Gen. Mayhem- Racing Tractor

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zbuck

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:wai: Very nice work and the fabrication is awesome. If it was me doing this build, I would try and get the seat down lower, between the fenders to help lower the center of gravity.
 

machinist@large

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Well- I dug this beastie outta mothballs while I'm off work......

.....I recently attended a lawn tractor racing event at a local agricultural fair. I asked several participants (and the event organizer) many questions, and got some very helpful answers. Instead of all this BS about driving 3 hours to the closest club, etc, I have decided to participate in the local agricultural fair circuit. They are not sanctioned by a particular club, and are essentially exhibition races. There is a small purse for the winners, but points are not accrued. The tractors are teched on race day, and I don't have to adhere to iron-clad rules from any one club. It's a lot more along the lines of what will suit me, since I won't be doing this full time. Race when I want to, where I want to. That simple. YAY!

:funnypost::kewlsmiley::lolgoku::thumbsup::popcorn:

Gee, a "run what you brung" type of racing; $.10 says it was started by some friends who didn't want to deal with all the :censored: that a lot of racing organizations dish out/require....

It looks like you're at that stage of any project where you can see/ feel the end of it, it just has so many little things to do that it seems like you're just marking time (marching band lingo for marching in place).

Of course, if you're like me, if it's not for sale, then it'll most likely never be "completely" finished; the changes /modifications will just start to fall into that black hole under the heading of "yeah, I should probably do something about that......".:thumbsup::cheers2::popcorn:
 

Doc Sprocket

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:wai: Very nice work and the fabrication is awesome. If it was me doing this build, I would try and get the seat down lower, between the fenders to help lower the center of gravity.
Thank you. I did think about the lowered seat thing. I may work on that later after everything else is done. This thing does feel quite stable already though- a good sign. with the 42" track width, it is a total sonofabeach to try to tip by hand.

:funnypost::kewlsmiley::lolgoku::thumbsup::popcorn:

Gee, a "run what you brung" type of racing; $.10 says it was started by some friends who didn't want to deal with all the :censored: that a lot of racing organizations dish out/require....

It looks like you're at that stage of any project where you can see/ feel the end of it, it just has so many little things to do that it seems like you're just marking time (marching band lingo for marching in place).

Of course, if you're like me, if it's not for sale, then it'll most likely never be "completely" finished; the changes /modifications will just start to fall into that black hole under the heading of "yeah, I should probably do something about that......".:thumbsup::cheers2::popcorn:

Right you are, on both counts.

Made a bit more progress. I bought a couple pulleys and hubs to suit. (FWIW, 7" engine pulley and 1" weld-on hub, and 5 1/2" tranny pulley and 5/8" weld-on hub). Zapped them together and put 'em on.

I honestly can't remember which machine or deck this double-pulley clutch came off (belt tensioner assembly), but it's perfect for the job. V-pulley on one side, Idler on the other. It might have come from the the General's original cutting deck.

After screwing around with the clutch location for awhile, I found what seemed a good place. Drilled a hole and installed a long bolt for it to pivot on. It's a bit tight in there- I have moved the engine back several inches from stock, and the transmission is further forward than I think I would prefer. Plus, I have the steering column, pitman arm, and drag link in the vicinity.

With the clutch in place and a spring to supply some tension, a grabbed an old belt, one that was too long. I cut the belt so I could overlap it. Fed it through all the pulleys and zip-tied it to itself at the right length.

After making sure I was sure (LOL) I put a single ziptie on one belt and took the whole thing off. With it off, I ziptied it back together again and put the belt on this handy-@ss belt gauge I picked up at a yard sale for $2. (belt on gauge for photo only, that's not the right size). Now that I know exactly which belt I need, I can go pick one up. Next, I have to make up some belt guides, and rig the clutch pedal and linkage.
 

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zbuck

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:wai: Another fine and upstanding work. I like your old school way of finding the belt lenght. Used to see those belt gages everywhere, but you do not see to many anymore.
 

Doc Sprocket

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Thank you. I was a little annoyed last night. I picked up the belt, and some bolts to use as belt guides while I was out yesterday. By the time I got home, I was not feeling well enough to continue with it. Hopefully today. It's bad enough being off work- but when I can't actually do anything, it drives me insane!
 

Doc Sprocket

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You and me both! ;) Shortly, I am going to go out to the garage and attempt to achieve something. Here's Murphy's law for you-

I've purchased a gearbox from a fine member of this very forum. I got word last night that he's gotten the payment and is shipping ASAP. My surgery is Friday. So... The item will likely show up at my door, and the best I'll be able to do is drool on it... LOL. Dang! :mad2:
 

itsid

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That was quick... Best of luck to you brutha... not that you need it, you'll be fine :thumbsup:
I second him; the last thing we want is to lose is a perfectly good moderator.....:surrender::surrender:
third!

We will cover up the finger crossing thing for you, worldwide;
three continents are already in, and we are still counting ;)

Good luck Pal.:thumbsup:

'sid
 

Doc Sprocket

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Well... I will accept donations graciously! ;)

Just about there! I have to check myself in about 14 hours from now, and a couple hours after that... Lights out!
 

Doc Sprocket

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Assuming all goes reasonably well, I think I'm being released Monday or Tuesday. Off the radar 'till then. Thanks for all the well-wishes folks, I will be back. Sorry. ;)
 
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