This project began with ideas I’d wanted to implement from years of magazine articles, many summers on a tractor, junk from around the farm, and a couple TikToks from a college buddy.
Being more budget friendly than conventional 4x4 platforms, along with the inherent uniqueness of this build, appeals to both me and my kids. The challenge of fabricating a 1200lb rig on 42” tires also appeals to the kid in me, harkening back to monster trucks of my childhood.
Plans for the build include an AMR500 roots style blower, 5.38 gears, and I’m currently adding four-wheel steering. This should wow spectators at local parades, as well as anyone out on the trail.
The only parts original to a lawnmower are a Briggs and Stratton 16hp opposed twin engine and the original body. Initially I’d constructed a ladder frame and utilized the original peerless transaxle. It was short lived, and I replaced it with an automotive transmission. I’ve since upgraded yet again to a 1-5/8” chromoly tube chassis and an AX5 Jeep Wrangler transmission to feed the Suzuki Samurai axles. The front steer axle is flipped to work with the NP231 transfer case, while cut and flipped 1/4 elliptical Jeep YJ springs hold everything up. With the 42” powered implement tires, this monstrosity boasts ground clearance of 15” under the differentials.
