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Off Topics > RC lawnmower. Not for show, an actual lawnmower.
 
 
speeddemon370
Veteran
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada

Ok, so I've been thinking about this for a very long time (5-10 years) and I've had it. I'm gonna go for it and construction is probably going to start this week. I'm just fishing for ideas or potential problems that I may have overlooked.

The plan is...
Regular gas powered lawn mower. The blade is going to be the existing stand alone system. Start it, and leave it be. The RC aspect is only going to deal with propulsion.

Due to my carpentry career I have MANY cordless drills with missing, broken, or just old crappy batteries. Drills still work but are definately out of comission for good. I was thinking about useing the existing motor, planetary's and chuck to drive an axel for each rear wheel. One drill for each wheel. I even have a matching set of dewalt 18v with the 2 speed. This way I could control each wheel independently and get a type of "skid steer" effect. Front wheels will be converted into 360deg castors. I have a spot planned out centered over the rear wheels where I can build a compartment for a 12v car battery and probably the bec.

I figure my spare ar6100e and a bec should be enough to run the electronics, but here's the issue I'm running into. To drive each drill (drive motor), should I hook a servo up to the existing trigger mechanism and control speed that way or should I get a pair of esc's. The reason I'm shying away from the esc is because that's gonna be quite a load (probably around 20-30 ish amps continuous with a potential to require arond 60-70 burst) and they're gonna get quite spendy. I think with a pair of decent torque servo's I'll be fine and the trigger/variable speed mechanism that comes with these drills is definately bullet proof. I'll testify to that.

Any thoughts?

Oh yeah, I have some ancient FPS-48 Futaba fullsize servo's. If I change the plug will they work with the ar6100e rx?

with 2 ears and 1 mouth you should listen twice as much as you talk
06-29-2008 06:08 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
rcmike
Senior Heliman
Location: Dickson, TN

This one is interesting. There is a link to the website under the description. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Wz_OXJfyg
06-29-2008 06:12 PM
 
 
scatbass
Heliman
Location: Hiram, GA

Why?

Due to depth perception, etc...aside from "doing it just to do it", this seems a very impractical way to mow ones lawn.

If you really want to make it meaningful, why not incorporate a Roomba into a lawn mower?

Hmm, there's a market for that...



Mike
06-29-2008 06:18 PM
 
 
speeddemon370
Veteran
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada

Quote 
Why?

Long story short, I have very very bad knees and a hilly yard. Plus, the wife does a real crappy job (missed spots, crooked lines). So looking maybe 5 or 10 years into the future, this is my most feasable option.

with 2 ears and 1 mouth you should listen twice as much as you talk
06-29-2008 06:28 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Griffin
Senior Heliman
Location: On your Screen

I can see if your doing it for the fun of the project, but if your just doing it cause you have bad knees I don't get it. There are these rare dawgs called riding lawn mowers you should check it out.
Either way good luck with your project. I can't say the idea never crossed my mind.
06-29-2008 06:43 PM
 
 
1stPlace
Senior Heliman
Location: Ohio USA

I've thought about converting my old riding mower to R/C just for fun. Now, if I could make it work like a "Roomba" and have it mow the lawn without my input... Yeah! That would be sweet!

Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
06-29-2008 07:23 PM
 
 
scatbass
Heliman
Location: Hiram, GA

Behold -

The power of google is amazing. Even more amazing is that this device runs ~only~ around $2000.

http://www.automower.us/



Mike
06-29-2008 08:58 PM
 
 
speeddemon370
Veteran
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada

Yes, I've seen all the comercially available auto mower ones. A ride on lawnmower is just not something that seems practical. I know, haha, practicality assesment coming from a guy that wants to build an rc lawnmower isn't worth much. But even still, a small lawnmower that I can keep under a workbench, drive from my front step with my beverage of choice at my side, and being built with nothing but spare parts and tlc........ sounds pretty appealing to me. Plus the pride and originality factor.

So, to bring us back to the topic at hand....

Any advice, suggestions, ideas?

Not really interested in discussing the reasons for and against. It's gonna happen no matter what. Just a matter of how.

with 2 ears and 1 mouth you should listen twice as much as you talk
06-29-2008 11:33 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
1stPlace
Senior Heliman
Location: Ohio USA

Quote 
Behold -

http://www.automower.us/

Sweet! Thanks Scatbass!!! I know where I'm spending my next windfall

Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
06-30-2008 01:50 AM
 
 
scatbass
Heliman
Location: Hiram, GA

No problemo...I'm thinking the same thing. I have a simple riding that works well for now (bought it from my brother for $300 a few years ago - a no brainer)...but when the time comes, one can easily spend close to 2K on a decent Z radius riding mower...so why not spend the money on something that is going to actually buy you time as well? I don't have a HUGE amount of land - 2/3 acre - and it's farily level, so something like that would possibly be ideal for me, as long as it's actually functional beyond the "toy" aspect.



