I got one of these for $30. It doesnt run, but it will.
(http://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/i/spin/image/spin_prod_622181501?hei=300&wid=300)
The idea is to turn it into a brush mower by cutting out the front of the deck, and possibly fitting a string head instead of a metal blade.
Are giant wheels involved?
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 24, 2014, 03:37:40 PM
Are giant wheels involved?
They absolutely should be, if I can find some for cheap. These 7" wheels are probably not going to cut it.
Dirty hunk of junk.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_103726_zps83d9f4f0.jpg)
More cleaner now. It was amazing how many casting flaws the factory left inside the combustion chamber. Not anymore
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_122332_zpsbe7358a1.jpg)
Removed height adjusters and went for straight lift.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_152137_zpsa6b8fa67.jpg)
love it
If zombie chihuahuas invade, everybody will come running to you.
Poor puppies!
After cleaning out the engine, carb, gas tank, and what not... I have a running brush mower prototype. The head gasket leaks, of course, since I didn't have a replacement on hand, so that is coming in the mail. The throttle linkage was fudged up, so I bypassed the governator and rigged a manual control. I also sharpened the blades all the way around the outer edge. I will be testing it tomorrow on some plants, not dogs.
Lifted, narrowed, cut deck, modded blade, almost ready to take down some huge grass and bamboo.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140125_221925_zps5dd6cbd8.jpg)
Next on the list:
-new head gasket (my bad)
-reinforce axle mounts for heavy duty off roading
-front chassis brace over the new intake hole
-probably widen the hole as far as possible once the deck is braced
-and then fab up a better debris shield up front, as well as out back
Thread of the Year.
And it's only January.
You should have cut it in more of a V shape to better pull the grass into the blade.
Quote from: MX793 on January 26, 2014, 06:51:32 AM
You should have cut it in more of a V shape to better pull the grass into the blade.
There is still some deck left to cut. I will see if I can V it.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 26, 2014, 07:05:19 AM
There is still some deck left to cut. I will see if I can V it.
I hate to be the voice of doom, but that thing looks like an accident waiting to happen. The first time you hit something substantial you stand a very good chance of snapping the crank or breaking the blade or having the blade throw something and injuring yourself.
As for Bamboo, just chopping it down is useless; you've got to kill the root. One way that works is to cut the stalk asclose to the ground with a pruning saw and immediately spray the cut stalk with a 50/50 mix of roundup and water. When cut the sap in bamboo startw withdrawing to the root within 15 seconds. You want it to draw the roundup mix along with it. It takes a while but eventually you'll kill it all .
For light growth, get one of these.
(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/large/SWR_ST67522BS.jpg)
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/outdoor-grounds-maintenance/garden-tools/string-trimmers/swr-675-standard-string-trimmer?infoParam.campaignId=T9A&gclid=CNCs8424nLwCFWwV7AodxUwA8g (http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/outdoor-grounds-maintenance/garden-tools/string-trimmers/swr-675-standard-string-trimmer?infoParam.campaignId=T9A&gclid=CNCs8424nLwCFWwV7AodxUwA8g)
I substitute 3/16" twisted steel cable for the trimmer line and I cam clear the whole .80 acre front yard with one set of line.
I'm not worried about erradicating all bamboo. There is just a little bit that I want to trim down.
As for doom, I am aware that it would be dangerous to rum this thing into something that it couldn't cut. It will be tested carefully before I decide to put it into real use. If the grass blade is too sketchy, I will chop the ends off and drill some holes to thread in trimmer string.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140126_125822_zpsec28c6af.jpg)
Just look at this. How dangerous could it possibly be?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 26, 2014, 11:19:54 AM
Just look at this. How dangerous could it possibly be?
Before you use it be sure to shout "Hey Y'all, Watch This". :lol: :lol: :lol:
Quote from: MiataJohn on January 26, 2014, 11:29:00 AM
Before you use it be sure to shout "Hey Y'all, Watch This". :lol: :lol: :lol:
Almost certainly
Why is this in Motorcycles and not...the Garage...
Quote from: giant_mtb on January 26, 2014, 07:45:54 PM
Why is this in Motorcycles and not...the Garage...
I'm assuming he's planning on riding it.
If you're going to stick with this, why not extend the handle backward 10 feet so you at least have a chance to dodge whatever this thing chucks out?
