Log Splitter Predator motor install

We will build a eigine plate install the Predator motor on the Log Splitter and add a throttle.
Predator 5.5 HP 173cc OHV Vertical Shaft Gas Engine - Certified for California; Fuel Shut Off and Recoil Start amzn.to/2BNCq30
The original Briggs & Stratton engine was $357.95
Mofeez 3" 4" 6" inch 3-Jaw Gear Puller - Gear Removal Tool for Slide Gears, Pulley, and Flywheel 3pc Set amzn.to/368KUj3
Arnold Universal Walk-Behind Mower Throttle Control Kit amzn.to/2Pk3Q8n
Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant with Brush Top Bottle, 8 oz. amzn.to/2BNss1v
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[@tiffanytate9079]

your video is awesome. I was going to get the predator but used my old lawnmower engine but your video still was the framework to make it happen. Thank you so much!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Use what you have I wouldn't pay for nothing if I don't have to thanks for the comment.

[@219Tucker]

Did the same conversion. To make it even simpler, three 10mm nuts remove the shroud and recoil. Remove spring on engine brake and kill switch lever, reinstall the cover. Use a small soft spring to hold the lever in the run position. Now if you want to stop the engine just push the lever to kill it. It just grounds the coil primary with a single wire. Super simple. Now wire the throttle to wide open all the time. The engine is governed to 3600 rpm where it is designed to run. It is air cooled so it's not designed to be worked at a lower rpm or you lack cooling. So no need for that holder on the run/stop/brake lever or a throttle lever. Just run it. Easy! :-)

[@Robinson-Homestead]

thanks for the information

[@brianoconnell6743]

Kevin, I used your "technique" modified for my own log splitter!! YOU ARE A GENIUS!! I can't seem to post pictures here, but, I have them for all interested. MERRY CHRISTMAS! I actually cobbled the parts from my engine that died for these modifications!!!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you for the comment Brian Merry Christmas to you my friend.

[@greghudson1489]

Thank you! Just replaced my 1995 5hp Tecumseh with this 5.5 Predator engine, after watching your swap out. Longer pto was no issue on my old "Speeco" splitter. Bolted right in with no mods or spacers needed. Did a minor re-route of the pressure side hydraulic line to clear the new engine exhaust. Do have the same throttle & kill switch issues. Coat hanger wire for both for now.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for sharing.

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

Great job Kevin! Thank you for sharing!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Paul.

[@jamesstanley5503]

Great video and explanation along with outstanding ingenuity.. thanks for posting

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Glad to help thanks for the comment and watching James.

[@andras888]

This video is a life saver. Thank you!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks glad i could help

[@theofficialseenagers]

thank you Kevin, this video is awesome!

[@wayner-model5880]

Thank you! I watched your video and proceeded to do the same thing to mine. It took me longer, as I’m not very skilled, but i got the job done and it looks and works great. Thank you! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Glad it helped! Thank you so mush for the comment.

[@TheWoodHaven]

The longer it ran, the better it sounded. That's gonna be a nice mod. You'll be glad you went with the Predator if you need to change it out again.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Working great so far thanks Daryl.

[@gerardbauer4035]

Is there anything you can't do? I doubt it :) Love your videos. I started watching them when you had your Runaway camper. I'm a Runaway owner and got many ideas from you. Now I just flat out love watching anything you do. Die hard fan for sure. Take care. Until next video.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Gerard Bauer I do wish I could read a book but God just gave me something else.

[@brianthomas8792]

I just switch out my old Brigs and Stratton for a 6hp Honda I bought a power washer for $40 bucks that had a bad pump. It took 30 minutes or less to switch it out and now it starts the first pull every time

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Nice thanks for sharing.

[@ericjohnson2983]

I did the same thing for a HF Predator engine but used thick washers I punched out of .125 aluminum instead and stacked them. This allows me to use any length shaft by adding or removing washers(I also didnt want to cut the shaft). I have split at least 25 cord with it so far and works great. The heavy flywheel one at Northern was triple the cost. My only recommendation is pull start it with heavy gloves on so it doesnt snap back and remove the skin on your hands( a heavy flywheel prevents this). I now have two spare engines i got from garage sales so im good to go when this engine wears out or breaks.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the information Eric that works

[@mattkowal5392]

Nice job, got the same engine for my splitter, I’m gonna copy your ideas for the controls.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

All yours Matt.

[@frankcarrerejr]

Another good job, it seems pretty quiet.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks Frank working great so far.

[@jmccracken491]

Kevin, Easy conversion for sure it usually is not that easy. Keppin it real and Keepin it clean.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Jim.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

Thanks Kevin. I was looking forward to this. Neat fix bud.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Tomoko.

