Raven: 46" Mower, Generator, Go-Kart/ATV

[dave1949]

Raven 46-in Hybrid Riding Lawn Mower.mp4 - YouTube

I just saw an ad for these yesterday from Lowe's. Interesting.

 

[jinman]

I'm thinking that is going to fit into the "it tries to do so much that it doesn't do anything well" category. It kinda reminds me of one of those rear engine, operator forward mowers or a ZTR style with a hood. I'm not saying Lowes won't sell a few, but I'd bet you won't see many of them doing mower duty. Just a 1st impression without knowing full details. My guess is they will sell to folks who need a 'practical' excuse to buy an ATV.

 

[dmccarty]

Very interesting idea. A good idea actually.

Later,
Dan

 

[dave1949]

I'm thinking that is going to fit into the "it tries to do so much that it doesn't do anything well" category. It kinda reminds me of one of those rear engine, operator forward mowers or a ZTR style with a hood. I'm not saying Lowes won't sell a few, but I'd bet you won't see many of them doing mower duty. Just a 1st impression without knowing full details. My guess is they will sell to folks who need a 'practical' excuse to buy an ATV.

Mediocre at everything is my thoughts too, Jim. I could see it in some situations, but I already own a generator and lawn mower, and it wouldn't be an ATV I would want. I think ATVs are cool, but not on the budget and I ought to be walking, not riding, anyways. Besides, my garage is already full. :laughing:

 

[radioman]

Well -- it would be nice to finally have a portable genny that you dont have to load up to use electrical stuff far away from home. Thats the only thing I see here.

 

[peavey]

Check out the other raven discussion board, I posted a few pics of my Raven.

 

[JDgreen227]

The front end reminds me of the Nissan Juke...butt ugly. While the concept is interesting, I already have a lawn tractor, and ATV, and a generator. Shame on those who produced the video, showing the machine being used for an ATV without the rider having a helmet on...:laughing:

By the way, it appears to be a 2wd...which would severely limit it's use as an ATV.

 

[jwstewar]

We were at Lowes over the weekend looking at these things. My son fell in love with it. I think it looked like a piece of crap. Concept is cool, but the execution not so much so. Mowing speed is something like 6 MPH and travel speed is 17 MPH. With the mower deck on the ground clearance is so low you are going to be able to cross any terrain. Everything on it seemed pretty light duty and yet incredibly difficult to work on because it is a "hybrid." Not exactly sure how it worked, but I got the impression that it could even travel by via electric some how. I don't remember the price, but my impression was man, what a shame to waste that much money.

 

[CliffordK]

I agree.
It sounds like an excellent concept.
But, it sounds like everything is done about halfway.

How easy is it to drop the deck? Without the deck, clearance should be ok, but it has fairly small tires.
Why only 2WD? Locking Diff?
6500W generator, but only 120V/12V, no 240V, no 30A 120V.
12.5 HP sounds pretty low.

Electric/Electric coupled transmission is a good idea. However, it isn't noted for high efficiency.
One nice thing, however, in tall grass one would be more likely to stall the electric motor than to stall the main engine. And, fewer belts to wear out.

If the tractor sells well, I hope they decide to make some future upgrades.

 

[dmccarty]

I saw one in Lowes over the weekend. The mower deck was small and looked very cheap. There were other people looking at the machine though but I guess having it right by the front door helped gathered attention. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

If JD or one of the big name companies created something like this with a bigger mower deck and 240 power I would be very interested.

Later,
Dan