Project Running Blade is an ambitious team headed by Stephen Vokins at the UK’s Beaulieu National Motor Museum. Their goal is to smash the current world lawnmower speed record, which stands at 80 mph. To achieve this, they have created a highly-modified Countax-based machine capable of cutting a football pitch in less than 3 minutes.
“I saw a video of American, Bob Cleveland on YouTube setting the record for lawnmowers at an impressive 80.792 mph on Bonneville Salt Flats,” he said, “and I was greatly impressed, but felt with the right team, 100 mph should be possible.”
The Challenge of Breaking the Record
Breaking the lawnmower speed record is no small feat. The current record, set by Bob Cleveland, stands at an impressive 80.792 mph. Achieving this required not only a powerful engine but also a design that could handle high speeds while maintaining the functionality of a lawnmower. Stephen Vokins and his team believe that with the right modifications and expertise, they can push the boundaries even further to reach 100 mph.
The team’s modified Countax-based machine is a testament to their engineering prowess. Countax is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality lawnmowers, and the team has taken one of their models and transformed it into a speed demon. The modifications include a more powerful engine, aerodynamic adjustments, and reinforced components to handle the stresses of high-speed travel.
Technical Specifications and Modifications
To achieve such high speeds, the Project Running Blade team has made several key modifications to the lawnmower. These include:
1. Engine Upgrades: The original engine has been replaced with a more powerful one capable of delivering the necessary horsepower to reach high speeds.
2. Aerodynamics: The body of the lawnmower has been redesigned to reduce drag and improve stability at high speeds. This includes a streamlined shape and the addition of aerodynamic features such as spoilers and diffusers.
3. Reinforced Chassis: The chassis has been strengthened to withstand the increased forces experienced at high speeds. This ensures that the lawnmower remains stable and safe during its record attempt.
4. High-Performance Tires: Specially designed tires have been fitted to provide better grip and handling at high speeds. These tires are crucial for maintaining control and preventing accidents.
If you fancy having your own crack at the record, there are specific rules you need to follow. You must use a proper lawnmower built by a recognized lawnmower manufacturer, using predominantly lawnmower components. Additionally, the lawnmower must be capable of cutting grass on the day of the record attempt, although it does not need to be cutting grass while going for the record.
The Project Running Blade team is not just focused on breaking the speed record; they are also passionate about showcasing the engineering and innovation that goes into creating such a machine. Their efforts highlight the potential for lawnmowers to be more than just garden tools, pushing the boundaries of what these machines can achieve.
For more information and updates on their progress, you can visit the Project Running Blade Official Site.
Via Gizmag
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