Questions and Answers

Building A Go Cart Q. I've been reading a lot of things about engines to see how they work and I was wondering if it is possible to make a motorized scooter or go cart with a two stroke 3 to 5 hp engine from a lawn mowing web site if it is possible to power a go cart or scooter. I would like to attempt trying to make one using that kind of engine as a power source. Thanks...

A. Go Carts and Scooters use engines with a horizontal crankshaft. 99% of all lawn mowers use a vertical crankshaft. This allows them to bolt the lawn mower blade right on the end of the crankshaft. No transmission or gearboxes needed.

Horizontial Engine	Vertical Engine

In addition most lawn mower engines are 4 stroke engines. You'll find that most 2 stroke engines are used in things like Weed Whackers® and chain saws because they will operate in any position, even upside down, whereas a 4 stroke engine has to stay fairly level.

I built several Go Carts in High School, one with a 10 hp engine. (Had that puppy up to 25 mph before I got to the end of the hallway.)

Anyway, if you can get past the gearbox problem, then it could work. As far as I know, Lawnboy® is the only company to put 2 stroke engines on lawn mowers.