Lifan powered sears tractor. Sorta UTV like.

[katoranger]

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031500&id=1106997582&l=753f450762

I found this 1976 sears ST16 in the scrap pile a few months ago. The engine is a lifan 6.5hp honda gx200 clone that was abused by the PO. I resurrected it with a throttle linkage and new honda coil. Rewound the recoil and made it fit on the sears tractor frame.

Pulley from TSC and custom built bench seat. :lol:

Still need some finishing touches. Throttle control, kill switch, hood.

I plan to rig a foot throttle opposite the clutch. Also need to add a weight to the front since the china power is only a third of the original engine weight.

Total investment. I am ahead since I sold most of the unused stock parts to purchase the needed parts.

2 new tires are awaiting mounting for the front.

Also have a push bumper.

The sears tractor has a 3 speed trans with hi/lo range.

[Weldangrind]

It's like you're reading my mind! :lol:

What scrap pile are you talking about? Where would you find something like that? I have luck on CL once in awhile, but that's it.

When you say that the new engine is lighter, are you concerned about excessive wheelies? :D I have an engine just like that from HF that I bought for $70.00, and it's awaiting a project like yours.

Excellent Father / Daughter project. :D

[katoranger]

The local metal recycling auto salvage. The have a pile of mowers the size of a basketball court usually. I only look for the vintage stuff.

The new engine weighs in at about 40lbs and the old one was 125lbs. I have already stood it up on end while climbing a steep hill.

It will pull some good 2nd gear wheelies too.

Today we took it across the creek and down the trails.

[MICRider]

Sweet! Cool project :D

[katoranger]

I am waiting for the HF sale on the engines again. This one was used and it leaks oil. Still runs pretty good, but I would like a spare or two. Have a go-kart that I want to get set-up for them also.

Also I have confirmed that some honda parts are a direct fit to the engine. The coil is honda.

Next will be the hood. I have a MTD hood that I plan to narrow about 8" and and then I have a chrome exhaust stack to add. :lol:


Also have a front blade. Going to try and push some dirt.

[SpudRider]

You are a very fortunate man to have Lily as your beautiful helper on this project. :D I like what you did with the new, larger seat!

Spud :)

[katoranger]

We did some racing and trail riding yesterday along with yardwork.

Grandpa had the cub cadet.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1OTguanBn.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA2MDAuanBn.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA2MDEuanBn.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA2MDMuanBn.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA2MDQuanBn.jpg

Some JD quilting fabric to send to family in the Netherlands. They cannot get it easily in their part of the country.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1OTkuanBn.jpg

[FastDoc]

AWESOME! That really made me smile. Also, it looks like a beautiful fall day. Enjoy.

[SpudRider]

Being a Grandpa is a difficult job. ;) Sometimes you need to hold beautiful little girls, and go for a ride on the Cub Cadet. :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Awesome day!

I like the JD fabric. Princess Auto in Canada has a bit of JD merchandise right now; cookie jars, license plate frames, clothing, etc. Cheap too.

[Jim]

I like the little red "tractor" in the first picture, looks like it's doing some work. :)

[katoranger]

Jim, they hauled alot of leaves and some firewood with that tractor. Grandpa kept filling them up.

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/05260672000

I bought it 2 years ago for them.

This may be the next project. I bought one like this for $20. Need to find a push mower engine for it. It only has forward and reverse and a foot brake. This will be the next ride on toy for Lily as she is getting to big for the electric tractor.

http://www.tractorbox.co.uk/forum/uploads/20071002_180156_mustang-front2.jpg

I have some more pics at home taken with the Canon.

[Weldangrind]

That's so cool. 8)

Why a push mower engine? Isn't the existing trans set up for a horizontal engine?

[katoranger]

That is a negative. It is a vertical engine. There is belt under the frame to the gearbox. The gearbox transfer the power 90 degrees and the chain drives the axle. I am going to fully enclose the chain for safety. The tires are all solid rubber.

The only parts I should need to get are the engine and pulley to fit the shaft. I have the belt, gear box, chain, etc.

[katoranger]

Look china power for the mustang.
http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engines/55-hp-ohv-vertical-shaft-gas-engine-96156.html

[Weldangrind]

That is a negative. It is a vertical engine. There is belt under the frame to the gearbox. The gearbox transfer the power 90 degrees and the chain drives the axle. I am going to fully enclose the chain for safety. The tires are all solid rubber.

The only parts I should need to get are the engine and pulley to fit the shaft. I have the belt, gear box, chain, etc.

