Engine options

[Marko141]

So I was wondering about what everyone has done for engine upgrades. I know more of the older mowers come with a single cylinder engine that is between 10-14hp. Has anyone dropped a bigger engine into one like a v-twin to give it some more power? Just seeing whats out there, I like to see the process from beginning to end.

[J-Mech]

People have.... but I have yet to see but maybe one or two where the person actually did finish it, and did decent job. Most end up being hack jobs with glob weld on the frame and things like the PTO never get installed. Not a lot of room in there.

It has also long been decided that the Kohler K series is by far one of the best motors there was. It is far cheaper to overhaul them than to replace them. I don't know if you've ever ran a K series 14hp or 16hp motor, but they are pretty impressive. The later Cubs that fell into the "spread frame" category can have about any engine installed in them you want. Single K series, H opposed, V twin, 3 cyl gas or 3 cyl diesel. All available in one model or another in one series or another on a spread frame chassis. My recommendation is if you don't want a K series Kohler, look for a spread frame tractor and do as you wish. Don't be one of those guys who hacks up a perfectly good tractor and never finishes it, or ends up with a nasty looking thing with parts hanging out all over the place and the fuel tank mounted on the side to the frame. Just my

[Marko141]

I will take that into consideration, I definitely do not want a piece of crap for a tractor. I just want to make sure what ever tractor I choose with have the power to till through some shit soil for sure. Lots of wet clay and thick sod.

[J-Mech]

I've done both types with a 10hp. Takes more power to till loose dirt anyway.

[Gompers]

Also don’t just look at horsepower and think that more is better. Those old K series engines make a lot of torque compared to a modern v twin of the same HP.

A 12hp k series will do anything you could reasonably expect a tractor the size of a cub cadet to do. 14 or 16 even moreso.

[Marko141]

That's good to know

[Leadslingingdaddy]

The actual terminology is Repower... For great examples go to the green site WFM and see the 318', 420's, and 140's being done.... I have done 2 318's and a 420 and, have sold them all... Had to fabricate mufflers and heat boxes....We have seen on here a Command going into a Super that was FI.... All depends on your skill level and attention to detail... And of course $$

[Merk]

The engine in my 100 (K241-10 horse) was rebuilt the same way David Kirk built his Killer Kohler build up:
http://kirkengines.com/

I am very impressed with the results.

[Marko141]

I am able to do some fabrication, simple cuts and welds, engine rebuilds and what not. I put a 23hp Briggs and Stratton horizontal shaft into my golf cart. Opened the engine up and put a bigger cam, rev kit, billet pushrods, and heavy duty starter on it. She hits 45mph without an issue with a 7" double a arm lift and 25" tires. Made the cradle, repositioned and beefed up the drop arm also, fabrications are not an issue here thank god.

[J-Mech]

Yeah, but the motor on a golf cart is hidden from view. No one can see it. In the tractor world, it's not common to go to a different motor from the factory style. Now, that doesn't mean you can't go bigger. There are different size engines that can be used that are still the same engine family and series.

You do whatever you want with your tractor. Just remember, it isn't a car. It isn't a golf cart. It's a tractor. And you really don't need a V twin motor to get more HP. I'll say it again... if you've never been around a 16hp single cylinder Kohler, then you just don't really understand. Even a 12 and 14HP motor are really good. I'm not a 10hp fan. I like the 12's and up.