Lawn Tractor "Clutch"

[spongerich]

I've got an old Ariens mower that I'm planning to cannibalize for its engine and transaxle for a kart.

The motor is a 12hp and the transaxle is a Peerless 5 speed.

The current "clutch" setup just rotates an arm with an idler that loosens the drive belt and allows you to shift.

I'm naturally planning to use a larger drive pulley and a smaller pulley on the tranny for more speed. I'm also going to move the engine quite a bit closer to the trans than it is on the mower.

Any ideas for a clutch? I suppose I could mimic the setup that's there now and deal with it if it doesn't work.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yup- standard "belt tensioner clutch". Replicating it is probably your best option right now.

 

[klicky96]

Yup- standard "belt tensioner clutch". Replicating it is probably your best option right now.

Yes, I'd say this is the best option. Just think, people have been doing this successful for many years, so it'd be easier to do this.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Pretty much my thoughts. I mean, there is a possibility of mounting a centrifugal clutch (odd shaft sizes notwithstanding), but that creates a couple complications.
1) I'm not sure how well the retaining ring/washer on the clutch would hold up to the abuse of the drum constantly riding on it
2) centrifugal clutches tend not to release completely until at- or near- idle. This may cause difficulty trying to shift-on-the-fly, which may ultimately result in tranny failure.