Will rider mower parts work?

[Speedling]

There are a few rider mowers near my house that people have out for free or super super cheap because they don't run. There is a place down the street where I think the guy fixes what he can and tosses the rest.
I would be looking at the steering assembly and the rear axle setup.
Problem would be one to match up with my horizontal shaft Honda 390.
I am just wondering if this is a time saver, or a time waster and if there is anything else from the lawn mower(s) I would want to check/steal/ verify etc.
I didn't see a FAQ on Lawn mower parts that are actually usable!
I will be building my own frame because I want 2 seater with a roll bar/roll bumper for some safety.
Thanks!

 

[anickode]

There are a few rider mowers near my house that people have out for free or super super cheap because they don't run. There is a place down the street where I think the guy fixes what he can and tosses the rest.
I would be looking at the steering assembly and the rear axle setup.
Problem would be one to match up with my horizontal shaft Honda 390.
I am just wondering if this is a time saver, or a time waster and if there is anything else from the lawn mower(s) I would want to check/steal/ verify etc.
I didn't see a FAQ on Lawn mower parts that are actually usable!
I will be building my own frame because I want 2 seater with a roll bar/roll bumper for some safety.
Thanks!

You can probably ignore the driveline components, but wheels, tires, steering wheels, seats maybe, etc would surely be useful. Depending on the tractor, transmission MIGHT be useful. Plus they're an abundance of miscellaneous parts... Pedals, cables, pulleys, etc. If you've got space to store em, snag em for sure.

 

[OzFab]

Sadly, there's not much on the way of steering components that can be used on a go kart; the steering mechanism itself, tie rods & ends if they're in good shape, maybe...

Definitely NOT the spindles, they're only meant for low speed applications, at high speed, they can be dangerous...

 

[Hellion]

Shoot man, I'd nab them for sure because at this stage, I'm a master mechanic on small motors.

This isn't the 1950s where people used, repaired and used an item again and again until it was completely worn out and toast. They tow it to the curb out of neglect.

 

[anickode]

Sadly, there's not much on the way of steering components that can be used on a go kart; the steering mechanism itself, tie rods & ends if they're in good shape, maybe...

Definitely NOT the spindles, they're only meant for low speed applications, at high speed, they can be dangerous...

Nope. Steering wheel is about the only useful part. Front wheels too, if they have bearings, or if the bushings are a size that can be replaced with bearings. Tie rods (at least on most riding mowers less than 20 years old) are just pieces of rod with the ends bent down and a cotter pin or Jesus clip to hold it on. Not even adjustable in most cases.

 

[OzFab]

IIRC, some high end models have ball ends on both ends of the rod, that's what I was referring to...

 

[Speedling]

Thanks guys!
I may look at the one right down the street and see if the parts are as you described or something different. If i am paticularly interested in something I'll snap some photos.