Lawnmower engine+Torque converter+Tranny

[billyvray]

I have a 12hp vertical shaft Craftsman mower with the standard mower transmission.
I want to put this combo into a little bigger frame and add some seats sort of like a golf cart/gator/buggy.
I would want to drive it by linking the engine and tranny with a clutch, so you drive with the gas pedal. Would a torque converter work for this? centrifugal? Do those even work in a horizontal plane worth a crap?

If not, why not, and any suggestions?

Thanks for any comments,
Bill

 

[mckutzy]

No, needs some modification in order to run horizontally, better off with a horizontal shaft engine.
Also depending on the trans, the motor may not have enough torque or rpm's or both to make use of the trans.

 

[firemanjim]

I think you're thinking into it too hard..... Let me see if I got this right..... You want to use lawn engine and trans, but want to have throttle like on a go kart? Versus only having a fixed throttle, ie turtle -----rabbit???

 

[billyvray]

Yes firemanjim, I want to use the mower's original engine and transaxle, but switch to a go kart throttle, and not have to use a clutch when starting off -i.e. just "gas and go", so to speak, like a go kart.

I was thinking I could add a centrifugal clutch between the engine and transmission to add this capability.


Bill

 

[billyvray]

bump - think this could work? Or maybe need to add a torque converter?

 

[KartFab]

Possible and feasible are two entirely different things. I'm sure what you are thinking is possible, but not incredibly feasible.

The majority of us have not considered doing this because a vertical shaft engine doesn't belong on a kart. Sounds more like a pain in the butt with a realization that it just wont work out after you think about it or try to make it work. I am being a nay sayer because you bumped because lack of response. If you disagree, go ahead and make it work. I think there just aren't many (if any) of us that actually would do this because of the expense and substantial effort. I cant really comment on if it will work because I have zero experience in making vertical shaft engines work on a go kart.

Go the simple/easy way and just get a horizontal shaft engine and torque converter. You will save yourself significant pains and headaches just by getting that accomplished. If you are handy but don't want to spend a lot of money, hop on craigslist and look for a used kart (if you already have a kart, just buy a used horizontal shaft engine and do a little fixing up).

you can get a great small engine from used or broken equipment, these are a few good keywords to use when searching

power washer, pressure washer, stump grinder, edger, generator, tiller, go kart, mini bike, go cart, log splitter, wood chipper, trash pump, water pump, generator, carpet cleaner, honda gx, briggs vanguard.

In my opinion, the best engines come from the pressure/power washers with the honda gx160, gx200, gx340, or gx390 engines.

broken down karts with a salvageable engine you can get for $40-100 on the cheap end, 5-8 hp engines for less than $100, 9-13 hp engines for ~$200. Just have to be patient to buy one as it comes along.

 

[zbuck]

I am with Firemanjim on this one. But there are belt driven centrifugal clutches to replace the pulley on the engine pto shaft. Therefore no clutch pedal just a brake pedal. If your dead set on doing this project.

 

[firemanjim]

Alright billyray...... Let's talk drive lines...... You got a vert shaft and want to use it on a kart. Ok well, why not get a big belt clutch for the engine, then run a RAGB in the back to power the axle?
Using a vert shaft to power a horizontal axle is gonna be fun, and that's read "expensive headache"....
So you don't want the transaction clutch? Gotta have a clutch, but you want "automatic".... At the moment, my only vision is the belt clutch and RAGB...... That's gonna take some work and money.... BUT it is definitely doable......

 

[zbuck]

Well they are a couple options, where you can use a hortizonal axle. 700 Peerless tranny, with a pulley drive and a gear output (RAGB with gears). There are also some lawn tractors where they twisted the belt from a jackshaft to a horizontal drive pulley on either a 2300/2600 Peerless transaxle. MTD Ranch King comes to mind. billyvray, check out heymow.com, lawn tractor racing site.

 

[zbuck]

Firemanjim, you are Welcome.

 

[Zombient]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XflqINUi_1A&list=PLmSZnJXu6WcFSRsbhQryuzhWVJOL2o27g

You looking to do what this guy did?

 

[rmm727]

^ Not supposed to shift those Peerless trannys on the go, takes out the shift keys in them.

 

[itsid]

I wonder, what if you dual clutch the gearbox.. (engine AND wheels) that should keep it alive, shouldn't it?
I know it's still not synchronized, but with only the inertia as payload it should still be pretty smooth (as in key saving) no?

'sid

 

[zbuck]

^ Not supposed to shift those Peerless trannys on the go, takes out the shift keys in them.

rmm727, is correct about not shifting on the go. He must have added to 2 extra shift keys to make it a 4 shift key tranny, therefore letting him shift on the go. Also he may have modifyed the tranny like the LT racers do.

 

[billyvray]

Hey guys, thanks for all the consideration!
I'll clear up my desires/reasons a bit.
1) I already have a 12hp vert. shaft engine and mower transmission.
2) I am not looking to make a go-kart, but more a utility cart/golf cart/Mule - army mule that is (M274 style).
3) Here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TBuwMFYXbs

This guy uses a mower power train with centrifugal clutch to allow throttle-speed control and the transmission gearing is essentially left alone, or set for the desired speed/load.

That's all. I like the suggestions that have come up regarding the belt paths and gearboxes.

Thanks, guys, I'll keep you posted as I go. Still scrounging for suspension parts, tires, etc.

Bill