Author Topic: Mower racing tool box  (Read 7287 times)

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Offline RajunCajun

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Mower racing tool box
« on: February 26, 2016, 02:45:24 pm »
 
I was thinking about this today and wanted to share.
One of my lessons learned from my first year of racing last year was there are a laundry list of things I need to keep on hand when I go to the track that never would have accrued to me before. Like bringing a jack stand to hold up the mower in case I need to work under it, that one socket that does not come in the normal tool kit, a chain brake tool, etc. I would love it if you guys could give me some advice with your years of experience on what would be nice to have on hand, good to have, or down right stupid if you don't bring one of these items.

Like I said, last year was my first racing season and the biggest lesson I learned was how much I did not know. But I got running with the MDLRA here in Maryland and found a bunch of guys (and girls) that were extremely welcoming to new people and always willing to lend a hand to a person who it was obvious he had no clue to what he was doing.
I went out looking for something that my son and I could get involved in together and ended up making a bunch of really good friends along the way.   I have found in so many things that people tend to get overly competitive and that can push new people away from even trying  such activities but, in this case I found a group that would welcome us in with open arms and not make us feel like a couple of out casts.
I guess what I am trying to say is if you are just sitting on the fence about wanting to try racing a mower, just do it, you will have a blast and make a lot of friends along the way.
Oh sorry, I got a little off topic there.  If you have any ideas for a must have at the track check list, please let me know.

Offline outlaw#6

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2016, 10:45:52 am »
Any tool that you use to work on your mower at home, be sure you have one along with you at the track. if you have a generator or access to power bring power tools too. Be sure not to forget an air tank for changing air pressure at the track.

I probably carry too much stuff, but what you don't have always seems to be what breaks. I don't think this is a complete list of what I bring. In theory, you should have a spare of everything on your mower. That's if you want to be sure you can fix whatever breaks on the track. 

The starred items, you'd be crazy not to have.

At least one extra of every bearing on your mower.
An extra of every pulley you use.
*Belts
*Spare roller chain cut to the right size, if you use it. Along with connector/half links.
Chain sprockets.
*Wheels/tires
Wheel hubs.
Tie rods/ends
Steering wheel
Throttle cable
Brake fluid/brake lines
Starting fluid
*Jumper cables/jump box
An assortment of bolts/nuts
Any small pieces that you use: clips, washers, throttle pieces etc. etc.

If you do your own engine work, bring spare top end parts. I.e. Rocker arms, pushrods, flywheel key, anything you can get to without splitting the engine. A spare motor is best, but I don't carry one. I wouldn't have enough time to change one if mine blew.
Brian Reis

Offline Flipper

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2016, 05:52:18 pm »
RC, I have faith that You & your son are going to do very well this year with us at MDLMRA....just a note, 1st race is April 2nd at Jack's Small engines in Jarrettsville.
I'm only a call away and you know where to find me....in the man cave! lol.  I am working on the groups' Jackie Andrews Tribute racer right now(older box style Sears Craftsman). I am taking my time to think things out, making everything clean ,neat and serviceable. and it coming along slowly but rock strong...I added a bunch of new idea's that I would like to share with you and your builds. The hood and Fender deck will be going up to Andrews Garage for pint Monday Morning. A lot of members donated parts and I almost have everything I need except rear hubs, the old ones were seized and I destroyed them yesterday trying to get them off, I ordered new ones from BMI today. . Stop by and take a peek.  This racer will be for a future female racer(to be determined).....that's what Jackie wanted before she passed. We started a fund in her name to build this racer.

