[Complete] Maine Mud Mower "Mud Wizard" [2018 Build-Off Entry]

A. Rip it down to frame and paint.
B. Hood mods including cowl, head light, at internal cage.
C. Engine Has new head gasket and cheap carb from After Winch and hood are installed a snorkel will be made into the cowl.
D. Zinc locker the rear trans and upgraded frame bracing.
E. New brake upgrade idea?
F. Front suspension?

And what ever other ideas I have along the way.  















-Approved by Doug, 2/5/2018

Debating the old on the left and the new on the right. What's your 2 cents what would you run?

The tread depth look almost the same. I bet with tire black or armor all the old tire would look new.

The right looks like it will dig in better and a better clean out.

So the bearclaws are off of the maine mud mower? What is the tread depth on them? I have not found anything on the tire websites that say the tread depth on the kendas.

The older one appears wider, and has more places to have things get wedged. Other than that, I would think they would perform the same. So, that would come down to your personal preference.

biggasmowers wrote:

So the bearclaws are off of the maine mud mower? What is the tread depth on them? I have not found anything on the tire websites that say the tread depth on the kendas.

Depends on the ply. Theyre somewhere between 1/2" and 3/4" on the lower ply tires, closer to 1" on the higher ply tires.

Honestly the treads are so similar, and being a steer tire, I dont think it would really matter.

mightyraze wrote:

The older one appears wider, and has more places to have things get wedged.  Other than that, I would think they would perform the same.  So, that would come down to your personal preference.  

Your not far off my own personal take on it. The older one has more defined cuts for mud to clear out of. But the point made on my FB page by a follower was that Kendra on the rear should have them on the front. Will see in the end I plan to upgrade both pairs to bearings.

Doug wrote:

biggasmowers wrote:

So the bearclaws are off of the maine mud mower? What is the tread depth on them? I have not found anything on the tire websites that say the tread depth on the kendas.

Depends on the ply. Theyre somewhere between 1/2" and 3/4" on the lower ply tires, closer to 1" on the higher ply tires.

Honestly the treads are so similar, and being a steer tire, I dont think it would really matter.

Doug is right mine are the 6 ply with the deepest lugs made you can still buy them from the same place i got mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00317DNVC

Edit: The key is to look for "Built-in rim guard protects" this type has the most extreme lug

The right tire looks better in my opinion because it is a tad bit Skinner and has move V's to help cut into the ground and grab. With more V's it will place all the front end weight at the end of the V and give it lots of grip. And where did you purchase that control panel? That thing is gorgeous!
..

"For racing use only" Haha, you better watch out!! Can't wait to see your suspension setup!

I still prefer itp mud lites, they are a few bucks cheaper and have right at 3/4" tread with a very aggressive pattern, i would be interested in getting a pair just to test them against the itp's though.

Got it all the way to frame tonight but forgot to take a last pic before closing down the shop.

Good luck and best wishes, very happy to see your entry. cheers.

Keeping the frame as is, or any plans to beef or strengthen it up?  I know you use your rig for more than play!

Thunderdivine wrote:

Good Luck, it seems like you got the pimped parts ready to go, nice switch panel and LED's.

Well I thought i did tell today when i had to place an order for a 2nd gen steering box and 8 heim joint and 2 go kart ball joints. And have yet to make the metal order for the rest of the build.

mightyraze wrote:

Keeping the frame as is, or any plans to beef or strengthen it up?  I know you use your rig for more than play!

Yes there will be a video dedicated to just frame reinforcement along with a book of pics for both here and to update mudmower.com. Between MMM and the 18hp 5 speed Go kart build I have found a few places that will get cross members.

Looking good so far! Can't wait to see what you come up with for brakes.

Maine Mud Mower wrote:

Yes there will be a video dedicated to just frame reinforcement along with a book of pics for both here and to update mudmower.com. Between MMM and the 18hp 5 speed Go kart build I have found a few places that will get cross members.  

Excellent. With MMM, I am sure you have learned a lot. I will definitely be looking for your updates. Keep up the good work Neil.

Signing up to be the guinea pig on if it is possible to swap 2nd gen steering into a first gen steering frame. Have never seen a good video on it or a write up. If there is one some one post it up so I can give someone a shout out.

I had a LT1000 with the same steering box, worked pretty well but once it wore a bit it had some slop in the gear drive and steering wheel.

About time somebody did a proper write up on that. I've been told about it so much, never actually seen it happen.