johnboys max 2 highboy

[john swenson]

hey friends, after 14 years i figured it was time for new chains,axles, bearings and sprockets. wanted bigger tires and more clearance for the tracks. i didn't want to tackle cutting the tub, etc. so decided on a subframe design. used 1 1/4 '' 14 ga. square tubing. bought all new axles, triple sealed bearings mounted in 4'' square cast flanges. went with # 60 sprockets and diamond o-ring chain. i used a quick change sprocket for the primary and went smaller.lost a little top end speed, but the lower gearing works really well with the 16 h.p. vanguard. the tires are now 22''. could have gone to 24'', but would have had to bought new rims also. did a lot or research on chains in mud on dirt bikes and 4 wheelers. found some excellent lubes. i'm really not in mud much , so chains and sprockets will last me till my days. heres what i like so far : fun sitting up higher, more track clearance-no slap, all bearings easy access for lube and replacing, easy access to tensioners and i gained about 6'' more ground clearance. thats it so far. need to ride more and see if any problems occur. thanks, john boy va.IMG_0826.jpgIMG_0828.jpgIMG_0829.jpgIMG_0872.jpgIMG_0873.jpg

[Deedeelin1]

B

[ARGOJIM]

Nice job John, friend of ours did the same to an Attex abot 12 years ago though he did his reduction at the axles. His was tough and lasted for years not seeing mud and pulling grades though it topped at about 10 mph.

[locolouie]

seems you always got something turning in your mine, looks good

[john swenson]

thanks loco, sometimes it's just fun to do something different. so far after a few bugs to work out, all seems good. busco is always the test ! everything is pretty heavy duty in the design and should last . a couple of things i would do a little different, but hard to think of it all. john boy va.

[CBass]

John,

That design is a beast. You never stop improving your Max II. I wish I could be there to see it preform at BB. I will be looking for you in the videos that are to come. As soon as me and the family get settled in here and get our machines I will be finding some trails to ride on and post some videos of HI for yall.

[Dozerlarry]

That looks neat! Sure make working on the chains a whole lot easier. Probably too much mud here to try it.

[john swenson]

i have enough tub clearance i could put 4 30'' tires on there !! how cool would that be. may have to try it. john boy va.

[Dozerlarry]

John-have you had it in water yet and how does it do? Man, 6" of extra clearance would help me so much I almost cry thinking about it!

[Nubs]

Looks good

[john swenson]

nubs, i have been riding in my muddy water swamp and mud pit for days. everything works great !! the chains and sprockets get muddy of course but i just hose them off when done. some of the chain lubes available are very good. i like the lower gearing also.i used marine grease in the bearings. so far so good. keep riding some every day to see if there are any changes i need. john boy va. looking forward to a good snow !!

[fmints]

I give you an "A"!! Great thinking also,,, I like the idea! Can't wait to see it perform!!

[Noel Woods]

Looks impressive, like a Hustler 980 tall boy.

Even when the chains are in the tub they get grungy in no time.

[john swenson]

friends, only change i had to make was move the rear chain sprocket tensioners to the slack side of the chain. i do like that # 60. i was wondering noel about the chains in mud before the build. talked to guys who have run quads in sand and mud for years. just rinse off after use and relube will keep them good. and talked to don kenyon also and he said the same thing about in the tub. at least on the outside they are easy to rinse and lube. if i,m not in mud they stay real clean. seems that '' motul off road chain lube '' is the most recommend by the 4 wheeler community. later, john boy va.

[akcrawler]

Johnboy, I like the extra ground clearance and the tire clearance. Seems like one could team up some 26" tires with tracks and turn it into a monster.

You must also have a few bearings and some chain inside the tub that still need attention?

How much weight did you add to the machine?