New to karting!!

[johnny5jz]

I just started working on my first kart. It started life as a snapper rider and has a tecumseh 8hp snowblower engine. I had to do a lot of custom machining to get parts to fit this, but it just got out for its first test drive. Its fun, but still has a ways to go. I am from Ham Lake, MN and this kart is being built for my oldest daughter.

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[Texan]

Looks pretty cool, would love to see how you setup the drive system.

 

[KingCobra]

I would mount the seat at least 6 inches higher.

 

[Nosandwich]

 

[johnny5jz]

Looks pretty cool, would love to see how you setup the drive system.

Here is a pic of the drive train. Nothing fits off the shelf. I had to machine everything. I even got a friend to make the brake disc on his cnc. The gearing in the diff is 10:1. The gearing to the shaft is 1:1.

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---------- Post added at 08:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 PM ----------

I would mount the seat at least 6 inches higher.

It is sized currently to fit my daughter. 6 inches higher wouldn't work.

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[Nosandwich]

I would mount the seat at least 6 inches higher.

And Kelly Wood would mount it 2' closer to the steering wheel.

 

[OzFab]

Keep an eye on the steering; customarily, riding mower steering won't be effective at speed as they're rather basic...

 

[johnny5jz]

Keep an eye on the steering; customarily, riding mower steering won't be effective at speed as they're rather basic...

I did notice that. I added 10 degrees of caster to it, readjusted the Ackerman angle and added about 1/2 degree of toe to each wheel. Since it has a rear diff, it is not quite as critical. It does steer really well now. It was pretty sketchy before I changed it.

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[OzFab]

I was also referring to the "quality" of the hardware itself...

 

[landuse]

I was also referring to the "quality" of the hardware itself...

I agree. The components aren't made for speed. All the guys that race mowers always change the steering linkages etc

 

[johnny5jz]

I was also referring to the "quality" of the hardware itself...

Most has already been replaced. What is left is actually super stout. What's left of the steering is quite a bit heavier than most karts. At this point though, I only have this thing set up to do 15mph top speed. I have it dialed down to 8mph when my daughter is driving it for now.

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