Using Vertical-Shaft Engines

[redsox985]

I still want to know if the RAGB from a snowblower auger is hefty enough for a kart. Also, I wonder what its internal reduction ratio is. I'll have to go out on garbage night and grab one to rip apart. What types of motors are vertical with straight, keyed shafts? Some lawnmowers?

 

[sideways]

I still want to know if the RAGB from a snowblower auger is hefty enough for a kart. Also, I wonder what its internal reduction ratio is. I'll have to go out on garbage night and grab one to rip apart. What types of motors are vertical with straight, keyed shafts? Some lawnmowers?

All the Briggs mowers I've seen have a 7/8" keyed shaft that's only about an inch long. Hondas have either tapered or keyed, depends on the type of blade clutch/cush drive it has. Full crank Victas have a 1/2"BSF threaded shaft with a 15 degree taper. I've never seen a Tecumseh mower, I'm sure Russ can tell you what Lawn Boys have.

Never seen a vertical shaft pressure washer to be honest.

Good luck with the snowblower search!

Thanks

Hayden

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I think the snowblower RAGB is going to have to be something you assess when you find one. I have one from a lawn tractor snowblower attachment, and it's quite a monster. Cast iron case, steel gears, 1.2:1. Bombproof. Heavy, though.

 

[Russ2251]

I'm sure Russ can tell you what Lawn Boys have.

1998 and up are 63/64" (.984"+). 1997 and down are 7/8" (.875").
Non are keyed. I fabricate my own keyways.

 

[redsox985]

With a file and patience, Russ? I think vertical pressure washers are the newer style. The RAGB on my snowblower is rather small and could probably fit in one hand. It's only a 5hp machine, a Craftsman with a Tecumseh engine. (looks like a flathead kinda).

 

[Russ2251]

With a file and patience, Russ?

Best to rough it out with a Dremel, then use chainsaw files to get it square. Finish off with a 1/4" coarse stone.
Keep as straight as possible.
Keep in mind that a 1/4" key requires 1/8" depth. This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised as to how many folks have screwed this up.
Patience is an understatement. Will take a couple to several hours to get it right.
I have done 3 pto's with another on the way.
To be honest, I hate doing this, but has saved me oodles of $$$.

 

[redsox985]

Could a die grinder even be used for a rough cut then a dremel tool and file be used to finalize the keyway? That would greatly expedite the process, assuming you have a strong, steady hand.

 

[Russ2251]

I have not used anything beyond what I have described.
It's cheap and it works.

 

[The Mechtician]

It's cheap and it works.

Looks pretty good to me! Using hand tools for shaping metal is a dying art. I can count on one hand the number of people I know who are proficient with hand tools (eg; hacksaw, file, stones, etc), not including myself cuz I'm a hack Makes me wish I took the opportunity to do some apprenticing in europe, where skilled trades are still held in high regard.

 

[jbruch694]

I found this on youtube for converting the engine, it seems like a good idea/guide...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mYDqKUqU1g

 

[jbruch694]

ah wow i totally didnt see that someone else had posted this.