Re-engine my chipper but with what?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Fed up with the Honda GX 670 24hp V-twin on my Jo-Beau M500 chipper.

 

It's not a bad engine but neither is it a good one. Honda engines above 13hp do not apparently enjoy such a good reputation.

 

The Ozzy Kanga Stumpgrinders have two of these units and they are known to be a bad choice where dirt, woodchip and dust abound; granted there is less of it with the chipper than with the grinder but I have already had to modify the carburretor to allow for smooth running and dirt filtration.

 

Additionally, the throttle govener / wire needs shortening to hold max rpm, otherwise it drifts up and down at full chat. Back-firing is a problem too but that is more to do with the drum dragging the engine and squirting fuel into the hot exhaust. All in all it is not sweet motor.

 

I am told that a neat upgrade therefore is to swap the Honda for a Kohler, namely the 27hp unit fitted to many of the stumpgrinders. Acquainted myself with one fitted to a Danequip stumpy yesterday and was impressed with its power and smooth running.

 

The above engine has the same crucial dimensions to facilitate the switch, crank size etc and of course I would gain a little extra power which would be good.

 

Point is I would be interested to hear of experiences of the Kohler. The only other option is one of the 25-30hp range Kawasakis but not sure they would fit...

 

What do you reckon?

 

[dent]

not got any expirience with that one but the single cylinder ones will last forever we have one in a lawnmower that we think is over 40 years old and starts first time every time

we have an 18hp twin cylinder aswell which is powerful

its very second hand but has vibrated the dizzy cap and several other parts apart

also when ever wev'e wanted parts they've had to come from america so upto 3 weeks waight

[Mesterh]

You could put one of the 40 hp kohler,s on that would be a nice chipper!

 

Imo the kohlers are good engines if you look after them well.you need to use the right weight off oil 10-30 or the piston rings can get damaged so says mr kohler. Also don't side load the crank too much ie don't run the belts too tight or it can damage the crank and casing as there are no bearings there for some reason! Well not on the ones ive taken to bits.

 

They are also fitted to quite a lot off grinders so they cant be to bad in the dirt.

 

Surprised at the poor quality and problems with the honda engine though.

[TREE-SURGEON-ESSEX]

Got the same engine 9 years old i used it non stop for 2.5 years with no problems except a worn key starter.

 

Could be electrics worn wire.

 

its easy to check a naff one compression check carb and gaskets kohler are good but not as good as honda.

 

you never know what the previous owner did lack of oil or maintenence will kill any engine

 

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Got the same engine 9 years old i used it non stop for 2.5 years with no problems except a worn key starter.

 

Could be electrics worn wire.

 

its easy to check a naff one compression check carb and gaskets kohler are good but not as good as honda.

All that was done on the previous misdemeanor!

 

you never know what the previous owner did lack of oil or maintenence will kill any engine

 

I am the one and only! Owner! Had it from new; OCD maintenance; perhaps that's the problem - need to give it some abuse!

 

:confused1

[Peter]

Perhaps some sort of V8 monster jo-beau project is in order?

[treequip]

Perhaps some sort of V8 monster jo-beau project is in order?

 

I can help you with that.

 

I am sick of trippping over this

GMC 6.2 Diesel V8 Engine Land Range Rover on eBay (end time 23-May-10 21:05:31 BST)

 

6.2L GMC Diesel

[ad15]

how about a ducati monster 600 monster engine...

[geoff]

Ive a 20 hp kholer on my year 2000 stumpy,still runs sweet,good lumps,but then I like the honda on my tw125 chipper too......ho hum, not very helpful of me!

[Borders Training]

A reet big hamster wheel, and massive hamster?