Quote from: Secret Chimp on January 26, 2014, 08:10:59 PM
If you're going to stick with this, why not extend the handle backward 10 feet so you at least have a chance to dodge whatever this thing chucks out?
I will be wearing proper PPE.
More modZ
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140129_143300_zpsed0ee3eb.jpg)
Bigger mouth for more destruction
Angle iron brace up front will double as a mount for a debris shield
Random deck bracing welded to the weak side. Bleh. I was running out of ideas.
What kind of exhaust should I run? The stock muffler just ain't gonna cut it.
Open.
Quote from: giant_mtb on January 29, 2014, 02:39:53 PM
Open.
I have to put some kind of pipe on there.... At least a straight pipe with a chrome tip?
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 29, 2014, 03:35:51 PM
I have to put some kind of pipe on there.... At least a straight pipe with a chrome tip?
I think on some of those motors, 3/4 inch rigid conduit threads into the head directly.
Quote from: Soup DeVille on January 30, 2014, 09:30:54 AM
I think on some of those motors, 3/4 inch rigid conduit threads into the head directly.
It's either 1/2 or 3/4" NPT fittings. I made mower exhaust before. Everything came from the plumbing aisle
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 29, 2014, 12:40:52 PM
What kind of exhaust should I run? The stock muffler just ain't gonna cut it.
IIRC, the muffler also acts as a spark arrestor which of course is designed to help prevent brush fires. No muffler or arrestor and you run the risk (probably small) of starting a fire. In most places they are required by law.
Quote from: MiataJohn on January 30, 2014, 04:36:51 PM
IIRC, the muffler also acts as a spark arrestor which of course is designed to help prevent brush fires. No muffler or arrestor and you run the risk (probably small) of starting a fire. In most places they are required by law.
Have you seen the "Land" thread in General Talk? Legality is probably not a huge concern. Hell, do you see the pictures of the open cutting deck?
Quote from: 3.0L V6 on January 30, 2014, 05:13:35 PM
Have you seen the "Land" thread in General Talk? Legality is probably not a huge concern. Hell, do you see the pictures of the open cutting deck?
:lol:
Anyway, a small fire would just help clear some of this damn brush.
Believe it or not, I would like to quiet this sucker down. I'm talking about running dual inline mufflers.
Quote from: 3.0L V6 on January 30, 2014, 05:13:35 PM
Have you seen the "Land" thread in General Talk? Legality is probably not a huge concern. Hell, do you see the pictures of the open cutting deck?
Yeah, I've seen the pictures. I'd bet that even in the backwoods of North Carolina you'd be prosecuted if a modified device like that started a wildfire. Legality issues aside, there is a potential to start fires. I'd not want to see anybody here set fire to their own property.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 30, 2014, 05:17:59 PM
:lol:
Anyway, a small fire would just help clear some of this damn brush.
Believe it or not, I would like to quiet this sucker down. I'm talking about running dual inline mufflers.
Maybe a muffler off of a small riding mower. Can you weld?
(http://i39.tinypic.com/2upxuhe.jpg)
Of course I can weld. My flux core welder kind of sucks (and I suck at it), but it works.
Quote from: MiataJohn on January 30, 2014, 05:44:12 PM
Yeah, I've seen the pictures. I'd bet that even in the backwoods of North Carolina you'd be prosecuted if a modified device like that started a wildfire. Legality issues aside, there is a potential to start fires. I'd not want to see anybody here set fire to their own property.
I will stop drop and roll.
Lol. That reminds me that I set fire to my jeans while welding yesterday. No big deal.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on January 30, 2014, 05:54:54 PM
I will stop drop and roll.
Lol. That reminds me that I set fire to my jeans while welding yesterday. No big deal.
Isn't it odd that spatter seeks and finds every bit of exposed skin when you are welding.
Quote from: MiataJohn on January 30, 2014, 07:54:42 PM
Isn't it odd that spatter seeks and finds every bit of exposed skin when you are welding.
I had one hole in the thumb of my glove, and of course that is where a stray piece of fire decided to go. Then another one found some loose threads on my pant leg.
Needs a motorcycle-style twist throttle.
Quote from: MX793 on January 31, 2014, 06:10:22 AM
Needs a motorcycle-style twist throttle.
Yes. I was thinking an ATV-style thumb lever.
However, the carb's throttle has no provisions for an idle stop. Close it fully, and the motor shuts off. Could I drill a hole in the throttle plate to tune-in an idle? Maybe.
Or just adjust the throttle cable so that the throttle plate is never fully closed...
