Riding lawn mower for MV?

[dinks]

I've been looking off and on for the past few months for a descent (aka cheap) gas powered golf cart to use as a base for a MV. But recently I have been seeing a ton of nice relatively new riding lawn mowers in the $200 and $300 range.

I'm wondering if others that have used the mowers as a base would be willing to share there ideas/tips/pics of what they did.

[Dr Helix]

Well......the big thing I would say is that they're pretty noisy. Not that it's a deal breaker, but a Briggs and Stratton (example) reving up is fairly loud and obnoxious. One of the nice things about golfcarts is that the motors are fairly quiet already. But honestly, I've seen every kind of motor conveyence out there so why not? It's more about what you DO to your MV than what powers it. Just make sure it's radically altered, so that no vestige of its previous existence is apparent. Small MV's are getting harder and harder to bring out there as they are viewed as personal transportation (read; lazy asses who just want to motor about) When you do your application, make sure to stress the INTERACTIVE nature of your vehicle. I have been bringing small MV's to the playa for the past three years and without the interactive part chances are they will tell you not to come with it. But the sky's the limit my friend. Good luck and see you out there!

[dinks]

Yeah noise and speed control are two of my concerns. I figure i can weld up a better quieter exhaust and dampen the intake somehow. Shedding the mower controls and blade will also help.

Im thinking of making it a 3 seater but im laking a creative idea. Good thing i have some time.

[TomServo]

I would go gas powered. Electrics are a pain in the ass...and need to be recharged by gas powered generators. Ditto on the INTERACTIVE part! If your MV can be used to transport other burners, it will help your chances when you meet your DMV hottie. Just make sure you can't tell it was a riding mower! And if you use a trailer, light up the hitch if you're going for a night permit.

[Eric]

Small MV's are getting harder and harder to bring out there as they are viewed as personal transportation (read; lazy asses who just want to motor about)

I'm really hating this part- there are so many small MV's that add so much to the experience as amazing moving art, and so many Party Barges that are barely decorated Muni buses. There was one last year that was just PVC & sheets covering an unpainted bus- yet it got approved because it can move lots of people (if they like you of course)

[Lord Of Ruin]

Small MV's are getting harder and harder to bring out there as they are viewed as personal transportation (read; lazy asses who just want to motor about)

I'm really hating this part- there are so many small MV's that add so much to the experience as amazing moving art, and so many Party Barges that are barely decorated Muni buses. There was one last year that was just PVC & sheets covering an unpainted bus- yet it got approved because it can move lots of people (if they like you of course)

Well, the thing is...the small vehicles have no problem getting approved if they clearly ARE art. See videos of the cupcakes for instance...

But as Dr. Helix stated above, the personal conveyance angle is counter to what the ultimate goal is, so they're being clamped down on.

People need to not forget that the DMV aren't some outside group that is paid to come register crap....they too attend the event. And they live with the net result of those decisions and adjust the rules in the off season accordingly.

When they see lots and lots of single user "art" being used to basically pop from camp to camp, and have no interaction with the population, you can bet that gets targeted the following year.

[Eric]

Small MV's are getting harder and harder to bring out there as they are viewed as personal transportation (read; lazy asses who just want to motor about)

I'm really hating this part- there are so many small MV's that add so much to the experience as amazing moving art, and so many Party Barges that are barely decorated Muni buses. There was one last year that was just PVC & sheets covering an unpainted bus- yet it got approved because it can move lots of people (if they like you of course)

Well, the thing is...the small vehicles have no problem getting approved if they clearly ARE art. See videos of the cupcakes for instance...

But as Dr. Helix stated above, the personal conveyance angle is counter to what the ultimate goal is, so they're being clamped down on.

People need to not forget that the DMV aren't some outside group that is paid to come register crap....they too attend the event. And they live with the net result of those decisions and adjust the rules in the off season accordingly.

When they see lots and lots of single user "art" being used to basically pop from camp to camp, and have no interaction with the population, you can bet that gets targeted the following year.

I wouldn't have as much of a complaint if the barely decorated party barges were being held to the same standards. Just because they hold lots of people they seem to get a pass, even though those of us above a certain age or body shape don't seem to be wanted on board most of them.

[theCryptofishist]

I'm really hating this part- there are so many small MV's that add so much to the experience as amazing moving art, and so many Party Barges that are barely decorated Muni buses. There was one last year that was just PVC & sheets covering an unpainted bus- yet it got approved because it can move lots of people (if they like you of course)

Well, the thing is...the small vehicles have no problem getting approved if they clearly ARE art. See videos of the cupcakes for instance...

But as Dr. Helix stated above, the personal conveyance angle is counter to what the ultimate goal is, so they're being clamped down on.

