Actually I've been a member of the NDLMRA for about 4 years now... have had the old Craftsman under the bench in the garage for about that long as well. And, yeah it's time to get on with a build or two, (
or three, or four)!!
Room up front there is great, and I really don't anticipate any issues, but... I'm not driving this one. The sweetheart has decided she wants a mower too, and since she drives like a little old lady, I figure IMOW is a good place for her. No competition out here in that class, (
occasional local builds to something resembling that respect), and since I want to push this class as what it is, an affordable entry level class, I need to build one for next to nothing to show everyone how cheap it can be to get into the sport. So...
1.) Without serious competition, and no one else wise to the world of mower racing building to this class in our area, she shouldn't be running over anything really, (
Except maybe a hay bale or two), she should be out front, if not all alone. But...
2.) I'm probably not gonna get out of state without her in tow, so somewhere out there she might be in a position to run over things. Of course if she runs into anything hard enough to shove the front end back that far, the engine is probably the least of my concerns, because I have no idea where I'll ever find sheet metal for this thing again!
I did consider the taller tires routine, and chopping the frame to allow lowering it further Randy, and this one even offers a plus in that respect. The brackets on the drop mount up inside the chassis, 3 holes to drill each side; cut the frame, slide them up where I need to be, drill the holes, and it's there! Again this build is almost too easy to pass on!
Not sure, but I think one of the MTD's has a taller set of 16" tires on it. If it does, no expense incurred there, further keeping my costs down. If not, I can probably find some where I found all the mowers for next to nothing.
Considered the issues with shift pattern as well, and that may take some doing, but I think it can be made to work. A little bend down back toward the transaxle, then bend it a little tighter where the present bend up is at and I should be able to get it close. Worst case, I may have to shorten the shifter up a little.
Also realize the jackshaft is necessary, and plate needed to mount that will of course add some strength to the rear half of the Mowchine. (
Especially if I make it a little on the wide side.) Mounted under the running boards about where they meet the tunnel would be perfect as that would reinforce that weak point substantially, while not necessarily falling into the criteria of reinforcement.
Hadn't considered the hood having to come off for tech, but that is a good reason to weld it up and hinge the works. And, it would definitely be removable for the sake of working on things without it in the way.
The old Craftsman still is not out of the picture however... opened a bid on an 813A on E-Bay and walked away with it $50 total w/shipping. SO... I have transaxle for that project as well.
All things considered the White could come in well below budget (
trying to build an IMOW for under $500) as I have a 12 hp in each of the MTDs to work with, one has compression even, so toss in an overhaul kit and it's good to go. Realisitically rings, seals, a tube of silicone in place of gaskets, a carb kit, tires off the MTDs, $50 worth of steel, spindles and joints for the steering, go with a mechanical caliper on brakes, a new seat, a few nuts and bolts, a little paint, several hours in the garage... And, we're up and mowin with this one for a really reasonable price!
Besides, everyone thinks it's a builder! :wink:
