Wow you did a great job, it’s the best one I’ve seen and really appreciate the pictures in order to get it to this professional and presentable level Also that resources list you provided is priceless, its people like you that really make researching this subject much more easier, again well done mate
Nice job on the build! I built a 4WD RC mower a few months ago and it's working pretty good. I'd like to get about a 36" walk behind like an Exmark or similar to have the electric start capability and I want a FPV camera on it also. When this mowing season is done I am going to weld a new frame for mine and get the camera.
beautifully completed project.. the hood pins are cool.. I used a lawn mower hood on the back of that skidsteer as a rear door.. one mans trash... anothers lawn mower
Great question. There is no need for mechanical brakes the motor controller has regenitive braking just applying a bit of reverse to the electric motors makes it slow down or stop while actually sending electricity to the batteries.
The best build I have seen!! Mechanics, electric, electronics, all is so well done. Are there any problems with the electronics because of vibration from the engine?
Thanks! It was fun to build and use. I didn’t have any vibration issues. I mounted the control boards on plastic standoffs so that helped isolate them even more.
I was thinking initially the front wheel didn't look right but when you explained it and it turns on a dime I understand. Doesn't it make it unstable though is my only thought? Also how difficult would it be to fully automate it so it can function all by itself. Honestly this is a great solution a lot of the vids I've seen they get over engineered making silky tracks or components you need a 20k lathe to build. This is nice.
I really appreciate simplicity in design. That's why it looks good and wants me to build one and if you don't mind I'm going to adopt the basics of your design. I'm actually in the process of building a 54" cut 4wd and would love to communicate with you if I may. Hope to hear from you and have a great 2021. From Australia.
I just connected the starter relay to the positive on one of the batteries. The starter grounds to the frame. The limited use of the starter motor pulling from one battery wasn't enough to unbalance the two 12v batteries. At first I was going to use a 24v to 12v converter but realized I can just pull power from one battery...
I get a positive pwm signal from receiver, not enough to activate a 5V relay. Relays need a ground to activate. Have high/low triggered relays on order, but concerned that outputs of receiver still not enough to activate. Could not reply to your message.
Thank you! Thank you! For taking the time of filming your build, listing the parts, making it easy... This is the perfect RC project I have been looking for. One question, thinking back is there anything you would have changed after doing this first build?
yo very good job and very nice rclm i start build mine i have all mechanical parts i want know if you accept to share your wiring plan and i want know why you don't put a alternator for reloading the batteries in mowing
Thank you. Sorry I did not have a wiring plan in writing. An alternator was not necessary because I found I could mow my lawn 3 or more times before needing to recharge the batteries. In reality I never had any issue because when I was done mowing i plugged in a battery charger.
Mitchell Brenn i used two 12v batteries from Apex batteries. Check out their website and search for APX12-35. A Set Of Two Apex 12V 35AH AGM Batteries. They are the spec batteries for a jazzy electric wheel chair. They are smaller in size but have a good amount of juice stored in them. They will last 4+ mows on a 1/4 acre house lot. No need for an alternator since those batteries last plenty long, then i just toss a standard harbor freight 12v charger on overnight. Using a single 12v charger on one battery at a time ensures they are both charged to their peak. With a 24v charger there is a chance the batteries may not be balanced if one battery is being used more than the other for the electric start, headlights, rc radio etc. Those are not much drain on one battery but over time it could make a difference.
I'm in the middel(sic) of a build now. Where did you get the voice activion device from? I wonder if installing a voltage select switch to allow the motor to run on 12v or 24v. Cool on the 12v switch.
Not sure if you are still taking questions about your mower, but can you send a schematic of the electronics hook up if possible, I want to finally build one thinking of doing a battery powered mower though
That's the coolest looking one I've seen so far, It look like it makes a very narrow cut. How wide of a cut does it make? It looks like it turned out nice, I hope it works well for you for many years to come.
Crawford Media Company Do you think an RC mower is a viable solution? Summers are miserable in SWFL and something like this with live video is tempting.