People need to not forget that the DMV aren't some outside group that is paid to come register crap....they too attend the event. And they live with the net result of those decisions and adjust the rules in the off season accordingly.

When they see lots and lots of single user "art" being used to basically pop from camp to camp, and have no interaction with the population, you can bet that gets targeted the following year.

I wouldn't have as much of a complaint if the barely decorated party barges were being held to the same standards. Just because they hold lots of people they seem to get a pass, even though those of us above a certain age or body shape don't seem to be wanted on board most of them.

Well, I pretty much can't get on MVs, but it does seem something to mention to Koosh...

[¡Niers!]

I wouldn't have as much of a complaint if the barely decorated party barges were being held to the same standards. Just because they hold lots of people they seem to get a pass, even though those of us above a certain age or body shape don't seem to be wanted on board most of them.

Yeah.....that shit pisses me off to no end!
Whoever runs the Purple Palace is a self centered dick. I hope his bus breaks down in 2011 and he's stuck watching porn on his bus all alone.


Edited to underline the last half of Eric's quote.

[Dr. Pyro]

If you have porn, you're never alone.

[¡Niers!]

Hehe....yeah I guess.

[theCryptofishist]

Actually, that's the secret to Doc's marathon training. He just has a car drive in front of him at 7 mph with Beyond the Dust Door, Debbie Does First Camp, and Bounteous Butts #9 on a continuous loop.

[Thecatman]

[TomServo]

I wouldn't have as much of a complaint if the barely decorated party barges were being held to the same standards. Just because they hold lots of people they seem to get a pass, even though those of us above a certain age or body shape don't seem to be wanted on board most of them.

Yeah.....that shit pisses me off to no end!
Whoever runs the Purple Palace is a self centered dick. I hope his bus breaks down in 2011 and he's stuck watching porn on his bus all alone.


Edited to underline the last half of Eric's quote.

Don't know anything about the purple bus or its owners, but already saw it broken down on I80 between Winnemucca and Fernley. Bout 4 or 5 years ago. Articulated bus?

[Dr Helix]

Well, the thing is...the small vehicles have no problem getting approved if they clearly ARE art. See videos of the cupcakes for instance...

But as Dr. Helix stated above, the personal conveyance angle is counter to what the ultimate goal is, so they're being clamped down on.

People need to not forget that the DMV aren't some outside group that is paid to come register crap....they too attend the event. And they live with the net result of those decisions and adjust the rules in the off season accordingly.

When they see lots and lots of single user "art" being used to basically pop from camp to camp, and have no interaction with the population, you can bet that gets targeted the following year.

I wouldn't have as much of a complaint if the barely decorated party barges were being held to the same standards. Just because they hold lots of people they seem to get a pass, even though those of us above a certain age or body shape don't seem to be wanted on board most of them.

Well, I pretty much can't get on MVs, but it does seem something to mention to Koosh...

I don't mind the big boys....for the most part they are impressive to say the least. I HATE hearing that they are selective in the rides they give. Anyone wants a ride from me, they get it, no questions asked. That's my job and it's a great way to meet people. I've picked up spaced out campers and burners who were just played out. And the Interactive Deli Truck (My small MV) has given me many hours of extreme fun with all who are willing to try. If someone can tell me how to post a photo (Tried with NO success!) I'd show you mine.

[capjbadger]

I would go gas powered. Electrics are a pain in the ass...and need to be recharged by gas powered generators.

Pain in the ass how exactly? Recharged with solar.

-Badger
Captain of the Dachs Gabe (48v, Etek motor)

[TomServo]

I would go gas powered. Electrics are a pain in the ass...and need to be recharged by gas powered generators.

Pain in the ass how exactly? Recharged with solar.

-Badger
Captain of the Dachs Gabe (48v, Etek motor)

No no no! Not to power a vehicle

[capjbadger]

I would go gas powered. Electrics are a pain in the ass...and need to be recharged by gas powered generators.

Pain in the ass how exactly? Recharged with solar.

-Badger
Captain of the Dachs Gabe (48v, Etek motor)

No no no! Not to power a vehicle

Still confused. You do think electric is a bad idea for a MV or not?

-Badger

[oneeyeddick]

financially speaking? absolutely!

Not to mention unreliablity.

[capjbadger]

Unreliable? Works like a charm. Less part to break. Not affected by the altitude. No fuel to worry about dust getting into (or dust in air intakes). No noise. No exhaust. etc.

What unreliability are you talking about?

And finanically I think you'll find the IC engine is more expensive $/hp.

-Badger

[TomServo]

Gas engines are pretty reliable. And is easier to carry a gallon of gas to your dead MV than a charger...if you have one. Aside from running a camp member over, with our art car, pushing it back was the worst experience.

[capjbadger]

Why the heck are you running a charger (or gas can) to your MV? Mine has a "Fuel gauge".

