Topic: Another rule question. Engine mounting

[2nstoys]

Can you change the height of the stock engine mounting plate? As in: the engine plate originally on the top of the frame and moving it to the bottom of the frame. Rules state "Crankshaft must be in original orientation and clearance hole in the frame.", but doesn't really say if you can move the location.

[George Herrin]

In the past on a prepared class build this could not be done legally. I would think only the FX and fxs-fxt classes would it be legal by the way I read the rules.

[royalblu68f100]

I read it to say that the hole must be the original one, and in the same place as originally equipped.  Allowing the mounting plate to be lowered would allow a lower center of gravity thus an advantage. Same situation as the seat issue that so many have a problem with.

[2nstoys]

That's why I was asking. Doesn't say same place. Just want to know before I change stuff on my own. Have seen it done and want clarification.

[Mowerpar]

Maybe on something like a huffy which had the whole motor and trans plate move up and down with the original  mower deck.  Also looking on my motor plate it could be adjusted about a inch or so back and forthI've also seen a couple of ap's with non original looking motor plates

[tsmith1499]

I know on my L130, I could bolt the motor plate to the bottom of the frame and bolt the motor to it, It will still be in the "original orientation" front to rear and side to side, and in the original "clearance hole".   It will be only be 2" lower, but I don't know if I would want my pulleys that close to the ground.  Just my take on the wording.  To me that means a vertical is vertical and in the same hole.  No front to rear or side to side change.

 "Crankshaft must be in original orientation and clearance hole in the frame.",

[Lambo]

I agree. Also that is true of the Huffy style mowers. The engine really doesn't have a particular spot. However, I did not put mine lower than the bottom of the frame.

Lambo

[TomL]

rutt row...

Tom

[2nstoys]

Alot of chassis have engine plates that bolt on. That is why I am asking. Seen some that have been moved and want to know if it is ok to do this before I try it. Emailed the cheif tech official about it and it has been about a month with no response.

[GRUBDIGGER]

I DONT SEE A PROBLEM WITH IT. BUT THATS JUST ME.

[royalblu68f100]

I do not think moving the engine plate from top to bottom would be, should be, or could be legal.  As I see it all chassis except the smaller AP/FX style chassis would require altering the frame and or engine plate in order for this to work.  This in my opinion would be an unfair advantage when compared to a pan style chassis (MTD, MURRAY, ETC) or an MTD box style (AYP would be included.) I do not know of a prepared style (42-48 inch wheelbase) mower chassis that has a engine plate that you can rotate or move without modifying some other piece of the frame.  This to me would make it illegal for a Prepared style mower build be it ARMA or US.  Allowing this would open a can of worms that could not be controlled.  This could result in severe frame mutilation, which would result in unsafe mowers running.  It would also allow some to lower over 90lbs without it being a factory option.

[GRUBDIGGER]

I do not know of a prepared style (42-48 inch wheelbase) mower chassis that has a engine plate that you can rotate or move without modifying some other piece of the frame


CHRIS,HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE MURRAY WIDE BODIES, JOHN DEERE 130-185 OR THE OLDER SEARS PRODUCT? ALL OF THOSE HAVE FRAME RAILS WITH A BOLT IN ENGINE PLATE. THEY ALSO MEET THE 42"MIN WHEEL BASE FOR SUPER SPORTSMAN.

[royalblu68f100]

The Murray Wide Body has a lip on the front edge of the motor plate that would have to either A be removed to keep the plate in the same orientation as originally equipped or B flip the plate over in order to attach it to the bottom of the frame rails.  I race an older sears product its an 85 model Craftsman pan chassis.  So how much older are we talking?  I do not know much about the JD's, the only ones I have are pan style chassis (STX38).
I still think this is a load of poop that is about to get stirred.  I was at a race this past season and the winner of the MOD-X class was accused of having a lowered engine plate, and let me tell you there were some seriously ticked off people because tech did not catch it.  This only adds one more problem to slow down the tech line.  If we let this slide, why have a rule book?

[evansop]

H) PREPARED: Class designation: G/P/K, A/P, G/P S/P, C/P and B/P. These mowers are as
delivered from the factory except for the modifications listed below.
1) Engine must be originally manufactured for use in lawn mowing equipment and be stock in appearance, with the exception of air filter, air cleaner or velocity
   stack. Crankshaft must be in original orientation and clearance hole in the frame.
   Engine may be internally modified.

If you raise or lower the engine, the crankshaft will no longer be in the "original orientation".

[tsmith1499]

There you go.  Problem solved.