Potential lawn tractor engine replacement project

[IslandTractor]

So I bought a 20 horse B&S Craftsman hydro rider for less that the cost of a Chinese knock-off engine. Parts are easy and total cost starting out is less than $300.

Score!

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

As said above, a quick call to the repower places, like Tulsa Engines, can tell you what it will take to drop in a replacement engine. In my experience they are pretty straight with you, as I have an old Murray with B&S and an odd sized shaft that is not manufactured anymore.

So I bought a 20 horse B&S Craftsman hydro rider for less that the cost of a Chinese knock-off engine. Parts are easy and total cost starting out is less than $300.

Nice! Maybe I can find a deal like that too. I didn't call Tulsa Engines, but did do an on-line chat with their sales people. They said they didn't have anything for a JD 214, but gave me another place to try (small engine warehouse). The cheapest solution there was $1,330.

Now I'm thinking about the most I'm willing to do at this point with it is pull the head and have a look around.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

If you do decide to re-build, e-bay is sometimes a good source for stuff like coils and starters. The head gaskets and internal stuff are likely better to get from the dealer.

 

[handirifle]

stay away from the tractors with the later Kohler Vtwin engines. Read the net there are TONS of complaints about them. Seems to be an oil feeding issue, causing excessive cyl wear, like in 50hrs or less. I'm talking about the 20+hp engines. Have not read bad about the under 20hp.

Good luck. I think the used running mower is the best idea too. If you KNEW the clone would bolt up it MIGHT be worth it, but you have no idea what else is screwed up on it.

 

[saltbranch]

While looking at used riders, I'd stay away from the newer Cub Cadets. Well let me rephrase, if your mower will be used in a rough cut situation, hitting limbs/debre etc. The blades are timed and I am having to retime the blades for the 4th time in 30 hrs from new. Its a strong mower, easy to drive.Check the belt on the deck, if its notched like a timing belt, pass it up and keep looking IMHO. I have put new belts and blades on my old Sears 13hp rider to use in rough cuts situations.