Mike
06-30-2008 02:29 AM
 
 
erichelipilot
Senior Heliman
Location: Worthing, SD USA

Quote 
Long story short, I have very very bad knees and a hilly yard. Plus, the wife does a real crappy job (missed spots, crooked lines). So looking maybe 5 or 10 years into the future, this is my most feasable option.

Get a new wife who can mow a little better.

_________________________________________________________ Love my Evo!!
06-30-2008 02:41 AM
 
 
Inspector Fuzz
Veteran
Location: Austin, TX. Where fat chicks succeed.

I had this idea back in 1980 when I was eleven.
All the people I told about it said I was silly.

In a way they are right.

I built a very successful commercial landscape company and ran it for 10 years before selling it.
At the time many of the riding mowers were $4K+. Don't you think that folks would have allready built one if it were possible?

If I have to pay a guy to go to someones house to operate an RC transmitter, why can't he just sit on the seat of a mower?

There is nothing to be gained. I still need at least two men. The guy running the transmitter can't operate the weedeater at the same time. It's all about production. How many lawns can be cranked out in a day?

40% of my post tax cost was just getting the people to the job site.
Tbe extra cost of RC stuff won't justify it.

Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours
06-30-2008 06:25 AM
 
 
speeddemon370
Veteran
Location: Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada

Quote 
so why not spend the money on something that is going to actually buy you time as well

I hear you. And yes you too inspector fuzz.

I'm not trying to justify this as the best thing since sliced bread. Nor am I trying to claim it to be any better than pushing it around or riding on it. I'm not looking for a new wife or anyone to do it for me. After hedge trimming tomorrow I'll post some pics of my yard. There's alot of pride and personal touches involved. I'm a hands on guy. If I can't do it myself my way it's not getting done and that's the way I am.

POINT IS, we can debate the feasability of an rc mower to death but I'm building this one whether people say it's great or stupid. It makes no difference to me. It's going to happen whether you like it or not. So....... if anyone has any advice to contribute towards the construction, wireing, potential interference, bylaws, or any little tidbit which comes from collective knowledge or experience it would be very much appreciated on my part.

Thanks

with 2 ears and 1 mouth you should listen twice as much as you talk
06-30-2008 06:44 AM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
nitro fun
Senior Heliman
Location: wilmington ca

add some wireless video cams on it then you know how close to the edge you are and you can see what is in front at all times
06-30-2008 07:43 AM
 
 
Dood
Elite Veteran
Location: America's Dairyland

There are a few reasons why it makes perfect sense to have an RC mower.
  • Every man and boy loves RC
  • The lawn needs to get mowed anyway
  • It's an RC lawnmower. why the hell not?

(\__/)
(='.'=) The Dood abides.
(")_(")
06-30-2008 11:04 AM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
SSN Pru
Elite Veteran
Location: Massachusetts

lol, I let the automower simulation run for over 24 hours and it left patches all over the 'lawn'.

It's a good idea for those that aren't obsessed with a perfect looking lawn.
06-30-2008 03:09 PM
 
 
OzarkCopterBum
Senior Heliman
Location: Arkansas Ozarks

speeddemon370

Follow this link.

http://letsmakerobots.com/node/526

The guy has the base built and its using RC to control. His next step is to make it autonomous if he can get some funds together for the sensors. His last update was 4/28

Also a GREAT site for anyone interested in robotics. The Yellow Drum Machine is hilarious!

Still flyin blind.......
06-30-2008 03:29 PM
 
 
1stPlace
Senior Heliman
Location: Ohio USA

After Speedemon370 posts this:
Quote 
Any advice, suggestions, ideas?

Not really interested in discussing the reasons for and against. It's gonna happen no matter what. Just a matter of how.

Fuzz comes back with this:
Quote 
Don't you think that folks would have allready built one if it were possible?

That's just like people in 1899 saying "Don't you think people would already be flying if it were possible?"

Quote 
There is nothing to be gained.

Geez... you did exactly what he said he's not interested in. So, why did you even bother posting?

Hat man dir mal ins Gehirn geschissen und vergessen umzuruhren?
06-30-2008 04:11 PM
 
 
fiveoboy01
Veteran
Location: Waunakee, WI - USA

I think you should support your local economy



Trex 450SA blinged, Trex 600N, DX7
06-30-2008 04:37 PM
 
 
derek533
Senior Heliman
Location: Edmond, Oklahoma

Hey fiveoboy, I need a new string trimmer. I am sick and tired of having to crank my 20 year old McCullough 20-30 times to get it started.

I'm looking at Stihl and the Echo 210i. I know you have a lawn business and wanted to hear from someone who knows a thing or two about quality lawn products. I've got about 1/4 acre to trim. What do you think?

If I thought you weren't my friend...I just don't think I could bear it.
06-30-2008 04:46 PM
 
 
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