Sourcing a motor

Dirtdad

Dirtdad

Member
#1
#1
So, I sourced a 3 1/2 Briggs for my project, but didnt realize it has an output shaft that is about 1 3/4, not the 2.3" that apparently I need. In looking for a motor, I see several lawn edgers that I could source a motor from. Question is, do these edgers typically have the short, or longer output shaft? I also see a gas generator with a 5 hp motor, would this be more likely to have the longer shaft? Will a 5 hp still fit within a typical minibike frame? Im working on an Arco Bushwacker, I think.
Thanks.
 
M

mchadsey1

Well-Known Member
#2
#2
Dirtdad said:
So, I sourced a 3 1/2 Briggs for my project, but didnt realize it has an output shaft that is about 1 3/4, not the 2.3" that apparently I need. In looking for a motor, I see several lawn edgers that I could source a motor from. Question is, do these edgers typically have the short, or longer output shaft? I also see a gas generator with a 5 hp motor, would this be more likely to have the longer shaft? Will a 5 hp still fit within a typical minibike frame? Im working on an Arco Bushwacker, I think.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Definitely wouldnt recomend a generator engine. 99% of the time they come with a tapered shaft and would have to be machined or you would need to purchase an adapter to utilize them. Most of the time you can get away with an edger motor . But not all shafts are the same length. Keep in mind the of the exhaust direction. You dont want the hot glasses blowing on your leg.
 
cl350rr

cl350rr

Well-Known Member
#3
#3
All of my mini's have had edger engines in them. I have only had one that required an adapter to run a centrifugal clutch on the crankshaft because it was too short. Some have had 5/8" shafts, some 3/4. Buy the clutch/torque converter after you have the engine in hand.

My recommendation to you is go out and look at the edgers, rototillers, snow blowers available in your area, bring measuring tools to determine if the output shaft will work for your needs. Be ready to snatch up the good ones you find as they are getting harder to find.

Randy
 
Dirtdad

Dirtdad

Member
#8
#8
Just for information. My wife happened to go to the UPS store for some Amazon return, and I asked her to check what it would cost to ship 45 lbs., in a 12 x 12 x 12 box, from Raleigh, North Carolina, to our home in Southern California. Ground shipping would be 141.07, and she forgot to ask what it would cost for them to box the item. There may be some less expensive ways to ship, but I am not aware of them. Again, thanks for the nice offer. If I want to add my location to my avatar, do I just list it under "Update your status"?
 
Havasu Dave

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#9
#9
Fed Ex costs me about $85 to ship from Lake Havasu City to East Coast. Click on your name and scroll down and you'll see options for location, etc. Where you are at is a very good place to find engines by the way. What are you looking for? Theres a BS 130202 (5HP) not far from me on Ebay for $100. Shipping is extra, but they are getting harder to find and good engines if they fit your application.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1766467055...k59drVIfloyyxpONMSiEWnMuiO|tkp:Bk9SR_D614GGZw
 
Dirtdad

Dirtdad

Member
#10
#10
Thanks for the lead. I do have a few possibilities, mostly 3 or 3 1/2 hp motors. I just posted the shipping cost for info. Sounds like Fed Ex has better pricing.
 
sparkwizard

sparkwizard

#12
#12
Snow blowers are a good bet, but we don't have them here, either. Rototillers generally get worked to death in the dusty fields, so generally are not a good source for engines.
 
Havasu Dave

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#15
#15
sparkwizard said:
Snow blowers are a good bet, but we don't have them here, either. Rototillers generally get worked to death in the dusty fields, so generally are not a good source for engines.
Click to expand...
It is generally understood that if one is going to use an engine for a project, one would need to rebuild it. Rejecting a possible engine because of what piece of equipment is was used on is not realistic. I shy away from snow blower engines, because the tins are generally rusted too badly, and of course require a longer ride headed out this way. I'll take a good desert piece of equipment over something from Michigan any day. I used "generally" twice. I sound like a Dick Head here. Don't mean to. Just don't like the advice given on a certain website that is full of opionion and stolen data.
 
Dirtdad

Dirtdad

Member
#19
#19
Hi guys. Not sure when this went from me asking for advice on what type of equipment was most likely to yield the right shaft length, to my not being able to find a motor. I never said I couldnt find a motor. Today I picked up an edger with a 3 1/2, and the guy started to show me it runs. I also started it when I got home. The shaft looks to be the right length. I may keep an eye out for a 5 hp to store in case I get hooked on building these things.
Inerestingly, I also found someone with a bunch of edgers advertised for 20.00. I think its a large gardening company switching to electric equipment per new California laws. I may go see whats there, but not until next week. Its also about an hour away.
 
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