Elec-Trak performance
GE clearly states the Elec-Trak has an advantage in weight distribution. It also had great weight..period. Mine was roughly 860lbs with batteries. If I recall the next model up, the E20 was 900 bs. Despite the weight, it handled beautifully, I loved the front mounted deck so I could ease it under bushes, etc.
I agree with Oliver, an electric motor when matched against a gas motor of equivalent horsepower, will always be the victor, with all other things being equal A gas engine can only provide its rated horsepower/torque. An electric motor can provide well over its rated horsepower under load. (A point will, however, be reached, when the protective circuitry will eventually cut cut off the current if the load is sustained.)
There is much less potential "turf damage" damage with the Elec-Trak despite it's heavy weight. When my dad passed away, I inherited his Sears/Craftsman riding lawn tractor, so I sold my Elec-Trak.
Quite contrary to LowEfficiency's statement, the extra weight of the Elec-Trak prevented "turf damage." I had several areas in my yard with steep inclines with which the Elec-Trak never had any problem traversing with the because of its power and its weight distribution.
The Craftsman would lose traction, spin its tires, and then trench the lawn as it tried to go up the incline. I even changed the rear tires and put aggressive tread all turf tires on it. they only gave me a slight increase in traction and then when they did break free, they just dug much deeper gouges in the soil.
I wish I had my Elec-Trak back. Shouldn't have sold it, but I didn't have room for two tractors in the garage and I wanted to keep my dad. On the bright side, with the GE being a valued collector's item I gained quite a bit of profit off of it.
