Steelhorse's shifter mower build

[Mower Maniac]

None, my tires are my suspension, but my front end ensures getting through corners good. Basically plenty of camber and caster, so it will weight transfer, and the front tire of the direction you are turning, and the opposite tire in the rear have most of the weight of the mower on them. Simply put, when you turn, you should be able to see the sidewall of the rear tire in the direction you are turning relieve a little from getting less weight. If you could get it to almost skim the ground if not lift up the slightest bit, that would be ideal.

 

[SteelHorse]

Been MIA for the past couple of weeks on a much needed vacation! But I’m back and came home to a lot of parts! Post pictures soon!

 

[SteelHorse]

Made some more progress on the tear down. Going to try and sale the engine and rear end.

 

[SteelHorse]

Plans for dash are to have a new front plate machined. Need to relocate steering and make room for electric start, fuel cut off, kill switch just in case I fall off , etc.

The body will have some modifications for fitment of engine, but should remain mostly intact. Only addition I want is to add a hood scoop, why?, just because. Picked paint color and that should be arriving soon.

But for now I have to focus on frame fitment.

 

[SteelHorse]

On to frame. Got to measuring everything out. Running a 38.5" track width. So thinking about stretching wheel base out to 56" inches. Since I'll be reinforcing frame with square tubing, it would not be to difficult to cut the sides to fit the stretch. Only issue is having to modify body work. Only parts will be the two running boards. Which if I had to fabricate new ones wouldn't be to difficult, but I wanted to use most of the stock body.

Original ratio wheelbase/track = 1.25
New ratio wheelbase/track = 1.45

Thoughts?

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I think this would be worth the time and effort.

 

[SteelHorse]

I think this would be worth the time and effort.

Thanks! Just trying to keep this thing from rolling on me!

 

[Kansaskart]

Nice tires! I just stripped a craftsman ll, much bigger than the one on here. Think I'm just gonna make a gravel road cruiser. Nothing complicated. I never have got a straight answer out of anyone if a series 40 would work vertically. As soon as someone says yes, someone else says no. I called GPS today they as I no idea you'd be a pioneer. If you seen the built 18hp Briggs opposed I have your know why I'm wondering it came off a drag mower. I have horizontals. Who knows.

 

[shadowfocus603]

Nice tires! I just stripped a craftsman ll, much bigger than the one on here. Think I'm just gonna make a gravel road cruiser. Nothing complicated. I never have got a straight answer out of anyone if a series 40 would work vertically. As soon as someone says yes, someone else says no. I called GPS today they as I no idea you'd be a pioneer. If you seen the built 18hp Briggs opposed I have your know why I'm wondering it came off a drag mower. I have horizontals. Who knows.

John and Isaac at CarsandCameras used the driver from a 30 series in a vertical application on their racing mower which effectively made it semi auto. It worked fine. I'd imagine yours would too.

 

[Ognib]

Thanks! Just trying to keep this thing from rolling on me!

A longer wheel base will give added straight line stability & proportionately slow steering response to keep it from being to herky jerkey.
A little added caster will help with this as well.

Mount your weight as low in the frame as possible.

Cool build.

 

[SteelHorse]

Nice tires! I just stripped a craftsman ll, much bigger than the one on here. Think I'm just gonna make a gravel road cruiser. Nothing complicated. I never have got a straight answer out of anyone if a series 40 would work vertically. As soon as someone says yes, someone else says no. I called GPS today they as I no idea you'd be a pioneer. If you seen the built 18hp Briggs opposed I have your know why I'm wondering it came off a drag mower. I have horizontals. Who knows.

I have a 200cc 5 speed going into this. Trying to sell the opposed twin to help pay for more parts!

---------- Post added at 09:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------

A longer wheel base will give added straight line stability & proportionately slow steering response to keep it from being to herky jerkey.
A little added caster will help with this as well.

Mount your weight as low in the frame as possible.

Cool build.

Yeah by stretching it I can achieve two things. Better ratio and I can also mount my seating lower. I’m leaning towards a +4 caster -3 camber.

 

[Mower Maniac]

On to frame. Got to measuring everything out. Running a 38.5" track width. So thinking about stretching wheel base out to 56" inches. Since I'll be reinforcing frame with square tubing, it would not be to difficult to cut the sides to fit the stretch. Only issue is having to modify body work. Only parts will be the two running boards. Which if I had to fabricate new ones wouldn't be to difficult, but I wanted to use most of the stock body.

Original ratio wheelbase/track = 1.25
New ratio wheelbase/track = 1.45

Thoughts?

I would say that you will probably find that it does not want to turn, and for width, I would say go till there isn't anymore axle if you can. I went from a stupid long wheelbase to a reasonable one, and the handling difference is huge. Just my experience, and would probably save you some can work.

 

[SteelHorse]

I would say that you will probably find that it does not want to turn, and for width, I would say go till there isn't anymore axle if you can. I went from a stupid long wheelbase to a reasonable one, and the handling difference is huge. Just my experience, and would probably save you some can work.

Definitely! I was playing with some measurements this weekend. Looking at a race kart, and some other designs. Looks like I will be shortening it up a little. Also will be fabricating frame from scratch, only utilizing tower on current mower frame. To many things would have to be "fit" in. But will still be able to utilize all of the body work, which was my goal.

 

[SteelHorse]

So the bad news is that the Lifan engine I was looking at has somehow sky rocketed in price to a ridiculous $1,500 dollars. Not paying that much for that crap. But as fate would have it, I found something bigger and better. Stay tuned!

 

[SteelHorse]

Hint on the new engine selection 650cc.

 

[Ognib]

Does it start with a K & end with an I?

 

[SteelHorse]

Another hint, single cylinder!

 

[SteelHorse]

Pic of engine! It barely fits under the hood!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[65ShelbyClone]

Looks like a Suzuki LS650.

 

[Ognib]

Those big one lungers are usually perty torquie. 5speed?