When the motors are on a wheelchair I believe they electronically lock when the chair comes to a stop. When i bought my motors they had the brakes removed already so i didn't deal with it but i believe there would be an issue getting them to operate or they simply are not necessary for this type of application.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 I want to use 95 Volt PM DC tredmill motor instead of Wheelchair motor to modify my electric mower,,. & I bought the motor driver which has the following Descriptions, Specifications: - Input supply voltage: 12V-40VDC - The maximum output power: 0.01-400W - The maximum continuous output current :8A; - The overload and short circuit protecting current is 10A - PWM frequency: 13 kHz - Item size:60 * 55 * 28mm Now Please advise me that above motor driver is good for my project.? Thanks in advance
What did you use to mount the electronics inside the box? I was thinking of using double sided velcro, but wanted to see what you used incase there's a better way. Thanks!
Nicholas for the electronics that have small holes drilled in the corners you can use stand-off mounts like these in the link below. Otherwise vhb 3m adhesive tape or Velcro is great. Electronics-Salon M2.5 Black Nylon Hex M-F Spacer/Screw/Nut Assorted Kit, for Raspberry-Pi, Standoff. www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9Q8YLE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5VGvFbM80R2FA
Very nice!!! I have built an RC mower as well (check out on my channel) it's 4wd, works great, but I want to build another one using my old 42" Craftsman riding mower with an engine that has a starter. How did you wire the starter? Can I just use battleswitches directly to the starter wires or do I need a relay? Also to kill the engine? battleswitch to ground? I haven't started the build yet just trying to get organized and get parts ordered. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
They are connected to the motor hubs with lug nuts. The motors have bolt holes for where they mount to an electric wheelchair so I just bolted them yo my frame.
Thanks for the reply. I also have windows 10 and am having the same problems others are having with the driver for the speaker. Guess I need to find an older computer to program it. For others looking the program is here: www.puiaudio.com/resources-software.aspx. But it does not work with USB 3.0.
The electric start you see here is built into the mower from the factory so youll find yourself a mower that had electric start originally. You just connect a 12v starter relay to your starter and battery and activate it with an RC “battle switch”
Cool.I really want to build one because I have a 30 degree slope or 58% grade on my property and it's a real pia to mow. Do you think this can handle a slope that steep? The slopes about 30 feet from top to bottom and 75 feet wide.
Excellent project! But, I would like to see how it cut the grass. It is hard to find wheelchair lawn motors match with the tires because they (these parts) are always sell individually.
Great Job! I agreed with DGB "best one so far I've seen". I've been searching for the sabertooth motor driver, no were to be found and Amazon - not available. Please recommend another motor driver brand\model or were i can order from. Thank you
Thanks! I just googled sabertooth motor driver and a few website retailers came up. They seem to be readily available from robotics suppliers. Good luck with the build it’s definitely fun!
Thanks! Good point, The frame is made of 1.5” mild steel square stock that the mower deck bolts to. Some pictures of it can be seen at the end of the video.
The mower had electric start from the factory and that was what I specifically searched for when looking for a junked mower. I used a mower starter relay and rc switch to activate that relay. The 12v power to start it was taken from one of the two batteries that power the wheels. Thanks!
Nice job! Did you use the pico switch as a “Kill switch?” If so, how did you wire it? It should be straight forward, but I am at the end of my wit trying to figure it out on how to ground out the spark plug with the pico switch.
Yes the pico was a kill switch there is a single wire or tab to connect a wire that will be on the coil. that wire is the one that will connect into one side of the switch and out the other side of the switch i had a wire that just grounded to a bolt on the engine. When the switch makes the connection it shuts the motor down. The band that stops the motor should be removed since the engine will be killed by grounding the ignition not just by the band brake stopping the motor. Good luck!
Sunshine i bought the motor controller. Its really easy to use practically plug and play and can easily handle the power these wheelchair motors pull. The brand is dimension engineering.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 Thank you for your response. Your design look more like manufactured one because it comes with the covered top. I searched many RC lawn mower designers to see which one match my budget.
Probably wants to make nock off copys or sell the info at your expense. But thanks for the video. Compiling the parts. What's your input on inline mortors vers worm drive like the one you used?
Hi Crawford I want to use 95 Volt PM DC tredmill motor instead of Wheelchair motor to modify my electric mower,,. & I bought the motor driver which has the following Descriptions, Specifications: - Input supply voltage: 12V-40VDC - The maximum output power: 0.01-400W - The maximum continuous output current :8A; - The overload and short circuit protecting current is 10A - PWM frequency: 13 kHz - Item size:60 * 55 * 28mm Now Please advise me that above motor driver is good for my project.? Thanks in advance
I did consider selling but the cost to build + shipping scared off any potential buyers. I ended up selling this one for the cost of materials to a local guy who was in a wheelchair and he made good use of it.
