Last year’s Raven Hybrid Lawn Mower was immensely popular, but there were many complaints about the hybrid mower and generator, namely due to design or quality issues. After a few issues came to light, such as where the mower blades could detach during use or startup, and how fuel lines could leak, the Raven was eventually recalled.
The idea behind the Raven multi-purpose vehicle, which can function as a riding mower and as a gasoline-powered electric generator, is pretty compelling, and so the manufacturer has given it another go.
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The Raven MPV7100-series hybrid mower features a removable 46-inch mowing deck, ATV-style front shocks and suspension, and a 7100 Watt electric generator. Its turning radius is 14-inches, and the ATV mower can reach speeds of up to 17 mph in gas or electric running modes. Loads of up to 550 pounds can be towed via the built-in trailer hitch.
Features and Specifications
- Cruise control (6 mph max mowing speed)
- 420 CC engine
- 5-gallon fuel tank
- On-board generator powers outlets, blades, and charges onboard sealed lead acid batteries
- 7100 W surge power rating, 6500 W continuous power rating
- 8-hour generator runtime at 50% load
- 5 power outlets (120 VAC)
- Easy attach/detach mower deck
- Reverse mowing for reaching tight spots
- Storage bed
- LED headlamps
- Adjustable seat
- Cup holders
Models
There are going to be 3 MPV7100 models – the 7100, the 7100B with black color scheme, and 7100S with True Timber camo color scheme.
The new Raven hybrid mower is made by Denver Global Products and is assembled in North Carolina.
Price: TBD
More Info(PDF via Raven)
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First Thoughts
As always, I am going to be brutally honest here.
Last year, the Raven brought an interesting concept to the table. A riding mower with removable mowing deck, ATV-like features, and a built-in electric generator sounds GREAT! And that’s what a lot of customers thought too. At ~$3000, the 2013 Raven hybrid mower wasn’t inexpensive, but it was reasonably priced for its feature set.
But, if you read the comments in our Raven hybrid mower preview, buyers encountered quality issues where bolts were coming off the mower. According to the CSPC recall notice, mower blades detached during use or startup without being activated, the vehicle could move forward unexpectedly, and some users experienced fuel leaks. These are not minor issues.
I would think that Raven would have ironed out all the issues that plagued the original MPV710, and that the MPV7100 hybrid ridable mowers are going to be problem-free.
The Raven MPV7100 looks like to be open for preorders, which is both good and bad. It’s bad for the company, as this means release will likely come after the peak mower buying season, but reassuring to customers as it suggests Raven didn’t rush this model to market.
I could not find any dealers or distributors of the Raven 7100, 7100B, or 7100S mowers. This could pose a problem for Raven, as it might mean they’re having trouble convincing retailers to carry the newer version of the hybrid ridable mower and generator.
To be frank, I think that Raven and Denver Global Products are bringing their A-game with the new Raven mower. Why? Because they have to. After what happened last year with the first Raven, the new Raven is going to be hard enough to sell to retailers and consumers alike.
If I was seriously interested in buying the MPV7100-series Raven mower, I would give the company a chance, but would make it a point to wait at least 6 months after initial release. This way, early adopters can report on any potential problems. Plus, after production and distribution are in gear, maybe Raven will make their accessory plans better known. A snow thrower attachment is at the top of users’ wishlists.
Clayton M
I was really interested in this mower last year after reading about it’s release here. Later, I found tons of complaints on forums about the blades coming off and other issues and figured, “oh well, nice try”.
I really hope they are successful this time as I think this is a great concept. If it is popular, maybe it will spur other manufacturers to compete as well. I could definitely see buying one of these or something like it in the future.
Matt E
Agreed with Clayton in hoping this is both successful in it’s own right, and goes on to spur competition.
I’m about 3 years out from buying a new house, with a lot more land than we’re on now. One way or another a riding mower is in my future. I’m really hoping this concept catches on. I’d really love to have something like this with a Honda quality engine.
Ray
Ditto on the Honda engine. Or a Kawasaki.
Jimmie
Interesting concept. Surprised nobody has tried this before.
Seems like 420cc might be a little on the small side for a 46″ riding mower, though. That translates to somewhere in the 13-14HP range. One typically finds engines of that size on 38″ riders and the occasional low-end 42″ rider. In fact, the 33″ Cub Cadet walk-behind mower has a 420cc engine. The Raven has 40% more cutting width. Might struggle when mulching tall, damp grass?
