E-15 Throttle Kit for Electronic Controllers Product Release

Purveyors of fine NOS and NEW Elec-Trak parts!
  • Fabulous end result DC, really. I hope you sellout in no time!!
    Thanks,



    Steve



    steve@housewiz.com

    www.watts-up-elec-traks.com



    Linking to my site is always appreciated!!
  • Wish this had been available a year or so ago, when I was installing my Alltrax! Looks like a nice set up. What is the price?
  • Steve,

    Thanks for the encouragement.

    DC
  • E-15 Throttle Upgrade

    Just a quick post about the Alltrax controller/DcForever throttle upgrade.
    I just recently completed the installation of DC’s throttle upgrade.
    I purchased my 26AE15AA in the fall of 2011 from Steve Shore in NY. The tractor was in pretty good shape overall. I used it all of the summer of 2012, with the original controller. Although it worked well, I wanted to upgrade to modern electronics.
    My reasoning was to learn as much as I could about the electrical operation of the tractor and eliminate some of the issues that may occur with the older system. Additionally to make future maintenance easier, and to improve reliability.
    So when I read DC had a throttle package, I thought I’d give it a try.

    This package along with DC’s instruction and schematic made for a reasonably straight forward installation.
    I haven’t really read electrical diagrams since college physics, 30 + years ago. So I did have to study the wiring diagrams quite a bit, to understand the tractor wiring.
    I purchased the complete package which included a DVD of pictures, mouse guard, written instruction and schematic showing how the throttle tired into the original wiring.
    I sent DC the diodes and the controller wire plug that came with the Alltrax, and DC wired that into the throttle for me

    I pulled my old throttle and sent to DC in Oct, the tractor remained in my basement workshop over the winter.
    Due to a hectic schedule, I did very little work on the tractor till late March. My goal was to have the tractor at the Little Guys Show May 18.
    I was deliberate and slow, as I addressed other issues, as the project progressed. Fixing some rusted areas, sanding, painting, etc.
    Regarding the electrical system, I replaced many parts that had corroded connections. Replaced all dashboard switches, only kept the light. I was able to reuse much of the wiring, but did replace some of that also. Also replaced power disconnect (upgraded) and brake switch.


    The most difficult part for me was figuring out the fuse block, I should have marked the wires more carefully when I disassembled the old block (5 months earlier)
    Having said that, I only blew one fuse due to a wiring error, throughout the project.
    I did finish the project around Memorial Day, two weeks past my deadline. I still have some work to do. Putting the mouse guard in place, and mounting the MinnKota charger on board. Later perhaps a cog belt upgrade.
    But that can wait for the summer mowing season to be over, as the E-15 is back to work.
    It was enjoyable project for me, and met all of my current and hopefully future goals.
    Throughout the entire project, DC & I exchanged emails. Either questions I had, or suggestions that DC would make. The day I finished, I emailed DC several times to clarify a couple of, last minute, questions I had. John (aka DcForever) gave great support from start to finish. He always answered email promptly.

    I’ve only used the tractor 2 times to cut the grass. I have pulled our pop-up trailer out of its winter spot to get cleaned up. Also used it to pull a small utility trailer with tree trimming to the front of the house. AFAIK everything works as it should.
    Pros:
    This kit is complete, with professional looking throttle. A big advantage for a beginner is not having to figure out how to integrate a “pot box”. Not exactly plug n play, but a big time saver for most people.
    The benefits include the ability to creep along at very slow speeds, Change from F to R, at the flip of a switch. This has been helpful, since I’ve been parking the tractor in my basement workshop for now.
    Cons: the toggle switch (forward/reverse) is small, maybe changing to a flipper type switch would make it easier to find.

    In summary, DC’s throttle upgrade is a well-designed product. I would recommend that anyone doing an Alltrax upgrade, give it consideration.

    Attached files
    Ed

    Cumberland Valley Weather
  • Ed,

    Good job on the tractor and thanks for the positive review.

    I think I remember seeing toggle switch extenders a while back at a truck stop somewhere. Here's a link for some different types if you can't find one locally.

    DC

    http://www.4statetrucks.com/interior/se ... im_361.asp

    http://www.empirechromeshop.com/c-356-p ... sions.aspx
  • ed2kayak;18967 wrote: E-15 Throttle Upgrade

    Just a quick post about the Alltrax controller/DcForever throttle upgrade.
    I just recently completed the installation of DC’s throttle upgrade.
    I purchased my 26AE15AA in the fall of 2011 from Steve Shore in NY. The tractor was in pretty good shape overall. I used it all of the summer of 2012, with the original controller. Although it worked well, I wanted to upgrade to modern electronics.
    My reasoning was to learn as much as I could about the electrical operation of the tractor and eliminate some of the issues that may occur with the older system. Additionally to make future maintenance easier, and to improve reliability.
    So when I read DC had a throttle package, I thought I’d give it a try.