Beast mower was awesome today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg& (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg&)
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 02, 2014, 06:09:39 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg& (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg&)
Excellent :lol:
It eats tall grass like nothing and cuts through saplings <1" thick without much drama. The only problem I kept having was debris hitting the throttle linkage on the front of the motor, and either killing the motor, or revving it sky high. Lol.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 02, 2014, 06:09:39 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg& (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaayZSAjamg&)
Impressive :ohyeah:
Suprising!
Well, this project is pretty much over.
Next, I need to buy a tractor.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on February 02, 2014, 08:15:19 PM
Well, this project is pretty much over.
Next, I need to buy a tractor.
Buy an old ATV and attach beast mower to it with duct tape, safety wire, a zip ties.
Quote from: MX793 on February 02, 2014, 08:18:54 PM
Buy an old ATV and attach beast mower to it with duct tape, safety wire, a zip ties.
I am still waiting for my free ObamATV. In the mean time, I am thinking old tractor with a front end loader.
Ok, time for beast mower #3. It will be less beastly and more mowery. I have a small yard in the city, so I need a small, light, cheap, and quiet push mower. So many choices...
MTD 11A-02BT706
Deck: 20"
Engine: 125cc OHV Briggs & Stratton
Weight: 50#
Price: $149.99
(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/9b/9b6e9670-e692-4699-9849-1a66f3e05db3_300.jpg)
Bolens 11A-020W765
Deck: 20"
Engine: 125cc OHV Briggs & Stratton
Weight: N/A
Price: $149.00
(http://mobileimages.lowes.com/product/converted/043033/043033565771lg.jpg)
Yard Machines 11A-02SB700
Deck: 20"
Engine: 140cc OHV Powermore
Weight: 47#
Price: $149.99
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81JmszpR38L._SY355_.jpg)
Murray 961140030
Deck: 20"
Engine: 125c OHV Briggs & Stratton
Weight: 50#
Price: $144.00
(http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-e834/k2-_d0c64323-4458-45ec-a551-c3b0c76f9181.v1.jpg)
The first three look identical besides motor and color (first two are exactly the same besides color?). I'd go with whatever one is most Murrica, so one of the B&S-motored ones.
I'm thinking the Yard Machines because it is only 47#. Racing weight. Also the largest displacement (but Chinese?) engine.
Does the Chinese-motored one have the most power, though? Do they give these things HP ratings anymore? Are they even all that accurate for comparison? lol
Quote from: giant_mtb on March 25, 2015, 09:21:22 PM
Does the Chinese-motored one have the most power, though? Do they give these things HP ratings anymore? Are they even all that accurate for comparison? lol
Everything is rated in torque now.
Both the Powermore 140cc and Briggs 125cc are rated at 4.5 lb-ft.
Yard Machine it is. I suppose there's nothing really wrong with Chinese engines. My 'ped is still alive. It's Chinese as hell. Only "major" thing that's been replaced is the CDI box.
Quote from: Eye of the Tiger on March 25, 2015, 06:57:12 PM
Ok, time for beast mower #3. It will be less beastly and more mowery. I have a small yard in the city, so I need a small, light, cheap, and quiet push mower. So many choices...
How big is the yard? What kind of grass? Any slopes?
Those three questions, along with your willingness to push a mower as opposed to guiding a self propelled model need to be considered.
Small, level city lot with bermuda grass, get a cheap push mower. Larger lot with some slope and maybe St. Augustine grass, get a self propelled.
also do yourself a favor and get something that mulches. You'll get tired of bagging grass. If you do bag grass, get a rear discharge mower. Side baggers suck, IMO.
I have no idea what kind of grass, but the yard is about 1/3 acre, and has a few good slopes. I would rather push a lightweight mower than have to steer a heavy ass self propelled one. Also, I'm fine with good old side discharge.
Quote from: giant_mtb on March 25, 2015, 09:52:08 PM
Yard Machine it is. I suppose there's nothing really wrong with Chinese engines. My 'ped is still alive. It's Chinese as hell. Only "major" thing that's been replaced is the CDI box.
How long have you owned the moped?
Looks like you still have the Sportster. Are you planning on modifying that too at some point?
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j128/ncasler/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140129_143300_zpsed0ee3eb.jpg)
Sportster is sold, dude. And that old beast mower was stolen.
I ended up getting the Bolens because I had a 20% coupon for Lowes. It mows.