Automotive Blog

Many of us have zero money, but this mega thirst for a go kart. The belt drive can be the most cost effect drive system that you could implement, on your low cost cheap go kart.

There are, however, issues with a belt drive that need to be understood prior to just diving in and making this belt drive system.

First thing to understand is the final drive ratio. Is the engine actually going to be able to turn this system or will it stall. Keep in mind that the rpm for engagement is typically not very high, like 1200 rpms. So your calculation needs to reflect that. The HP curve for an engine is approximately linear, so if the rpms are decreased, then the HP needs to decrease accordingly.

For example a 5 hp motor will put out 87.5 in-lbs of torque at 3600 rpms. But the same engine will put out only approximately 1/3 of that at 1200 rpms (29.1 in-lbs of torque.)

Continue reading ‘How to Build a Go Kart – 6 Important Notes About Belt Drives’ »

The ATV, or all terrain vehicle, once considered pure recreation and excitement has emerged as much more than that. Years of innovations in the ATV industry have produced superior machines with extraordinary reliability and performance. Aside from enjoying the wooded trails and sand dunes, the ATV has found itself in numerous practical roles including search and rescue, law enforcement, agriculture and farming, snow removal, hunting and patrol of gamelands, and just about any job that requires access to areas previously unreachable by four wheel drive trucks. The four wheel drive (4×4) ATV models in particular have exploded onto the scene.

These utility atvs capable of being driven by all four wheels, are able to perform far more tasks than originally anticipated. The addition of accessories including luggage and storage racks and powered winches have also impacted the use of ATVs for business and practical purposes. Engines can range in size with maximum displacement as high as 800cc providing plenty of power for towing, dragging, and other tasks. A reverse gear provides much more versatility than the mono-directional ATVs of earlier years. Shaft drives have replaced chain and sprocket drives on the original sport models. PTO has become an option providing power for those who need to drive external accessories and machinery. With a plethora of options available, the 4×4 utility ATV can be considered a viable off-road vehicle and useful tool rolled into one.

Continue reading ‘The Many Practical Roles of the ATV’ »

There are three different types of three wheeled go karts:

- Two Wheel Drive Single Steer
- Two Wheel Steer Rear Wheel drive
- Two Wheel Drive Front, Rear Wheel Steer

Two Wheel Drive Single Steer Go Kart

The predecessor to the 4-wheeler was the 3-wheeler, and we all know the controversy surrounding the 3-wheeler. It was and is a highly unstable configuration causing roll overs to occur in multiple operating modes: cornering and braking especially. It is real easy to get on two wheels with the three wheeler.

Also from a go kart stand point, there is not much between you and any on coming obstacle. At least with a go kart you have the front wheels that can contend with brush and rocks versus your legs.

The three wheeler as a result was discontinued from use and manufacture.

Continue reading ‘Three Wheeled Go Karts – Steer Away From Them’ »