Trail Mower - ATV Mower

I've not built one exactly like you're talking about, but it would be really easy... If you want it for cutting brush I think the best way to do it would be get a big single blade deck from a small riding mower (usually 28-32" cut), get a 8-12hp vertical shaft engine, and build a platform to hold the engine on top of the deck (toward the rear I would think best) so that the pulley on the engine shaft is same height as one on deck spindle. Get a belt that fits. Make brackets to mount wheels to it on front and back and build a hitch. I would make a frame for the wheels and hitch and hang the deck under it set it up so it's height adjustable. Look at how floating deck commercial walk behind mowers are built to get an idea how to hang the deck. I would then notch out the front edge of the deck so brush gets cut by the blade and not just pushed over by the deck. You want the blade to turn not near as fast as it originally did for brush cutting it needs to be slower (small pulley on engine larger pulley on blade spindle). This will keep it from slinging stuff out the front of the deck at you as easily as well. Probably would be nice touch to make a chain curtain (short lengths of chain) to hang down in front of deck front opening for safety, brush will pass underneath and chains will slow down flying debris. Do the same with back of deck, cut it out and protective chains to cover it. Model it after a tractor brush mower. You get the idea.... This is how I'd do it if it were me. A rear engine riding mower would provide the engine and deck, you can pick them up used over here for a couple hundred bucks and rob the motor/deck, probably sell the transaxle and other parts for half the money you paid, some square tube for the frame and some wheels you might pick up here and there.

Originally Posted by Kris Kringle

Jesus Gus you still have the Micro Fiche Buddy? lolol

OK im starting to think gus lives on a million acre ranch with 500 outbuildings and has been pickin/scrappin for the past 200 years. Im in awe of the stuff and knowledge you posses. I want to be like gus when i grow up.

I second that. Everytime I read gus post, I feel every penny I toss in the shred pile, because I dont want to be bothered or no knowledge of what to do..lol.