Toro Lawn Tractor Electric Conversion

This is a Walk Around and a quick Demo ride of a Toro LX460 Lawn Tractor that I converted to electric. It is using a constant speed, 48V DC motor, four 12V/ 110aH AGM batteries, 400A contactor, battery monitor system and other devices as outlined in the video. See more at www.rvbprecision.com

[@thorflot]

Have watched through a few of your videos, just wanted to commend you on your thorough-ness (if that is a word?). Really nice to see installs and work that is planned out and executed properly. All wires and connectors securely mounted, decent size wiring, no loose strands, no excess tape or bits hanging around. And so on. I really like this! Btw, good audio without lots of noise, and clear voice too! 10/10!

[@roybertalotto6355]

Thank You! I try to do it right......

[@steeltoeboots9591]

Now that's a clean and crisp setup very well done. Think I might give it a whirl with my old one...

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

great work!

[@RyanBertalotto]

Dad, This is incredible, you never cease to amaze me

[@roybertalotto6355]

@ps10iceman I would love to spend more time with my kids, but in todays world, they move away to college and sometimes fall in love and move far away. Ugh!

[@HoytVoeun]

Great job Sir.👍

[@MsBugativeyron]

Nice job sir!!

[@solexxx8588]

How did you get the motor located in the correct position on the mounting plate? Where did you get the mounting plate?

[@clsherian]

Slap a solar panel array up above your head for a few extra amps, and shade. You could probably add a couple extra batteries up there too. This is genius. I would love to build one of these with some Toro reel cutter heads to mow my Bermuda.

[@roybertalotto6355]

Would take a solar panel the size of my yard to keep up with the electrical needs of the tractor...😁

[@garyostendorf776]

Impressive, beautiful workmanship

[@energymarketchile]

Congratulations for the clean project execution! To increase efficiency I'd had considered a Brushless DC motor as it provides more torque at lower speeds, and basically you won't need to have the motor running all time. Probably with a 2KW 48V BLDC motor, with 3-speeds selector (in the controller) you could achieve the same performance...

[@caseymoss459]

would also be better to use Lithium batteries

[@boojiecentoobie4272]

What do you mean “you won’t have to have the motor running all the time “?

[@roybertalotto6355]

Here is a full article on the build along with products and pricing.... rvbprecision.com/machine-tools-welding/lawn-garden-tractor-conversion-to-electric.html

[@ElectricTractor]

I commend you on a very neat professional conversion, I started converting them over 20 years ago and have developed a design that can cut 2- 3 acres grass using 4 x 6v deep cycle golf cart batteries, I use small motors and electronic speed control, Tractor videos youtube

[@roybertalotto6355]

Brian, Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I've seen your system and even contacted you about it. It is an excellent system for someone that wants a more turnkey installation. Nice work!

[@charlieson3394]

Hi Roy. Very Nice Work. I have a similar Toro LX420 42" deck and If I use the existing cutting deck belt connect to the motor your way, do you think the motor can handle it? Power and RPM wise? Or need more batteries? Or 4 x 12V will do and just cutting time will be too short?

[@roybertalotto6355]

The motor has more than enough power. But the batteries would be depleted much faster.

[@jbncnow]

Isnt the batteries a lot of weight for that stamped steel frame? I have an old 80s Model Toro/ Wheel Horse 312 hydro with a horizintal Koeler 12 hp engine, the frame is basically 2 pieces of 1.5 x1.5 in angle iron so i dont think the extra weight would be a problem but on my tractor the rear end diff is as as big as a small car so even with the fuel tank out theres no room for any battery this big, mabey i can fabricate a platform on the back or something or use different batteries

[@roybertalotto6355]

Yes it was. But more importanly the transmission didn't last a few days. The electric motor's torque was just too much. I removed everything and put it into a John Deere 214....A "MAN's Tractor"....read about it here www.rvbprecision.com

[@danielleyva7881]

Amazing!!!

[@kingfishplaz2800]

Hello Mr. Bertalotto, I'm part of the STEM Academy at Grassfield High School. In my capstone class, we are required to pick a project where we would be using our engineering skills to complete a project of our choice. My group and I were watching your video and It inspired us to choose a project where we would be converting a gas powered ride-on lawn mower to a fully electric one, mainly for recreational use since we would be removing the deck/cutting blades to make it more of a an ATV. I was wondering if you would be willing to serve as a mentor for our project where we would essentially be asking you for advice on how to proceed with certain parts of the project. For example, how to set up the electric motor. Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you!

[@roybertalotto6355]

We have conversed through email. Looking forward to working with you folks!

[@arthurkuntz1525]

AS WE BUY ELECTRIC MOWERS WE SHOULD BE BUYING SOLAR PANELS AS WELL HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I NEED

[@solbuilders]

Hi. This is an awesome idea but am I right in reading the comments that this set up did not last in this mower with the transmission failing?

[@roybertalotto6355]

Yes, A little lawn tractor (not a Garden Tractor) could not handle the torque of a 13 HP electric motor. All the components were moved to a Garden Tractor with no issues.