Effing JAM up Job!!
Looks factory built. Definitely the most impressive diy so far.
I came here looking to add an alternator
Best one I've seen so far. Thanks for posting!
Awesome rc lawnmower. How to build it like that. Wonderful.
Great stuff man. Now, you've got me wishing I'd built mine with a single front wheel instead 😂👍🏽
Freakin love that countdown timer .
Wow you did a great job, it’s the best one I’ve seen and really appreciate the pictures in order to get it to this professional and presentable level
Also that resources list you provided is priceless, its people like you that really make researching this subject much more easier, again well done mate
Nice job on the build! I built a 4WD RC mower a few months ago and it's working pretty good. I'd like to get about a 36" walk behind like an Exmark or similar to have the electric start capability and I want a FPV camera on it also. When this mowing season is done I am going to weld a new frame for mine and get the camera.
wow so cool !! different from the other rc lawn mowers.you should call it "the frog" ;)
great jobb !!
Wow good work bro. Best one i seen so far
beautifully completed project.. the hood pins are cool.. I used a lawn mower hood on the back of that
skidsteer as a rear door.. one mans trash... anothers lawn mower
Very nice build!
Really impressive 👍 makes me think maybe I could build one.
Yes. You. Can!
At 2:52, you stop as if there are brakes installed. How did you do that if there are brakes?
Great question. There is no need for mechanical brakes the motor controller has regenitive braking just applying a bit of reverse to the electric motors makes it slow down or stop while actually sending electricity to the batteries.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 But letting go of the stick on the controller may not hold the mower there on a hill right? No parking brakes?
That is badass!
Well done.
-Jeff
Very Very Nice. I Love it. I want to build one myself. Great Job & Great Video !
It looks factory made its that good.
Hey Everyone the parts you need to order are now all listed in the description of this video! Click the links to get them on amazon.
Thanks but i actually sold this machine last year.
Crawford Media Company when you get a chance send me a txt I got all the parts in from Amazon
where to text? any number Plz?
Crawford Media Company do you have a schematic for the wiring, if so could you email it to vgensa2011@gmail.com..... Thanks in Advanced
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 But why man? That RC mower was dope as hell. You must prefer ride on or walk behind mowers likely for the nostalgia 😂👍🏽
The best build I have seen!! Mechanics, electric, electronics, all is so well done. Are there any problems with the electronics because of vibration from the engine?
Thanks! It was fun to build and use.
I didn’t have any vibration issues. I mounted the control boards on plastic standoffs so that helped isolate them even more.
I was thinking initially the front wheel didn't look right but when you explained it and it turns on a dime I understand. Doesn't it make it unstable though is my only thought? Also how difficult would it be to fully automate it so it can function all by itself. Honestly this is a great solution a lot of the vids I've seen they get over engineered making silky tracks or components you need a 20k lathe to build. This is nice.
Class job! CONGRATS!
Nice and compact, i like it. I built mine to double as a cart as well, so its a bit bulkier. pros and cons
very very cool man! real nice build!!!
I really appreciate simplicity in design. That's why it looks good and wants me to build one and if you don't mind I'm going to adopt the basics of your design. I'm actually in the process of building a 54" cut 4wd and would love to communicate with you if I may. Hope to hear from you and have a great 2021. From Australia.
Thanks for the compliments. The parts you need are linked in the description. 4 wheel drive will be great. Good luck with the build!
You have the batteries in series for the 24v drive wheels, what did you use to isolate the 12v for the starting system from the 24v ?
I just connected the starter relay to the positive on one of the batteries. The starter grounds to the frame. The limited use of the starter motor pulling from one battery wasn't enough to unbalance the two 12v batteries. At first I was going to use a 24v to 12v converter but realized I can just pull power from one battery...
How did you wire the remote control?
Jim The receiver is a standard 2.4ghz radio controller. Each channel coming from the receiver is wired directly to the motor driver or a switch.
I get a positive pwm signal from receiver, not enough to activate a 5V relay. Relays need a ground to activate. Have high/low triggered relays on order, but concerned that outputs of receiver still not enough to activate. Could not reply to your message.
Thank you! Thank you! For taking the time of filming your build, listing the parts, making it easy... This is the perfect RC project I have been looking for.
