«Previous    Next»
Gas-Powered Tricycle
I use this gas-powered tricycle to run to the store and drive in parades. It was originally electric powered.
I repowered it with a 3 hp Briggs & Stratton gas engine and a centrifugal clutch like those used on go-carts and motor scooters. Purchased new for the project, the clutch cost more than the tricycle itself. The tricycle's original belt-drive was converted to chain and sprocket drive.
I made a stick-type throttle which I operate with my hand from the driver's seat. By pushing the stick forward, the clutch engages and drives the cycle.
I also built this mini grader out of salvaged parts when I was on the farm and I still work it hard even though I've retired to town. Besides using it for regular driveway and yard chores, I also recently used it to shape ground for a swimming pool for a friend.
It's 9 ft. long with a main frame constructed of 2 1/2-in. sq. tubing. It's powered by an old International 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hp stationary engine. I chose this engine because I had al-ways wanted to hook up one of those old engines to a set of wheels just to see how it would work. The grader has a gearbox out of an old 6-speed Wheelhorse garden tractor transaxle. A V-belt off the engine drives a jackshaft which is fitted with a #40 roller chain that powers the transaxle. The tandem drive wheels are 12-in. tires off an old garden tractor.
The 5-ft. blade was cut out of a full-size grader blade. Position of the blade is adjusted with a rear-mounted hydraulic pump and components. The blade raises up to 1 ft. off the ground, can be adjusted up to a 45 degree angle either way, and can be moved 1 ft. out to either side with a hydraulic sideshift I rigged up.
Finally, I added a big magnet to the rear of the machine. It comes in handy for cleaning up nails, wire, screws and other unwanted hardware from roads and yards.
Besides being a real workhorse, the grader is also a big hit in parades I take it to. (Earl McEvers, 157 Ross St., White Hal, Ill. 62092; ph 217 374-6280).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
1998 - Volume #22, Issue #5