Kart for the kids?

[Gouldian]

So i have to come into possession of an old craftsman lawn tractor. I was thinking of using the chain driven axle( with diff), 4 speed transmission, and possibly the front axle. My thinking is that putting the transmission behind the seat, i can put it infirst gear and let them creep aaround the yard. As they get older the speed can be increased until they are big enough for a real kart. Has anyon . Done anything like this? The axle and transmission are steel and seem pretty strong.

 

[OzFab]

That setup should be ok to "creep around the yard" but, keep in mind that the steering on lawn tractors isn't designed for speed; as you increase the speed, you will need to upgrade the steering components; probably better to start off with something more reliable...

 

[Gouldian]

I have the front half of a manco buggy (i think). Since im already building a chassis it shoune easy enough to use it. Also what can i do about brakes? I dont trust the band type that mowers have. Ive crashed a few modified tractors when they've burned out. The axle shafts are hexagonal instead of round. Will disk brakes for a kart fit on this axle?

 

[OzFab]

The disc won't be a problem, the mounting hub may be but, there are one or two karts that use hex axles, the only hitch is the size...