Predator yay or nay

[Tchamp]

I currently have a Subaru 25 hp engine in my 2422 chassis but am having issues with keeping it running steadily. Im considering installing a Predator 22 hp engine into my unit and see how it does. I can get the additional warranty to guard against failure or any other issues. I dont have any problem swapping it out and it cost less than half the price of a Kholer. Just asking for everyones opinions and experiences.

 

[Mike1955]

Well I'll speak up. I've had good experiences with these small engines. I've got one on my tiller now and it Is great. No issues. Cranks the second pull and idles down to a crawl. Set it up exactly like the directions say, I filled the tank a little to full and gas came out the carburator but there is a fill line I did not see. I love mine but I can't tell you about the long levity of it. Good Luck Tchamp

 

[MossRoad]

I currently have a Subaru 25 hp engine in my 2422 chassis but am having issues with keeping it running steadily. Im considering installing a Predator 22 hp engine into my unit and see how it does. I can get the additional warranty to guard against failure or any other issues. I dont have any problem swapping it out and it cost less than half the price of a Kholer. Just asking for everyones opinions and experiences.

I have a smaller predator engine on my log splitter. It was a direct bolt-in replacement for a Briggs.

I have no idea if there is a direct bolt in replacement for the Subaru. You'd have to investigate shaft sizes, lengths, bolt patterns, and other dimensions, etc., but all of that can be overcome with adapters and math.

How many hours on the Subaru and what issues are you having? Just curious.

 

[m5040]

Bring yours to a professional to have your issue diagnosed. The engine may not need to be replaced.
How much do you figure your tractor is worth? In the end would it be worth more with a Predator or Kohler engine?

 

[Tchamp]

Bring yours to a professional to have your issue diagnosed. The engine may not need to be replaced.
How much do you figure your tractor is worth? In the end would it be worth more with a Predator or Kohler engine?

I have no intentions of sellinggonna go with me till i die lol, my wife calls it my Girlfriend. I just want dependability. I was told they have the issue of dying out from getting too hot, which mine is doing. (the dying out part) i have one of the 8 hp predator engines on my street blower and runs very well bit not sure how the twins do.

 

[agjones]

Give your gf the Honda gx series the predator is based on. I've used both in several repowers and way better service from the Honda.

A guy near me has 2 gx630 engines for 700. Brand new and one w 10h for 600. From an abandoned project.

Near Burlington NC. I could get them as close to you as Augusta.

 

[2manyrocks]

There are enough reviews of this engine on the HF website and YT that would give you a pretty decent sense of reliability and potential issues.

With any new engine, very good idea to change the oil pretty soon after first few hours of use.

 

[Tchamp]

Give your gf the Honda gx series the predator is based on. I've used both in several repowers and way better service from the Honda.

A guy near me has 2 gx630 engines for 700. Brand new and one w 10h for 600. From an abandoned project.

Near Burlington NC. I could get them as close to you as Augusta.

What is the hp rating, i live in Toccoa Ga

 

[agjones]

The gx630 is a 21. Never noticed a significant power loss except with the trencher. Thrifty, reliable engine.

The seller is a maintenance/service Mgr for united rentals. Not a lemon dealer.

If you're interested in them pm. Happy to help. Nothing in it for me...

The predators are OK....don't get me wrong. These are about 1/2 off.

 

[Tchamp]

The gx630 is a 21. Never noticed a significant power loss except with the trencher. Thrifty, reliable engine.

The seller is a maintenance/service Mgr for united rentals. Not a lemon dealer.

If you're interested in them pm. Happy to help. Nothing in it for me...

The predators are OK....don't get me wrong. These are about 1/2 off.

Call me 904-434-9326

 

[mapper]

Replaced the original B&S engine on my Troybilt Pony tiller with a predator of similar hp. Took a bit of fiddling to get the spacing right for the drive Vbelt. The original engine had a counter rotating auxiliary shaft that was used for reverse, no longer have reverse, but the tiller is small enough to muscle around if I need to. Could not find an OEM replacement either.
Predator was inexpensive and runs great, much easier to start than the original. Gas shut off valve is nice as it allows me to run the carburetor dry when I am done. Will it last as long as the original? Don't really care, it will probably outlast me.

 

[rbstern]

Yay on Predator. If you're in Toccoa, you've got HF right there. With the warranty, you're pretty well covered in case of problems.

 

[Lnk]

If you can get a Honda for anywhere close to the price of the predator, you would be crazy not to get the Honda. Warranties won't cover removal and reinstallation. Has anyone ever complained about a Honda engine. I don't recall anyone complaining about one. Take @agjones up on his offer.

 

[agjones]

Call me 904-434-9326

Got the pm delete/edit this.

 

[FERLING]

I have no intentions of sellinggonna go with me till i die lol, my wife calls it my Girlfriend. I just want dependability. I was told they have the issue of dying out from getting too hot, which mine is doing. (the dying out part) i have one of the 8 hp predator engines on my street blower and runs very well bit not sure how the twins do.

There is nothing to be ashamed of having a cheap girlfriend that "puts out". They sure do cost less to replace.

 

[Tchamp]

There is nothing to be ashamed of having a cheap girlfriend that "puts out". They sure do cost less to replace.

And to maintain

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Predator motors, and they cost half as much as a comparable Honda.

 

[5030]

Has anyone ever complained about a Honda engine. I don't recall anyone complaining about one.

I blew one up on my tiller (threw the rod at 6 hours) and the local Honda dealer said it was my fault. NO WARRANTY...replaced it with a Pred, never looked back.. I can buy 2 preds for the cost of 1 Honda.

Pred on the tiller, on the pressure washer on the log splitter too. All run well and start easier.

 

[5030]

I believe most of them are made by Lifan in China. Real tolerant to ethanol too.

 

[panamaguy]

Replaced the original B&S engine on my Troybilt Pony tiller with a predator of similar hp. Took a bit of fiddling to get the spacing right for the drive Vbelt. The original engine had a counter rotating auxiliary shaft that was used for reverse, no longer have reverse, but the tiller is small enough to muscle around if I need to. Could not find an OEM replacement either.
Predator was inexpensive and runs great, much easier to start than the original. Gas shut off valve is nice as it allows me to run the carburetor dry when I am done. Will it last as long as the original? Don't really care, it will probably outlast me.

Had the BS motor on my MTD lawn tractor break a connecting rod which on the net says happens to lots on them, put a predator 23 hp v twin and have 100 hours and no prolbem. The only ***** I have is with Harbour Freight, I live in Panama and they except Visa but will not ship to a freight forwarder. Had a friend in Houston go to the store and buy it, take it to a trucking company and hual it to my freight forwarder in Miami, a extra $100 because HF are assholes