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He Specializes In Everything Electric
Jim Coate got hooked on the idea of battery-powered vehicles 20 years ago. That led to a business supplying parts and know-how to anyone interested in converting a vehicle to electric.
   Coate carries parts for electric tractors and gas-to-electric conversions for cars, trucks and tractors. If parts aren’t available off the shelf, he rebuilds, repairs or has them made in limited production runs.
  “I carry parts for Elec-Trak tractors once made by General Electric, an electric riding mower briefly made by John Deere, WhisperMow, Wheel Horse, and other electric garden tractors,” says Coate. “I also do custom conversions of small farm tractors to electric.”
  Coate has an electrical engineering degree from Tufts University. He got into the electric tractor parts business when a friend’s father offered him an Elec-Trak tractor and a second one for parts. He later acquired parts and the original engineering drawings from the only remaining Elec-Trak parts and service provider. Gradually his business expanded to other brands.
  Consultation is included in the package for customers buying controllers and other parts for converting vehicles to battery power. Workshops are offered on vehicle conversions.
  Coate encourages FARM SHOW readers with an interest in electric tractors and other vehicles or in conversions to contact him with questions. If parts are needed or parts need to be rebuilt, include pictures and details with an email or call to discuss.
  “Have the brand and model and as many details available as possible,” says Coate.
  He asks readers who attempt to contact him in November to be patient. He and his wife are expecting a baby mid-month, and there may be a slight delay in response.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Free Range Electric, 201 Short St., Waynesboro, Va. 22980 (ph 540 941-1005; www.freerangeelectric.com).



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2014 - Volume #38, Issue #6