Gotcha. The layout fooled me, but I see the recoil starter on top. Which transmission is it? I have an old Foote and matching rear axle at home, originally designed for a seven horse.

Have you ever used a push mower for this kind of application? They rely upon the blade for flywheel weight, so it pays to add mass to the pulley you plan to use. My plan was to weld a piece of plate to a steel pulley, but then I came upon another entire tractor with an 8hp engine and electric start. Way easier than pull starting.

If you just use a pulley with no added weight, it might rev up a little too quickly (although the governor will control max rpm) and it might stall easily.

[SpudRider]

I like the little red "tractor" in the first picture, looks like it's doing some work. :)
Thanks for pointing that out, Jim. :) At first glance, I missed the little worker driving that tractor! ;)
Jim, they hauled alot of leaves and some firewood with that tractor. Grandpa kept filling them up.

http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/05260672000

I bought it 2 years ago for them...
How long will that electric tractor run after a recharge, Allen?

Spud :)

[Cal25]

A little bit of plywood and you could have a pretty spiffy little car.

[katoranger]

The red tractor will go about 2-3 hours of continuous use. 1-2 hours if being worked. I have two batteries so that we make sure to not run out of power.


Weld. I was aware of the flywheel deferences. Been looking at the power washer engines too. Not sure if it will really be a problem or not. The easy solution would be to swap flywheels.

[FastDoc]

That's awesome endurance on the batteries. Must be a lot of fun for the little ones. Have you had to fix it much?

I have 2 B&S lawnmower engines. One is not so good, I think it's siezed. It was in a powerwasher. The other was in a brand new mover. It hit a rock with the blade and bent the crank. I would guess they could be easily repaired if a guy was so inclined. I don't know if it would be worth it for shipping, but I'd give them to you for free. I think one's a 4HP the other is a 5HP.

[katoranger]

That's awesome endurance on the batteries. Must be a lot of fun for the little ones. Have you had to fix it much?

I have 2 B&S lawnmower engines. One is not so good, I think it's siezed. It was in a powerwasher. The other was in a brand new mover. It hit a rock with the blade and bent the crank. I would guess they could be easily repaired if a guy was so inclined. I don't know if it would be worth it for shipping, but I'd give them to you for free. I think one's a 4HP the other is a 5HP.

I have not had to do anything to the little tractor. Just charge the batteries.

Doc, I think that the cost to ship them would be more than its worth. I have a couple donars here. I just need to swap some parts to build a good one.

Allen

[FastDoc]

OK. Just thought I'd offer. I'll put them in W&G's pile!

[katoranger]

He is going to need to rent a uhaul.

[Weldangrind]

Maybe I'll get a bike trailer like Barnone's. :lol: That would be an awfully long ride home.

Push mowers are often nearly free on CL where I live. People move out of houses and into townhomes every month, and they practically give the mowers away.

I'd just make a heavy pulley and call it done. Try to static balance it the best you can. More flywheel weight will probably improve starting.

[SpudRider]

He is going to need to rent a uhaul.
They might not let him back across the border! 8O

Spud :lol:

[katoranger]

I will have to research pulleys and see what I can find. I believe that when these mowers came from the factory that the blade was installed directly on the shaft and always spun.

[katoranger]

His some more pics.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/078.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/077.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/065.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/051.jpg
High Speed Tuck
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/041.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/034.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/030.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/027.jpg

[Weldangrind]

I will have to research pulleys and see what I can find. I believe that when these mowers came from the factory that the blade was installed directly on the shaft and always spun.

Really? No belt and pulley that acts like a clutch?

Awesome pics, BTW. You've got some good little helpers there. :D

[katoranger]

The mowett was intended to be used on small in town type lots and was essentially a push mower with a seat.

The lone foot pedal operated a idler pully on the belt from the engine to the gearbox. This made it stop and go. Blade always spun. Was not intended to be used for trailers or any other work. Cut grass only.

It has hard rubber tires. Not for use on hills. This is a product of the early sixties. Safety was not a concern yet. Simple machine. Low cost for a lazy homeowner who didn't want to push.

[FastDoc]

Amazing childhood memories being made there. Good for you all.

How big is that cat? 8O

Cooperative guy, he is. :P

[Weldangrind]

I will have to research pulleys and see what I can find. I believe that when these mowers came from the factory that the blade was installed directly on the shaft and always spun.

I saw some split bushings and heavy sheaves the other day that would be perfect as flywheel weight. They already have the keyway, and they would be close enough to balanced. You could likely find the same thing at TS.

[katoranger]

Amazing childhood memories being made there. Good for you all.