Jimmie
Replying to my own post since it’s probably confusing…
I do realize that the Raven’s blades are powered by electric motors versus gas engines on the others I cited. I’m just curious how it compares to traditional gasoline-powered mowers.
The PDF doesn’t supply any specs on the blade motors themselves. They do tell us that the generator can supply 7100W so we can infer that the motors can’t make more than 9.6HP (and probably closer to 9HP given losses due to heat, etc). So the question becomes how well can a 9HP electric motor handle grass? Better than a 9HP gasoline motor, certainly, but how does it compare to gas-powered riders in its size class with their 19-20HP engines?
Stuart
There’s no way to answer that until the mower starts shipping and reviews start popping up.
Last year, nobody really complained about mowing performance; complaints seemed to focus more on the build quality and design issues.
crawford overton
Just think of power loss with belts ,pulleys mandrels you lose at least 40 % of engine power. With Raven no power loss I myself cut up to 12 inches of dry grass with out any problem and I did set cutter height on high didn’t need hay fields every where. I wish they would come out with mulching blades for it. I also have a swisher 60 inch zero turn and it didn’t do any better with it’s 27 hp engine. Also the turn on Raven is really tight come close to my swisher now i just sits in shed and I have fun on the Raven it’s just a cool tool.
Hang Fire
The horsepower depends if it’s a lawn mower style engine or a motorcycle style engine. Don’t know which this is.
Chad
I think its a great idea. There are a few points that bother me though. The biggest is the longevity of the electric motors driving the blades. I’ve replaced a few spindle bearing assemblies over the years at $$. I wonder if this mower has spindles or if the electric motors are the spindle. Is there a coupling or is the motor shaft solid to the blade. Do the motors overheat? how does the wiring handle moisture?
A great concept but I’ll probably wait until its been out awhile and there are competitors.
It did cause me to search and there are guys making and selling generators that belt up to your existing rider mower in place of the mower deck. $2000 or so though but you can at least utilize your existing engine.
Bruce
I’m watching for the release of the Raven, and right now based on what I see and read I hope to own one. I’ve found a lot of excellent review info from Paul Sikkema at this site. His test drives and honest responses are the best I’ve seen so far: http://todaysmower.com/2014/raven/
Tamara
Well I am convinced by the new reviews that I want one but I live in NY and the closest place I can find one is North Carolina. I need a mower now and though I have been told that all Lowes will eventually carry them, they can’t tell me if they will get them in this year or not. I am also curious about the pricing this year. I wish that they could at least distribute to one Lowes in each state so that I could get my hands on one.
Terry
Have you checked to see if your local lowes can special order you one?
Gary Schneider
This is an interesting concept. A larger version would be nice like a 54 inch deck. I would recommend having 240v output as well as the 120v for the larger deck and powering larger power tools like a welder or pump. Add a blade attachment or a snow blower and maybe 4 wheel drive this would be a real beast.
Kevin
Just saw one of these Sat. at a trade days event. The dealer said he’d been running around for 2 days on 1 charges.
It will be interesting to see how the quality is. Hopefully 220v is coming.
crawford overton
I know have 15 hours on it no problems with it. What I miss which was on first one was the knob for tilt wheel now you need a socket wrench to adjust it. improvements better carb for better starting and get up and go, steering turns close to my zero turn mower, steering much in proved but it could be better,it now has a system for water to wash under deck which works well. They fixed the charger system so all battery say up to snuff before never held much of the charge, Biggest thing for me is blades have been fixed so not to come off they put studs on motor shaft with locking nuts. While the say the have inprove 200 plus things I looked over system under skin I really can’t see it also I have seen a inprovement in processor for motor drive gas pedal responds at touch very quickly much like before. All in all I had the first one so I can compare it with new ones, many who never ever had the first one are telling only what they heard or been told. But any one who buys one will be happy with it I been mowing 4 acres and really been working it hard if it were to break it would have by know, But sale may not be great because they raised the price b a grand.
heath norris
FYI; REMINDER….. THIS THIS IS ELECTRICAL….. THE COMBUSTIBLE ENGINE RUNS THE GENERATOR…..THE BLADES, THE MOBILITY, ELECTRIC…. IT SEEMS THERE SETTING UP INDEPENDANT REPS…
Ron J.
