Alright, before anyone starts saying that I should just go with a regular engine (I've noticed a lot of people get responses like that), I'm going to see if I can make what I have work, because I don't want to buy another engine, and because I have a pretty free schedule, and love mechanical challenges.
For starts, here's what I'm working with. I've got a John Deere 14SE lawnmower, complete, which I will be using for engine/transmission.
It has a Kawasaki FC150 OHV 5HP engine. It has the power drive, with the 5 speed transmission. It seems pretty durable, and would like to try and use it.
I was given this mower (only used a summer or two, great condition) and had been using it to harvest parts for the mower I actually use (John Deere 14SE), but won't be using the engine/transmission.
Alright, so here's the plan...have the engine and transmission mounted and connected like they would be on the mower, but rather than having the drive shafts off the transmission going to the wheels, have gears on both sides, then have dual chains running down to the axle. Either that, or just extend the stock drive shafts, but I don't think those could handle the weight as well as just running a chain from them to another axle.
What I'm trying to build-yard kart/off road buggy-not sure if it will have suspension yet, I'm still thinking about it. I'm looking for a top speed of 25ish mph, hopefully. I'm thinking, if I can use the transmission-I could have a low gear that would give good torque, and a high gear for a good top end. With the 8" tires that were on the mower, the gears, 1-5 range in speeds from ~1.2mph to ~4.5mph. I think if I run a larger gear off the transmission, with a smaller one (1/4 to 1/3 the size) and 10-12" tires that should accomplish my goal.
Thoughts on my general plan? Any input would be appreciated.
I'll get some pictures of what I'm working with in a little bit.
For starts, here's what I'm working with. I've got a John Deere 14SE lawnmower, complete, which I will be using for engine/transmission.
It has a Kawasaki FC150 OHV 5HP engine. It has the power drive, with the 5 speed transmission. It seems pretty durable, and would like to try and use it.
I was given this mower (only used a summer or two, great condition) and had been using it to harvest parts for the mower I actually use (John Deere 14SE), but won't be using the engine/transmission.
Alright, so here's the plan...have the engine and transmission mounted and connected like they would be on the mower, but rather than having the drive shafts off the transmission going to the wheels, have gears on both sides, then have dual chains running down to the axle. Either that, or just extend the stock drive shafts, but I don't think those could handle the weight as well as just running a chain from them to another axle.
What I'm trying to build-yard kart/off road buggy-not sure if it will have suspension yet, I'm still thinking about it. I'm looking for a top speed of 25ish mph, hopefully. I'm thinking, if I can use the transmission-I could have a low gear that would give good torque, and a high gear for a good top end. With the 8" tires that were on the mower, the gears, 1-5 range in speeds from ~1.2mph to ~4.5mph. I think if I run a larger gear off the transmission, with a smaller one (1/4 to 1/3 the size) and 10-12" tires that should accomplish my goal.
Thoughts on my general plan? Any input would be appreciated.
I'll get some pictures of what I'm working with in a little bit.
