Homebuilt finally finished!

[smyser]

Hello fellow 6-wheelers, I just finished my homebuilt project and posted 2 photos in the gallery. It was a 6 month project, and is constructed completely out of lawnmower parts I had laying around. A few things are still missing, like the decals and black stripes. I still have some interior trim work to do. Hope you like it.

[LarryW]

Wow, that is sweet!!!! I am very curious on what you did. Can you tell us about the drive system or take some pictures of it!

Great Job!

[Mike]

That is so sweet. It's like the Hummer of six wheelers. I'm with Larry, tell us more about your drive train and take some interior shots so we can see the goods.

[smyser]

Thanks Larry, what you are looking at is a transmission from a zero turn mower, engine, wiring, lights and wheels off of assorted makes and models of riding lawnmowers. It steers just like a zero turn mower with two handles, driving 6 wheels instead of two. The plus to this system is that there is only one chain per side. ($9 dollars + tax each side).

[mudbug3]

smyser


Is the upper and lower tub made out of marine grade plywood and fiber glass?

[racerone3]

Is the drive hydrostatic, or an older zero turn with a mechanical like a dixon? I have a Dixon that I've thought of doing the same thing with if it ever stops being useful as a grass cutter

[smyser]

Mike, just added more (earlier) photos. Thanks.

Mudbug, indeed it is. 3/4" marine grade over a steel subframe. Sanded, sanded again, and wetsanded. High gloss without fiberglass, or leaks.

[smyser]

Hi racerone, it is a cone drive tranny. A lot of people wouldnt believe this can provide the torque, but it does. It was CHEAP too, I considered hydraulics, but saw the price of ONE motor. This was easy and inexpensive.

[George]

Very cool Smyser.

[amphibious drew]

Thats crazy cool. Any chance we could see a video of it swimming!!!

[6X6]

Thats crazy cool. Any chance we could see a video of it swimming!!!

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say probably not before a tire change.

[racerone3]

Great job on your build. Looks like you have a LOT of time in woodwork! Those old Dixon cone drives are some seriously heavy duty transmissions as long as you use good bearings on the main shaft. Did you make any changes to the gearing to get more speed? are you running a chain from the engine to the trans or the original belt setup.

[Noel Woods]

Thanks Larry, what you are looking at is a transmission from a zero turn mower, engine, wiring, lights and wheels off of assorted makes and models of riding lawnmowers. It steers just like a zero turn mower with two handles, driving 6 wheels instead of two. The plus to this system is that there is only one chain per side. ($9 dollars + tax each side).

Very ingenious. We have so much junk laying around here in America that its a shame. I try to recycle my junk all the time. I've made saw bucks for firewood cutting, utility trailers, etc., but you have taken this several steps beyond that. Great work on the build, and be sure to post more photos and videos.

[amphibious drew]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say probably not before a tire change.

LOL. I was looking at the pic on my phone and didn't notice the tires, none the less the snow in the picture. I guess when I read it was water tight I assumed it had already been swimming.

[Beeman]

Nice work!!!!