I just purchased the 7100. Will try it out this afternoon. I have approximately 3 acres of heavy wet grass as and weeds to now. Will post results tonite or tomorrow. It does have a lot of pep in electric mode, and it rides fairly smooth across my front yard. So far, I like.it.
David S
Ron J
Just wondering if you got to mow with your new RAVEN? I am considering buying one this weekend and would like to hear your thoughts
Ron J.
Yes I did. I mowed approximately 2 acres. Weeds were about 8-9 inches tall and wet. I live in Arkansas. The boadleaf stuff is hard to cut in dry weather. Anyway, the Raven cut right through it with no problem. I had it set at about 3 1/2. It rides very nicely over rough terrain and the electric mower deck does not bog down like a gas mower. It has a nice feature of stopping the blades if you hit something hard also. The electric shift is very nice and cruise control really is handy on rough ground. I used it on electric mode to run around the yard and down the street. Moves pretty fast in high gear. I would recommend it. The generator is nice. I have an electric chain saw and it is nice to drive the generator out in the field rather than load one on a trailer.
David S
OK Thanks Ron. Just curious did u purchase yours from Lowes? I think I will pick one up at our local Lowes here in Waco Tx. One of my concerns is local service on it if needed. I called the RAVEN toll free
Number and they said there was not a service for them here just return to Lowes if problems arose
Also does anyone know the cost of the battery pack if it goes out and where to buy it?
Jason
I wish i knew its probably a deep cycle lead acid. At that price they can afford to use anything fancy like a lithium ion battery.
Ron J.
If you look under the hood, there is a number to Lowe’s service and parts. I would try them first.
Ron J.
I bought it at Lowes. I talked to a local shop about getting parts, he said he had never heard of Raven. lowes told me to contact them if I had problems. As for the battery pack, I’m not sure. I did see one at the shop so it may be a part that is fairly easy to get. According to the literature. The Raven self charges the battery. If you are putting it up for an extended time, there is a trickle charger you plug into the generator panel. It seems well built so I’m hoping not to have any major trouble a for awhile, at least until it becomes more popular. I plan to use it year round on my farm.
glenn h
is one manufactured in 2014 ok to buy where on it do i look for the yr made
Ron J.
Probably so, I’m not sure if mine is 14 or 15. Don’t buy the 2013. They were recalled. The ones Lowes is selling now are the improved model. Not real sure where the data tag is located. They can tell you what the year is at the store
Norske Div
I hope they fixed the problem that the old model had of the mower blades engaging without being on and the engine running even when turned off and the fuel tank emptied. I liked ours but it would start up and run in idle unattended, once we got back after a weekend and found it had been running the whole time, Filling the barn with exhaust.
Ron J.
According to Lowes, the early models were recalled and the problems were solved. So far this mower works fine. I will keep an eye on it
Ron J.
I removed the mower deck, hooked up my 5×5 trailer forded my creek. Did very well on the muddy banks. Couldn’t tell I had a trailer behind me. Also about charging the battery, it has it’s own generator on board that is supposed to keep the battery charged. It dies come with a trickle charger/maintainer if you will be parking it for an extended time. Mine won’t get that luxury. Lol
Richard
I have a 2015. Used for the first time today. It mows better than my $5000 Bad Boy. Those electric blades get the job done. I actually bought it for the mobile generator and pulling various sprayers, spreaders and lawn cart. I have 40 acres and you just get can’t enough extension cord to cover that area. Smooth ride and pulls a hill pretty well
Kirk
How do you connect a portable sprayer. Where do you connect the battery cables?
Kurt Busch
I have a 7100 and up until yesterday it has always worked great. Now when I mow the engine just stops every few minutes. It starts just fine but continues to stop for no apparent reason. At first I thought it would be the operator presence switch (seat safety switch) but I removed it from under the seat and taped it in the depressed position. The stopping is still happening. The engine also stops when I press the red button to disengage the blades. I’ve tried calling Raven America/Denver Global and the call always goes to music on hold. I’ve waited as long a 45 minutes and still no CSR. I sent in an e-mail which has not been answered. I left a voice-mail on a CSR number. My biggest question is “are these people still in business” or do I now have a $3K lawn ornament ??
