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

Let's try this again.
There is a new buzzword that is currently making the rounds on internet forums, OPE dealerships, (and even some OPE manufacturers have let it slip from thier lips)...."Chinese Clones".
What are these "clones"?..... They are "reversed engineered" copys of equipment that have been proven products on the world market and sell for a fraction of what the originals sell for.

Has anyone had any experience with these products?

I ask because I got service bulletin from a well known engine manufacturer that basically said: "If we find that you are selling any of these "clones" in your stores....or that you take them in for service....or that you have anything too do with them whatsoever....then you shall no longer be a dealer for us."

I mean: "EGADS!" That puts me between a rock and a hard place.
Should I take these engines and equipment in for service and risk the ire of our largest supplier?
Or go with consumer demand for lower prices?
TIA....'lint.

Blue Max Chinese engine made by Jiangdong.  It's "modeled" after the Honda GX200 but I'm not sure if it's a full clone.  There's an interesting piece below from a go-kart club which races these engines. 

Some comments found online at:
http://www.thunderhill-speedway.com/Blue%20OHV%20engine%20rules.html

In an effort to keep Kart Racing fun and affordable, Thunder Hill Speedway is introducing the use of a very affordable and reliable engine. This engine is a 6.5 horsepower copy of a Honda engine. Other tracks across the nation have been using this engine for over a year with great results in reliability, performance and very competitive racing. It is working the best to leave the engine as Box Stock as possible. At Thunder Hill Speedway we will have an adult Flat Kart class just for these engines and we will also allow this engine to be used in our Novice class and Junior Wing/Box Stock Wing Class as per the rules below. These engines are available right now at Harbor Freight Stores for only $159!!! Sometimes on sale for only $129!!!(Example: Harbor Freight in Eau Claire, WI)

There are several sellers of these engines on EBay for 109 to 149 with shipping ranging from about $25-50.  I've written to several of the sellers to ask if there are dealers for warranty work and parts around the Boston area.  One of the EBay sellers lists that for warranty or parts you have to go back to the distributor.  But possibly there are enough matching GX200 parts for standard use replacements. ??

SPECIFICATIONS
 
Starting: Recoil Pull Start
Fuel Consumption: .51 GPH
General Use Engine Oil: SAE 10W-30 API SJ or SL
Cooling System: Forced Air
PTO Shaft Rotation: Counterclockwise
Ignition System: Transistorized Magneto
Fuel Tank Capacity: .95 Gal
Displacement: 12 Cu-In
Engine Type: Single Cycle, 4 Stroke, OHV
Dimensions: 12"L x 14.3"W x 13.2"H
Crankshaft PTO: 2-7/16" x 3/4 Diameter Tapped 5/16 x 24 UNF
HP Rating: 6.4 HP @ 3600 RPM
Controls: Throttle/Fuel/Choke/On-Off
Engine Oil Capacity: .63Qt
Spark Plug: BP6ES
Idle Speed: 1400 RPM (+200/-150)
Fuel: 86 Octane or Higher Unleaded
Max Torque: 9.76 Ft/Lbs @ 2500 RPM
Shipping Weight: 37 lbs.
HDC Item: 03163

* HORIZONTAL SHAFT
(2-1/2" long x 3/4" diameter with 3/16 inch keyway & threaded end)

* SHAFT ROTATION (COUNTERCLOCKWISE)

* CONTROLS ( THROTTLE / CHOKE / ON-OFF)

* APPROX MOTOR SIZE (L 12.3 x W 14.8 x H 13.2)

* MOUNTING PLATE
( Approx size 7" x 4" total size see pics)
( holes approx 6.25 long way and 3.25 short way apart)

Harbor Freight sells these over the counter for 129.

The manual for the 6.5:
http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/96000-96999/96549.pdf

After a little more checking several race tracks have setup racing classes for these engines.

Harbor Freight sells the engine labeled Central Machinery engines and the manual on their web page says Central Machinery but the motor is made by Jiangdong manf in China. There seems to be a blizzard of Chinese companies that have partnered with Honda for the rights. But, given how Chinese companies sometimes work one umbrella company could have the rights and have many seemingly assocciated companies making the engine that are really the same company.

Harbor stocks Jiangdong made 11hp's for 269 and a 13 for 299. Parts can be gotten through Harbor, direct, or from several other sources via mail. I forgot to ask Harbor if they had on-hand stock.

Some places are selling the 6.5 for 109 and if you lived close to them could pick one up to avoid shipping. One poster picked one up on sale for 99 but I have not found one that low yet.

The 11hp seems like it would be a great candidate for an old Toro 724 frame.
trouts