Track Drive Mower

[tjbryner]

Well Here goes nothing
Ok here are my 2 motors that I'll be using in this build.

For the power plant I'm going to be using a Kohler Magnum 16hp

Also already attached to the motor is a double pump should be more then enough pump for this project.

The complete power plant is 25" long by 13" wide and about 18" high so it's going to be fun making it fit under a hood.

 When I got all this stuff There was 2 rams included so thinking about a use for them


I'm trying to find 2 used snowmoblies but they are not real common around here. The belt from TSC are $7/ foot, Really don't want to go that route if I don't have to.

This going to be slow build but I will keep it going, kinda would like to be done before snow starts flying here.

[NikoBellic]

Awesome idea!  You should make a dozer blade or something like that with the rams.

[Chris]

Check craigslist for junk snowmobiles. I'm sure someone would sell you just the tracks

[tjbryner]

Been looking but only found a motor so far...And while I'm at it, What do you all think about me using a 3 Cylinder Geo motor instead of the Kohler? I can get one for $150 not sure about the size or weight but would give it a little extra to the pump? For a chase I'm looking for a large frame just in case:) 

[Chris]

DO IT!!!!!!

[Kaptain krunch]

I'd grab a sled or motorcycle engine before the Geo. Those things didn't put out much power for their size. A modern liquid cooled 440 would put out more power than a Geo engine.

[Chris]

Looks like someone beat you to the track drive....

[AcreFarm]

Before you start looking for another engine find out what input RPM your pump is rated for.   If you spin it too fast you're going to tear it up before you know it.   

[tjbryner]

Yea Cris I saw that over the weekend :( oh well I'm stilling going to make one just for the fun of it.

As for the pump it's rated at 3600 rpm I figured that the GEO motor idling would have produce as much power as that Kohler does at 3600, but i would need to set up a governor for it and after thinking it thru, That would be a pain in the transaxle.

[Chris]

That would be a pain in the transaxle.

good one

[tjbryner]

Well I try to keep it clean.....at least on the web......I figured that most of the adults would get it...
Now I need help from you guys.
I might be getting 2 ARCTIC CAT PANTHERS (1 is a 1970 and other a 1971) Does anyone know track length,width, and weight of these. I'm going to use the tracks off of them and rebuild it to be a high track system.  +  =

I really want to make this into a all purpose mower. Be able to pull a trail mower, put a remove-able FEL on it, snow/dozer plow, and who knows what else.
 

[Chris]

I might be getting 2 ARCTIC CAT PANTHERS (1 is a 1970 and other a 1971) Does anyone know track length,width, and weight of these. I'm going to use the tracks off of them and rebuild it to be a high track system.  +  =

I really want to make this into a all purpose mower. Be able to pull a trail mower, put a remove-able FEL on it, snow/dozer plow, and who knows what else.
 

My friend's race these things, I'll have to give them a buzz and see if they know (they should)

[tjbryner]

Update to this thread, It's been a long time but I started back on my idea for a track drive mower. Plans changed some what but hey all good things do....RIGHT???

The tracks are just a tad over 4 foot on each side. (49.75" on the ground per side) Tracks are just a tad under 12" wide. So this gives me right handy to 16 sq feet of track on the ground.  . Also the tracks outside to outside are right handy to 5' wide

The rear tires are loaded to help keep the SG low. I use air pressure to keep the tracks tight.

Yea buy the way the tracks are old farm tractor tires with the side wall cut out.

This will be powered by a briggs 18 opposed.


Here's the start for it.




Turning will be done by hydraulic brakes and using the open diff.


I'm relocating the forward/reverse to a pedal so that my hands are free for steering and plow controls.


Still in the plans is a hydraulic pump, Powered up, down, left,right, and also 45* tilt. So Basically a 6 way blade. Then down the road a grader blade for the back.

[Chris]

Progress looks good!

Oh, and one of your tracks are backwards 

[tjbryner]

Now you had to go and say some thing...

Long story short. When I put the tracks on the tires I had them off the mower and got slightly backwards. Can you guess how heavy that set up is (the 2 tires track remember the tires are loaded to the max)? Well It all has to come apart for paint. It can wait till then to be changed..LOL