A little matter of horsepower.

[Udder]

So,

I got my brand-new Grillo 107d tractor home last week, what fun! Spent a couple of hours unpacking it, figuring out levers, and breaking it in. And then I decided to record my serial numbers. That's when I noticed that the engine was a 7.0 or 7.5 HP, not an 8.0 HP as it was described to me by the seller. "What's the difference between a 7 hp and an 8 hp?", you may ask. And I'd say, "A lot!"
I realize that HP is just a number, not really a concrete measurement, but I bought this machine thinking it had equal or more HP than my old tiller. Now that I see it has less horsepower I'm pretty bummed out. I wouldn't have bought it if I had been told the true hp rating of the engine. I'd rather have gone with the next model up. Maybe a one-horsepower difference one way or another between a 20 and a 21 Hp engine makes only a tiny difference, but between a 7hp and an 8hp is a big difference, in my opinion. A canyon. An ocean, even. And between a 2hp and a 3hp engine, the difference in power is as wide as the solar system.

So what do you-all think? Should I complain to the dealer or just suck it up and forget about it? I doubt the dealer will be able to do anything for me, like put an actual 8hp engine on, or refund me any money. So is it worth making that complaint?

Thanks,
Udder.

 

[Mac624]

Grillo Spa - Agrigarden Machines - classic - G107D

Question is, what kind of engine? Diesel or Gas? What Tiller have You used before?

 

[Udder]

My new engine is a Lombardini diesel, a 15LD350 to be exact. And my old machines (a Honda tiller and a BCS 715) sported an 8hp gasoline engine and a 9 hp gasoline engine.

Grillo Spa - Agrigarden Machines - classic - G107D

Question is, what kind of engine? Diesel or Gas? What Tiller have You used before?

 

[wstr75]

Udder, I have a Lombardini 15LD440 on a BCS 853. I seldom run it above a fast idle except for mowing or chipping. A fast idle in 2nd gear and it will run the rotary plow in heavy clay all day long without bogging down. What I am saying is that for me it is unneeded extra power. The 853 could have had your motor and do everything (tiller, rotary plow, chipper, mower - albeit with a 26" flail instead of the 34" flail). The only time I've bogged down the motor is with using the flail mower in 24" high, wet grass at full speed in 2nd gear and even then it did not quit but rather barked hard and kept going (those Lombardini motors sound like they are "barking" when working hard.)

air cooled diesel engines, lombardini air cooled diesel engines, lombardini diesel engines, lombardini air cooled diesel engines parts

 

[oldmech]

Hi! I have a Grillo 107d. with Honda engine. Horsepower is work capacity in one hour. And on most engine are not true. but only evaluated. The best is torque . In Europa engine rating DIN are lower (More true) So My Honda engine 11 hp in USA and have 9.5 hp in EU. Diesel have a lot of torque at any speed. Lombardini are top the best engine you can find. Dont be hurry you dont miss power. A 7.5 hp Diesel can make same things as a 8-9 hp gas engine . You have make a good choice Congratulation! I could exchange my Honda 11 hp for your 7.5 Diesel if you want. I laugh! Good luck! Oldmech

 

[farmerboybill]

Hey Udder,

If it makes you feel better, cross off the "7" and write in a "9". Horsepower ratings are worthless. Ever wonder why lawn tractors made in the 70's have 8 and 10 hp engines and today's machines that do the same work have 18 and 20? Figures don't lie, but liars can figure. You may have noticed that all manufacturers have gone away from HP rating in the past two years. They're now selling on Ft/Lb torque or displacement.

You get that thing spooled up and you'll never look back at a gasser. If you end up hating it, I'll trade you even up for the 14 horse V-twin Briggs on my 850 and I'll pay the shipping

 

[Udder]

Thanks guys,
I love this forum, everyone is so helpful!
Yeah, I know that horsepower is just a kind-of worthless number. I'm sure you guys are probably right about the power: the 7.5hp will get the job done for me. It's just that even the manual says my machine comes standard with the 15LD400 (400cc), not the 15LD350 (349cc). I guess I am a petty, petty person. Maybe I'll just call the dealer and politely ask them about it, just for information.