How big is that cat? 8O

Cooperative guy, he is. :P

I don't want to spend their lives inside. To much to explore and learn.

Buford is up to about 15lbs now. He will go along with most anything too.

[FastDoc]

Buford is awesome. 8)

Indoors is no place to live. It's good that your grandchildren have you to enjoy the pleasures of being outside with.

Kids need to play with tractors, ATV's, fishing poles and BB guns. Not Nintendo's, My Space and whatever indoor obesity inducing nonsense they are up to nowadays.

JMHO.

[katoranger]

Not grandchildren. My kids. Grandpa was visiting. Not that old yet. Its me on the blue tractor.

[FastDoc]

I knew that :oops:

Everything else I said it right though!

[katoranger]

I guess in your old age things are slipping. :P

[FastDoc]

I guess in your old age things are slipping. :P

46......

I didn't think it was THAT old but maybe...

[SpudRider]

Thank you for sharing the great photos, Allen. :) Even the cat was helping! ;) Many hands make light work. :D

Spud :)

[katoranger]

I guess in your old age things are slipping. :P

46......

I didn't think it was THAT old but maybe...

You are in classic status right now. Vintage comes after 60 I believe.

I worked with a guy that said his grey hair was like a discount coupon. No one question him when he ordered from the senior menu.

[katoranger]

Thank you for sharing the great photos, Allen. :) Even the cat was helping! ;) Many hands make light work. :D

Spud :)

Buford helped by making sure the leaves didn't blow away.

We clean up the yard in about an hour. Then is was tractor cruising time.

[SpudRider]

As big as he is, Buford can hold down a lot of leaves! 8O I get the impression your girls love Buford. ;) Buford doesn't have such a bad job! :lol:

Spud :)

[katoranger]

Not sure if you all will be able to see the pic or not. We played in the snow last Christmas with my Dad's loader Cub and a tobogan.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2032232&id=1085349175

[SpudRider]

Not sure if you all will be able to see the pic or not. We played in the snow last Christmas with my Dad's loader Cub and a tobogan.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2032232&id=1085349175
Facebook says the photo is currently unavailable. :(

Spud :)

[katoranger]

I suspected that. Will try to save some and upload via photobucket.

[katoranger]

Found a video of a mowett mustang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2BsQL_0b44&NR=1

[Weldangrind]

Grey hair flyin' in the wind! Awesome! :lol:

I changed the sprockets on a Cadet 85, so that it could tow two junior dragsters back to the pits at a decent speed. It was a lot of fun, and not nearly as sterile as the quads on the high dollar teams. I wish I would have taken pics.

[katoranger]

I broke the sears. Going to have the rewind the recoil with a new rope and fix an oil leak.

[katoranger]

Decided to do some creating today.
Gonna use this. Sorry if anyone wanted a frame, but it was a perfect donar.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA0ODktMjAxMTA4MTYtMTIxMC5qcGc.jpg

And we are creating.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1MjAtMjAxMTA4MjQtMTQ1My5qcGc.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1MjEtMjAxMTA4MjQtMTUxMC5qcGc.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1MjItMjAxMTA4MjQtMTY1MC5qcGc.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1MjMtMjAxMTA4MjQtMTcyMi5qcGc.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1MjQtMjAxMTA4MjQtMTcyNS5qcGc.jpg

Not quite done. Wanted to see what I could lift. Winch says 2000lbs. I would say its good for 500lbs.

Need to do some more tuning on cable mounting.

[FastDoc]

That was fun to look through the pics and try to figure WTH you were up to. :D

Interesting solution. What was the question? :wink:

[MICRider]

Cool! You built a 3 point hitch out of a motorcycle frame! Excellent idea 8)

[katoranger]

Next I will build a bracket that pivots that will catch the axle of these project mowers for moving. Also have an idea for a boom lift to pick up heavier items for moving.

It will also be setup for sleeve hitch brinly implements.

[katoranger]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBeZtXxpF1E&feature=related

[MICRider]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBeZtXxpF1E&feature=related

Cool vid! That little tractor pulls that single like nothing! :)

Did you have to throw any weights on the front of your tow tractor to keep from becoming "The Wheelie King"?

[Weldangrind]

That swingarm is a great idea! It looks like you mounted the frame on Uni Strut.

I think that the winch rating is based on using a snatch block, but even that would only provide 1000lbs based on your estimate.

[katoranger]

UNI strut it is. It was in the scrap pile.

I have a 75lbs weight on the front of the tractor and another 50lb to add to it. There is 150lbs on the rear wheels.

