How to make a racing lawn mower (Updated!)

Step 6 Installing the floor plates,"mower deck" battery, and electrical system

Next up, I install the "mower deck", or in this case, the simulated mower deck.In some classes ( yes there are different classes of mower racing machines) you can install a replacement for the original mower deck as long as it is in the approximate location and height. Mine is made out of more of the steel square tubing welded into "C"s with wire mesh tacked on top. This not only makes for a nice foot rest, but it is much lighter than the original deck. These are simply welded directly to the bottom of the frame.

Then I installed the battery, which was originally to go under the seat. The seat is sitting on top of the original bracket I welded directly to the top of the deck frame. But the battery was too tall. Its a small lawn tractor battery, and the ONLY place it would fit was right behind the engine. I welded two angle iron pieces pointing upwards to form a bracket in which the battery sits. The space is TIGHT. This actually works really well because it moves the center of gravity to the center of the mower, adding further stability.

Following that was the installation of the floor plates made of thick diamond plate. These were cut to size and screwed on with self-drilling screws so that both panels can be removed for servicing the RAGB, transmission. The fit was very tight and I glued on a piece of rubber to the battery to avoid abrasion from the diamond plate. The fit was perfect and snug, which is what you want with batteries.Diamond plate is costly stuff, so try and find scrap if you can. The same was done for the dash, which is where the electrical stuff goes.

That brings us to the next step, which is the creation of the electric panel. In order to keep everything neat and serviceable, all of the electrical components were screwed and bolted to the dash panel. This includes the starter button, starter solenoid, and tether switch.

Comments

[ryanhare92]

Where did you get your tether switch from? I am looking for where to get mine from.

[mowerracer]

I got mine on Ebay. Look for safety switches for snowmobiles. You can usually get them for $10-$15. Get the ones that have the forks that pull out from the switch versus the rubber cap thing. Those dry rot.

[aaronsname]

how war your wiring system set up?

[mowerracer]

Here's a simple diagram that shows you how. Not much to it: A solonoid, starter, cutoff switch, and battery.

[mowerracer]

whoops- here's the link: http://acmemowersports.com/how_to_do_wiring.html