    This package along with DC’s instruction and schematic made for a reasonably straight forward installation.
    I haven’t really read electrical diagrams since college physics, 30 + years ago. So I did have to study the wiring diagrams quite a bit, to understand the tractor wiring.
    I purchased the complete package which included a DVD of pictures, mouse guard, written instruction and schematic showing how the throttle tired into the original wiring.
    I sent DC the diodes and the controller wire plug that came with the Alltrax, and DC wired that into the throttle for me

    I pulled my old throttle and sent to DC in Oct, the tractor remained in my basement workshop over the winter.
    Due to a hectic schedule, I did very little work on the tractor till late March. My goal was to have the tractor at the Little Guys Show May 18.
    I was deliberate and slow, as I addressed other issues, as the project progressed. Fixing some rusted areas, sanding, painting, etc.
    Regarding the electrical system, I replaced many parts that had corroded connections. Replaced all dashboard switches, only kept the led light . I was able to reuse much of the wiring, but did replace some of that also. Also replaced power disconnect (upgraded) and brake switch.


    The most difficult part for me was figuring out the fuse block, I should have marked the wires more carefully when I disassembled the old block (5 months earlier)
    Having said that, I only blew one fuse due to a wiring error, throughout the project.
    I did finish the project around Memorial Day, two weeks past my deadline. I still have some work to do. Putting the mouse guard in place, and mounting the MinnKota charger on board. Later perhaps a cog belt upgrade.
    But that can wait for the summer mowing season to be over, as the E-15 is back to work.
    It was enjoyable project for me, and met all of my current and hopefully future goals.
    Throughout the entire project, DC & I exchanged emails. Either questions I had, or suggestions that DC would make. The day I finished, I emailed DC several times to clarify a couple of, last minute, questions I had. John (aka DcForever) gave great support from start to finish. He always answered email promptly.

    I’ve only used the tractor 2 times to cut the grass. I have pulled our pop-up trailer out of its winter spot to get cleaned up. Also used it to pull a small utility trailer with tree trimming to the front of the house. AFAIK everything works as it should.
    Pros:
    This kit is complete, with professional looking throttle. A big advantage for a beginner is not having to figure out how to integrate a “pot box”. Not exactly plug n play, but a big time saver for most people.
    The benefits include the ability to creep along at very slow speeds, Change from F to R, at the flip of a switch. This has been helpful, since I’ve been parking the tractor in my basement workshop for now.
    Cons: the toggle switch (forward/reverse) is small, maybe changing to a flipper type switch would make it easier to find.

    In summary, DC’s throttle upgrade is a well-designed product. I would recommend that anyone doing an Alltrax upgrade, give it consideration.
    Awesome work man.. You seems to be very experienced and knowledgeable person. There is lot to learn from you so I will surely follow your posts..
  • dcforever;18976 wrote: Ed,

    I think I remember seeing toggle switch extenders a while back at a ................



    I found suitable ones at Summit Racing.

    http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all80167

    1 7/8 long, they look larger in picture, easier for my fat fingers to find. A bit of a loose fit, I used one wrap of electrical tape. Made for snug fit, couldn't find my wifes glue gun. I believe a dollop of hot glue would also work.

    Attached files
    Ed

    Cumberland Valley Weather
  • Looks good Ed.

    Since the toggle extenders are red and came in a two pack the spare might work well as a safety upgrade to the PTO switch.

    DC
  • Just completed the upgrade to my E12 maybe 15... here's stories from the field:

    Like some others, 30+ years since reading schematics made this an adventure.... but the back story:

    Got the tractor via ebay some years back. Got it running after replacing batteries and a couple of relays.
    Ran great then I lost forward --- trouble shooting gave way to deciding to upgrade to ALLTRAX after a couple of repairs did not get me forward.

    Here's my scoop --

    First, I could not have done the upgrade without the kit.
    The new mounting plates save all sorts of hassles with figuring out how to mount on a prior plate where to put holes, how to reposition the main contactor etc. All potential headaches are solved by Wiseguys.

    Second, the hand holding for someone new to this is invaluable. Email coaching to get prepared, clear instructions gave me the confidence to move forward.

    Here are reports from the field:

    Make sure you have plenty of wire connectors, terminals, and wire of various gauges - or a close source.
    I am on the coast, so the DC electricity is mostly for the boating industry - the marine grade cable is much easier to work with when gauges get small and wire size big.
    In the process of the upgrade you will replace a number of wires, and may make some modifications etc.
    For example, I attached an ANL fuse block for the main fuse (fits right between the two power plugs on the left front).

    With the removal of all the old servo-mechanical controls, there is much less required wiring and a number of the pins in the jacks are
    not used. I found it easier to rewire directly for the seat/key control circuit and the brake circuit, by passing the junction plugs.
    (This was not planned, but because we were having troubles with readings from the seat switch and brake switch, we ran new wires to test and made then the new harness. Expect to ring out the wire more than once, then once again to make sure).
    The control circuits - key, seat, brake -- are the problem issues.
    Take the advice and replace the brake switch.
    My final product looks a little more like the Alltrax schematic rather than the ElecTrak.
    With the tight quarters for the controller and wiring, and the troubleshooting that is inevitable, one should check the seating of
    the wires in the "orange" plug that fits into the AllTrax controller. They can get banged around in the installation and if not properly seated will drive you crazy.

    By the way, AllTrax tech support is fabulous, helping me with the voltages and ranges on all the pins.

    I could never have done this without the design work from WiseGuys/DCForever -- I have the tractor running better than ever -- the full range of power is really nice allowing you to creep or go gang busters. So far I have only used it for pulling a utility trailer. Looking in the NE for a mower. Have my eye on a plow retrofit as I have the plow brace.... who knows but the tractor is now running great.

    Happy to provide pics or answer questions.

    WB