For years I used a 48V Ryobi ZT480e zero-turn mower converted to LiFePO4 to mow my grass. But after I moved to a new 35 acre homestead property, I really wanted something cheap with a normal steering wheel (not lap bars).
The zero-turn had a trailer hitch, but for transportation, pulling small trailers and other chores a steering wheel just seemed more intuitive to me.
Ryobi RM480e 48v
After searching for months, I bought a Ryobi RM480e 48v electric riding mower. It needed repairs before use and had a lot of problems, some of which I am still sorting out as of today – but the price was right...
Soon after I started using it, the lead-acid batteries failed. Exactly as I expected. So I did a video review for the 48v Allpond LiFePO4 golf cart battery (video posted below). In exchange for making the review video, which was truly a long and arduous process, at least I got to keep the battery! Seriously, making these videos requires inhuman levels of effort, but I keep going.
With the new LFP 48v battery installed, this little RM480e turned into a mini electric tractor. It has tons of power, and can pull heavy loads. And it can mow grass too! If only pulling a trailer or riding around the property, the mower can operate for many days without recharging.
Riding Mower Solar Charging
A riding mower and lithium batteries are a great combination: but when you add solar charging, it gets even better. I had been charging my mower for years using an MPT-7210a boost MPPT charge controller and small 100w solar panels. Sometimes I used a DC-AC 120v inverter and the mowers OEM fast charger to get the job done quicker.
At this moment I am building a new off-electrical-grid riding mower charging station. My riding mowers can consume several kW/h of electric power during each mowing session – so I am motivated to hurry up and get them off the electrical grid as soon as possible. Hopefully that project will be done soon and I will probably make a video about it and share it on this blog and on my YouTube channel.
Once I have this RM480e working the way I need it to, there are several projects and upgrades planned to increase its capability. I hope to document those projects on video as soon as humanly possible.
Thank you for reading my blog, wishing you a good day! -Dave, SPE
My Video: How to solar charge and upgrade the Ryobi RM480e with 48V LiFePO4 batteries!
Solar Thoughts blog 