Trackless train project

DADPOOL · Nov 22, 2020

So Im new to this, I got a bike a 6 speed shift on the go lawn tractor/mower off CL. Im currently in the process making it into a trackless train with 1-2 cars (gorilla wagons) to take my family around looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood. It has a different motor on it (17.5 hp) compared to the original 15.5. Thats all Ive noticed thats different than stock. My question is would it be capable of pulling 5 people (1 adault and 4 kids) in 1-2 cars with me on it(200) without issues? There are some hills in the neighborhood. And Ive pulled some kids in one wagon around my court seemed ok. But havent done a full load yet. Wanted to ask others who know more about the capabilities of it before I break something. Thank you in advance.

DADPOOL · Nov 22, 2020

BOLENS shift on the go. Sorry auto correct

farmerjohninpa · Nov 22, 2020

lots to consider on that indever.dead weight the unit and see how it handles .and above all else be sure you can stop it on th down hills..be careful thats precious cargo there..

DADPOOL · Nov 23, 2020

(quoted from post at 19:17:53 11/22/20) lots to consider on that indever.dead weight the unit and see how it handles .and above all else be sure you can stop it on th down hills..be careful thats precious cargo there..

I agree with you 100%. Which is why Im here to pick the brains. Ive seen others attempt the same thing Im doing on a larger scale with what appears to me as the same size lawn tractor. Just not the same brand. As far as testing goes I do a couple runs whenever I install something new on the tractor to make it look like a steam engine. This last go pulled one wagon with 6-8 kids in it around my cul-de-sac no issue very minor grade. My goal is at min to haul my family.

Pete in Holland MI · Dec 8, 2020

Relatively flat, you'll do OK. I pulled a 6 car barrel train around the neighborhood this summer with ease.

Things for YOU to consider:

1) Driving after dark. Lights on both ends!
2) Chance of snow or ice? Will reduce traction to drive, and stop, and may end up in a jack-knifed mess.
3) Snow banks in the neigborhood? You may not be seen by cars.
4) Got a plan after the light cruise with the rig? Seems like a lot of work.

Might be better/safer (though still illegal) to load the kids in the back of the truck(with an adult). Bring along an
inverter and decorate the truck with miniature lights for you half our cruise.

Got a friend with a tractor and hay wagon, and a few bales of straw? Still go with the front & rear lights, and Christmas
lights !

504 · Dec 8, 2020

Yes the braking would be the weak link. I pulled a new forage wagon one time with a 14 hp Massey
mower,I got a big surprise when I tried to stop. That thing was pushing hard when I slowed down,so I
had to out run it. The things we do when we are young, and not so smart.

Trackless train project

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