how to increase mph without swapping engine?

[Byrd]

I have a hustler 950 with a fairly new Briggs 14hp engine and I'm wondering what I can do to squeeze out some more mph without swapping out the engine?she is slow ,maybe 8 to 12 mph and I would like 20ish if possible.
Different clutch, gears,belt or combination of all?thanks for any suggestions. :-)

[Mike]

If you had a higher HP engine, then you could stand to go with some higher geared sprockets because the torque from the motor would make up for what you lose in gearing but with the 14HP, I would be hesitant to change the gearing. Also, for the couple of teeth that you would most likely change, you really wouldn't gain that much of a difference in your top end. Most of the clutch changes that you see here on the forums involve changing the springs out which adjusts when the clutches engage but not the final ratio. There are some clutches that will give you a higher top speed but it's probably not enough of a gain to make it worth it either. Your real limitation with speed is the RPM that your engine turns and that is limited by the governor. You can adjust or remove the governor and probably see your largest gain in top speed but you will need to make a few upgrades to the engine when you do and you will still have to be conscious of how high you are revving it. Search the engine forum for more info.

[Noel Woods]

The little 14 hp would be only just adequate for a 950. My tan Max2 started out with a 14, but when compression really started dropping I figured I had about 10hp, and switched that engine out with an 18hp and that made for a totally different machine. There are several other options out there, duromax makes a single cylinder 16 hp for less than $300, so for not a lot of money you could get a nice little power plant. Here's their link:
http://www.maxtool.com/index/DuroMax...es/pm16hpe.asp

My theory is the 14 you have is on the way out anyway.

[jpswift1]

The 14HP Briggs Vanguard can be easily upped to 16HP by simply swapping a 16HP carburetor and taking the little exhaust restrictor rings out with a pair of pliers......simply unbolt your exhaust manifold and you'll see them in the heads. The 14HP will move a 950 rather well, and the 16HP upgrade will work great for you. A stock Hustler 950 4 stroke should run at least 20mph, maybe even up to 25mph.

I'd say before you pull engines or mess with gearing, start by making sure your drive belt is not worn or too lose but not super tight and not worn. That's a very common issue that'll make the machine go slow. Also, check your drive and driven clutches to make sure the parts aren't worn and they're both opening up properly. Get back

[Tomo]

hi
U need an increase in hp/torque first and then a RPM increase
Remember if u gear the 6x6 hard [to tall 4 speed] the loss could be significant at the bottom end . As mike has already stated .
If u try changing the gearing 2 teeth at a time this will only yield limited results and require a retune of the clutches so they down shift very quickly to try and save your limited bottom end torque .
The biggest question b4 gear change is to ask yourself where do I operate the machine and what is the max load I encounter .
Good luck with the experimentation

tomo

[jpswift1]

Like I said, before you pull engines or mess with gearing, start by making sure your drive belt is not worn or too lose but not super tight and not worn. That's a very common issue that'll make the machine go slow. Also, check your drive and driven clutches to make sure the parts aren't worn and they're both opening up properly.

[liflod]

The center to center spacing on my attex is around 14.25 inches and i'm using a 49 inch belt.

[jpswift1]

I have a Briggs Vanguard in my Hustler and I'm using a Max Buffalo Truck drive belt. The one for the Buffalo Truck with the Kohler engine.

[Byrd]

I've had no luck,soo I'm gonna make an adjustable engine plate and solve the whole finding a belt problem I'm having.:-)