Craftsman Snowblower with Predator 212cc Repower in Action, blowing snow, Harbor Freight engine EP5

In this video we test out a Predator 212cc engine on a Craftsman 27" two stage snowblower.
The original 8.5hp Briggs was plagued with running issues. So after the first snow storm and the Briggs quit on me again I decided to put a new engine on it. This was the second storm I used it and I could not be happier!
In a future video we will go step by step on removing the original B&S engine and installing the new Harbor Freight Predator engine.
#snowblowing #predator #repower

[@georgesteffens7489]

These predators are awesome in a modded project, I imagine they hold up well in stock form. Gonna be swapping out a tired tecumseh for one of these on my MTD this summer. Thanks for sharing!

[@gergemall]

Bet it’s nice that when it’s snowing that the machine actually starts …

[@5beesgarage]

Thanks for the comment Jon. It certainly is. Started every time thus far.

[@taekwondobro]

Snow is as good as destroyed

[@5beesgarage]

Haha. Thanks for the comment Bro!

[@marcopolo-zh4je]

Beats shoveling

[@5beesgarage]

My back agrees with you!

[@640amthemix]

This video is a strong advertisement for warmer states like Florida 🌴😁

[@5beesgarage]

No many snowblower repairs in FL though.

[@myfordranger]

i have a 20 year old craftsman snow blower old tec motor needs a valve job. i do have a new pred 212cc in a box maybe ill try to install it over the summer..

[@5beesgarage]

If you make it work you will be happy with the conversion. I sure am.

[@ChrisXOutdoors]

That engine purrs. I think I’m becoming more and more of a predator swap fan as time goes on. Nice work Brian 👌🏼

[@5beesgarage]

Thanks Chris. She certainly does work well.

[@ShutterSpeak]

Looks like that worker great

[@5beesgarage]

Thanks for the comment Joseph. It did work great.

[@Macrosill]

I am surprised how well that engine ran. I hope to see the engine swap details soon!

[@5beesgarage]

Thanks for the comment. The swap video will be coming soon.

[@640amthemix]

I had an old sears snow blower that could of used some 5b's TLC. Great video Brian 👍

[@5beesgarage]

Thanks. If you still have it I can surely fix it for you.

[@640amthemix]

@@5beesgarage long gone but thanks anyway 👍

[@daveyboy6832]

How do you feel the power compares to the 8.5 Briggs? Ive got the 8hp version of this machine, which Im sure is really like 6hp since its 208cc, and it works better than I thought...but watching all of these predator repower videos has really interested me in this swap for this machine or my older compact 24.

[@5beesgarage]

Since I do not have a new 8.5 Briggs I can not compare apples to apples. Sorry Davey. I would do the repower again and again if needed without hesitation, if that means anything.

[@gammaxi1275]

@5 Bees Garage - How far away is that repower video? :) I'm wanting to do that to a slightly smaller craftsman that's original engine had a cam shaft. I had the pulleys I needed in my amazon cart but haven't pulled the trigger yet because I can't get the drive gear off the shaft to flip the transmission around. Ideas?

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

Sounded and worked great. What hp is it ? And easier on fuel too, I’m betting.

[@5beesgarage]

Noel, The Harbor Freight Predator 212cc engine is rated at 6.5hp. My sin used it the last storm for about 5 hours and we only refilled the tank once, if I recall correctly.

[@noelstractors-firewood57]

5 Bees Garage that’s great. Just goes to show, you don’t need an expensive snow blower to get the snow moved.

[@CMCSS-to3to]

The predator sounds scary

[@5beesgarage]

The movie was more scary unless you are a B&S! LOL

[@craigchiddo2794]

How is it in the plow pile

[@5beesgarage]

Craig, I am amazed at hot much power the HF engine has. I did run into a small issue last weekend after the snowmageddon we received here in the Northeast. Upcoming video on that so be sure to subscribe! Thanks for the comment.