building a walkbehind

[stslawncare]

ive been thinking, how terrible hard would it be to build a walkbehind? between myself and my friends we are rather knowledgable when it comes to mechanics and tools. i am thinking if we take all the best qualities of the walkbehinds out there and put it in one. like who has the best handlebar/steering? toro? how bout the best deck? johndeere maybe? the best engine? briggs? go and find a toro with a bad engine and take the steering from it, go and find a someone with a jd that put a new bigger deck on his and take the old one, go and find a used brigs engine? how hard would it be, has anyone ever done it? thinking if we do the labor might save a grand or two no? also was thinking about parts i already have. like i have a 44" deck for my craftsman tractor that i never use, has 3 blades and imagine how it would be if i put doubles on it. i also know people who have engines laying around, also the local flee market, usually they are good about letting u start them and test them to. I know plenty of people with welders and tools so that would not be a problem. then when all done give it a nice paint job and maybe even put the company name in bright print. just an idea, what do u all think?

[eskals]

I think it would be a lot tougher than you think it is, and the end result would not justify the time and expense involved. It would take a tredemdous amount of time, money, and expertise to do someting like this.

Eric

[stslawncare]

well time is no concern at all lol, remember off for the summer here. as for as expertise, my grandfather is a farmer, my moms bf has had jeeps and done all his own work to them, seems pretty knowledgeable about engines and mechanics, also friends at firehouse would come in handy, some are mechanics. as far as money, would be cheaper then a new one know?

[KirbysLawn]

Originally posted by stslawncare
would be cheaper then a new one know?

No, doubt it. Buy 3 mowers, hand make or rig controls to link parts together, hours of work...

If you plan on doing it anyway, go for it. Most people have projects they like to do, as from an economical aspect which I think you ask, no way. Who would buy it? This was asked a few months ago: http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?threadid=11872&highlight=build+mower

[racerdave]

Manufacturers have an advantage with something called economy of scale. They purchase parts and assemble them in large quantities. If you were to build your own, you would have 3 to 5 times the cost of a new one invested. Not to mention your labor...
If you still want to build one, you will need to find a niche that the big boys have overlooked.
david

[stslawncare]

i do not plan to sell this mower at all, my plan is to spend less money and do more labor to make my own. i akready have the deck, i need the engine (12hp less then $500 used?) a 12 hp would be strong enough for a 44" deck no? hardest part i would imagine would be the handlebars and drivetrain.

[Grassman]

With the parts you suggested, your finished product probably would'nt be as good as the cheapest walkbehind on the market and would cost at least as much to make. But if you are determined, go for it! Then send us a pic. Russ

[scottb]

I dont know that you will save any money but if you have the time and the want to build one I say go for it just make sure you take some pictures.

[lawnman_scott]

plan for lots of problems with belts fitting and wiring. How are you going to make a craftsman deck work for a walkbehind? I have a 52in hydro walkbehind with a blown engine, and i literaly couldnt give it away. Its a kees, and i called a dealer to see if he wanted it for parts, well he called back about 5 days later and said ok. i never took it, but i think you would be better off to get one like that, im going to get an engine for it and use it for a backup or a 2nd crew. I had this in the paper for $400 and one or two calls.

[Ssouth]

STSLAWNCARE, Go for it. I love to build things that noboby thinks will work. (Normally woodworking) Sometimes they work like a charm and sometimes they don't. If you have the extra time, I think the experience will be worth it even if it doesn't work. If it does work, take pictures and show it off here at LS. Good luck.

[stslawncare]

what wiring is involved with the deck itself? if i get a old beat up walkbehind with a bad engine and or deck wouldnt it be pretty easy, i mean get a new engine, the same one if possible and put my deck on it?

[Fallguy]

Sorry, advertising is only allowed in the used equipment section. -Ray

[LoneStarLawn]

I think this may help...
http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10374
I think I have been going through some major deja vu this past month...

[stslawncare]

fallguy where are u located and u say all it needs is oil, carb cleaning tired, and engine? and selling for $100. how far are u?

[LoneStarLawn]

Against posting guidelines....

* Posting of items for sale in the Used Equipment Market Place Only.

Please do not ruin a good thing...

[Fallguy]

i have already been in truble once on here and not looking forward to it again - forgive me and be assured that it would not be persued as the cost of shipping anyhow wouldnt be worth the motor itself - i didnt intend to break any rules - ill read the guidelines again - thank you for the warning lonestar:eek:

[David Gretzmier]

I have thought about what you are doing and decided against it. my plan was to marry 3 push mowers into some sort of articulating walk behind. all would be self propelled and have thier own engine, but the connecting bracket was too much. good luck . Dave g

[plow kid]

I need some dirt,........ you need a engine....................