New guy around here and been been browsing for a few answers but can't quite seem to find them.
I'm in the process of gathering parts to build a garden tractor for my dad in the style of a go kart per say. Going to use a Briggs and Stratton 305cc with 12 volt electric start. Obviously not going for speed but instead a good amount of torque. I'm leaning towards using a torque converter with a jackshaft. Both rear wheels will be powered. Both rear wheels will have individual brakes as well for sharp turns.
Not using a gas pedal but instead a throttle more or less how the old tractors were.
What I need to know is what gear ratio to use for torque. Not sure what gearing to use. Also whether to use belt or chain. Chain will more than likely break more parts and where as a belt will slip. For brakes I'm guessing disc will be best compared to the belt style. Sounds like to do the individual brakes in the way I am describing I'll need to do a fixed axle. Going to use modified 5 lug trailer spindles with a welded on gear or pulley (depending which style I go with).
Also not sure on what I can do for a reverse. For what we'll be doing with it, reverse is needed (no necessary) but it'll be easier to back up to move a trailer around. The trailer in question is one for a 1974 Strarcraft 17' boat, weighs around with everything close to 1,600lbs. Seems like a lot of weight but we've moved it before with a lawn tractor (until I blew the connecting rod).
Sorry if I am beating the horse to death here on the gear ratios, seems like more people go for top speed rather than torque.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Other option I am thinking of is run separate axles to the rear wheels.
I'm in the process of gathering parts to build a garden tractor for my dad in the style of a go kart per say. Going to use a Briggs and Stratton 305cc with 12 volt electric start. Obviously not going for speed but instead a good amount of torque. I'm leaning towards using a torque converter with a jackshaft. Both rear wheels will be powered. Both rear wheels will have individual brakes as well for sharp turns.
Not using a gas pedal but instead a throttle more or less how the old tractors were.
What I need to know is what gear ratio to use for torque. Not sure what gearing to use. Also whether to use belt or chain. Chain will more than likely break more parts and where as a belt will slip. For brakes I'm guessing disc will be best compared to the belt style. Sounds like to do the individual brakes in the way I am describing I'll need to do a fixed axle. Going to use modified 5 lug trailer spindles with a welded on gear or pulley (depending which style I go with).
Also not sure on what I can do for a reverse. For what we'll be doing with it, reverse is needed (no necessary) but it'll be easier to back up to move a trailer around. The trailer in question is one for a 1974 Strarcraft 17' boat, weighs around with everything close to 1,600lbs. Seems like a lot of weight but we've moved it before with a lawn tractor (until I blew the connecting rod).
Sorry if I am beating the horse to death here on the gear ratios, seems like more people go for top speed rather than torque.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Other option I am thinking of is run separate axles to the rear wheels.