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Only Known Troy-Bilt Solar-Powered Lawnmower Prototype - $1,200
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Troy-Bilt
model name / number:
1 of 1, circa 1995
size / dimensions:
About 7' x 3' x 7' & 300 lbs.
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It has a fully-working 26" cutting surface and a three-speed self-propelled drivetrain (three forward speeds, neutral, and even a reverse gear). It also has an adjustable deck height using a crank below the operating station. Built before the time of planned obsolescence, everything is either directly hardwired or mechanically linked via rods and pulleys. There are no complex circuits or computer systems that can fail. If something does fail, you can visually see what the problem is and fix it easily.
Not everything is original on this unit. The battery, solar panel, and solar controller have all been replaced just due to their inherently short lifecycles. From what I understand, the reason this never went into full-scale production is due to the limitations of solar technology during the '90's. It now has a modern deep-cycle battery, controller, and 250W solar panel. The base design would continue to be used for Troy-Bilt's gas engine mowers, but you'll never find another electric one with the solar panel mounts.
It has been heavily used by my family and is showing signs of it. The paint on the plastic cover is getting sun-faded, elsewhere it is chipping. All positions on the gear selector work great, but it's not very smooth and sometimes has to be manhandled. I believe the motor is still the original one from thirty years ago, so who knows how much longer it'll keep kicking. All that being said, it'll eat still eat up whatever you run over due the incredible momentum it stores once fully spooled up. There is caked dirt all over the machine from use, but very limited surface rusting.
It runs for about twenty minutes on a full charge, and a single day in the sun will get it back to 100%. There is also an auxiliary trickle charger if you prefer charging it from an outlet (also will keep the battery alive if stored indoors for prolonged periods). I have sharpened the blade and have greased every zerk I could find as well.
Due to its size and weight, I have no problem delivering this one-of-a-kind machine wherever, free of charge.