240dcv 2.5hp treadmill motor (yes, its DC)

[perkinsj88]

Hi guys, so..for my daddy/daughter go kart build my father-in-law has suggested using a 240v 2.5hp treadmill motor. I am not that familiar with eletric motors so heres a few questions. (He will give me the motor free, no controls however)
1. Can this motor carry 200 lbs at 15mph?
2. How expensive is it to implement a bare electric motor onto a go kart?
3. If its reasonable what type/size battery(ies) would I need?
4. Would it be cheaper and overall easier to use a $90 (with coupon) predator 212cc/6.5hp?

 

[itsid]

240 V...
thats twenty 12v batteries in series..
and for 2.5Hp 1840 Watts you need 8Amps.
One small dent on any of the wires and you have the perfect deathtrap for your daughter.

So, I think, you should look out for a motor that's more in the 24-48Volt range and you should be good with say about 1000 - 1200 Watts.

Running the 240V motor on lower voltage (in that 24-48V range) may work, but it will not come anything near 100 Watts I'd guess.
And the powercontrol will be a serious pita.

'sid

 

[mckutzy]

I think those are 3ph motors. You will have to post a pic and name plate.
Does it have brushes?
When I was working on motors years ago, we had these in all the time for service. I they are from real professional machines at a big gym.
that the only time I heard of these type of tread mill motors.

 

[perkinsj88]

Well hrm...ill get more info on it. Its from a treadmill that was used in a factory he worked in as maintenance, it was a hefty treadmill (they have one identical to it now). From the sounds of it so far ik thinking ill just go with the harbor freight special!

 

[landuse]

Well hrm...ill get more info on it. Its from a treadmill that was used in a factory he worked in as maintenance, it was a hefty treadmill (they have one identical to it now). From the sounds of it so far ik thinking ill just go with the harbor freight special!

It might just be easier getting a gas engine. It would be less of a PITA to set up as well

 

[perkinsj88]

It might just be easier getting a gas engine. It would be less of a PITA to set up as well

I think this is the route I will take. I've been an auto mechanic since I was young so I'm much more familiar with gas engines, pretty clueless with electric...I know enough to get by but that's bout it.