Pick a project (poll)

[TeamCheap]

So I was wondering which project to start.

here are the choices.
1). a small one man 6 wheeler
2). a gokart that is similar to the goped "trail ripper"
3). a 6 wheeled 4wd tractor (I'm leaning towards this one myself)
4). a 250cc polaris powered minibike using mostly CT70 parts on a custom frame

Poll results WILL determine the project.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

What would I like to see? The 6-wheeler. I think it would be really neat to have something with dual engines, one driving each side through chains. At the most basic level, you could set up a skid steer system using independent throttle and braking (without reverse).

Mid-level would be a double belt clutch with reverse, as some of us have seen on youtube with the scale tank build.

Uber-Cool to me would be a hydrostatic drive system.

Throw some juicy ATV tires and a cage on there, and you've got a very neat and unique machine.

 

[TeamCheap]

The 6 wheeler would most likely be double belt-clutch setup (forward/reverse) but could go simple skid-steer.
Hydrostatic would be cool but not my prefered choice unless I can score a zero turn hydrostatic drive mower cheap.
Atv tires anywhere from 18-24" with tandem trailer fenders and enough sheet metal to keep me mostly dry.

The 6 wheeled 4wd tractor is what I'm leaning towards and I'd like it to have a lift bed sort of like a roll off truck that I could use for various things around the yard.
I'd be sitting over the front tires/engine so I have lots of space behind me for....stuff.A flat bed for moving other junk tractors and atv's and a dump bed for moving dirt/leaves and junk.Most likely end up with a combo box/flat bed that has removable walls/tailgate.

I just want to get started on something for the new year to keep me busy this winter but in reality the project will take far longer then I ever want.

 

[TeamCheap]

Looks like the 6 wheeler will be the project, it has taken the lead in the poll.

I dont think I can lose no matter which project is picked.

And let me tell you it WONT be made from these goofy plans.
GOOFY Vintage 6 wheeler plans

Mine might not float but it also wont have that goofy stupid drive train either.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Another drivetrain option worth considering is a lawn tractor. Vertical engine and transaxle- the transaxle can be any of the three axles. Then run chains on either side to the remaining stub axles. Independant braking gives you the skid steer effect, and you get reverse, too.

 

[jrmints1415]

I voted for the 6 wheeler as well and if you could make all the wheels on an individual suspension setup and geared it for monster torque that would be such a sick off road vehicle!!

 

[TeamCheap]

I will most likely go the tractor transaxle route since I have several of them laying around and in particular at least 3 from craftsman LTV's which are just a 2 speed with reverse transaxles and using vari-drive belt system for speed selection.
I wouldnt mess with the vari-drive junk but would use the 2 speed and reverse with an auto clutch to simplify things.

It wont have any suspension just to keep it cheap and simple but I would love to have suspension...maybe on the 2nd version I'd like to get the first one done before going that far.

It would be powered be one of the many 10-14HP engines I have laying around and most likely be rear engined with the transaxle right at the rear (might need a wheelie bar)


I'll try to stuff as big of ATV tires as I can under the tandem axle trailer fenders.

Cool thing is it will be electric start with lights.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Sounds like a good starting point! With regards to the fenders, they tend to be about 6" tip-to-tip. I'm not sure how well you'll get three ATV meats under there, but give it a shot.

 

[TeamCheap]

A fender like this would work and I guess I'll have to start looking there so I know for sure what tires will fit or I could add to the middle of the fenders if needed.

So it looks like 18" or 20" tires which is fine since they cost a little less.

I really dont want it longer than 7' overall or wider than 49 inches, over 50" wide and I cant ride it on the ATV/ORV trails, it'll be smaller if possible.
I picture it in my mind with the engine out the back up a bit with a cage around it that also is the roll bar for driver.I'd want to sit as low in the frame as possible so its going to be a tough build.

Of course if the poll takes a turn it could be a whole different project.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Hmm... I wonder if I can skew a poll... Muahahahahahaha!!!!

Cool. That fender is exactly the one I thought you were talking about. And I don't think the engine has to be altogether that high up. I have a little lawn tractor so I can get a mental picture of things, and I don't think it COG will be ridiculous.

 

[wheels]

yup, i voted for the 6 wheeler... sounds like it would be a cool project!!

 

[TeamCheap]

Having the engine up a bit is more for aproach and departure angles on hills but there would be a tube frame down there protecting stuff from being ground into the dirt/snow/mud.

I picture myself nestled in between the fenders, not really on top but that could all change as it starts to take shape and those compromises come into play.
Coming in at 48-49" max width or less will be tough when it looks like I'll be losing about 2 feet just to the tires then there is the frame and drivetrain and me that needs to fit into about a 20"-22" space.

Even if I'm just above the drivetrain I dont think it would be more than 8", 4" over axle center.

Yeah the 6 wheeler has been a long time wish list project of mine although the tractor is a bit more practical for me but would end up costing far more to do it how I'd want it.

For some reason I just cant seem to make good CAD drawings anymore but I may go at it again and see what I can come up with.

 

[landuse]

I just had to vote for the 6 wheeler as well....but the tractor 6 wheeler. For me it would be a much more practical and usefull machine as well. A plain 6 wheeler would just be good for goofing around in, whele you could put the tractor to good use.

Just my 2c

 

[TeamCheap]

The tractor would be cool with 2 transaxles in the back for 4wd and the seat up over the front tires with the engine right there under it.
I'd put one of those truck bed cranes on it, probalby just a cheap one from harbor freight.HF crane
With a flatbed and removable sides it would be handy to move the junk around here.

The Gokart might be the easiest but I would try to have the wheelbase and width 48" with a full suspension front and back even though the rear would be a swing axle setup.I have a 6.5 or an 11 HP engine that I could put on it.

The minibike would be wild with the polaris 2-stroke engine and torque converter from a polaris quad.The ct70 parts would make it a decent minibike once it was all put together.

 

[TeamCheap]

WOW this is tight it could still go to any of them.

The 6 wheeler would be a blast but the gokart would be a bit different not just an ordinary gokart, it would have a full suspension in a somewhat different type configuration.

Oh man I just want it to be over so I can get started I'm getting excited plus soon I'll have 11 days off over christmas.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

He//, it's your poll and your project... Don't lose time on our accounts! Build what you want, when you want! Now's good!

 

[TeamCheap]

Nah I'll wait since working these 4-10's doesnt leave me much time and I still need to clear the work area out a bit.

I got time, I'd like to build what the group would like to see built.

I think a minibike will get built either way as I want to be in the build off at OMB.I dont expect to win but it gives me a reason to try to build it.I do have two minibkes idea's and the OMB one could be the other and i'll save the 250cc for the other minibike project later.

I will most likely end the poll or decide which it is to be on th 22nd since thats my birthday and the last day I have to work until the new year.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Muahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!
:biggrin5:

*I promise I'll put it back shortly. I just had no idea I could actually do that!

 

[TeamCheap]

Cool, looks like a tie.

Makes it easy for me.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I could fix that..........