Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hi Guys,

I wanted to get some opinions on a repower idea that I've been toying with.  I have an MTD/Yard Machines 5hp/22" 2 stage snowblower that is about 6 years old.  Several times in the past few years I've thought that it was a bit underpowered.  The past snowstorm we had in Central PA (4" of snow followed by probably an inch or more of rain - causing a very heavy slushy mess) was my tipping point.   I am looking at replacing the 5HP Tecumseh HSSK engine with something in the 7-10 HP range.  Has anybody done this sort of swap before?  I am assuming I may need a few new pulleys and different length belts - but I am not anticipating more modifications than that.   Am I nuts?   Should I just sell the machine and pick up a used 8hp machine?   What are your thoughts?

Thanks

Eric

         ITS NOT THAT EASY  ECSPECIALLY GOING FROM A 5 TO AND 8.   #1    YOU WILL NEED NEW PULLEYS  THATS A GIVEN.  YOU WILL BE GOING FROM A 3/4 DIAMETER CRANKSHAFT TO A 1".  YOU MAY NOT HAVE AVAILABLE THE SAME SIZE CURCUMFERENCE PULLEY GOING TO A 1" CRANKSHAFT.  THE PULLEY WILL ALSO HAVE TO ACCEPT THE SAME SIZE BELT THAT IS STILL ON MACHINE. IF YOU NEED TO GO TO A BIGGER PULLEY THAT CHANGES RATIOS. YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE BELT LENGTH.   

Is the change over from 3/4" to 1" now at 8HP? My old 10.5HP tecumseh was a 3/4" shaft while the new 11HP B&S Intek was a 1". I was told at the time that the cutover point was 11HP.

I was able to order aftermarket pulleys that were the close to the same size. Adjustment of the idler pulleys took care of the rest. If I remember correctly the pulley for the auger was 1/2" larger. The snow does fly further but I have a hunch its the better torque from the OHV rather than the faster auger speed.


I'd be real careful that I didn't really overpower the machine, going from 5 to 6 or 7 HP might be OK but I suspect that 10HP would tear the thing apart.

Thanks for the replies so far.  I'm still debating what the smartest move is.  Problem I have with actually trading up to a more powerful machine is that they are all wider than the 22" width I have - and they won't fit well in my relatively small garage!   

From what I have seen on the engine websites - all the Tecumseh L-head engines (5hp -195cc, 8hp- 318cc and 10hp- 358cc) are available with stepped pulleys for an MTD application.  At least that's what I think they are telling me. 

Anyhow - thanks again for the replies and I'll let you know if I get brave and try this!

Eric

Find a new one now (good time for low prices), then sell the old MTD in the fall