstick to be dipped not screwed in to check.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

this dipstick doesn't screw in, It just rests in. Also i think it is the oil slipping past the valve seals

[@MauriceNL1]

Why does it rev so high. If i start my mower (it's a push mower but that doesn't matter) i start it on the lowest rpm possible. It doesn't have a choke tho

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

There is not throttle control so idk why

[@kennyplay5982]

So, it's either 17 mph or 6? Electric and vary,?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yep anywhere from 0-17 mph but furst gear tops at 6

[@kennyplay5982]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 so there's a pedal to go faster and slower??

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

@@kennyplay5982 yeah

[@earlrief4441]

Can you help me find anyone now around the country to order parts from and who I can talk to who might still know how to do repairs on it since Raven is out of business and so are their parts partners......Please any HELP you maybe able to extend?! Thanks! Or Can I talk to you to run by issues I'm having? When I turn over the key it clicks but the motor won't start? However the Raven runs find on electric. Any ideas whats wrong? Or how to fix this issue?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

You either need a battery starter or starter solenoid. You can buy parts off the raven forum

[@999thenewman]

I think my comment got zapped. I was going to ask you if you'd be kind enough to do a two year review on the Raven since passing the second anniversary.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Oh yeah I didn't see that comment, I could do a 2 year review later this month most likely

[@999thenewman]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Sounds like a plan. I appreciate you. Thanks. (And yes, I have another item in. It'll be ready in about a week.)

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

no prob

[@kennyplay5982]

Is Raven still in business?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Not anymore

[@crawfordoverton4883]

the reason you have control speed of engine because the speed is set for generator to produce full power anything less wouldn't do

[@andybub45]

That smoking shows a cheap chinese made engine. Did Rayven make it?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yes the whole machine is pretty cheaply made. I'm not sure who manufactures the engine.

[@outdoorsman7870]

The smoke is because the engine is warming up most riders do that so does my cub cadet

[@rishiviner2477]

so it is a mobile genset then With a mower deck

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

sure

[@Futurebeefcake]

I think if Kawasaki took over the motor and Husqvarna teamed up this mower would be great

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

that would be great

[@kennyplay5982]

What kind of engine is on it?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

430 cc Chinese engine

[@bron5025]

I think this thing was recalled.

[@MichalM]

Why's there a gun there?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

because that's where i put it

[@deerslayer4331]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 I was thinking the same thing, kind none of anyone's business.

[@kennyplay5982]

No throttle control?? That's nuts. No wonder it smokes

[@atomoai]

That's how generators work. You can't throttle a loaded generator.

[@zachzimmerman7076]

What kind of engine is it

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

It isn't branded, so just some chinese brand.

[@eds1994fatboy]

To me......that is a PONFJ a piece of new fangled junk.....so good luck

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I also wish it was made a little better. They don't make things like they used to, all plastic and cheap parts. I'll try to make this one last though

[@reinhardeder8268]

would you sell it to me?

[@TheSaltblock]

I have one for sale in Working order for $1000 if you are interested.

[@reinhardeder8268]

@@TheSaltblock I am interested just need to find out how much is shipping to Mexico

[@reinhardeder8268]

@@TheSaltblock thanks let's stay in touch

[@lightallseasonlawncareexte98]

Great concept but to far ahead of its time. Denver company needs a revival or a merger with todays top battery mower brands like mean green or ego

[@markchidester6239]

Made it to the driveway scene. What a POS! Hopefully you didn't pay more than $1500 for it. I'd be amazed if it lasted 5 years.

[@bryco32]

Id rather have the Toro behind it.

[@catbobification]

In one year that line motor is junk shouldn’t smoke shouldn’t come apart everything should still work like new

[@jamescayton8037]

Maybe an oil problem

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

it was oil leaking past the valve seals

[@07decker]

that smoke is oil burning, if it was a head gasket, it would be toast already.

[@drchungus2877]

Hi bob

[@srtraightpipedexhaust5699]

Your that kinda of mechanic that does oil changes every 30 hours that’s being too much Ive been working on lawnmowers and anything with a engine and I know you don’t crap about what ur working on

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

i like to take care of my things.

[@owenstapley6825]

You could drive it in the winter and plug in a heating blanket into it

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I do drive it in winter, but a heating blanket would be helpful

[@georgefulmer8824]

that looks like steam from the muffler from condinsation

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I wish! It turned out to be oil leaking past the valve seals.

[@carl6405]

Did you over fill the oil when you changed your oil?

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

No. The valve seals had failed. It was just the Chinese heimg cheap. The machine is fine now though

[@colinthepanamerican]

a mowing ATV? thats strange

[@frankie-stein7649]

It's garbage dont buy it

[@colinthepanamerican]

@@frankie-stein7649 what the fuck

[@frankie-stein7649]

@@colinthepanamerican exactly what I said the raven was a total Failure cheaply made way overpriced garbage raven is now out of business for building this travesty

[@frankwenos641]

Valve stem seals no good, engine need work,Valve beautiful machine.

[@ROTAXD]

Bad valve seals.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yes your right

[@michaelleonard318]

It's a lawn mower

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yes that is one of its abilities

[@blank6297]

Yea do sea foam

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

I would like to

[@banshee8989]

valve guides are shot. When the engine is off the oil seeps from the heads through the guides.... and into the combustion chambers. on start up, the engine burns the oil out and cleans up.

[@melissanichols3496]

It looks like a supte up lawn mower

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Pretty much

[@_multiverse_]

Small engines aren't built to the tightest tolerances...things need to be to expand and seal properly

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yep

[@mcw0530]

So it’s basically a POS

[@eddholman1084]

/

[@SurviventheOnslaught]

great idea but it a piece of trash

[@frankie-stein7649]

It's pure garbage overrated overpriced garbage all the Raven is

[@GideonMcCarthy]

Yep

[@zachzimmerman7076]

What kind of engine is it

[@js_1995x]

420cc