The problem with a vertical engine is routing the engine’s power to the horizontal wheels of the kart. Normally, the standard method of transferring power to vehicles involves a gearbox. For example, on a riding mower, the gearbox is designed with a pulley on top of the gearbox. Also, because the main purpose of a riding mower is to cut grass, the vertical motor design works very well when driving a mower deck.
The temptation comes into play to use the gearbox on the gokart and keep the unit simple that way. Unfortunately, it’s not really simpler, but more complex, not to mention unreliable.
Also, I would strongly recommend that you do not use a ride-on mower gearbox for the following reasons:
– The width of the rear axle system is too narrow
– Gearboxes are not designed for high speed like 20+ Mph.
– Gearbox coupling requires belt tensioning devices.
– It is not possible to change gears on the fly without a good knowledge of the engine / gearbox.
The width of the rear axle system is too narrow. The width of the drive wheel arrangement of a gokart should be relatively wide: 36 “+. Riding mowers are below that width and will make it difficult to drive the rear wheels. Gearbox mounting It is another problem that requires special brackets that should be manufactured and mounted on the frame.
Gearboxes are not designed for high speeds like 20+ mph. This is a serious consideration, especially with gearboxes that do not require lubrication and do not have roller bearings.
Gearbox coupling requires belt tensioning devices. Normally, the gearbox is activated by tensioning the belt.
It is not possible to change gears on the fly without a good knowledge of the engine / gearbox. The gearbox on a rider lawn mower does not have synchronizers, so the gearbox must be completely idle or stationary for gears to be shifted.
In reality, for the gears to mesh properly, both mating gears must be in the same position. This can be achieved by running the gears at the same speed, but this requires some understanding of how a gearbox works. Unskilled drivers will have great difficulty getting the gearbox to work. Most likely, the gearbox will be destroyed in a relatively short period of time, if you consider shifting on the fly.
Conclusion…
The bottom line is that the transaxle is designed for tractor use and has some limitations. There are some better options that are lighter and easier to use.
Next time, other vertical motor drive systems.