how to advice needed - friction drive

deacon · #11 (**permalink**) 08-24-2008, 06:15 AM

I think I am going to go to the hardware store today and buy some shorter springs and a couple of small turnbuckles. That amount of control on the tension is something I have never had.

thanks for the information that slipped in almost by accident. Actually I think I'll just but the small turnbuckles I can cut my springs in half.

Egor · #12 (**permalink**) 11-18-2008, 12:01 AM

This is how I did it. The lever is the spring, as it is long enough to flex. I pull the lever and it puts the engine down on the wheel. It is accessible from the riding position so I can start and stop the engine while riding. I put a small fastener in the frame to hang the lever on in go position. I would try and use the clutch if you can, it will need support on the outside of the roller. Have fun, Dave

geeksquid · #13 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Egor

This is how I did it. The lever is the spring, as it is long enough to flex. I pull the lever and it puts the engine down on the wheel. It is accessible from the riding position so I can start and stop the engine while riding. I put a small fastener in the frame to hang the lever on in go position. I would try and use the clutch if you can, it will need support on the outside of the roller. Have fun, Dave

But I've always wondered if the clutch on a chainsaw is strong enough for the load of a rider. It seems they would be a lot less hefty than regular mini-bike/go-kart clutches.

geeksquid · #14 (**permalink**) 08-24-2009, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brucemg51

I'm guessing you mean that if you lock the engine down rigidly with slotted mounts, it can't move with the bumps, which it could with springs and turnbuckles.

If you mount a motor to the frame and the motor mount is welded or bolted to the frame and can't move, well, the tire is also mounted to the frame and can't move, so how would the motor/drive roller be affected by bumps? I would think that only a foreign object like a rock would be the only thing that could affect the motor's contact with the tire and even then, the tire would give enough to not affect it except for a short, quick bump depending on the size of the rock. But I know you have to have to be able to engage and disengage it but it still seems everything should stay in place on bumps.