Hello everyone,
This would NOT start soon, but I am rather gathering ideas to have the project down in paper and in separate stages.
Since I recently purchased an Ariens ST1236 (it has a 14" 6 blade impeller), I am considering building a ride-on unit out of it (before I build the larger hydrostatic drive 46-54" ride-on blower).
I am starting to tinker about the design and I have my first concern and it is:
Would the friction disc type transmission be able to move ~180-230lb more or should I start thinking about a different transmission type?
This are some of the thoughts that I have in mind:
* Upgraded vertical shaft air cooled Kawasaki 17HP or 25 HP engine with 12 volt
key on electric start (I have both engines on hand).
* The body would likely be lenghtened about 3 times towards the rear.
* The engine would sit maybe 6" lower on the rear part of the body.
* The seat would likely be on top of the engine.
* It would likely ride on tracks (Honda HS1336i type) or dual/triple axles
with Xtrac tires connected by chains and sprockets.
* The handlebars would be eliminated and the contols would be on the
side(s) of the seat.
* The impeller and augers would be electrically controlled with a
electromagnetic clutch via a driveshaft.
* The augers may be modified to become serrated type.
* I woud try to incorporate skid steer steering (braking one wheel for steering)
* The auger housing would adjust its height like a typical tracked
snowblower.
* Impeller housing and chute might get a special "plastic/resin" liners installed.
* Power chute turn and deflector.
* Two part chute deflector upgrade.
* Other features may be added.
* Perhaps a cab may be added later on.
It would likely be a not too simple project but it should be fun to do it.
:smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009:
Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are welcome.
This would NOT start soon, but I am rather gathering ideas to have the project down in paper and in separate stages.
Since I recently purchased an Ariens ST1236 (it has a 14" 6 blade impeller), I am considering building a ride-on unit out of it (before I build the larger hydrostatic drive 46-54" ride-on blower).
I am starting to tinker about the design and I have my first concern and it is:
Would the friction disc type transmission be able to move ~180-230lb more or should I start thinking about a different transmission type?
This are some of the thoughts that I have in mind:
* Upgraded vertical shaft air cooled Kawasaki 17HP or 25 HP engine with 12 volt
key on electric start (I have both engines on hand).
* The body would likely be lenghtened about 3 times towards the rear.
* The engine would sit maybe 6" lower on the rear part of the body.
* The seat would likely be on top of the engine.
* It would likely ride on tracks (Honda HS1336i type) or dual/triple axles
with Xtrac tires connected by chains and sprockets.
* The handlebars would be eliminated and the contols would be on the
side(s) of the seat.
* The impeller and augers would be electrically controlled with a
electromagnetic clutch via a driveshaft.
* The augers may be modified to become serrated type.
* I woud try to incorporate skid steer steering (braking one wheel for steering)
* The auger housing would adjust its height like a typical tracked
snowblower.
* Impeller housing and chute might get a special "plastic/resin" liners installed.
* Power chute turn and deflector.
* Two part chute deflector upgrade.
* Other features may be added.
* Perhaps a cab may be added later on.
It would likely be a not too simple project but it should be fun to do it.
:smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009:
Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are welcome.