Eric
According to the better business Bureau this company is no longer in operation
Kurt
That’s what concerned me the most. I called the support number for Raven America (from their website) and just let the music play while I went on to other things After 45 minutes or so someone answered. I explained the issue with the MPV and after we ruled out low oil levels, dirty air filter and fuses they say they think it’s the 48 volt battery and they’re going to send out a new one. I already ruled out the seat safety switch and I wondered if here is a temperature cut-out somewhere on the deck. I took the shrouds off the mower deck and using an airline blew the dust and clippings out. I also took a couple of the covers off the sides of the engine compartment and blew them out too, Again in case there is a thermal cut-out
Bob K.
Just spoke with them today. They are not out of business as far as I can tell. The wait times for customer service department is ridiculous at times, have got the full hour only to be disconnected, and then call back again. You do eventually get someone on the line, you just need to have an endless amount of patience and spare time. I’ve spoken to Mary on several occasions, she seems to really know her stuff !!
Cynthia
Hi, I just got off the phone with a representative from Raven, yes, they are still in business. Sometimes it takes a long time to get an answer, but you will not deal with better people than these. I had 2 bolts sheer off that connects the carburetor to the motor, through no fault of mine. It has taken about 3 weeks to get this resolved, but today they told me that they are sending me a new Raven MPV7100…..at no charge.
So, if anybody is having any type of issues with a Raven product just be patient, keep calling them, stay in contact with them, and be nice (they are). I am amazed at how fantastic they are.
Mike Thomas
I feel for you Kurt! We had two of these die on us and with the second unit, spent weeks going back and forth with customer service (spent hours on hold over the course of several days until I finally got someone, never once received a call back from the messages left on previous days) and replacing parts to no avail, we were fortunate enough to be refunded as I too was concerned about being stuck with a $3000 lawn ornament. Good luck!
Kurt
Well it’s been an interesting journey so far. DGB sent the 48 volt LION battery and it came sooner than promised. I replaced the existing battery and tried to mow. Same issue, the engine just dies after a few minutes mowing. I called customer service again and the wait time is getting shorter. They put me in touch with one of their technicians who said that the battery was not the problem. There is a sensor on the deck that checks the voltage output from the generator and if it senses a voltage above specs it errs on the safe side and shuts the generator/engine off. He said he would order me a new deck. I called a few days later just to check on the deck and they said they were sending me two new blade motor controllers instead of a whole deck. I received the new controllers and after a few hours had everything back together. I tried mowing again and, yup, same problem. I called customer service and they put me in touch with the same tech. He said the controllers were sent in error as he’d not been clear enough that the sensor is actually in the blade motor. Since the decks are on back order they are sending me two new blade motors. Hopefully they’ll be here in the next day or so.
Other than the wait on hold these folks have jumped through hoops to get me replacement parts. I think it helps a lot than I can do the work and I’m willing to do the work.The machine itself is reasonably easy to wrench on, probably because it’s clean.
I still like the MPV.
While it’s not been available to mow with I’ve used the generator to power a limb saw and an electric tiller. With the deck off I can wander around the acreage. I resurected an old Craftsman zero turn and have kept some of the grass at bay but I need the mower portion back in service.
Kurt
The new motors came via FedEx after only a few days. Quicker than Raven thought they would. Since I’d already replaced the motor controllers replacing the motors themselves was very easy and a side benefit is that I’m getting much better at getting the deck on and off. When I replaced the controllers and the motors I bought new stainless steel nuts, bolts and washers even though the stock connectors were in good shape. It’s just a personal issue. In any case the mower has been working just fine since I replaced the motors. I will probably call Raven one more time to have them close the report. Anyone know what to do with a spare 48 volt battery and 2 controllers?
Derrick
yea send them to me do you know how much they cost i don’t
Kurt
My unit was purchased in July of 2015 and was still under warranty so the replacement parts were shipped at no charge.
Roger D. Holcomb
I am glad to hear that at least a few are liking their Raven. Had I known then what I know now about it, I would have run away and left it at Lowes. My left blade keeps stopping on me. Mowed today and it stopped, so I thought I’d just finish the little bit left with the right blade only. But couple of minutes, and the left blade started again.
Thought this was strange, but realize, it had been doing that since the first day I mowed with it. Initially thought left side got plugged with mud and such, but the blade was free when I removed the deck to clean it out. There was mud, but nothing touching the blade. I now think I have an electrical issue. Just not sure what.
