Koditten's ZT mower-guided ramblings-shop journal

Got called over to the brother in laws. He wanted to know if I could save his old zero turn mower. He has no mechanical knowledge and was asking my opinion.

I was told it was burning as much oil as it was burning gas. He said he pulled the spark plug and something brass colored fell out.

I told him its going to need a entire rebuild or engine replacement. As soon as I heard it run, I knew it was on borrowed time. The valve train was making some hella racket.

He ask me if I want the thing as he already has a rider mower to take care of his mowing needs and is not willing to put money into this unit.

The unit is in remarkably good shape for a 10 year old unit. He was good about having it professionally serviced every year.

Of course I said sure.

 

I get it home and start researching the engine. I'm finding that the engine is not really the highest quality. 600 hours is considered a good lifespan. This one went 900 hours.

Because of this fact, I didn't like the idea of putting the same engine back in. I've never been a fan of single cylinder motors. I find the twins are much smoother.

1st step: find out how big of a unit I can fit in the motor cage.

The Kholer was about 15 inches wide. My motor cage was around 17 and some change.

 

Anyways, I've been watching the Harbor Freight Predator motor reviews for some time.

I was hearing nothing but great feedback and the price is untouchable. There is a warranty if you want as well.

Very convenient how this coupon add got sent to my email exactly during my motor research.

It was even $50 cheaper than the sale price in mailer I received .

 

Forgot to add the length measurement. Someone may find it useful.

 

Not going for the 3cyl Perkins diesel huh? Nah those Predators are actually a damn good deal. The v-twins kick ass once you break the governor gears haha

 

I started checking into dimensions of the 22 HP Predator motor. Everything I found said the things were 19" at their widest. I'm bumming.

I decide to head over to HF and check out the engines in person. After a million tape measurements and notes, I THINK the motor will fit. I take the plunge and lay down $700 bucks. Worse thing is have to return it.

 

Bringing motor over to unbox.

 

now it's time for popcorn

 

I'm curious what the hell the micro bucket loader is used for now

 

Getting ready to lift the old motor out. I took this pic just so I could have a rough record of the belts orientations. I just got the electric clutch pulley removed and set aside. I was worried if I dropped it, it might screw up the magnets.

 

Idk... but I want to play with it.

 

Old engine lifted out. I didn't know that the hydraulic pump pulley was not kept in place with a set screw. The thing slid right off the crank!

 

Mo powa.

 

Anything I want. It has forks, root ball augers, fence post augers, trencher and rototiller attachments.

It was a rental from Home Depot. Someone vandalized the wiring. It went up for auction and I got it for cheap.

 

New motor getting un boxed, old motor still hanging on the far chain falls.

 

I'm in!

 

Just different angles of the same pic. I took them, no reason not to share them.

I was excited to find the motor was bolted to a wooden board. I'm thinking "awesome! They even include a template for drilling motor mount holes"!

 

Jeezus, I hit post and this screen was what was replaced. Scared the shit out of me!

 

It's do or die time.

I'm really worried that this is not going to fit. Up to this point, the removal was a 20 minute job. I spent more time cleaning off my hands so I could take some pics.

I've got my fingers crossed as I lower the Predator engine.