Changing speed with sprockets?? Possible??

[newargoowner]

Can I increase the speed (+5 mph or so) of my Argo by changing the size of the idler sprockets on my transmission? (Would I need to change the chain links? add some? or not? This is a 1987 IC 8X8 with high and low range transmission.

[jerseybigfoot]

Yes there is probably room to do that, you would need a shorter chain. There are some calculations on line to determine the pitch and distance for the sprocket pitches. you don't want to chose a sprocket with a tooth count that requires a half link to work. you can also change gears in the trans. Check with ODG on which series trans you have. It should be stamped on the top of the trans. Check that the engine revs to the proper RPM and your clutch is working properly. the engine may also bog when you turn at the higher speed with a different gear ratio. More power is also good.

Nice hardtop

[Jeff t-boss]

Also remember that as you change your sprockets to increase speed, you will also DECREASE torque.

[Stonewall]

Can this be done on a t-20 machine too? I would like to give my Hustler a speed boost, and have been wondering what the best way to do it would be.

[newargoowner]

Thanks for the info. I picked it up last November. I have been working on it (when i can) since... It may need a new belt. The hardtop is a bonus.

[Robinhood02]

Can this be done on a t-20 machine too? I would like to give my Hustler a speed boost, and have been wondering what the best way to do it would be.

stonewall, yes you could weld bigger sprokets on the T20 (drive side) but it is easier to put a smaller sprokets on the driven side, go 2 teeth smaller increments at a time so you don't have to fiddle with half links ( i have done it to my Max IV)

[Stonewall]

it is easier to put a smaller sprokets on the driven side, go 2 teeth smaller increments at a time so you don't have to fiddle with half links

My driven sprockets are welded onto a sleeve that bolts on the axle, so they would be expensive to experiment with. I would like to get around 25-30 mph. I have a 25hp Kohler, and I plan on putting the 24" Argo tires on it. But I don't want to over do it and not have enough torque. What ratio do you have on your Max, and how fast does it go?

[Robinhood02]

yup that is exactly what i'm talkin about ,you take those sleeves and have the driven sprokets machined off and then weld the new sproket on in its place,(it is MUCH easier to do that then it is to remove the trani ,then rip the trani apart to get at the sproket shafts so that you can machine them off and weld new ones on , a far more expensive experiment) the new sprokets to fit your sleeve is about $6 each at your local brg store, to have the old ones cut off and the new ones welded on probly another $30
PS how many teeth on the sproket on the sleeve ? What size tires do you have on it right now ? and what is your top speed right now ?
i can do some calculations to achieve your desired speed
I removed 2 teeth and gained about 4 mph for a total speed of 25 mph with 21" tires and still retain enough bottom end power

[jerseybigfoot]

The best bang for the buck is to modify the engine to rev higher You will see a significant ground speed difference by getting the engine to rev to 5000 rpm. V twin Briggs and Kohlers can safely rev to 5000 rpm with removed governors, modified valve springs and cut keys on the flywheel to advance the timing. The stock carbs and exhaust wont let them rev much higher under load. This also gives you instant throttle response and better mid-range torque.

[Robinhood02]

The best bang for the buck is to modify the engine to rev higher You will see a significant ground speed difference by getting the engine to rev to 5000 rpm. V twin Briggs and Kohlers can safely rev to 5000 rpm with removed governors, modified valve springs and cut keys on the flywheel to advance the timing. The stock carbs and exhaust wont let them rev much higher under load. This also gives you instant throttle response and better mid-range torque.

but dont you sacrafice alot of reliability and longevity by doing those mods ?? those motors normaly rev about 2800 to 3200 rpm , boosting that to 5000 cant possibly be good for it in the long term , is it ?? and removing the governor doesn't that mean it could be over reved ? it's not like we have another gear to grab in these things to prevent that ?