[monkeygrass]

As a long-term lurker, let me first say thanks to all for the wealth of information on this board. It is truly an unmatched resource for lawn enthusiasts.

I own a pair of 2004 Toro Flex 21 mowers. One is operational and the other was included in the package for spare parts. The running mower cuts as expected but it does emit a strong dose of fumes.

For several reasons, I am very intrigued by the Toro eFlex and am curious if anyone has any experience with it. Assuming they are hard to come by, or priced fairly high on the used market, would converting a Toro Flex from gas to battery seem feasible or is it crazy talk?

https://www.toro.com/en/golf/greensmowers/greensmaster-eflex-series

 

[Ware]

Welcome to TLF!

I have not seen this done before, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't be the first! :thumbsup:

 

[MasterMech]

Why is your operating mower putting off fumes to the point at which they bother you? Is the engine in need or service? Are you normally sensitive to these type of fumes?

I'm pretty sure the e-flex conversion would involve extensive re-work of a gas mower. The controls will be very different, in addition to just mounting the battery and the electric drivetrain.

Most of the major manufacturers retired all-battery powered walk-mowers in favor of the hybrids due to endurance concerns. Jake still makes a pretty sweet all-battery triplex however. (Eclipse 322). Endurance would not be a major concern for most homeowners looking for this type of mower, but unfortunately we aren't the target customer for these machines either.

 

[monkeygrass]

Why is your operating mower putting off fumes to the point at which they bother you? Is the engine in need or service? Are you normally sensitive to these type of fumes?

I'm pretty sure the e-flex conversion would involve extensive re-work of a gas mower. The controls will be very different, in addition to just mounting the battery and the electric drivetrain.

Most of the major manufacturers retired all-battery powered walk-mowers in favor of the hybrids due to endurance concerns. Jake still makes a pretty sweet all-battery triplex however. (Eclipse 322). Endurance would not be a major concern for most homeowners looking for this type of mower, but unfortunately we aren't the target customer for these machines either.

Thanks for these helpful thoughts!

The engine could indeed use some TLC and it would probably do wonders for the fumes. I've been somewhat reckless and lazy in not having it looked at. It's kind of right on the edge of being tolerable, depending on the wind conditions. If it would only start smoking, then I would be forced into taking action.

All of that said, the lack of small-engine maintenance and repair is one of the aspects of a battery-powered mower that strongly appeals to me. My enthusiasm for fairway-like lawns has yet to crossover into an affinity for the mechanical work that typically accompanies it. Hopefully that changes at some point.

 

[MasterMech]

Thanks for these helpful thoughts!

The engine could indeed use some TLC and it would probably do wonders for the fumes. I've been somewhat reckless and lazy in not having it looked at. It's kind of right on the edge of being tolerable, depending on the wind conditions. If it would only start smoking, then I would be forced into taking action.

All of that said, the lack of small-engine maintenance and repair is one of the aspects of a battery-powered mower that strongly appeals to me. My enthusiasm for fairway-like lawns has yet to crossover into an affinity for the mechanical work that typically accompanies it. Hopefully that changes at some point.

The likely causes of excessive fumes are pretty few and easy to check. First, I'd check/clean/replace the air filter on your engine. Cheap and easy to do, will take about 5 minutes of your time - tops. If that doesn't clear it up, check to make sure the choke valve is fully open when you are mowing. If it's partially closed, it will cause the engine to run rich and put off more fumes than usual. Throwing a spark plug at it wouldn't hurt either, $2-3 and another 5 minutes.

 

[Ware]

I'm not sure what your budget is, but for your lawn size I would probably throw the Swardman Electra into the mix as another viable electric reel option.

 

[MasterMech]

The other advantage of the Swardman is their mail-order sharpening system for those who do not enjoy tinkering with their mowers.

 

[monkeygrass]

The likely causes of excessive fumes are pretty few and easy to check. First, I'd check/clean/replace the air filter on your engine. Cheap and easy to do, will take about 5 minutes of your time - tops. If that doesn't clear it up, check to make sure the choke valve is fully open when you are mowing. If it's partially closed, it will cause the engine to run rich and put off more fumes than usual. Throwing a spark plug at it wouldn't hurt either, $2-3 and another 5 minutes.

These are great suggestions and I believe you have expertly pinpointed my transgression! My mower seemed to run a little smoother with the choke valve 90% open on the initial start, so that is how I've kept it. The attempted slow suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning is apparently one of the benefits of not mastering the basics...

Thank you very much for diagnosing the problem and providing the remedies.

 

[monkeygrass]

I'm not sure what your budget is, but for your lawn size I would probably throw the Swardman Electra into the mix as another viable electric reel option.

Thanks for suggesting this. I've kept a keen eye on the Swardman discussions and the Electra is of particular interest. Depending on the cost of a used eFlex, it is unquestionably under consideration.

I know transport wheels aren't favored by everyone on the board but I think they are essential with my conditions. My lawn-to-lot-size ratio is a little light because the landscaping has a large amount of basalt rock between islands of grass and hardscape. To move the Swardsman through that small black rock -- and up and down a 2.5" concrete lip into the garage -- has me questioning if their wheels are up to the task. As someone familiar with them, what is your take?