just an driveline idea

[TeamCheap]

So has anyone tried using a tractor vari-drive belt system along with a torque converter or a centrifugal belt clutch.

The vari-drives on tractors allow a cheap tractor to have 5-6-7-8 "gears" for very cheap but it is in reality just a variable drive system.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Go for it!!!

 

[TeamCheap]

I most likely will dabble in it a bit since I have several of them laying around here.I do have a manco rolling frame that is just begging to be put back in service.

 

[Kartorbust]

Where do you find the variable pulley? I've seen stepped/multi sized pulleys for V-belts, but nothing like this.

 

[bob58o]

It looks like half of a torque converter to me.

 

[B.M.800]

You can find them in MTD lawn Mowers. Not well liked in the offroad/racing mower community...
I think they are too complicated to be worth it.

However, there is another kind of variable pulley out there I think would be easier to use.

I figure with one like this, the engine just needs a pivoting mount and a big lever to change speed.
Maybe a hi-lo setup.

A bit pricy, but I got one for free so...

 

[Kartorbust]

Here's a video on how it works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFar2Ez10Wk

Looks like these pulleys go for about $50. If only running in tandem with a CVT was possible.