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Kawariens 1736/2536 Ride-on project.

1K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  YSHSfan 
#1 ·
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.
 
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#2 ·
id go with the triple axles , but with bigger ATV type tires and a water tight body. AMPHIBIOUS snow blower using the water ejected from the chute as the primary propulsion!! rooster tail !!!
 
#3 ·
I think I may have the answer to my concern on the transmission, I think I'll incorporate a hydrostatic rear end from a lawn tractor (it should be able to handle the extra weight), I'll have to take some measurements, but perhaps that may be incorporated to the design.

:smiley-confused009::smiley-confused009::smiley-confused009::smiley-confused009::smiley-confused009::smiley-confused009:
 
#4 ·
The only concern I would have, would be having the additional weight on the track idler and drive wheels. Most of those are either plastic/nylon with metal sleeves. If you could make them from a metal material (steel or aluminum). That said, I think the rolling resistance of the tracks, along with the static load, you may be overloading the tracks ability.

One consideration, could be to modify a zero turn mower, by narrowing it, and adding the xtrac's . And depending on the mower, it may already have the electric PTO clutch, or better yet hydro PTO. And all considering, there is plenty of ideas and options to create a cab.
 
#5 ·
Thanks db,

The dry weight of a Honda HS1336i is 540lb (297lbs heavier than a Honda HS928) therefore tracks and wheels should be rated at least for 550lbs, and the HS1336i has electric independent motors for driving and turning so the tracks would be skidding at some point to turn it (I'm thinking of using tracks and rollers from that machine if I go that route).
I think that I might be in the 500-700 lbs with the complete project (including my 130lb weight :icon_whistling:).
If this does not work, I'll go with the dual/triple axle set up with Xtrac tires.
If it does not work I have a used set of tracks from a Toro Dingo that I could use (they can probably handle 1500lbs with ease), but I think it would be an overkill.

For my larger ride on blower project with the 46-54 auger housing I am considering the use or modification of a hydro zero turn mower, but that may not happen until next year.

The cab would be the last stage and I think it will be built using aluminum and plexiglass for light weight purposes.
 
#6 ·
With version 2.0, you may consider a liquid cooled engine, so as to provide cabin heat.
 
#7 ·
db,

For my larger ride on project (version 2.0), a 26HP Liquid cooled Kawi is on the list (it is installed on the ZTR mower that I am planning on using as a base for the project) exactly for the purpose of having a heated cab (as a matter of fact I bought that engine about a year ago because of my future project). :)
 
#8 ·
Interesting projects :):):)

I like the sound of using the zero turn principle of having separate ,independent drives for each side. :2cool: Hard part is getting strong enough hydros and finding a fluid thin enough to work in the cold weather. :icon_whistling:
Solve those issues and then look into the designs of the zero turns that use a steering wheel instead of the lap bars to keep operating as simple as you can . I like my ztr with a steering wheel .
Just random thoughts from someone with no mechanical abilities so take them with a grain ( or bag ) of rock salt :blush:
 
#9 ·
I think zero turn mower hydros would operate just fine in winter (I could always be wrong :facepalm_zpsdj194qh).
I've been thinking about the idea of the steering wheel zero turn since I watch a video of one working, but what I think I'll be doing is seen if I can incorporate all the controlls (forward, reverse, left turn and right turn) into a sigle handle or foot operated pad. Will see how that goes when I get to that stage on that project.
In the mean time I'd just be gathering ideas and options. :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009:
 
#10 ·
I watch a couple of videos of Honda HS1336i blowers and the tracks seem be too small and the blower might not be stable (risk of tipping on inclines), so I think it would either be 3 axles with Xtracs or the Toro Dingo tracks.
:smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009: :smiley-confused009:
 
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