Project Bullwinkle - Overview: John Deere GT262 drifting mower build
Have you ever been curious about building a racing lawn mowing? Allow me to share with you “Project Bullwinkle”, our latest endeavor to transform a John Deere GT262 lawn mower into a racing machine.
In this project overview, we'll explore the first three modifications we're making to this beast of a mower.
The John Deere GT262: A Beast of a Mower
The GT262, manufactured in the early 90's, is a force to be reckoned with. With its 48” deck, 6-speed transmission, and 17hp engine, this mower is built to last. We've found that replacing parts is a breeze, and we're convinced that this machine can run on just about anything.
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The Name Behind the Project
So, why did we call it Project Bullwinkle? The name is inspired by a rare condition that affects deer, causing their snout to enlarge. This unusual condition is much like the public's perception of building racing lawnmowers as a hobby – weird and unknown. We're embracing the weirdness and pushing the limits of what's possible with our John Deere GT262.
Modification 1: Pulley Swap, Unlocking Speed
The first modification on our list is a pulley swap, a common practice among racing lawnmower enthusiasts. By swapping the drive pulley and transaxle pulley, we're increasing the drive ratio, resulting in a significant boost in speed. This simple yet effective modification is a crucial step in unlocking the true potential of our John Deere GT262.
Modification 2: Short-Ram Intake, Breathing New Life
Next up, we're ditching the standard filter and assembly for a short-ram style intake. This modification not only sounds great but also provides a slight performance increase. Whether you're a fan of cold air intakes or not, this modification is sure to spark some debate.
Modification 3: Steering Assembly, Taking Control
Our third modification involves modifying the base of the steering assembly for easier control. By replacing the tie-rod/rack and pinion setup with a more responsive system, we're ensuring that our racing lawnmower handles like a dream.
Documentation
I’ve noticed there isn’t a lot of documentation online on how to build a racing lawn mower. I’m going to do the best that I can to document our build notes. Check out our latest session notes for this project in our online build journal.
