OwnerIan Reed
LocationLeesport, Pennsylvania United States map
Vehicle1974 John Deere 312
This tractor broke its gas engine 20 years
ago and has been collecting dust in our barn
since then. We decided to revive it with
electric power.
MotorMars ME 0708 Permanent Magnet DC
DrivetrainJ.Deere Hydrostatic
Controller
None. The Hydrostatic transmission governs
speed very well.
Batteries16, 3.20 Volt, Lithium Iron Phosphate
Used 16 x 40 amp-hr CALB Lithium batteries. Very light and compact. Expensive but worth it. Stored
all winter (down to -5 deg F once) without battery refresher and maintained full charge
till Spring.
System Voltage48 Volts
ChargerBlack & Decker 48 Volt Golf Cart charger
DC/DC Converter
None.
InstrumentationBattery state of charge meter.
Top Speed10 MPH (16 KPH)
Replaced 12 Hp Kohler engine. Now quicker
than before.
AccelerationYes.
RangeStill to be determined. Been towing small
trailer for nearly an hour and still has
charge left.
Watt Hours/MileUnknown.
Seating CapacityJust 1 person.
Curb Weight0
Saved 120 lbs over the gasoline version.
Tires1974 originals
Conversion TimeWorked slowly over a Fall and Winter.
Started in August 2013. Finished in April
2014.
Conversion CostThis was not a cheap project. Bought all
new and replacement parts on eBay and
Craig's List over time. Waited until there
was a sale before buying the Lithium
batteries. Otherwise its been cheaper than
a new tractor.
This was a joint project between friends. Josh Eller did most
of the work and I paid the bills.

The conversion was designed from the start to be a tow vehicle
with no mowing capacity (I have an 84" deck on a JD Diesel for
that).
Has been a great tow vehicle. My wife tows the garbage can down to the end of the street with it.

Always starts. Shuts on/off easily. Virtually no noise and no
exhaust smell.

code by jerry