With only a 6.5hp engine I don't know how much plowing it will do.

[katoranger]

I curb picked a push mower with a good ol briggs 3.75hp on it. Towed it home with the elite. 8O

Missing the gas cap. I dumped out the gas/water/oil sludge. Fixed the recoil. Put in some fresh gas. Sprayed some carb cleaner in it. Two pulls and its running. :lol:

This is the engine I have been waiting for. Tomorrow may be mowett mustang day.

Lily has requested pink/purple/white paint and a number 7 on the hood.

Weld. It has the light flywheel. I removed the blade and it starts easily, but revs like a 2 stroke. Sounds like a thumper though. I may have to limit her to 5K rpms.

Pictures tomorrow.

[Weldangrind]

Mowett Mustang day? :?:

How would you limit rpm? Congrats on the find. I wish I could have seen you dragging it home behind the Elite. :lol:

[katoranger]

I will make a throttle stop. The mower has a throttle lever and governer designed for 3600rpm. It will rev alot more than that.

Getting ready to go out soon.

[katoranger]

Going to start a new thread for the mowett.

[MICRider]

Going to start a new thread for the mowett.

Looking forward to it! Is it going to haul like the one in the video? 8)

[katoranger]

Probably not that fast. New thread with pics has been started.

[katoranger]

Found this trash pump in the pile. 6.5hp clone. $25. Will make a good parts engine if not a replacement. I believe it has low compression. Going to try to adjust the valves and see if it will run.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1ODgtMjAxMTA5MDktMTIzOC5qcGc.jpg

[MICRider]

Found this trash pump in the pile. 6.5hp clone. $25. Will make a good parts engine if not a replacement. I believe it has low compression. Going to try to adjust the valves and see if it will run.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/utf-8BSU1HMDA1ODgtMjAxMTA5MDktMTIzOC5qcGc.jpg

Wow! That thing looks almost like new. At work they bought a few generators that had clone motors on them, they had some problems with the valvetrains on them but found out that Honda parts fit perfectly. I can't remember precisely what the problem was but I think it had something to do with the rocker arms being a soft material and the pushrods indenting them throwing the valve clearances out?

[Weldangrind]

That looks like the Champion engine that Costco sold. Yeah, Honda stuff is apparently a perfect fit, although there's an entire racing class devoted to these engines with China speed parts.

[katoranger]

I tried adjusting the valves. Compression feels like it came up alittle. I am using a thumb. I think it is in the valves. Plug is not oily. No noises. It fired once on some carb cleaner, but does not appear to be pulling any fuel into the combustion chamber. The needle was stuck. I am getting gas in the bowl. Probably have a clogged main jet too.

My next step is to pull the pump and see what kind of shaft it has. If it is a tapered then I will just use it for parts.

My blue one needs the whole governer/throttle control and the air filter assembly replaced. It has two engine speeds. 5K or off.

My guess is this engine was run for an extended period and may have run hot too. Pumping in 100 degree humid heat may not have been good.

[katoranger]

Tonight the girls and I are going to pick up a 12.5hp Kohler for the sears tractor. The lifan engine will go on the shelf for another project. I saved the parts I need from the junkyard engine to fix the governor and carb issues.

The kohler was free. Just need to fix the choke. It will be a better match for the tractor. I will install it in Kansas.

[Weldangrind]

Good thinking. You'll need stuff to do there. :lol:

[FastDoc]

Ya gotta love a guy who is still looking for projects in the midst of a project! LOL!

I'm the same. Still cruising CL for crap I don't need, can't afford, and don't have space or time for. :roll:

[katoranger]

I had already committed to it before I knew we were moving. I can handle an extra engine. I did sell off one tractor.

[Weldangrind]

12.5 hp is going to be a lot better than 6.5 hp.

[katoranger]

Yes, I was really lacking in the torque department. New engine is e-start. Came off a newer cub cadet tractor. OHV engine. This should pull the plow easily.

[katoranger]

I got the choke parts in the other day along with an engine pulley. Hopefully I can get this tractor back into operation for spring chores.

The John Deere needs a starter.

[katoranger]

The kohler runs. Still need to install the choke parts, but I got the throttle cable routed and the 3 point hitch installed tonight.

Also rigged a gas tank. Need a 1/4" keyway, battery cable, and a hook up a muffler. The kohler is pretty loud with a straight pipe. 8) The flames are cool.

Need a few pieces for the 3 point to get it ready to connect the plow. Maybe we can turn some dirt later this week.

Had to switch seats. The bench interfers with the lift handle for the 3 point.