One question, thinking back is there anything you would have changed after doing this first build?
yo very good job and very nice rclm i start build mine i have all mechanical parts i want know if you accept to share your wiring plan
and i want know why you don't put a alternator for reloading the batteries in mowing
Thank you. Sorry I did not have a wiring plan in writing. An alternator was not necessary because I found I could mow my lawn 3 or more times before needing to recharge the batteries. In reality I never had any issue because when I was done mowing i plugged in a battery charger.
What batteries did you use and did you hook up an alternator or are you charging it with like a car battery charger?
Mitchell Brenn i used two 12v batteries from Apex batteries. Check out their website and search for APX12-35. A Set Of Two Apex 12V 35AH AGM Batteries. They are the spec batteries for a jazzy electric wheel chair. They are smaller in size but have a good amount of juice stored in them. They will last 4+ mows on a 1/4 acre house lot. No need for an alternator since those batteries last plenty long, then i just toss a standard harbor freight 12v charger on overnight. Using a single 12v charger on one battery at a time ensures they are both charged to their peak. With a 24v charger there is a chance the batteries may not be balanced if one battery is being used more than the other for the electric start, headlights, rc radio etc. Those are not much drain on one battery but over time it could make a difference.
Crawford Media Company were did get the control box from
Sharp.
I'm in the middel(sic) of a build now. Where did you get the voice activion device from? I wonder if installing a voltage select switch to allow the motor to run on 12v or 24v. Cool on the 12v switch.
Nice job have you thought about making and selling them
Not sure if you are still taking questions about your mower, but can you send a schematic of the electronics hook up if possible, I want to finally build one thinking of doing a battery powered mower though
Single front wheel is brilliant
Any plans for videos with this in mowing action?
That's the coolest looking one I've seen so far, It look like it makes a very narrow cut. How wide of a cut does it make? It looks like it turned out nice, I hope it works well for you for many years to come.
Very nice. I've got the same hood. Mine is oxidized. How did you rejuvenate yours?
I actually spray painted it. It was almost white it was so faded.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249
Thanks. I was beating my head trying to figure out how to get it to shine.
This is nice. Do you use it regularly?
Thanks, I did use it regularly but traded it to a guy in a wheel chair who couldn't use his ride on mower any more.
Crawford Media Company Do you think an RC mower is a viable solution? Summers are miserable in SWFL and something like this with live video is tempting.
Hi, can you describe the reason or why we need to remove the braks from motors?
When the motors are on a wheelchair I believe they electronically lock when the chair comes to a stop. When i bought my motors they had the brakes removed already so i didn't deal with it but i believe there would be an issue getting them to operate or they simply are not necessary for this type of application.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 I want to use 95 Volt PM DC tredmill motor instead of Wheelchair motor to modify my electric mower,,. & I bought the motor driver which has the following Descriptions,
Specifications:
- Input supply voltage: 12V-40VDC
- The maximum output power: 0.01-400W
- The maximum continuous output current :8A;
- The overload and short circuit protecting current is 10A
- PWM frequency: 13 kHz
- Item size:60 * 55 * 28mm
Now Please advise me that above motor driver is good for my project.?
Thanks in advance
What did you use to mount the electronics inside the box? I was thinking of using double sided velcro, but wanted to see what you used incase there's a better way. Thanks!
Nicholas for the electronics that have small holes drilled in the corners you can use stand-off mounts like these in the link below. Otherwise vhb 3m adhesive tape or Velcro is great.
Electronics-Salon M2.5 Black Nylon Hex M-F Spacer/Screw/Nut Assorted Kit, for Raspberry-Pi, Standoff. www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9Q8YLE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5VGvFbM80R2FA
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 Thanks for the feedback. I might try the velcro route 1st.
do you have a web site for the relay system you used? thanks
All the parts are listed in the video description
amazing, where does the hood come from? it makes the whole thing look factory built
Anton Winter thanks, the hood was taken from a toro ride on mower and then cut down to size to fit over this like a turtle shell on a hinge.
Very nice!!! I have built an RC mower as well (check out on my channel) it's 4wd, works great, but I want to build another one using my old 42" Craftsman riding mower with an engine that has a starter. How did you wire the starter? Can I just use battleswitches directly to the starter wires or do I need a relay? Also to kill the engine? battleswitch to ground? I haven't started the build yet just trying to get organized and get parts ordered. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
Why was single front wheel the best?
Pretty much so i could get the hood to fit nice over it. Stability was not a problem and it turns on a dime.
Awesome! Just Wow!
Hi , how did you mount the wheels ?
