Ride on mower stub axles/spindles

[4stroker]

Hi everyone.

I'm building 2 x karts for my son and nephew.

I'm on a budget but got plenty of time. I want the karts to be suitable for light offroad use by 4 - 8 year olds.

I picked up these two ride on mowers for nothing and want to use the wheels tires and stub axles.

Will these stub axles be ok with the split pins?

I'll redo the tie rod mounts to correct the Ackerman and i can build in any required camber/caster when i do the frames.

Any advice much appreciated.

Ps I'm in Australia, parts here aren't as plentiful or cheap as in the US.

Thanks, Mark

[anickode]

They'll last a while. Eventually they will bend.

The bigger issue is the resulting stance. They make for a very high sitting cart.

[4stroker]

Originally Posted by anickode

They'll last a while. Eventually they will bend.

The bigger issue is the resulting stance. They make for a very high sitting cart.

Thanks for your input.

The fact they are raised actually suits me as I want the karts to look like little offroad buggies.

Do you think the split pin holding the wheels on will be ok?

[anickode]

Originally Posted by 4stroker

Thanks for your input.

The fact they are raised actually suits me as I want the karts to look like little offroad buggies.

Do you think the split pin holding the wheels on will be ok?

Well, yes and no. It really depends on the speed you're looking for. If you are running the normal bushed mower wheels at low speed (under 10mph), they will be fine.

If you want to go fast like a typical go kart (up to ~25mph), you will need to use wheels with high speed bearings (NOT hand truck wheels), in which case, you really need to thread the ends and put a nut on to help retain the bearings.