Anyway, on another mow, my engine suddenly stopped…. wouldn’t start again, so rode it back to garage on electric mode. End result is that the spark plug was totally fouled. Brushed it off and everything worked again. I even installed a hotter plug, but it has done little to reduce fouling. So now after every couple mows I pull the plug and clean it up. And as a bonus, I found the choke wires were messed up. It would never close even manually until I routed the wire into the right position. So far, I don’t need to use the choke, so could still be an issue waiting for me.
Next mow, the front deck pin went missing which allowed the front to ride on the ground until I discovered it. I recall seeing just a straight piece of metal for a pin. OK, so I a little ignorant. I just bought a proper latch pin. Then I leveled the deck as well as I could. Next mow went without incident until I raised the cover just to check the spark plug and found the air filter cover was totally dislocated. The latch pins were apparently stressed to the point that the cover could not be securely closed. I now use a bungee cord to hold it in place.
Was all this my fault? Don’t think so. As it turns out, I had allowed the return with no questions to expire due to rain most of the 1st month I had it. But Lowes would be glad to fix it, but would charge if shown to be owner induced. So, I’m fixing things as I see fit.
At least I’m getting more fit as I have removed the deck quite a few times, by myself and the steering is really stiff. Between the 2, my upper body and arms are doing well…. I think. BTW, my Raven indicates it is a 2015 by the serial number.
Kurt
Whoops. Forgot to check the follow-up box.
Kenneth Kingdon Jr
I bought this MPV 7100 last Oct 2015 for my wife. The left motor blade does not come on ,the wright side does.What do you think the problem is? I need to get this fixed.Where do I get it done?Can I get new parts for it? Or just bring me a new one. I’ am very upset with this unit. Please email me back ASAP thank you. Thank you
Kurt
Call the contact number on the Raven or Denver Global Products website but be prepared to wait on hold for a very long time. They will answer but they’re really slow. If I had to guess it’s either the left motor itself or the left controller. Both of these are fairly easy to replace yourself if you have any mechanical aptitude.
You could check the wiring and connections by removing the mower deck from the unit. There are two shrouds over the connector blocks and wiring . remove these guys and make sure that the connections for the controllers and motors are tight and the wires have not parted anywhere.
DGP was very good about sending replacement parts if you can do the work. Not sure about their realer/repair sites.
Steve
The one note EVERY OWNER needs to know about is EVERY MPV7100 series will require a deck upgrade to get the new controllers / motors. It is not a question of if you need them, it’s a question of when. You will experience a either a left blade stop or complete stoppage of the cutting deck blades. This will most likely blow the 100 amp deck fuse more than once. Raven / DGP is aware of this and has a crew of FACTORY guys out in the field doing deck replacements free to all owners of this unit at your location. All you have to do is contact them to get on the schedule. Because they are aware of this issue, I doubt it even matters if you are still under warranty or not. Additionally They have sent parts only and service manuals to many owners who requested them. They have also shipped many customers complete decks free of charge. This is pretty much the only issue on the 7100 series and they are very much on top of having it resolved to the customers satisfaction. I’m very happy with this type customer service and trust others will experience the same.
Edgar Friendly
Thanks Steve for sharing that. I just had my Raven delivered this week to my property out of state. I hope the new Raven shipped with the new deck so I don’t have the hassle of working to get that replaced. It sounds like Raven is standing behind their product. I can hardly wait to get out there and get the Raven up and running. I am planning on using it as the go to machine one our acreage property. I can see this machine filling so many roles for us that I am surprised we haven’t seen more machines like the Raven. Thanks again for posting your experience with the MPV. I looks like a great machine.
Steve
They have had lots of issues with the 100amp deck fuse blowing on the MPV7100. Sometimes just replacing the fuse is all thats needed and other times the entire deck motor or wiring is fried requiring a complete deck replacement. To me, If Your deck motor blows the 100amp fuse, clearly something in the deck motor is not designed correctly and has a problem. They are well aware of this and looks like they are now sending replacement decks out at the drop of a hat. If their customer service continues to stand behind this until they get it figured out then great, if not, I see them going in the toilet within the next 24 months. Who would pay another grand or so for a deck after 2-3 years of use? They seem to be working with people right now so lets hope it continues.
