Power Inverter - Grass Trimmer

Has anyone connected a power inverter to a grass trimmer (weed whacker, whatever you want to call it). I was thinking that I could buy a 700 watt power inverter, hook it up to my tractor, then plug the grass trimmer into the inverter. That way, I could use the lightweight trimmer just about anywhere on the property and not wear my arm out.

What do you guys think? My only concern would be that the trimmer might pull too much current in heavy grass or weeds.

Good idea? Let me know!!

OK-AL

If you're going to use an inverter, it will need to be oversized, probably by a factor of two, over the rated load of the trimmer, for long life of the trimmer and the inverter. (Don't ask how I know this!

• Briggs Powerlink

Bill

I have a little larger invertor unit, and I have used a 7�" circular saw powered by it. Also a 4" angle grinder.

OK-AL

I would use two 6v- T105 Trojan deep cycle golf cart battery's,(about $60eh) wired in series on a hand truck,($40). I would then use a AC charger when done to recharge the batterys.

This set-up would last about 1-1/2 hrs to 2hrs on a charge using a 800w invertor.

As BB pointed out theres a good draw from the batterys to run a invertor. You would over heat a single battery and the tractor charging system would not keep up.

The T-105 are rated 205 amp hrs and will take the discharge rate of the invertor. I use my 1/2" Milwaukee drill motor and a 5" Makita side grinder on my 400w invertor with out problems.

T_Bone

Then I bought a Weed Eater brand electric line trimmer from Wal-Mart. About $30.00.

I mounted the inverter onto the rear fender of my 8N Ford tractor. There were already two holes in it from some previous owner. Ran the wires from the inverter to the battery. (Note: I converted the 8N to 12 volts using a Delco alternator a couple of years ago.)

Turned on the inverter and turned on the weed eater. Volla! It worked! My wife and I trimmed about 300 feet of fence line today. No problems except that the ammeter went pretty high when the trigger on the weed eater was pulled. But the inverter never got hot. I may have to put a larger alternator on the tractor or a bigger battery. (Or just charge the battery up. The tractor hasn't had much use and the battery could be low.)

Anyway, I'm happy. I just have to remember that i'm using 110 volts which can kill. Also, the inverter does NOT have any moisture protection, so it absolutely can not be used in wet conditions. Shouldn't be a problem, because I don't mow or do much of anything in the rain.

Thanks to everyone for their comments. This is a great site.

OK-AL