Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): more power, briggs and stratton, hp briggs

Question
i have an 18 hp briggs and stratton-mtd.i need my lawn mower to be faster and have more torque.ive been looking all over the internet for help.i have learned the reason it dont go fast is because of the transaxle.it spins 3/4 the speed of the engine.is there any way of making it run at full engine speed and still have the lawn mower fully functional...if not do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Rick,

If the transaxle is powered by a belt, you could change the pulleys to turn it faster.  However, you will then put a bigger load on the engine which may cause it to operate at a slower speed, especially while mowing.  If the transaxle is shaft driven you are stuck with it as is.  The next step would be to modify the engine, replace it with a larger one or replace the entire mower.

Good Luck,
Michael