Steve
I have a 2 year old 7100s where the deck went out as in my other post. Apparently either the left deck controller or motor went out which in-turn took out both blades from turning. Called Raven on Friday and factory Tech called and showed up today. These guys looked like some NASCAR pit crew, replaced the whole deck assembly , air filter couple nic nacks I neglected and in 20 mins were gone. Now, I myself am in the service industry and can tell you this is very impressive! My machine is 2 years old and I’ve run the hell out it. This is the only issue on mine (and pretty much the only issue on any of the MPV7100 series,. It’s a known problem and they are very much on top of it. I could only be more impressed if they contacted me prior to it going out! GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE from Kim in the care center to the guys who just left here! AAA plus service! I’m looking up their company stock ticker now!
Cynthia
We bought our Raven MPV7100 last year and love it. We have had a couple of problems with it, but will not consider any other mower now. Raven customer service is sometimes hard to get through to, but worth the effort. You will not deal with a nicer group of people. They have gone above and beyond to resolve the problems with my Raven.
The latest problem was 2 bolts holding the carburetor to the motor sheered off. It has taken a couple or so weeks and a lot of time spent on hold, but it was worth it. Today they told me they are replacing my MPV with a brand new one…..free of charge. I do not know of any other
company that would do this for a product that is nearly 3 years old.
I highly recommend the Raven, not just because of what a great product it is, but also because of how amazing the company and especially the customer service is.
Cynthia
Does anybody know where the 100 amp fuse for the deck is located on the MPV7100?
Thank you.
Kurt
There are two fuses under the operators seat and three fuses behind a panel on the right side of the generator between the right rear wheel and the engine. The panel can be removed without removing the rear wheel by taking out three 10mm (I think) bolts. These are very specialized fuses and not like the automobile fuses you’re used to seeing so you’ll probably have to take them somewhere to be matched up. DGP has them and can send them to you via mail or FedEx. What is your mower doing to make you suspect a bad fuse ?
Cynthia
Hi Kurt, the blades have stopped turning and this is only the second time I have used it.
I found the fuses (they are a pain to get to, lol) and one of them is definitely burnt. I will call DGP tomorrow about sending me new ones.
Thank you for youth help.
Cynthia
I meant your help, not youth help
I hate auto correct!
Ken
Hey Cynthia the fuse is located underneath the seat but call Raven andwill come out with their service people and I will take care of this for you they came to my place and replace the whole deck because we had the same problem on the old type Deck
Cynthia
Hi Ken,
I talked to Raven a couple of days ago and they told me to take out the fuses to check for burnt ones. They said if any are burnt they’ll send me new ones and for me to replace them.
Thank you for replying.
vicky
HI I have 2 issues right now. I can’t seem to get the raven started even with playing with the choke for a while. I live in TN. Then, I need to know how to get the gas filter and oil filter changed. The one on the engine, I think is the oil filter. I can do that one. It’s the one under the gas tank. How do you get to that one? Also, what is it that’s used for the turning shaft so it turns better? Had a tech tell me, but forgot. Some kind of lub I think. Thanks so much
Kurt
Unless DGP has changed the location since 2014 the fuel filter is on top of the engine. Mine is a silver in-line filter. You just need to release the clamps on the fuel lines to remove it. Any similar filter should work.
My unit starts particularly hard in the winter (Nebraska) I’ve had to spray it to get it to start. Not always but certainly on really cold days.
What turning shaft are you speaking of ?
Bill
I have starting problems when its below 50 degrees. I found that by pushing the throttle linkage to close the throttle about half way makes it start right up. Without doing this, the throttle is open all the way until if fires. That works for me now every time I have a hard time getting it started when cold.
Can anyone tell me now to identify whether my deck and controllers are the old or new ones that everyone keeps talking about, or do I just wait for a failure to find out the are the old ones.
Kurt
Vicky: If you’re talking about the rack and pinon gears under the fuel tank I’d be careful what kind of lubricant you used. If you use most any kind of grease, similar to wheel bearing grease, it will attract every speck of dust that it can find. Eventually the grease and dust will act as an abrasive and will chew the devil out of the rack. I just ordered a new rack for my mower. If I crank the wheel hard right it won’t turn back to straight. The culprit was the plate that acts as the rack. Since I’ve never used any lubricant on it I’d guess that the rack is a fairly soft metal as the left side where the pinion rides in a hard right turn is just worn away.
