Noob Here

[Fawteen]

I did the Introduction thing on the appropriate board, so I'll just get right on with my question.

I picked up a Craftsman 12hp lawn tractor free-for-nothing, and am considering using the components to make a go-kart for my grandkids.

Plan A is to use the front axle, steering gear, engine and transaxle from the Crapsman and make a frame to fit.

I can picture how to mount the vertical shaft engine and belt it up to the transaxle. I'm planning to use a shaft-mounted centrifugal clutch.

I guess the intial question is: Has anybody done this and if so, how'd it work out?

I've seen references to transaxles not being up to the task, but it appears that the problem is hooking big HP motorcycle engines to a TA designed for a lawnmower. As I'll be using the engine that was already matched to the TA, I don't see this being a problem. Also, it'll be a relatively low speed rig for putting around in the driveway.

Any pointers or suggestions appreciated.

 

[Rotore]

yea a belt tensioner clutch would be easier to use or you can convert your vertical to a horizontal like i did its not that hard and saves you the trouble of worrying about the transaxle which is your weak point.

and yes you can use the front steering but you'll have to get measure ments to see hoe it would fit on the cart.

and the steering gear is not hard to use its just using it together with all the steering components lik on the tractor but you might and up modifying the steerin shaft so it doesnt end up sitting to high.

 

[Fawteen]

You got details on converting the vertical to a horizontal?

I'm assuming you mean taking a vertical shaft engine and modifying it to use in the horizontal position rather than replacing the whole engine?

I have all the belt tensioner stuff off the lawn tractor and could probably figure out a way to make it work, just seemed like the centrifugal would be simpler and more reliable.

 

[Rotore]

You got details on converting the vertical to a horizontal?

I'm assuming you mean taking a vertical shaft engine and modifying it to use in the horizontal position rather than replacing the whole engine?

I have all the belt tensioner stuff off the lawn tractor and could probably figure out a way to make it work, just seemed like the centrifugal would be simpler and more reliable.

with the clutch however you want to do it i just think the tensioner clutch would be a fun thing on a go kart.

and yes i can tell you how to make the dipper and u have to reposition the carb.

 

[Fawteen]

and yes i can tell you how to make the dipper and u have to reposition the carb.

Modifiying the engine is more work/expense than I'm willing to go to for a toy.

I'll give the tensioner clutch some more thought when I get to the point of actually sketching things up.

Thanks!

 

[Rotore]

not that hard to do only took me about an hour to make.

also good luck with your build.

Eric

 

[Fawteen]

Thanks. I'm a fool for projects like this, in fact I maintain a website on the topic, as well as pics and stories on my personal website.

I can post links if anyone is interested and it doesn't violate board policy.

In any event, I'll document this project with my digital cam and post pictures.

 

[Rotore]

nice post up a link and alot of piks.

 

[Fawteen]

My personal website with various projects

Website I started for folks that are into fabrication and making something out of nothing.


On my site, the Gas Engine Winch and Powered Compost Screener are pretty much related to things folks do here.

The second site, Shopbuilt, is pretty wide-ranging. If one of the members built it in their back yard, they took pictures and posted them here!