[@prozacgodretro]

When you said there wasn't a speed controller I was kind of thinking that might not be the best but the more I look at it, the more I'm like you know that's not really that bad. It's a much cheaper conversion for utility vehicle that doesn't need really great efficiencies. I wonder what the comparison on where of the motor is over time versus replacement of motor controllers over time... Like is it the same cost 20 years from now, because you've replaced the motor? Overall great build, I like how tidy you made the engine compartment

[@roybertalotto6355]

Thank You...This motor was designed to run at constant 3300 to 3600 rpm. One way we might be able to estimate longevity is by heat. So far, the motor has never gone above 100 degrees. Even when working hard on a 80 degree plus day. The only high wear / needs replacement device would be the contactor. Over time, the contacts could erode although this contactor is super heavy duty with silver plated contacts......We shall see. But at less than an hour or so a week for 6 months out of the year, I'm expecting it to outlive me...I'm 68 years old!

[@scottnevil]

How long does the charge last?

[@roybertalotto6355]

All depends on what you are doing. General yard work it lasts all day. Mowing with the three electric mower motors operating, about an hour.

[@boojiecentoobie4272]

Nicely engineered! How are the batteries holding up 2 years on? LiFePO4 prices are down and they pack so much more energy per pound.

[@roybertalotto6355]

Two years and batteries are still perfect. As much as I use the tractor I've never seen them below 60%. I like the added weight of AGM and they cost $180 each. I just converted my travel trailer over to LI and spent $450 each for batteries with cold temp charge disconnect. I replaced my trolling motor AGM with the least expensive Li battery I could find. $350. Much less cost than a few years ago, but not needed on this project. You can read all about my Li projects on my web page www.rvbprecision.com

[@chrisE815]

So you have approximately 5280 watt hours of capacity but you can only mow for 30 to 45 minutes?

[@caseymoss459]

thats the downside to lead acid batteries

[@chrisE815]

@@caseymoss459 watt hours is a watt hour. I'm just surprised he can't mow longer

[@caseymoss459]

@@chrisE815 Watt Hours isnt the only thing you have to take into account with lead acid batteries, you also have to take into account Voltage, when doing something like this Voltage can drop pretty quick when you use lead acid

[@solexxx8588]

It's not the batteries. The motor is running full speed all the time. You need a motor controller and a throttle. It should be direct drive as well. A hydrostatic transmission eats batteries. An electric transaxle is a better idea.

[@boojiecentoobie4272]

@@solexxx8588 have you found an affordable electric transaxle?

[@corylwillrise]

I"m interested in seeing a hydrostatic electric conversion. I've never seen any person try that, but i'd imagine it's possible

[@roybertalotto6355]

Me too...Find me a 400 John Deere with no motor!

[@corylwillrise]

@@roybertalotto6355 well I have a John Deere 316 with no motor I was going to convert to diesel but I used the the 318 carcass to do this. The John Deere 316 has no power steering cylinder either but it has substantial hydraulics. I paid 300 dollars for this carcass, but I might sell it for less if it would become an electric tractor (for the sake of science).

[@corylwillrise]

@@roybertalotto6355 the 400s are too big

[@westcoastrider3008]

Should try out big lipo batteries, 2 4s at around 10,000mah each would do what your 4 12v lead batteries do, they would take the space of one lead battery!

[@roybertalotto6355]

But I want the weight. With tractors, weight is a good thing. And Lipo is four times more expensive.

[@westcoastrider3008]

@@roybertalotto6355 I'm looking at makeing a yard tractor electric aswell, but I'm thinking of mounting the motor on the back, a smaller motor (maybe 2) with higher rpm and lipo with speed control. Then I will have space on the font to mount a bucket from a wheelbarrow, and have a front dump. All the weight i want on the front ;)

[@Gbemudu_]

It does not make sense for the motor to idle like you. That is loosing a lot of power

[@roybertalotto6355]

Please explain. Not sure I understand. Unl;ess you think the contactor should be connected to some type of "On-Off" foot switch "gas peddle".......That might be a good idea.

[@elkvis]

I don't really understand why you would have the motor constantly running, even when you're not moving. It would be fairly easy to install a foot pedal switch to start the motor when you want to start moving. It just seems like a waste of energy for the motor to run all the time. You could even configure it to work with the existing go pedal.

[@roybertalotto6355]

I thought about doing just that. But I find when I'm using it, I very rarely are idling it.

[@Gbemudu_]

You are not making sense on the power side, dump those batteries, replace them with 18650 save in weight, have longer run time

[@thorflot]

18650s are expensive compared to lead-acid, also needs BMS, chargers etc. This is simple, and it works. Plus, the weight is bonus, adds traction.

[@Gbemudu_]

thorflot it depends on if you are using new 18650 or you are using recycled 18650, in which they both put out the same amp hour. And I am seriously guessing that you don’t know much the 18650 market and movement. It just that I have invested more than you can imagine on lead acid and it has always failed. 6 year on the same recycled 18650 is for me a better investment. You pay for what you get.

[@Gbemudu_]

thorflot I understand reluctance, but when performance is the question. 18650 is the best answer for the now. And I am not saying you should do it. But I am saying it worked for me and my family.

[@thorflot]

I'm guessing that english is not your native tounge, as some of what you are writing comes off quite rude. Your assumptions regarding my knowledge is on you, I really don't care what you think I know or not. My point stands, lead acid might simple and crude, but it works in this application.

[@roybertalotto6355]

Solomon, I need the weight. Weight = Traction on a ground engaging tractor. And the 2-3 times cost of Lithium was just too much for my budget.

[@RyanBertalotto]

Love that you are using great titles to your video.