Ardath J. Turpin
I bought my Raven MPV-7100 on 10/2014. Was mowing my front yard today, June 23, 2017, and all of a sudden the mower started making a terrible loud noise, so I immediately shut the mower off. Now every time you turn the mower on it starts that same noise, so I turn it off. Also, it has started using a lot of oil, and when you start it starts smoking really bad. Is it still under warranty? If not, when did the warranty run out? Another problem is that the bar that has the ball to hook up a trailer rusted where it comes out of the mower and completely fell off while a was mowing the pasture one day, Other than that I really like the Raven. but am really worried about what it is going to cost me to fix all of its problems. Help!! I paid just under $4000.00 dollars for it when I bought it from Lowes here in Conroe.
Chief
I had same problem. It turns out. Thats telling you to change the oil. While doing that might as well service it. Oil should be change every 24 hrs or so. Good luck
Ardath J. Turpin
What will it cost to fix all of my Raven’ problems that I mentioned in the above Post?
Stuart
No idea, sorry. Have you contacted Raven?
Kurt Busch
So far, including the components currently mounted on the unit, I have 2 complete decks, 8 blade motors, 8 blade motor controllers, 2 racks for the steering, 2 sets of fuses, and 2 48 volt battery packs. This morning the left blade quit working – again – The generator and drive portions of the unit have worked fine since the first motor replacement. Unfortunately when I replaced the blade motors and blade motor controllers I didn’t mark which ones were mounted on the right side or I might be able to plug and play.
I was wondering if anyone has a wiring schematic/diagram for unit, specifically for the blade motors and blade motor controllers. If the left controller issue persists from here on I may wire around the controllers straight to the motors and put a manual on/off switch on it. But I need to know the voltage at the input side of the blade motors as well as which are the power leads.
Dale Carros
Kurt, It sounds like your much further than I when it comes to troubleshooting and wiring the deck on the Raven. Help Please! I am likewise looking for wiring schematics etc for the deck. Additionally I don’t understand the operation of the Opto switch on the deck. Does it operate as a SPST switch, can it be jumped. I’d love a dialog.
larry hager
we have a 7100 that has quit working. no help from tech support. has anyone else had trouble. husband was mowing and just quit. checked all the fuses, everything the book says to do. blades run but mower wont’ go forward or back up. no service center in North Dakota any help or advise please call my husband 701-341-1082
Kurt Busch
Did you check all 5 fuses. The two under the seat and the 3 just above the right rear wheel.
David
I have located the 15 and 20 A fuses under the seat and the 100 A deck fuse and the 100 A drive fuses behind the right rear wheel but I can’t seem to find the 75A 48V battery fuse. Does anyone know where it is located?
David
My Raven gas engine was running fine but needed a new mower motor. I replaced the motor and it started right up. I backed it into the yard, engaged the electric mower and in about 10 seconds the gas mower turned off (as if it ran out of gas). Now when I try to re start it nothing happens. There is a definite click when it passes the battery mode but nothing when I turn the key to start the engine. Nothing happens in electric mode either. Anyone have any suggestions? I am far from a mechanic and really could use some direction. Thanks guys!
d.r. johnson
I have a 2014 raven that want go in gear forward or backward. I’m tired of fooling with it so ill sell it for parts if anyone is interested.
John B.
Does the mower deck work? It seems that I need a new one.
Ken
Please tell me where the 100 amp fuse is located on a 7100 Raven I need information to remove & replace this fuse Thank you
Shane
My raven will not go into FW or REV also when I pull up on the switch to engage the blades they will not spin. The the blades act like they want to start spinning and won’t. Can you tell me what to do because there is no one around me that works on them.
Kenneth Kingdon
I have a 7100 Raven . It wont go foward or backwards.The deck is off. I change all the fuses. I cant find the 75 amp fuse where is it on the 7100 Raven also where is the voltage regulater located? Please email me Bullet
Shane
I have the same problem. I can not find out where the 100 amp fuses go. I need a picture.
Shane
I need pics of where my 100 amp fuses are on raven 710 mvp
Rhonda Lynn Herrera
Above the right rear wheel near the engine. There 3 bolts and one screw to remove the protective plate. All three of the 100 amp fuses are behind that plate.
Shane
Well I did that and did not see them. What are they in. If you don’t mind me asking please?