Pictures maybe tomorrow.

[Weldangrind]

Glad to hear that it runs! :D It's hard to believe that you started this thread in October 2010 in Georgia.

[katoranger]

I haven't worked on this tractor since May. We bolted the new engine on and I got it to fire then. Now we need it. Garden season is around the corner.

I may be swapping the rear tires from the other sears to this one too. The seem to be holding air.

I just need to make it so that we can use it. Ugly just fits it here.

[Weldangrind]

Function over form. Unless it's an 8N. If you get ahold of an 8N, be sure to polish the fenders.

[katoranger]

I think that this tractor will only be used for garden duty now. I would like to get the other one running too so that I have the disc on one and the plow on the other.

[katoranger]

I picked up the battery cables and the hitch clips last night. Oriellys did not have any 1/4" key stock.

If I can find some key stock I should be able to drive it again tonight.

[Weldangrind]

You might get lucky and find key stock at the local Hardware store. I think that Rona carries it, which is sort of our version of Lowes.

[katoranger]

I stopped at the builders supply in town and they had a piece. Also got some gate hinges for the playyard I am making.

Tonight I may be able to get some more done.

[katoranger]

Got the new battery cables on and the solenoid wired with a push button.

Pulley installed.

Top link made.

I can work after dark now. It was 78 outside today.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/500_zps29a46cb4.jpg
The mess.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/502_zps9d7ac5a7.jpg
Plow on.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/503_zpsf6182421.jpg
My homemade toplink. All recycled bits. No money spent. :wink:
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/504_zpsaef61a04.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/505_zpsb80455d6.jpg

The free engine.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/506_zps022bcef6.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/507_zpsd526f288.jpg
And the final test.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/501_zpsfce9f991.jpg

I didn't plow long. It was dark and I have a straight pipe for an exhaust. Nice glow when under load.

Also the ground is still damp and the dirt was sticking on the plow. Will try again tomorrow.

[Weldangrind]

Plow on.

Indeed. Plow on, brother. :D

[FastDoc]

You are obviously very much enjoying your shop! :P

[katoranger]

I am enjoying the shop. Need to move the coop out so that we have some more room.

[FastDoc]

I remain blessed with a big garage but of all the things I miss most about my old house the 5 car garage is what I miss the most.

[katoranger]

I got the choke lever repaired with some new kohler parts and know the carb is back together. It will start on its own now.

Attached a muffler from a john deere. Let me know if you can figure out what I used for a muffler clamp. :)

Then I put it to work.
Oh, I ha
d to make burgers and dogs tonight.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/012_zpsd94a2dac.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/013_zpsddd80410.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/014_zps304b4ead.jpg
Ground was still too wet.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/015_zpsde91c27d.jpg
The muffler clamp.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/016_zpsba6db2a5.jpg
Have the starter button on the side and the choke lever is ziptied down by the pulley.
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/katoranger/017_zps9d23cafd.jpg

So to recap. Tractor from scrap pile, free engine, battery from a parted out van, gas tank from some other mower that is bungeed on.

The 3 point I got for free, seat from the other sears tractor, homemade top link from scrap found on road.

Had to buy a used steering wheel, new battery cables, choke parts, and the engine pulley. Also new front tires.

I used the disc tonight too.

[Weldangrind]

You're forgetting the keystock. Had to set you back at least a couple of bucks.

Love the clamp. :lol:

[katoranger]

Yep. I think it was $2 for a foot of it. I also got some new hitch clips.

[FastDoc]

You'll get your money out of it. :lol:

Looks like a handlebar clamp for an add on rear view mirror.

[Weldangrind]

Or a bicycle seatpost.

[FastDoc]

I think that may be it, Weld... :D

[katoranger]

Or a bicycle seatpost.

We have a winner. Found it in the bike parts bin.

[SpudRider]

I bet the girls are enjoying Kansas. ;) Thanks for posting the nice photos, Allen. :)

Spud :)

[katoranger]

They are. We will hopefully be able to finish the chicken coop this weekend and get it ready for the chicks to move in.

Also if the rain holds off I should be able to plow more garden.

[SpudRider]

They are. We will hopefully be able to finish the chicken coop this weekend and get it ready for the chicks to move in.

Also if the rain holds off I should be able to plow more garden.
It snowed here last night, and I think the snow is heading your way tomorrow! :(

Please keep us updated on the status of the chicken coop! :D

Spud :)

[katoranger]

We have a small chance of snow. The chicks are pretty much feathered out. I bought a larger heat bulb and will put that in the coop for them.