How to Make a Racing Lawn Mower
Lawn mowers can do more than mow yards these days. They can be lean mean racing machines with just a little modification. If you've always wanted to try racing on the dirt track, but didn't have the money to put together a race car, a lawn mower could be your alternative. With a little time and effort, you will be ready for the track in no time.
Items Needed
- Lawn mower
- Engine and components
- Transmission and clutch
- Front and rear axles
- Wheels and tires
- Steering system
- Electrical components
- Oil collection tank
- Pieces of sheet metal and metal tubing
- Mechanics tools
Step One - Strip the lawn mower down to the frame.
Step Two - Configure your components to fit the frame.
This will depend on the type of mower you are converting. Older units have multiple pieces of metal while newer units are made of single pieces of steel. However, competitive racers should remember to use the specifications from the US Lawn Mower Racing Association handbook as a guideline.
Step Three - Reinforce the frame by welding metal tubing to the under side. This is important since the lawn mower doesn't have a spring suspension system and is under tremendous stress during a race.
Step Four - Install the steering system. This will allow for safer handling at higher rates of speed.
Step Five - Install the transmission with the gear box on to the frame. Set the gear ratio with the rear axle sprockets. Install the transmission pulley which should be two inches smaller than the original to increase power.
Step Six - Install the brake system.
There are two types are available, mechanical or hydraulic. Mechanical units are a bit easier to install, because they do not require the extensive hydraulic lines.
Step Seven - Use the sheet metal to fabricate the decking for the unit, and weld in place on the frame.
Step Eight - Install the electrical system and the battery.
Step Nine - Install the seat, engine mountings and oil collection tank.
Step Ten - Install the engine and components. Remove the governor from the engine to increase power. Also install an engine pulley to crank shaft that is larger than eight inches. This will increase performance.
Step Eleven - Paint your new racing machine the color of your choice.