Yes, IC engine are pretty reliable. DC engine are more so due to fewer parts. I still have not heard a single reason backed up by facts as to why a IC engine powered MV is better.

-Badger

[oneeyeddick]

the price, DUH !!

It's not about how" effecient " you think it is, it's about how much $ you want to waste on an MV in the first place(for most people, anyhow...def the OP of this thread)

My MV has your MV trumped CapJbadger, I'll tell you how,

After 10 years of putting around on playa as variations of basically the same MV Hauling well over a ton and a half onboeard, I am still driving it around the rest of the year on public streets and Highways, and I can haul it to the Playa without a trailor, and it works all the time, all day and night, with or without sunlight.

[oscillator]

...I am still driving it around the rest of the year on public streets and Highways....

I'll bet that is a site for a sore eye.

\osc

[Dr Helix]

Why the heck are you running a charger (or gas can) to your MV? Mine has a "Fuel gauge".

Yes, IC engine are pretty reliable. DC engine are more so due to fewer parts. I still have not heard a single reason backed up by facts as to why a IC engine powered MV is better.

-Badger

Okay, convince me. I would like to know:

1. What it takes batterywise to ensure you don't go belly up on the playa 24/7.

2. What level of solar array you'd need to recharge.

I thought about this and couldn't make the math work.

[theCryptofishist]

...I am still driving it around the rest of the year on public streets and Highways....

I'll bet that is a site for a sore eye.

\osc

Oh it's in "stealth" mode and few people notice.

[¡Niers!]

I've built an electric MV and have had absolutely no issues with power. Granted, I didn't get the night permit because I didn't put enough lights on it for that WOW factor. But, I drove it tons during the day and during the whole week, I only charged the batteries once. I even put a sign on it saying "Ice Taxi" and provided a taxi service for people getting ice. Lots of heavy use.

2- 24v 450w electric motors. 4- 12v 100ah batteries.....used 2 of them at a time to make 24v. When those died.....switched them out and put them to charge on 100w of solar panels for a few days. These new ones lasted a couple more days, then swapped them out with the mostly charged others.

I did not mention that I was also using these batteries at night for our camp lighting. Not a lot of lighting.

I used bio diesel to get to the playa and back to Eugene.....No gasoline used at all for my whole burn.

Electric can and does work.
I spent a total of about $500 for my MV, not including the cost of solar.
Solar panels were about $500 too, but I use them all year round.....though not too useful in the Eugene winters.

How is this not efficient or cost effective?

I'm just saying. When my MV drove past your camp, the only thing you could smell were my armpits and perhaps the beer my riders were drinking.
The only noise was from the sound of gears turning. Not loud.

[capjbadger]

Well said ¡Niers!.

The price OED? Really? I think I spent about $3000 grand total of the last 5 years on it. A lot of that is because it's built from scratch on a trailer platform instead of mutating an existing car. Your baseless idea that electric is somehow more expensive is completely false.

10 years. Nice. I'll let you in know in another 5.
Though granted it most likely will be a moot point since plans for a new MV are in the works.

The solar just tops off the batteries. I run at night just fine. Saved a lot of money by building the solar panels myself.

1. What it takes batterywise to ensure you don't go belly up on the playa 24/7.
I'm running (4) 12v 135ah deep cycle batteries. 48v to 12v converter to run lights and such. 1 eTek motor (they were a bit cheaper back when I got mine). 30-1 gear reduction to cap the max speed (to about 6-7 mph) and to gain torque.

2. What level of solar array you'd need to recharge.
For the life of my I can't remember right now. lol *goes and looks at panels*
Oh yeah. 4 panels, 18v, 3.6amp.

I'll have the "Drain Brain" hooked up for 2011, so I'll have a good idea what my miles per amp is.

Your MV doesn't have anything "trumped" OED.

-Badger

[oneeyeddick]

Sure it does, it cost me $400 14 years ago, and can(could) haul 18 people and 1500 lbs of flame effects onboard as well as hundreds of pounds of decor and hippy armor.

Your elecrtic ( or pretty much any electric at this point) can't do that at all for anything less than 50 times that amount of $$$.

Did I mention the size of it's penis?

But don't worry, I would still give you a tow if you need it.

[capjbadger]

Sure it does, it cost me $400 14 years ago, and can(could) haul 18 people and 1500 lbs of flame effects onboard as well as hundreds of pounds of decor and hippy armor.

Your elecrtic ( or pretty much any electric at this point) can't do that at all for anything less than 50 times that amount of $$$.

Did I mention the size of it's penis?

But don't worry, I would still give you a tow if you need it.

By your hyperbole math, $20,000 to build a MV with the same features in an electric MV? Not even close.

$400 for that entire thing? Bullshit.

-Badger