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Picking a tractor for an electric conversion project...

H

HomeBru

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I am finishing up an alternative fuels project with a group of students where we converted two go-karts, one to Propane and one to electric power. We"ve had a blast but when it"s over, I"ll have a 48v electric system that I want to put into a smaller row-crop tractor. I"d LOVE to do a Allis-Chalmers G, but they"re getting tough to find and not too cheap when you do. Thinking maybe a Farmall Cub. Finding implements will be important as well! PTO not so much.

Right now it would be purely for fun, but would be used for cultivation of 1-3 acre truck farm.

Ideas or suggestions? A tractor with the engine NOT integral to the frame would be best, but I can work around that since most are. It"ll just take some "engineering".

J-
 
Oliver 60 is too big too much weight he is trying to use small power to run a tractor. He will soon find out about moving weight from here to there.
 
Allis B/C cheap and easy to find if a non-runner. Farmall Cub maybe but even non-running cost more then the AC B/C. Ford N series JD B or H Or maybe a MN pony etc. One with frame rails would make it easy to do what you want but most get up a bit bigger like maybe a WC/WD/WD45 all have frame rails so batteries etc would be an easy fit
 
That was my thought to, Gene 60 would be pretty heavy even without the engine. There have been a few guys that have done G conversions successfully and I've seen one Cub that was cobbled together fairly well.

thx!
 
F12, 14, 20, etc. Simple disconnect at the rear of the engine, similar to Oliver. Should find a junker for $500 or so.
 
Watch out if you plan to use an industrial battery, most batteries weigh in at 4000# and up. Will take alot of room and strong frame.
Small 12 volt battery"s in series will not give you much amp hour run rime.
 
We're using 8v deep cycle golf cart batteries. run time will vary based on speed, but we should do well enough to "play".
 
An Allis B or C or a Farmall Cub would be poor choices as the engine is used as part of the frame on these models.
A Massey Pony, Gibson or another tractor with a full frame would be my choice.
Gibson would be esp good as they are belt drive to beging with and would not require machining an adapted to connect an electric motor to the drives.
Hmmm my Agricat would make a good unit to electrify... Belt drive requiring 5-10 HP, The weight of the batteries would be an asset instead of a liability. Easy to ad electric/hydraulics to. I think you just inspired next winters project!!
There is a great website on Allis G conversions but I Agree that they are pricey and hard to find.
 
could I ask where are you?? I built an electric pick-uo some time ago using a fork lift motor, my biggest situation was variable speed control.
 
I'm in NW Indiana, Chesterton to be exact. I have a friend that converted a Chevy S-10 to full electric.
 
Why not re-think that engine not integral to the frame requirement? It would be pretty easy to weld up a frame to replace the engine block in a Farmall Cub or Farmall A/B/C tractor or AC B/C. Those would be easier to find implements for as well.

How about a "Super Garden Tractor" like the John Deere 400 or the comparable Cub Cadet as a base. Hydrostat drive might be a lot easier to work with although less efficient.
 
we need to talk!!! I am in south central, have brother in cville. I would like to find extended cab s10 or ranger as I am tell and ranger I started with reg cab. I will use small gas constant speed for engine for heat&cooling sower steering and some charging,as sure would extend range,Let it run while at coffee shop. 812 699 0011
 
we need to talk!!! I am in south central, have brother in cville. I would like to find extended cab s10 or ranger as I am tell and ranger I started with reg cab. I will use small gas constant speed for engine for heat&cooling sower steering and some charging,as sure would extend range,Let it run while at coffee shop. 812 699 0011
 
I'm okay with that, in fact I have a 2N that may become the first candidate. I'd just prefer to keep the fabrication to a minimum. I weld about as well as I fly...

J-
 
Why dont you build acomplete tractor .gather up tarts;rearend,trans,steering,axles,etc.,start from the trans,and workaroundit,building a tractor.Have fun with it!...An F-12 ,as previously stated,would be a great place to start
 
Battery carriage may be an issue along with the weight. The F-20 or AC"s WD or WC with the drop clearance between drive tires putting the weight right on the drop axles where it belongs.
 
I vote for a Farmall B or BN. With the space under the chassis, and engine compartment, a frame could be easily fabricated to hold the front bolster.
If you decide to do it and need welding I will ask my brother if he wants to get involved.
I went to Cheese High. I now live in MN. Jim
 
If you were thinking G ac then the near easy small frame would be pony massey.. Small with frame to make it a easy project besides there are many with wore out motors..
 
I saw a Cub sort of like that once. It was solar powered (a large canopy held the solar panels).
It had a number of batteries on and under it.
All he did was remove the pistons, but left the crank in.
The electric motor drove it be way of the PTO with pulleys and V-belt.
It looked kind of strange but seemed to have power to pull a heavy load.
 
While both are small companies and I doubt they could afford to donate a tractor-----

Why don"t you contact either Tuff-bilt tractors or Saukeville tractors to see if they would supply the basic tractor sans engine.

http://www.tuff-bilt.com/
http://saukvilletractor.homestead.com/

I agree with others about building from scratch.

Good article for those that have never read about such conversions.
www.brookssolar.com/pdfs/electrictractor.pdf
http://www.flyingbeet.com/electricg/
Tuff bilt
 
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