What stage in the cub lineup would you be ok with a repower?

[garnold]

I've asked a few times here and there about repowering early model cubs. The engine selection that might fit seems limited and most folks are not in love with the idea of moving off the kohler engines when it comes to these vintage and classic models. Makes sense. So when do things start to get a little easier to repower and folks seem a little more open to the repower idea?

[Terry C]

Something with a twin cylinder. Maybe a quiet line but most likely not.
As far as narrow and wide frames not too many engines better than a
old Kohler

[J-Mech]

I'll jump in....

I'm one of the guys who isn't "in love" with the idea of a repower for the older machines. Basically, it's not a matter of not original, as it is it just doesn't make sense; financially, or reliably.

The Kohler K series is THE MOST durable small engine I have worked on. I akin it to the old Fairbanks-Morse in that is just so darn reliable. Parts are very cheap, and they are soooo easy to rebuild. Why would you want to get away from that engine?? You can't repower it as cheap as you can rebuild a K. Even if you pack the engine up, ship it to me, and I go all the way through it, it's cheaper. The engine's that are close enough to repower with are not "direct bolt in's". They will require, (for the most part) a lot of fab work. That and, no one makes any ready to buy kits to change to a different motor.


Now, when you get into the spread frames and they used the twin cylinder engines.... that style of motor is pretty similar to so many different manufacturers set up's that it makes repowering easy. For the most part, the crank height is the same, bolt pattern similar, PTO end position similar enough that it makes repowering a breeze. You might have to drill some new holes and shim the base or the PTO to get it in the exact spot, but it's really pretty minor. That and, the KT and Mag Kohlers and the Onans just aren't economical to rebuild at all. Parts are expensive and hard to get. Plus the fact that they just weren't really all that well built to begin with. (Which sounds funny from me because I actually like the HO twins better than the V twins.) For these tractors, repower is the best available choice.

Maybe that makes sense, maybe it doesn't..... but that's my

[garnold]

JMech this makes a lot of sense. I'm always so amazed at how well the old kohler engines hold up. Now, I wish I was as good as you regarding rebuilding them but that's another story hahaha.

I ask this because I just started working on my first ql and I'm really enjoying it. It's easy to work on and just all in all fun. Though since the frame seemed different from the other tractors I've worked on I was just thinking this might be the version folks started repowering. I'm not all that concerned with the side panels and since my engine skills are a little lame as of now, the repower came to mind

If you only lived closer man it would be a lot easier for me to just pay you to rebuild my engines!

[J-Mech]

Shipping is a killer.

Gene, how close are you to DC? I have a brother there. You ever get out that way?

[garnold]

Only for work and I take the plane or train. Would not be fun checking the engine in

[J-Mech]

That would suck......

Really, what part of Joisey are you in?

[garnold]

Vernon, NJ. I'm pretty close to Lew.

[J-Mech]

Montague TWP. Your way up there.

If I'm ever out that way I'll let you know. Even if my brother shipped from a DC fastenall, it wouldn't be too bad.

[garnold]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Montague TWP. Your way up there.

If I'm ever out that way I'll let you know. Even if my brother shipped from a DC fastenall, it wouldn't be too bad.

Yep, up in the nose bleed seats hahaha