[FINALIST] - HondaX4 By Jason Kahler [2019 Build-Off Entry]

Here it is! A new year, Second for me! So this year will be my 4x4 tractor, "HondaX4".

It will feature one of those sweet All Wheel Steer trans axles up front, and a standard 930 (I believe) in the rear to match ratios. Will be putting a 3/4 inch axle in the back trans to widen the wheels in the back, to match the front, and have some pillow blocks to accommodate. Honda 14hp (360cc) Liquid Cooled 2 cyl. engine will be powering a Right angle gear box (RAGB) and will have a jack shaft with 2 pulleys, one for each tranny. Each tranny will have its own belt and clutch leading to the gearbox. Haven't decided which ATV tires to run yet, but will be something somewhat aggressive in the 20-22 inch range. Front tranny is 90% going to be welded/locked because this will be a solid frame, without any articulation for simplistic sake. I can't run a 3/4 inch axle in the front because these have splines for the universal joints. Other than that, a few smaller things like a gas pedal, honda fenders with a craftsman hood (honda hood is beaten up) and maybe some fresh paint If I get the time.

So, good luck to everyone else entering. Excited for the 2019 build off! I will be posting updates on my YouTube channel :https://www.youtube.com/c/OffroadMudMowers, and on the forum.






Approved: MightyRaze 2/1/2019

Looks like we have our first entry.  Not seen one of those Honda 4500 or 3800 series? naked frames before.  Good luck!

This is going to be a good build. Looks like a mini truck frame lol. That liquid cool engine will put off plenty of power. Good luck!

Dont lock the front end, it wont be able to steer. People have done it. Lock the rear end, because without articulation, one rear tire could easily be off the ground.
Nice engine. What tractor did that frame come from?

Thanks guys. The frame/tractor was a Honda 4514 and it needed the engine pulled because the water pump was loose. Took a while to strip down, but was impressed to see how one was built. Only reason I thought of locking the front too is because the front wheels might become useless if one picks up off the ground, being that there will be no articulation.

Sweet looking frame, pretty automotive looking. Should be a neat build for sure.

Good luck!!

excited how it will turn out!

First plans video is out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfiRr9zHhIo

@Offroad MudMowers I'll watch it in a little bit. Finishing up editing mine at the moment. Cheers!

@Offroad MudMowers very well detailed video. Man I really like the look of that frame.

@Jeremiah R. Cooper Thanks, Frame is pretty solid, but will do some extra supports for the trans axles. Should be popping the tranny's open this week.

Sounds like a great plan! Don't see many tractors with the liquid cooled twin cyl. Will be really unique when it's finished.

@Offroad MudMowers sweet!

@MatthewD Bet it will run really quiet too. Maybe not with the mufflers Ill be running, but you can't get away from the sound of a Honda.

Minty Plans!

personally Id lock the front, like said, with no articulation anytime it picks up a tire the front wont pull, Ive ran trucks and sxs with welded front diffs and they suck to turn, but they will turn. Id guess youll mainly be using this as a true mud tractor and not much of a rally or cruiser, so the trade off would be worth it to me. maybe even gear the steering down a bit ? just spitballing here

Creepycrawler wrote:

personally Id lock the front, like said, with no articulation anytime it picks up a tire the front wont pull, Ive ran trucks and sxs with welded front diffs and they suck to turn, but they will turn. Id guess youll mainly be using this as a true mud tractor and not much of a rally or cruiser, so the trade off would be worth it to me. maybe even gear the steering down a bit ? just spitballing here

I wouldn't lock the front, since it's putting tons of stress on the steering knuckles, when torque is going through them and the Tires dont want to turn... the crap wo'nt last long!

I'd at least try it without the front end locked, can always easily lock it. 3 wheel drive is better than 4 wheel drive in a straight line in my book.

Most likely will leave it unlocked for testing. If I notice it picking up a front tire and spinning, I will probably lock the front. It will be more of a mud toy, so I don't really need to turn on a dime with it.

New update video!!


I will be ditching the RAGB to save money and using a simple belt twist. This will still use only two belts, and be really really simple. Also got new OEM seals for the honda that where leaking. Next up, going to open the differentials. And maybe even get the trans axle mounts welded and test belt ideas.

Update: just noticed the video rendered without any audio, Dang it! Hopefully will have it out tonight or tomorrow morning.

nice!!

Here it is! Drivetrain and engine update!

Nice update. I see you got the frame and engine cleaned up well.

Sure did, just a little pressure washing. Cleaned the grease off the trans axles to I can open them soon.

It sure did make a difference.