Maine Mud Mower's "Not the Norm" [2016 Build-Off Finalist]

Hi there, so in effect you are getting 2 gearboxes like a big tractor/truck? i take it you lock the front transaxle diff? Are you aiming for extreme drive ratio reduction to pull something or what kind ideas do you have in mind for it?

STUNTMAN JON wrote:

Hi there, so in effect you are getting 2 gearboxes like a big tractor/truck? i take it you lock the front transaxle diff? Are you aiming for extreme drive ratio reduction to pull something or what kind ideas do you have in mind for it?

This build is actually a play off on my MTD Gas power wheel build. That build was the stage 1 Prof of concept.
This is stage 2. With a stage 3 and stage 4 planed if this one works.

For Info on the power wheel build feel free to check it out here
Gas power wheel homepage

Shaft out of trans will be shortened as close to case as I dare

This looks like a awesome idea I cant wait to see it! so is the tractor going to shift like a truck would?

Im noy sure to understand why are you using 2 gearbox in that position. Is it to get more gears rages???? like super low speed/high torq and get high speed range in same time

Neat. Transmission setup is going to be fantastic to see developed!

Aaaand he's back! Gonna be cool to see how this turns out.

Seeing as how the FNR shaft is 5/8 and splined, will the drive shaft be ground down for 5/8" Ujoints, a step joint used, or do you have an idea to shim the input on the FNR?

Doug Fackler wrote:

Seeing as how the FNR shaft is 5/8 and splined, will the drive shaft be ground down for 5/8" Ujoints, a step joint used, or do you have an idea to shim the input on the FNR?

The goal at this point is redneck it so I plan to gut the splined original pulley and weld it to the end of a universal. If this works in the long term. I will have a machines Bore the end of the universal out and press fit and weld the spline cylinder in it. No one makes the part so its all imagination at this point.

Well, those universals wont blow anytime soon lol. They look heavy as hell.

This thing is really interesting. It's nice that you're doing your own thing. Different is cool

How many speeds is the mst?

Looking good. Very interesting build man! Is that Peerless transaxle brand new?

Yes it is brand new. Its a 3 speed but if you have seen my video on conversion its easy to change to a 5 or 6 any time I want.

I noticed the 203 doesnt have an oil plug on it.

Nice! Can't wait to see it finished!

Center Trans is fully mounted now. Pulley test fit went well. Planning to run a 5.5 inch deck flip pulley on the engine and a 6 inch pulley on the trans as its the biggest I can put on and fit within the frame rails.

Yes the build will crawl to start but that is a good thing as it will let me work out bugs then shrink the trans pulley latter on.
Tonight's goal at this point is pull the center trans back out and break it open. to get it ready for a shortened axle version of the Doc locker.

Lookin' good! Boy you're really getting down to crunch time, aren't you?

I'd about kill for a plasma torch. One day...

Fantastic work! I think I have the same G-clamps as you haha! Are you going to have a shifter for the F-N-R transaxle or just the MST 203?

Doc Sprocket wrote:

Lookin' good! Boy you're really getting down to crunch time, aren't you?

I'd about kill for a plasma torch. One day...

Every time I see him use one I start Googling to find cheap ones or used good ones lol. Even the HFT one costs about as much as a Hobart. Then I remember I have torches...

MatthewD wrote:

Fantastic work! I think I have the same G-clamps as you haha! Are you going to have a shifter for the F-N-R transaxle or just the MST 203?

Wouldnt really need one, unless you wanted to use it confuse unsuspecting operators lol.

Doc Sprocket wrote:

Lookin' good! Boy you're really getting down to crunch time, aren't you?

I'd about kill for a plasma torch. One day...

The truly sad yet fun part about this is every welded part on it right now was done with a Campbell Hausfeld 115V Arc/Stick Welder
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HT1I5I

On the plasma cutter I have both Torches and a cutter I think the last time I touched my torches was 4 years ago to lend to a friend cause no one touched my 250 they no longer make it was replaced with the Hobart AirForce 12ci Plasma Cutter https://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500564-Airforce-Plasma-Cutter/dp/B014V4LJWS