Our Project

[ak99]

In my introduction I said I would post pics as our project comes together however time is one thing I keep running out of!!

Anyway, here's a photo where it's at now. I was going to extend and brace the original ride on mower frame but it turned out to be a lot less mucking around building a new one and probably stronger anyway.

We're not looking for speed out of this thing, just some fun on dirt & grass...

The engine is ready to go on, just need time to go and buy the pulleys. Clutch is ready to go on too.

As you can see there's still a bit of work to do, in time it will come together.... watch this space..

 

[landuse]

Hey, thats looking good so far. Well done!!

 

[DaiSan76]

That looks really cool. I have a mower I would like to do something similar with. Bookmarking this thread for idea's.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Great start, and similar to my Kids' Kart- I started with a stripped riding mower, and built the frame around the parts.

 

[ak99]

Thanks for the positive feedback everyone!!

Best part about the new frame is it only came to $35 in steel and I'll be able to drive it without having my knees bent up next to my shoulders...

 

[ak99]

Here's another update:

IT'S NEARLY FINISHED!!!

Only a few small things left to do: Connect throttle cable, attach front nudge bar, fit floor sheeting, fit fuel tank etc....

All the fiddly stuff.

 

[Nodroz]

Look'n good dude! Nice job!

 

[Arkyhunter]

Very nice what hp you running.

Sent from my e1101_v73_jbl1ctp_a515 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ak99]

Very nice what hp you running.

Sent from my e1101_v73_jbl1ctp_a515 using Tapatalk 2

G'day

This one is a little "different", the engine is factory rated around 4 HP ( they don't actually give an exact rating ).

It's a 160cc 2 stroke. Normally they are governed at 3600-3800 rpm and deliver good low end torque.

I did some simple modifications to it during the rebuild ( they are very restricted in the breathing dept in standard form)

The main reason I went with this engine is they are very robust, dirt cheap and easy to buy / find parts for.

It's running a tensioner clutch, then into a 5 spd gearbox with reverse. I re-made the brake & clutch setup so it works the same as the ride on mower ( Clutch & brake are on the one pedal, makes it easy for the kids to operate). The original brake in the gearbox is being used as a park brake now)

And yes, that is a chrome doorknob on the end of the gearshift lever!!

 

[ak99]

Hi everyone, here's an upadte:

I thought our go kart with a broken gearbox was going to be sitting with it's rear end on axle stands for quite some time.... I was wrong!

While browsing on ebay I was lucky enough to stumble across a ride on mower being sold as "suitable for parts". Doesn't use a gearbox instead uses a friction drive setup for clutch, forward & reverse, then a chain drive to the axle.

I noticed it has a live axle & jackshaft - the parts I need. I won the auction, paid $35 for it and also scored a 11hp elec start briggs - the plan is to sell this and get something back.

The axle & jackshaft are 1", have removable bearing carriers, locking collars etc. and shafts are the correct length for me.

Tomorrow I will be pulling this thing apart and starting the surgery on our go kart so I'll take some photos then.

Glad I opted for a 2 stroke, so flipping the kart engine over isn't a problem..

I still need to buy brakes, clutch etc, however a friend has a shed full of kart bits and thinks he has a disc, hub & calliper there somewhere... a freebie so hopefully he can find them.

Looking forward to tomorrow.....

 

[OzFab]

Nice score. even if the engine doesn't run, you should at least get your money back.

Freebies are always good too

 

[ak99]

Well the pulldown of the ride on I purchased didn't happen until today.

I had already removed the axle etc before taking the photo. There was lots of good steel on this thing too which is a bonus.

The worst part was just about every nut and bolt was rusted solid. Those that wouldn't move were cut off with the angle grinder.

At least now I have some space in the garage, so I can get back to building..

Stay tuned

 

[OzFab]

Man, tiny pics?

 

[ak99]

Man, tiny pics?

Yeah, sorry about that.

I'm using a new PC and for some reason the pics are shrunk down when I upload them from the phone. I thought it was fixed, but obviously not... a bit more investigation needed - computer's are not my area of expertise!!

 

[ak99]

I thought it's about time I posted an update..

Nearly finished!

Still to be fitted:
Brakes - machining a hub to hold the disc
Pedals & cable / linkage
Exhaust - having a pipe bent by an exhaust shop
Carb - should receive that mid week
Chains
Move seat forward and secure steering wheel
Heat shield behind seat and padded bars on either side of seat
Replace one front tyre

It was 37 degrees here today so needless to say, welding was the last thing I wanted to do...

 

[OzFab]

I thought it's about time I posted an update..

YA THINK?

Hmm, those brakes look familiar; have you figured out how you're gonna mount them yet? The reason I ask is that, of my whole build, the brakes were the most difficult part to set up & dial in...

 

[mckutzy]

You have a really small rear sprocket, What is your gear ratio? I reckon that wont be good with the clutch.

 

[OzFab]

The sprocket you're seeing is on the jackshaft, not the axle (weird camera angle)

 

[ak99]

YA THINK?

Hmm, those brakes look familiar; have you figured out how you're gonna mount them yet? The reason I ask is that, of my whole build, the brakes were the most difficult part to set up & dial in...

Yeah I know.... Every time I finish working on this thing it's too dark to take decent photos..


I have a couple of ideas in mind for the brakes, not sure yet though. If my ideas don't work out I have a friend who is brilliant with these "difficult" things - might cost a few beers but it will be worth it!

You have a really small rear sprocket, What is your gear ratio? I reckon that wont be good with the clutch.

On the other side of the kart there is the Jackshaft drive to axle sprocket. The gear ratio is 9:1. I will see how this goes, I can change it if required.

The sprocket you're seeing is on the jackshaft, not the axle (weird camera angle)

Too much "stuff" in the way to get a good photo... I will take the kart out of the garage and take some more.
I need to stop accumulating old mower parts!!

 

[mckutzy]

Oh ya, that would explain the blue blob sprocket looking thing underneath then. hahah