Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

my 12 horse tec engine has a starter that is desigend to run on a battery (12v d/c). Is there a way to convert this to the type that runs off of 120V a/c...like the newer style blowers.

thanks

Its better to get a 120vac starter rather than building a step down transformer and DC rectifier circuit. It would be too costly and you would need to build an expensive setup because starters usually draw plenty of current and most DC power supplies will not put out enough that you need, so best is to just go with a simple 120vac setup.     

point taken!

I find about the only time I use the electric start is occasionally when I'm first starting. This is normally after I forgot to either turn on the fuel or move the throttle control  from "Stop" to  "Fast" and tired myself out pulling the cord. Once the engine is wrm and the fuel is turned on it start on one or two pulls.

A battery gives you more flexibility as to where you can start but is more maintenance intensive.

Why would you not want a 12 volt starter that seems conveint to me?

I guess 12v is better than nothing, but Its like nibbler said... Way more maintenence intensive. I have the system, but no battery or battery tray. A battery alone is about $50.00. If youve ever had a motorcycle, then you know that over the real cold months, you have to keep the battery on a trickle charge. I guess 12 volt is better than nothing but with a 120 volt starter, I can just plug it in... Zero maintenance.  I did see a few on ebay. They run between $50-$90. I am guessing I can sell my 12v system for about $20 if I'm lucky.

70 Chevy,

Sell your 12  volt on Ebay!!

                               Fred