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Topic: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ?? (Read 138 times) |
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Billybob911
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New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Thread started on: Jul 26th, 2009, 9:30pm » |
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I'm a newbee to Mower derby's guys and looking for any tips.
For starters, I have run compact derbys as well as full size and school buses. So the whole derby thing is not new to me but the mowers are.
The rules Im following say that it has to be a belt drive mower.
Im going to look at this one tomorrow.
Any good? -I dont know much about it other than its cheap and runs good...
I can pretty much reinforce anything on the mower as long as its hidden under the factory hood.
Im open for any tips and/or ideas.
Throttle, pulley sizing, tires, reinforcing the steering etc.
thanks in advance!!
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racingpaperboy
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #1 on: Jul 26th, 2009, 10:26pm » |
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Welcome to the site, the rules your talking about are somewhat different than ours but we have a few guys that build behind the hood. The main thing is to make sure you have good belt and make belt guards so the belt will stay on. As for the welding ,that is something you have to experiment with.These mowers will bend up different everytime,what seems to work one time might not work the next. As for speeding the mower up by gearing it different will depend on what type of track your running on.My experience of having a real fast mower you will tear up a lot more stuff real fast on dry track.You just have to try to find out what works best for you. Hope this helps you out.
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pijun76
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #2 on: Jul 27th, 2009, 11:06am » |
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Like Carl said, welcome to the site.
1. Definately make sure you have a good belt and its the right size.
2. Put some tubes in the tires if you're allowed.
3. Reinforce the tie rod if allowed.......those thin, stock ones bend really fast.
4. Check the balls joints over really good on the stearing. If there is any slop in them, replace.
5. Tall tires, and small pullies on the rearend make for lots of fun 
These stamped steel, MTD frames bend different everytime, so take care of the little things (tires, tie rods, ball joints, etc) and have fun!!
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| « Last Edit: Jul 27th, 2009, 11:16am by pijun76 » |
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GeraldWallace
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #3 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 08:12am » |
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We call the newer MTD and Murray frames "twistoflex".
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2009 MID-SOUTH Lawn Mower Derby Champion! WOOT!
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Billybob911
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #4 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 3:24pm » |
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I actually picked this one up this week. Its a 14 HP Huskee model with a solid c-channel front frame. It has a cast iron front axel and a 6 speed transmission so there is no need for regearing - it goes plenty fast. It came with a hood but its fiberglass. I plan on making my own out of an old car hood. our rules allow us to do that as well. That way I can build my engine cage and make the hood to fit it.
What are you guys using for belt guides. It has the bars on either side of the drive pulley (see picture) but they dont work very well. The belt has already jumped off on me just messing around the yard.
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| « Last Edit: Aug 9th, 2009, 3:26pm by Billybob911 » |
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GeraldWallace
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #5 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 5:07pm » |
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Keep in mind that yes...That's a big mower with a channel frame but it's still an MTD product and the steering gear is very weak. Also the high center of gravity makes it ripe for a rollover.
No biggie though...every make and model has their weakness. One of our team drives a Husky and he won 1st place in Gibson County Indiana with it. Just drive smart and protect your front wheels.
I believe the mower pictured below is a Huskee but is not very similar to yours...
He lost his steering and got rolled all in one heat. LOL! I talked to him afterwords and he said he loved it and would definitely be back. Said he had the time of his life.
Be sure and post pics as you build that beast!
Gerald
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2009 MID-SOUTH Lawn Mower Derby Champion! WOOT!
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GeraldWallace
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #6 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 6:07pm » |
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Actually...Now that I have taken a closer look at the mower...It looks more like an AYP product. Same folks that make Craftsman and Husqvarna mowers.
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2009 MID-SOUTH Lawn Mower Derby Champion! WOOT!
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Billybob911
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #7 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 6:15pm » |
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on Aug 9th, 2009, 6:07pm, GeraldWallace wrote:| Actually...Now that I have taken a closer look at the mower...It looks more like an AYP product. Same folks that make Craftsman and Husqvarna mowers. |
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It is.
Under the seat on the ID plate it says (Manufactured exclusively for Tractor Supply Company by American Yard Products)
Is that a good thing or bad?
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GeraldWallace
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #8 on: Aug 9th, 2009, 8:59pm » |
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AYP is definitely better than MTD or Murray.
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2009 MID-SOUTH Lawn Mower Derby Champion! WOOT!
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Billybob911
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #9 on: Sep 20th, 2009, 7:00pm » |
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on Aug 9th, 2009, 5:07pm, GeraldWallace wrote:Keep in mind that yes...That's a big mower with a channel frame but it's still an MTD product and the steering gear is very weak. Also the high center of gravity makes it ripe for a rollover.
No biggie though...every make and model has their weakness. One of our team drives a Husky and he won 1st place in Gibson County Indiana with it. Just drive smart and protect your front wheels.
Be sure and post pics as you build that beast!
Gerald |
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Well, Here are some pictures of the build. Just painted it today.. I doubled and tubed the front tires and got a sponsor that hooked me up with some tractor treads for the rear. I'm still a little concerned about the steering linkage/ball joints. Could they be replaced with a nut and bolt as long as they could still turn freely?
My Brother-in-law's ride...
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pijun76
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Re: New to the site, new to the sport - got a ??
« Reply #10 on: Sep 21st, 2009, 2:30pm » |
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Here is an alternative to the stardard mower ball joints. I have considered using these because to me they look to be stronger, but I haven't got a chance to try them out yet. Just an idea.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_23631_23631
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| « Last Edit: Sep 21st, 2009, 2:31pm by pijun76 » |
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