Predator 670 V-Twin questions

[defranks]

My apologies if my questions have been answered elsewhere, but if so I don't see it.

I have an old Vermeer 625 chipper that's powered by a very tired Kohler Magnum 20hp engine. The old girl still runs, but I have to keep a close eye on the feed rate and the engine oil.

I see that Harbor Freight has a terrific price on their 670cc V-Twin engines, and those engines are getting pretty good reviews. I'm thinking of buying one to replace my old Kohler, since the whole engine will cost less than rebuilding the Kohler. But the thing is that the Kohler runs the pulley for the chipper off one end of the crankshaft, and the hydraulic pump for the feeder off the other end. There's no doubt the HF engine will run the pulley, but I cannot find any information on whether it's possible to bolt that hydraulic pump up to the other end of the crankshaft. I've even gone and looked at an engine in the store, but for some reason they don't want me taking the cover off so I can see the end of the crank.

So if you've purchased one of these engines, or seen one with the cover off, will it be possible to bolt an accessory onto the "other" end of the crankshaft?

Gracias!

 

[MossRoad]

My Power Trac PT425 has a Kohler Command 25hp that has a similar setup. It runs the two PTO hydraulic pumps off the main drive shaft, and on the opposite side of the engine, Power Trac opened up the fan screen and bolted on a stub shaft and powers the tram pump off of that side of the engine. Several years later, they switched to running all three pumps off just the shaft and did away with the stub shaft on the fan side.

Like these...
Front Drive (Stub Shafts) For Kohler Engines

Honda makes a front PTO shaft like this...
Honda 23311-Z6L-82 FR PTO SHAFT (GX63/66/69)

Someone in a thread on another forum is talking about using the honda stub shaft on the Predator here:
Predator 22hp Charging System
But doesn't say if he actually did it.

And here's a discussion about the Predator being and exact clone of the Honda.... lots of info here that might help you out.
Sovereign 7117 22hp Predator repower - Talking Tractors - Simple trACtors

 

[Gunny]

Give them a call at -888-866-5797, or email them, maybe, just maybe they can offer some help. I was checking on parts for a 6.5HP Predator, shot them an email and got a reply later on that afternoon.

Given on how closely they copy the Honda engines, I'd bet pretty strongly that a stub shaft from a Honda would be a direct bolt on, but then again, I'd hate to buy the engine and find out later on that it wouldn't.

 

[pappy60]

If you cannot find the answer, buy one, carefully unpack it, take cover off carefully and see if it will fit...
If not, put everything back together & return it..
Just don't damage it when checking or leave marks on it..

A friend bought a Predator replacement for his log splitter and everything lined up (he was replacing a Honda, I think)... It has been working several years with no problems...

Good luck..

 

[defranks]

All good advice, thank you guys! I'll see if that Honda stub shaft will fit, that looks like the ticket.

 

[handirifle]

Definitely do not put oil in it. A lot of places will not take an engine back once oil has been put in. Unless it's defective.

 

[defranks]

Well, that didn't work. Their customer service says that they can't offer any advice on adding another manufacturer's parts, and oh by the way, doing so will void the warranty. But it still looks like a good idea.

 

[shadetree]

To use that "other manufacturer's part" you will need to remove 3 bolts and a large washer. Be sure to remove the part and replace the washer and bolts before you make your warranty claim.

Using that mindset --- a belt and pulley from another manufacturer voids the warranty --- GET REAL at least it is only 90 days unless you pay extra --- I Strongly suggest you invest (PAY EXTRA) in an extended warranty for this engine