Lawn mower 20-30mph

[Jake.B]

Hey guys, i managed to pick up a craftsman 18hp twin lawn mower. I want to make it just a small toy to get around. I want to remove some of the bulk, add a gas pedal, and a different pully and try to achive 20-30mph. Is it possible with just a few pully exchanges?

 

[cumminsbayou4x4]

yes

 

[Bluethunder3320]

depending on the tractor you might need to mess with belt tensioners. look for fearlessfront on youtube he has some great vids on modding tractors.

 

[Jake.B]

Ok, i can do all of that. I just wanted to know if i could get that much speed. I know 18hp is plenty just not sure if its appliable in those circumstances. I have heard of strengthening the frame, is this mainly for wheelies?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Well- it works like this. Your lawn tractor was designed to run at a maximum ground speed of maybe 7 or 8 mph, max. As such, none of the componentry is really up to the task or performing at 30 MPH. The frame is flexy, the front axle beam pivots, the brakes are less than impressive, the rod ends are inadequate, and the bearings are crap (if it even has bearings- most use bushings). The alignment is poor, the geometry is less than wonderful, and there's slop where there shouldn't be.

In short- yes- you can attain that kind of speed. Should you do it without addressing all the other, related issues? Probably not.

I have started a racing mower project, myself. I am modifying the wee out of it and have a pretty good feel for what's involved. Not gonna be much left of the original machine, that's for sure.

 

[Jake.B]

Ok, i knew they were not made for it, but ive seen alot of other people do it so i figured what the heck.

Thanks guys, i might just clean it up and sell it considering i got it for free.

 

[smallfry1227]

i pulley swaped mine and its pretty awsome. i had a stock pulley in the front and a 2.5 inch in the back. and i got 15mph. but my mower only has forward, nuetral, and reverse.

 

[smallfry1227]

it actually looks different now ill post a pic of it now some time with the motor on it. plus i put some chrome rims on it.

 

[Jake.B]

Thats cool, whats your hp?

 

[klicky96]

i pulley swaped mine and its pretty awsome. i had a stock pulley in the front and a 2.5 inch in the back. and i got 15mph. but my mower only has forward, nuetral, and reverse.

If you pulled out the center pulley, the variable speed pulley, you'd get a lot more speed.

 

[smallfry1227]

it is a 17.5hp briggs and stratton.

 

[Jake.B]

Nice, i may or may not convert it. Considereing what toystory said, but i got it for free so if i ruin alot of it its no big deal. Just depends on how much it costs.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Be more concerned about ruining yourself.

 

[crazyman]

They are kinda scary, but fun at the same time. Me personally? I took off a blown 12hp briggs and put a 5hp push mower engine on. The biggest issue is transmission longetivity. Once you overdrive it, the BUSHINGS (no bearings, well, some have needle bearings) wear out in short order. If you can make a few hundred, sell it.

 

[Jake.B]

Yeah im currently restoring an old enduo bike and i could use the extra cash. Thats probably what i will do.

Should i part it out, or sell as a whole? Ill probably sell if quicker as a whole, but if i part it out wont i make more cash in the long run?