Motorized Couch

[rockdude]

Hello All.
Long time reader, first time poster.

Well, we're headed to Sturgis in August, so I've decided to build a motorized couch. It's a 4-person couch (about 7' long), and my buddies are recommending going with a torque converter versus a centrifugal clutch. The weight including couch, people, etc is about 2000 pounds.

Any thoughts?
Rocky

 

[r97]

GEAR LOWWWWW. If you stay on flat ground I would try to get my hands on a Honda wet centrifugal clutch, if you need to go up hills I would get a CVT. Be careful about setting the couch on fire.

What kind of engine are you going to use?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

2000 lbs? That's seriously portly! Perhaps a big-block, maybe a v-twin in the 14-20 hp range, geared dead low. Top speed on a couch should be pretty minimal for driveability sake.

Tell us a bit more about your design plan- maybe we can put 'er on the Jenny Craig diet and free up a couple o' ponies.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[OzFab]

Some guys over here did this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gEF9fhOfXs

 

[tundrabeagle3]

that video is hilarious i like how they kept a fruit bowl on the table.

 

[rockdude]

Hi Guys.
Thanks for the replies. I'm picking up the materials tomorrow. 40' of 3"x3"x.25" angle iron. I'll keep this as my build log and keep you all updated.

 

[rockdude]

By the way, the plan wass to use a B&S 6.5 HP motor, but based my reading, perhaps I need to go bigger with a torque converter.

 

[mudduck7.3]

sounds like a cool plan, a couple months ago a buddy and me built a 4x4 couch with a 20hp on it in 4 or 5 days, figured id chime in about it

 

[rockdude]

That's awesome! LOL! Well, today I picked up my steel. 40ft of 3"x3"x.25" angle iron. Hoping to finalize plans tomorrow.

 

[rockdude]

I think I've decided to go with a Duromax 16HP with electric start. On sale at Maxtool.com for $289+Free shipping. Just need to find a CVT or torque converter.

 

[Brandon1023]

The Torque converter may be costly for an engine that size. Google Torque Converters designed for a 1" output shaft.

 

[rockdude]

Hello All.
Well, the Duromax 16HP is on it's way from Maxtool!

On to ordering the CVT/Torque Converter. I was wondering if you all could help me on the next part:
In looking at the TC's, it looks like mfgsupply.com has the best prices on TC's. Based on 16HP, it looks like my only option is to go with the 40C Drive Clutch (Comet 203015A) and the 40D Driven Clutch (Comet 209133A). Am I reading this correctly? (The TAV system and the 30 series is too small for my motor..?)

Also, I'll need to figure out the chain and sprocket. I'm guessing here, but it looks like I need a 9 13/16", 60T, #40 sprocket, then #40 chain...? Any help would be appreciated.
I'm trying to avoid ordering too many wrong parts and dealing with returns.
Thanks,
Rocky

 

[landuse]

You should also be fine with the 500 series TC. Please someone correct me if I am wrong?

EDIT: I grabbed this post of Rchez off another thread:

IMo for $100 less get a 500 series
Driver
Driven
Belt

Please note, the driven is for a 7/8" shaft. You have 2 options-
Use a 7/8" shaft which is more money and harder to find sprockets for, or use a 3/4" shaft which is fairly standard, and bearings and sprockets are easy to find. Then make up a spacer for the driven that is 3/4" I/D and 7/8" O/D with a 3/16" slot. Then get a piece of keystock 1/4" x 3/16". Hope this makes sense!

Here is how you find out centre distance. vs belt

I think the 500 series allows for a lower torque ratio than the 40 series so better hill climbing.

Search BMIkarts.com, mfgsupply.com, gokartsupply.com, gokartgalaxy.com and shakyparts.com for jackshafts and sprockets. All very reasonable, BMI especially.

How big are your rear tires?

 

[rockdude]

All-
Need some TC advice;
Will the Comet 30 series 1" work with the DuroMax 16HP motor?
I'm seeing mixes feedback on the web.

 

[mysteryboy28]

God no. Comet 30 is only good up to 8hp. You want a comet 40 for sure if you don't want to be ruining belts every 5 minutes. I put a comet 30 on an 11hp motor and even that would ruin the belts quickly. The comet 40 has a better gear ratio too for more torque and speed. It's just a beefier clutch all around.

 

[exenos]

God no. Comet 30 is only good up to 8hp. You want a comet 40 for sure if you don't want to be ruining belts every 5 minutes. I put a comet 30 on an 11hp motor and even that would ruin the belts quickly. The comet 40 has a better gear ratio too for more torque and speed. It's just a beefier clutch all around.

I tought that the 30 series had a larger range.

 

[mysteryboy28]

If your kart is super light then you could get away with a 10-11hp motor. I have the duromax 16hp motor, and i really wish i had gone with a harbor freight Predator for $350 instead. The duromax comes with no throttle hook-up (the Predator does), and the keyswitch box is not connected to the motor and can be a challenge to wire up for some people. Plus i have an oil leak from the rubber seal that goes around the 1" shaft. Still waiting for the part, and i'll have to take my motor apart to replace it. Honestly, if you want horsepower - get a 440cc snowmobile motor with the clutches!

 

[exenos]

If your kart is super light then you could get away with a 10-11hp motor. I have the duromax 16hp motor, and i really wish i had gone with a harbor freight Predator for $350 instead. The duromax comes with no throttle hook-up (the Predator does), and the keyswitch box is not connected to the motor and can be a challenge to wire up for some people. Plus i have an oil leak from the rubber seal that goes around the 1" shaft. Still waiting for the part, and i'll have to take my motor apart to replace it. Honestly, if you want horsepower - get a 440cc snowmobile motor with the clutches!

Heck, even a 250 single will have more power than any readily accessible industrial engine.

 

[mysteryboy28]

You can find good running beat up snowmobiles for around $200-300 all over the place.

 

[rockdude]

Thanks guys.