They are connected to the motor hubs with lug nuts. The motors have bolt holes for where they mount to an electric wheelchair so I just bolted them yo my frame.
least time, lowest cost, easiest to build!!!!!
Awesome job
How did you program your warning speaker? mine doesn't recognized the speaker when plugged into usb.
You download a program specific to that speaker. People posted the correct link for the program in the amazon reviews section.
Thanks for the reply. I also have windows 10 and am having the same problems others are having with the driver for the speaker. Guess I need to find an older computer to program it. For others looking the program is here: www.puiaudio.com/resources-software.aspx. But it does not work with USB 3.0.
Great build, thanks for sharing :)
Hi Can you show us how to install an electrical starter, please thanks
The electric start you see here is built into the mower from the factory so youll find yourself a mower that had electric start originally. You just connect a 12v starter relay to your starter and battery and activate it with an RC “battle switch”
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 Thank you
Cool.I really want to build one because I have a 30 degree slope or 58% grade on my property and it's a real pia to mow. Do you think this can handle a slope that steep? The slopes about 30 feet from top to bottom and 75 feet wide.
HOW MUCH I WOULD LIKE TO BUY ONE THANK YOU!!!
Excellent project! But, I would like to see how it cut the grass. It is hard to find wheelchair lawn motors match with the tires because they (these parts) are always sell individually.
👍💯
Great Job! I agreed with DGB "best one so far I've seen". I've been searching for the sabertooth motor driver, no were to be found and Amazon - not available. Please recommend another motor driver brand\model or were i can order from. Thank you
Thanks!
I just googled sabertooth motor driver and a few website retailers came up. They seem to be readily available from robotics suppliers. Good luck with the build it’s definitely fun!
Great build. Can you include a wiring diagram on how you set it up?
Also, what size front wheel did you use?
Great stuff, too bad you did not include more details about the frame
Thanks!
Good point, The frame is made of 1.5” mild steel square stock that the mower deck bolts to. Some pictures of it can be seen at the end of the video.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 Great Thank you
How did you do the electric start?
The mower had electric start from the factory and that was what I specifically searched for when looking for a junked mower. I used a mower starter relay and rc switch to activate that relay. The 12v power to start it was taken from one of the two batteries that power the wheels. Thanks!
Nice job! Did you use the pico switch as a “Kill switch?” If so, how did you wire it? It should be straight forward, but I am at the end of my wit trying to figure it out on how to ground out the spark plug with the pico switch.
Yes the pico was a kill switch there is a single wire or tab to connect a wire that will be on the coil. that wire is the one that will connect into one side of the switch and out the other side of the switch i had a wire that just grounded to a bolt on the engine. When the switch makes the connection it shuts the motor down. The band that stops the motor should be removed since the engine will be killed by grounding the ignition not just by the band brake stopping the motor. Good luck!
Crawford Media Company, thank you!
Did you buy or build the controller?
Sunshine i bought the motor controller. Its really easy to use practically plug and play and can easily handle the power these wheelchair motors pull. The brand is dimension engineering.
@@crawfordmediacompany1249 Thank you for your response. Your design look more like manufactured one because it comes with the covered top. I searched many RC lawn mower designers to see which one match my budget.
Nice 👍
One problem you didn't cut any grass.
Can you share the instruction pdf?
Ma Cho haha sorry no instructions available this is a custom built one off machine.
Probably wants to make nock off copys or sell the info at your expense. But thanks for the video. Compiling the parts. What's your input on inline mortors vers worm drive like the one you used?
Hi Crawford
I want to use 95 Volt PM DC tredmill motor instead of Wheelchair motor to modify my electric mower,,. & I bought the motor driver which has the following Descriptions,
Specifications:
- Input supply voltage: 12V-40VDC
- The maximum output power: 0.01-400W
- The maximum continuous output current :8A;
- The overload and short circuit protecting current is 10A
- PWM frequency: 13 kHz
- Item size:60 * 55 * 28mm
Now Please advise me that above motor driver is good for my project.?
Thanks in advance
Would you consider building/selling one?
I did consider selling but the cost to build + shipping scared off any potential buyers. I ended up selling this one for the cost of materials to a local guy who was in a wheelchair and he made good use of it.
No demonstration??
THIS IS SWEET , WHAT'S THE COST??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I had about $600 into it.
Dude why dont you bring this to shark tank?
Now you just need FPV.
I most have one