OT Drag Race

[becksmachine]

This has got to be the ultimate "run what you brung"?

Never thought I would see a single cylinder, heavy flywheel powerplant on a drag strip.

Dave

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmcEDeouN4g

[Doozer]

Look like a horticultural tractor.

--Doozer

[thaiguzzi]

They are called "iron buffaloes" here (as they basically replaced the genuine buffaloes for field work), and are prevelant throughout SE Asia. Cost complete, ready to go with a 3 speed g/box is about $1800. You then add a plough or other implement, or trailer to get around on, sitting on the trailer and steering with the tillar arms (hard work, and they are NOT slow!). They are belt driven with twin vee belts, single cylinder diesel engine is available in 9, 11 and 14 hp, the latter having an electric start option, all the rest being started with a crank handle and de-compressor valve. Size ranges from 550 to 730cc. All are OHV, very simple to maintain, and extremely reliable. Engines alone are up to $1400 for the 14hp electric start version c/w integral alternator.The biggest brand name by far is Kubota, Yanmar a distant second.
I have two, one in a proper 4 wheel tractor, and one in our farm truck connected to a 5 speed box with open clutch and bell housing, again with twin vee belts, in an old (and rotten) pick up chassis, no bonnet, no doors, no windscreen, and great fun to drive.
If you are interested in unusual vehicles, Google Thai Kubota tractor or Thai farm trucks, some images of some way out stuff should come up. There is even a You Tube video of someone with a turbocharger on one...
Absolutely marvelous engines, though low on HP, torque is phenomonal; will go up the side of a house. Would be great in a motorcycle, may build one one day, with a toothed belt drive via a clutch to a seperate gearbox a la Harley or older pre-unit Brit bike.

[Black_Moons]

ROFL! best part was the crowd laughing when the tractor overtook the truck :P

[firbikrhd1]

Where do I get one in the US?

[CarlByrns]

Where do I get one in the US?

Only if you find one used. The EPA outlawed them because they smoke like a mine fire.

[Optics Curmudgeon]

Reminds me of a Gravely, once common here in the US. Never seen one go that fast, though.

[Forestgnome]

I see a potential for a new racing class!

[sasquatch]

re: a New Racing class: NHRA ceratinly needs something to start bringing more crowds in.
Interesting fun video, thanks.

[madman]

I want one. With a Hayabusa Turbo in it.

[sasquatch]

Got a chuckle out of his pit crew holding it back for the burnout! Lol

[bborr01]

Looks like a copy of an old David Bradley.

[thaiguzzi]

External flywheel needs to be seen (and lifted) to be believed. I reckon they weigh around 50-60 lbs.
Driving one, as you sit in the attached trailer is like driving a charriot.

[gambler]

re: a New Racing class: NHRA ceratinly needs something to start bringing more crowds in.
Interesting fun video, thanks.

yes, ever since they banned aa fuel altered as "too dangerous" they have gone down hill. we can watch baseball if we want safe huh. don't mean to thread jack, so sorry.