Need More Electricity to Battery

[turfmaster90]

I have a 2004 Toro Z-Mower and a 2007 Exmark Z-Mower. Both mowers are the same as far as the engine goes. The are both 27 hsp Kolhers.

On both of these mowers I have a Cool Top fan that I run to keep cool while cutting. I have 2 4X6 halogen lights that I use to finish up cutting if I runb out of day light.

When I run the fan while the blades are enguaged it starts to drain the battery. I put a meter on the battery and the results that I get are:

blades on -- 13.8 to 14
blades on & fan on -- 12.5 to 12.8
blades on & fan on & lights on -- 10.8 to 11

Question: Is there a way to get the engine to put out more voltage to the battery? ie. changing fuses etc.

[ricky86]

They both have 15 amp systems. Not enough output. With all that added load, you should move up to a 25 amp system. The fan must demand 10 amps alone? Lights, maybe 5, the engine/clutch needs about 5. That leaves 5 for battery.

[turfmaster90]

When you say move up to a 25 amp system are you saying I can change some parts (fuses)to get 25 amp or are you saying change to a different mower? Thanks for your help!!!!!

[turfmaster90]

Can I change to a higher amp voltage regulator??

[Richard Martin]

Can I change to a higher amp voltage regulator??

The only way to know if it's that simple is to check the part number of the flywheel and stator of the 15 and 25 amp charge systems. If they have the same part numbers then it's as simple as changing the regulator and checking the size of the wires. If those 2 part numbers are different then you'll have the change the stator and flywheel to the 25 amp versions. The wires also need to be a minimum 14 AWG with a quick blow fuse. 12 AWG would give a margin of safety and you'd be able to use a circuit breaker or slow blow fuse. I would imagine they would already be 14 but it doesn't hurt to check.

http://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp

[Oldtimer]

To get 25 amps the stator and rectifier/regulator would have to be changed.

Most engines are equipped with a 15 or 20 amp
regulated charging system. Some have a 25 amp
regulated charging system.


Oldtimer

[turfmaster90]

I checked the paperwork for both machines and the are 20 amps.