We can make a list of goodies for you to bring to the track.......The list above is pretty much spot on. Trust me, it never ends....I bring everything but the kitchen sink in the trailer.....that's probably next! lol.
Tell your son we said hello and look forward to seeing him this year, as well as you too!.....APRIL 2ND!....
Flipper
Maryland Mafia Mower Racing Team (The Sod Father) President
Mason Dixon Lawn Mower Racing Association Chief Technical Director 2016, 2017
Mason Dixon Lawn Mower Racing Association Vice President 2018
2008 BP 1st Place Champion Delmarva LMRA
2008 2nd Place Champion Super Sportsman - Tri State LMRA
2009 Delmarva LMRA Presidents Award
2012 2nd Place Champion Super Sportsman North East National Division ARMA
2013, 2014, 2015 BP 1st Place Champion Mason Dixon LMRA
2013 Mod-XR 1st Place Champion Mason Dixon LMRA
2014, 2015, 2016, Mod-XR-T 1st Place Champion Mason Dixon LMRA & VLMRA
2013, 2014, 2015 IMOW 1st Place Champion Mason Dixon LMRA
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017  Presidents Award for Excellence Mason
2017 North American ARMA National 1st Place Champion Mod-XR-T Class

Offline leman

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2016, 09:41:18 pm »
Extra throttle cable already cut to length.  That would be the worst way to have your day end early
Nick Lema
NELMRA Member 2011 - Current
2011 NELMRA Rookie of the Year
2011 NELMRA S/P-B Overall Winner
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2013 NELMRA S/P 2nd Place Overall
2014... No more DNF's :D

Offline chavez

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2016, 11:29:56 pm »
Might seem like duh, but to add to Brian's list, bring extra fuel. You might not need it, but the guy next to you may.
Travis Callaway

Offline wayfat

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #5 on: February 29, 2016, 08:27:28 am »
Spark Plugs.  I found out the hard way last season.  I had one that must have been cracked.  Thank goodness someone else had on for me.
I also started carrying and extra start pushbutton and tether kill switch.  Never needed one yet, but saw someone that needed a kill switch and didn't have one, so I had a spare the next race.

Offline redline

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #6 on: February 29, 2016, 01:36:40 pm »
Duct tape and a 2 ply roll of toilet paper for Bert.
He refuses to use the standard issue single ply found in most Cuban missle launchers.
Ed King

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Offline EUBANK RACING

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #7 on: February 29, 2016, 04:40:55 pm »
 leave the starting fluid at home unless you are running a diesel
\"Micah\"

Offline RajunCajun

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #8 on: February 29, 2016, 09:06:20 pm »
Extra throttle cable already cut to length.  That would be the worst way to have your day end early

that did happen to my last year.

Offline Jeff McKelroy

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #9 on: March 10, 2016, 09:17:27 pm »
Things I have learned to bring along:

As far as tools, I bought a portable box with wheels, and make sure whenever I am doing anything in the garage, any hand tool used goes into the box, that way every tool you need is already there. keeps the list short.

Some advice would be a duplicate of every nut bolt and washer on your mowchine.
2 coils, one for you and one for the other guy
Kill Switch
Starter Button
Air tank
Tire pressure gauge
FLASHLIGHT. even those literal "headlamp" ones. The guy struggling to work in the dark won't be laughing at you.
Spark plugs: 2 extra for single, 4 extra for twin
Marvel Mystery Oil
Paper towels
An 8 ounce container with one shot of transmission lube.
Transmission keys
Sealer for transmission
Drain pan
Oil and filter
Air filter cleaner and oil
2 fuel pumps (again, makes friends fast with your fellow racers)
Fuel filter
2 axle bearings
Wheel Bearings
Chain Lube
Battery charger or extra battery.
Hacksaw
First Aid Kit (Intentionally placed under "Hacksaw")
100' extension cord.
8' X 10' Tarp. better to lay on than an ant hill, or so I've been told.
Believe it or not, bring a long pry bar.
Also a large Crescent wrench. Works great straightening spindle arms!

And the most important? 1 gallon of Apple Pie Moonshine.

Offline cycloneracer

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2016, 11:15:12 pm »
Cooler full of beer.   To repay the guy who loans you parts/tools!!!!
Paul Krueger

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Offline BIG AL 202

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Re: Mower racing tool box
« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2016, 04:06:28 pm »
Cooler full of beer.   To repay the guy who loans you parts/tools!!!!
MAYBE 2 IF BERT IS THERE!
ALWAYS VOTE FOR ED!   FONGS BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!