Old Max - ZTR Transaxles

[Tinodesis]

Hello,

I'm starting a new project to create a zero-turn-radius Max I can ride with my wheelchair. The ZTR transaxles are from Surplus Center. The frame is from an old '70s Max I bought for parts. I can't bring myself to cut up my '77 Argo so this will be my new toy.

I'm still looking for an engine and the small engine repair shop that will be doing most of the work is pushing a new Briggs. I'm not picky but I want the quietest engine I can get. I'm looking for one in the 15HP range. I'm expecting 10MPH and decent torque.

It's going to take some fabrication to fit everything in and still keep the chassis strong. The plan is to shorten the output shaft on the transaxle then place a sprocket inline with the center sprocket on the Max's middle axle. I'll support the end with a bearing.

In the pics below I'm facing backwards, but that will change once I remove the control sticks. They're stuck and I want to reuse them rather than just cut them off. To load I will be using portable ATV ramps. I won't be riding alone so I'm not worried about it. I may try and have them mount on the 6x6 by hand and provide some protection. The body on this went to the dump and I have no plans to replace it. It was trashed beyond repair. The bottom was good so I kept that.

I will post updates as things progress. Comments are welcome.

Links to transaxles and a snow plow using them.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=13-1473&catname=powerTrans

Caterpillar pushing snow, and climbing & packing the pile of snow - YouTube

[amphibious drew]

Here is a thread where an attex was set up like that. maybe it can give you some insight and a member to discuss your plans with guy has already built one.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/attex-atvs/12698-megabuggy.html

[hydromike]

I like your layout so far! I have a couple design questions...

So, your engine of choice will be a vertical shaft, probably single-cylinder Briggs that will mount (approximately) above or just above and behind the transaxles? So, it'll basically be a drive layout sort sort of like a Terra Tiger, but you want to drive the center axle, rather than the front. Do you want to shy away from driving everything from the front axles because you want to retain the front drum brakes? I'll bet that if you WANTED to put a Max body back on it one day, you'd be able to cut and reinforce the back end of the machine to make an access gate. Perhaps not long enough to act as a ramp, but you'd be able to stay cleaner than if you had no plastic between you and the mud.

My opinion, is that getting a pile of parts and figuring out how everything needs to be layed out and where things are going to run is just as much fun as riding. Good luck with the build; keep us posted....

[racerone3]

Looks like a great build so far. On the engine, A 14-16 single Vanguard (Briggs) would be a great engine. Stay away from the Briggs "Intek" line of engines... they are time bombs.

[jerseybigfoot]

The older Argo would be easier to modify and still retain the body. I have seen the Argo wheel chair conversion by cutting the back of the machine away, removing the front seat and relocating the gas tank. With some thought you may even be able to make it water tight. There is still plenty of room to install the ZTR trans and engine to drive the existing jack shafts.

[Tinodesis]

Here is a thread where an attex was set up like that. maybe it can give you some insight and a member to discuss your plans with guy has already built one.
http://www.6x6world.com/forums/attex...megabuggy.html

Thanks for the link drew. That guy did a great job building the ramp into the body. I considered something similar, even had it taped where I was going to cut, but chose not to. It's not like I'd be chopping a '57 Chevy, but I like my Argo the way it is.

I like your layout so far! I have a couple design questions...

So, your engine of choice will be a vertical shaft, probably single-cylinder Briggs that will mount (approximately) above or just above and behind the transaxles? So, it'll basically be a drive layout sort sort of like a Terra Tiger, but you want to drive the center axle, rather than the front. Do you want to shy away from driving everything from the front axles because you want to retain the front drum brakes? I'll bet that if you WANTED to put a Max body back on it one day, you'd be able to cut and reinforce the back end of the machine to make an access gate. Perhaps not long enough to act as a ramp, but you'd be able to stay cleaner than if you had no plastic between you and the mud.

My opinion, is that getting a pile of parts and figuring out how everything needs to be layed out and where things are going to run is just as much fun as riding. Good luck with the build; keep us posted....

Hi Mike. Your description of the layout is accurate only I was planning to place the motor and trans in back and drive off the middle axle. After I read your post I went and looked at the chassis. It would be simpler to drive everything from the rear axle. Remember, in the pictures above, I'm facing backwards. That will change when I get the control sticks removed. They're being a real pain in the a$$. I just did a quick setup to see how much room I would have.

I agree the build process is part of the fun. It's like therapy for me. On days when I have no help with my projects I can really get the blues .

Looks like a great build so far. On the engine, A 14-16 single Vanguard (Briggs) would be a great engine. Stay away from the Briggs "Intek" line of engines... they are time bombs.

Hi racer. I'll remember to go with a Vanguard. They were pushing the Intek but I'll steer clear of it.

The older Argo would be easier to modify and still retain the body. I have seen the Argo wheel chair conversion by cutting the back of the machine away, removing the front seat and relocating the gas tank. With some thought you may even be able to make it water tight. There is still plenty of room to install the ZTR trans and engine to drive the existing jack shafts.

Great idea bigfoot! I never thought about the room in my Argo. I want to replace the two-stroke Kohler anyway. I have another buggy that's already wheelchair accessible which I do ride. I had kinda put my Argo in the "for others to drive" category. I'm going to pull the top off and have a look. It's in better shape than the 6x6 which has really been beat up.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

Kelly

[jpswift1]

This might be of interest to you:

Max II amphibious 6x6 AATV

[mustangwagz]

On days when I have no help with my projects I can really get the blues .

i feel ya on this one buddy...i wish i had someone in garage to talk to and plan with...sadly i do not though so i feel the same on that matter. Even if they dont help...just someone to keep a guy company is a big plus!!

Cant wait to see what you do with this build, the ZTR trans and the vanguard should be a neat build!

[Tinodesis]

This might be of interest to you:

Max II amphibious 6x6 AATV

Thanks jpswift1. I sent an email asking for advice or pictures but have not received a reply.

i feel ya on this one buddy...i wish i had someone in garage to talk to and plan with...sadly i do not though so i feel the same on that matter. Even if they dont help...just someone to keep a guy company is a big plus!!

Cant wait to see what you do with this build, the ZTR trans and the vanguard should be a neat build!

Thanks mustangwagz. I'm anxious to get this project going, but still need to find the person to do the work.

I'm still not sure what engine to buy. I went by the local shop yesterday to order a vanguard. The owner wasn't there, but I talked to one of the mechanics. He suggested going with a 27 HP Briggs Professional series. He said what hurts the transaxles is running them too slow which causes them to over heat. A bigger motor won't bog down thus keeping the RPMs up. The output of the transaxles are limited, so I don't know if I can go with a motor that's too big. There has to be a weak link in the drivetrain. I just do n't know what it will be.

My wheelchair and I weigh 460 lbs. The motor, battery, and transaxles will add another 200 lbs. The Max chassis is probably 250 lbs. I'm looking at close to 1,000 lbs loaded for this project.

I can get just about any motor for $800-900 w/o exhaust. I have plenty of room for the mounting everything, but I'm not sure if a bigger motor is the way to go.

Does anyone have experience with hydrostatic transaxles and how they perform? Will a bigger motor perform better than one just big enough?