A guy near me has a Yardsman 24" snow blower with a blown 8 HP motor for sale.It's a fairly new looking unit. I was thinking about picking up a Harbor freight 6.5 hp motor and doing a swap. Any thoughts about how it would do with the 6.5 in it? The whole deal would cost me around $225 to do. Anyone have experience with the current HF motors? Thanks.,,
Worth the trouble?
- Thread starter BigCahuna
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+1 I would say not worth it especially with the questionable HF motor.
I would always go up in HP, not down. I poke around at buying broken pressure washers and fixing them, but one has to get them dirt cheap to make any sense, as in $25 to $50.
I wouldn't worry about it being a HF motor, the Stormforce is the same as the other ones, and are durable, if have carb problems. You could always buy a genuine honda carb and slap it on there if you want.
I wouldn't go with the 6 1/2 horse though, definitely go with something a bit stronger.
I wouldn't go with the 6 1/2 horse though, definitely go with something a bit stronger.
Originally Posted By: Nick R
I wouldn't worry about it being a HF motor, the Stormforce is the same as the other ones, and are durable, if have carb problems. You could always buy a genuine honda carb and slap it on there if you want.
I wouldn't go with the 6 1/2 horse though, definitely go with something a bit stronger.
I was looking at the larger motors and for what they cost, and what I would pay for the blown one, I could buy a snowblower that's already running. I wish they would still rate the HP on motors these days instead of just the rated CC's.,,
I wouldn't worry about it being a HF motor, the Stormforce is the same as the other ones, and are durable, if have carb problems. You could always buy a genuine honda carb and slap it on there if you want.
I wouldn't go with the 6 1/2 horse though, definitely go with something a bit stronger.
I was looking at the larger motors and for what they cost, and what I would pay for the blown one, I could buy a snowblower that's already running. I wish they would still rate the HP on motors these days instead of just the rated CC's.,,
You can go with the 6 1/2 horse (Is it the 208cc or which size) and just take it slow.
JTK
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My experience has been that a 6.5hp OHV engine will throw snow about the same as a flat-head 8hp Tecumseh Snow-King. You'll burn less fuel as well.
Joel
Joel
That's good to know, thanks.,,
I would, that would make a nice project.
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
A guy near me has a Yardsman 24" snow blower with a blown 8 HP motor for sale.It's a fairly new looking unit. I was thinking about picking up a Harbor freight 6.5 hp motor and doing a swap. Any thoughts about how it would do with the 6.5 in it? The whole deal would cost me around $225 to do. Anyone have experience with the current HF motors? Thanks.,,
Have you thought about the possibility of adding a new Honda engine?If it fits the snowblower it is a good choice.
A guy near me has a Yardsman 24" snow blower with a blown 8 HP motor for sale.It's a fairly new looking unit. I was thinking about picking up a Harbor freight 6.5 hp motor and doing a swap. Any thoughts about how it would do with the 6.5 in it? The whole deal would cost me around $225 to do. Anyone have experience with the current HF motors? Thanks.,,
Have you thought about the possibility of adding a new Honda engine?If it fits the snowblower it is a good choice.
Yeah but it would be expensive. Probably about the same price as buying a whole new snowblower
If I was going to invest this kind of money and time I'd get an older unit that will last forever and put the engine on that, instead. Lower total cost and most likely longer service life.
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
If I was going to invest this kind of money and time I'd get an older unit that will last forever and put the engine on that, instead. Lower total cost and most likely longer service life.
Good point. I'll take an old used Ariens, Simplicity, Toro, Honda or Yamaha over a shiny newer MTD/AYP product any day.
Might not look as pretty but you know that old machine will hold up longer than the new machine.
If I was going to invest this kind of money and time I'd get an older unit that will last forever and put the engine on that, instead. Lower total cost and most likely longer service life.
Good point. I'll take an old used Ariens, Simplicity, Toro, Honda or Yamaha over a shiny newer MTD/AYP product any day.
Might not look as pretty but you know that old machine will hold up longer than the new machine.
As I mentioned the total costs would be around $225 which I feel is pretty reasonable. At this particular time the only deal like this one is what I posted. The used blowers I can find are way more then what I'm looking to spend, So I was figuring if I were to put together my plan, after a few uses it would have paid for itself and then some. A main concern was if the HF motor would hold up to that kind of duty.,,
'Huna, I think it's worth doing. Like you said, there are better/older machines out there waiting for a transplant ... but the deal you are faced with is your neighbor's Yardsman.
Not enough people salvage and fix things these days so I am generally all for it when they do. I have pulled a half dozen vacuum cleaners out of dumpsters in the past 2 years and got all of them running like new for $0-5 each. People just don't want to take the time and use their heads these days.
Like Nick R said, just take it slow (travel speed) with snow clearing and you should be fine.
Not enough people salvage and fix things these days so I am generally all for it when they do. I have pulled a half dozen vacuum cleaners out of dumpsters in the past 2 years and got all of them running like new for $0-5 each. People just don't want to take the time and use their heads these days.
Like Nick R said, just take it slow (travel speed) with snow clearing and you should be fine.
IF the blower/thrower is in good condition and you set the motor up correctly (everything is aligned) I'd say except for the worst snow you will be fine.
Even with the big engine models (and name brand motors) certain conditions they have problems which require taking less of a bite into the snow.
Since its a 24 inch I'd say good to go. If it was a 28" still would work but the 24 inch is better with the 6.5hp. I've cleared MANY snow storms with my old 5 hp 24" Craftsman over the years. And up here @ 4700 ft that 5hp was a lot less.
My new unit works great but still requires thinking about what conditions you have. I've used up to 14hp ones and you still have to think.
The HF motor will be fine. Just break it in correctly, change the oil often for the first 10 hours and I'd bet you will get plenty of use for your $225.
Take care, bill
Even with the big engine models (and name brand motors) certain conditions they have problems which require taking less of a bite into the snow.
Since its a 24 inch I'd say good to go. If it was a 28" still would work but the 24 inch is better with the 6.5hp. I've cleared MANY snow storms with my old 5 hp 24" Craftsman over the years. And up here @ 4700 ft that 5hp was a lot less.
My new unit works great but still requires thinking about what conditions you have. I've used up to 14hp ones and you still have to think.
The HF motor will be fine. Just break it in correctly, change the oil often for the first 10 hours and I'd bet you will get plenty of use for your $225.
Take care, bill
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