How to Make a Go Kart Driven by Both Rear Wheels

Go karts with both wheels under power use a live axle drive. This means that both wheels are bolted to a solid axle. The axle is driven by an engine via a chain and sprocket almost exactly like one that powers a bicycle. The easiest way to build a live axle go kart is to use an old lawnmower frame. This type of frame is larger, and most of these already have a live axle and steering gear already in place. The only thing you need to do is mount a motor, clutch and sprocket.

Things You'll Need

  • Socket and ratchet set
  • Screwdrivers
  • Arc welder
  • 1/4-by-16-by-16 inch steel plate
  • 3 HP gas motor with throttle assembly
  • 1/2-inch drill bit
  • Drill
  • 1/2-inch bolts, washers and nuts
  • 10-tooth clutch
  • 8mm hex wrench
  • High-lift jack
  • 54-tooth drive sprocket
  • Drive chain with master link
  • Gas tank
  • Gas line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all bolts from the lawnmower deck and blades. Unbolt the hood, engine and all guards so that all you have is a frame and seat. Use a ratchet and a 1/2-inch socket on most bolts. Use screwdrivers, as needed, to remove other small parts.

    • 2

      Weld a 1/4-by-16-by-16 inch plate to the back of the lawnmower. There should be two protruding steel beams coming straight out the back of the lawnmower, just above the back axle. These are the hookups for an external bag system that collects the grass clippings. If the bag is still in place, lift it off. Place the plate on these hookups and weld it on from the bottom.

    • 3

      Mount a 3 HP motor onto the steel plate. The motor axle should extend out past the left side of the plate by 2 inches. Use a 1/2-inch drill bit and electric drill to drill straight down through the holes in the motor mounting brackets and all the way through the plate. Insert 1/2-inch bolts through the holes, place nuts on them then tighten both to secure the motor to the plate with the 1/2-inch socket and ratchet.

    • 4

      Place a 10-tooth clutch onto the motor shaft. Slide it on the shaft and tighten the setscrew on the clutch housing -- where the shaft emerges from the clutch -- with an 8mm hex wrench.

    • 5

      Jack up the lawnmower with a high-lift jack. Unbolt and remove the left wheel with the 1/2-inch socket and ratchet. Remove any other braces on the left side so that you have a bare shaft to the center of the shaft under the seat.

    • 6

      Slide a 54-tooth drive sprocket onto the shaft. Align the sprocket with the sprocket on the end of the clutch and tighten the setscrew on the sprocket with the 8mm hex wrench.

    • 7

      Place a drive chain with a master link around the clutch and drive sprockets. Mount the master link in place to complete the live drive axle installation to power both rear wheels. Put any other braces back on then reinstall the rear wheel.

    • 8

      Mount a small gas tank on the forward part of the mower and run a rubber gas line to the motor. Run the accelerator linkage up from the motor and screw it beside the seat on the floor so that you can reach it with your right hand.