[@TomokosEnterprize]

@@Robinson-Homestead Folks call me Papa Dean my friend. Dean is just fine. You did a great job on the splitter. Nice and tidy. Looks like it came like that.

[@12stunter]

@@Robinson-Homestead hi Kevin my name is dan. I'm trying to find out what the peace is you replaced on the lovejoy. Mine is missing teeth as well. Any help would be great thanks

[@randyhowesfamily]

love this video! been trying to figure out how to do the on/off as well. Great job

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the comment and watching Randy.

[@wsmayeux]

Remove the top cover. Remove the big brake spring. Place a smaller spring on the brake arm holding it in the run position. Use the btake arm lever to shut off the motor.

[@wsmayeux]

Also, no throttle needed. Remove the spring from the lever that the throttle cable is supposed to attatch to and move it so it holds that lever in the full throttle position. Not the governor spring, the smaller one.

[@supertruckertom]

We just did this on Oct 29 and found your video on the 30th. The Predator shaft was about 1/8 " longer and we just added washers. Fabricated a throttle cable from an old lawn mower. Pulled the safety brake back and wired it in place. Adjusted throttle for smooth running rpm. Ran so much quieter than the Briggs. Easy starting. Had plenty of power at just over idle

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Mine is still working great thanks for the comment and watching.

[@noname-rl8jp]

Great job Kevin

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Glenn.

[@preachermand5380]

Watching your video was like reliving everything I did this past weekend. Except I built a small 2x4 wood frame, 9x9 inches, bolted the frame onto my log splitter, then screwed my new Predator engine onto the frame. It's ugly, but it works.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

That's all that counts thanks for the comment and watching.

[@williammcguire3rd]

Awesome job!!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you William.

[@none5355melvinMadigan]

Nice clever install

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you Melvin.

[@muddyudders]

Well apparently your video suggests my video next and quite a few people follow the link. Thanks for posting. Looking through your content we do a lot of the same stuff I've just split mine to different channels. Gaspointknives is my blacksmith channel. Thanks again for the great content

[@toddmccarter45]

I like the cutoff handle thing, but it might be a good idea to paint it red so its easy to see and shutdown if you need to.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Good idea Todd thanks.

[@philliphall5198]

I’ve been cutting the shaft off on all the ones I’ve done and no one has noticed any difference 😊😊😊

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Mine is working great so far thanks for the comment.

[@5678seth]

Not bad you did a good job

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thank you John.

[@chevysilver-ray-dough6328]

I've also been told that I have a short shaft as well.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

You can just build a spacer work for me thanks for the comment.

[@tinman9093]

Great job with the shutoff handle and the throttle cable.....same engine on the splitter I just bought. I have to change things on my splitter. The guy I bought it from used an "S" hook to hold the shutoff open so to shut it off I have to use channel locks and it has a spring holding the throttle wide open. Not to my liking.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Mine is still working good but the pull rope has some kickback be careful. Thanks for the comment.

[@Sethhaun78]

Best video I've found..

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Wow, thanks!

[@jasonzee4561]

That was the first engine I bought it did not work for my log spliter. Took it back for the predator 6.5 and that works good.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

what happened Jason?

[@dannydunnagan3267]

Glad it worked out we just had a new washer and dryer put in from lowes the washer didn't,t last till the got out of the driveway another new one coming tomorrow.now that is sad.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Hope the new one works for you Danny.

[@Sethhaun78]

Great video thanks gotta swap mine..same deal but horizontal

[@Robinson-Homestead]

It works thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@Sethhaun78]

I will message you when I do it in few days .might need help thanks

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Sounds good i will help if i can.

[@Hatch61]

Well, she certainly splits wood. Have fun, and be well my friend.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Better than an axe for sure thank you Hatch.

[@johnhoagland2214]

I HAVE A SPEEDCO 22 TON THAT I REPLACED A B&S ENGINE WITH A 173 PREDATOR HF ENGINE, AS YOU DID... I JUST WIRED THE BRAKE COMPLETELY BACK, SO IT WILL NOT MOVE, AND WHEN YOU WANT TO SHUT IT OFF, JUST PRESS THE PRIMER BULB AFTER YOU IDLE IT DOWN.. AND IT WILL SHUT OFF... SPLITS PONDEROSA PINE/ PINON PINE LIKE COLD BUTTER! ALSO, FIND A PALLET, PUT SOME LEGS ON IT AND BUNGEE IT AGAINST YOUR SPLITTING SURFACE TO CATCH THE LEFT-OVERS..... THANK, JOHN IN CO

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the comment John.

[@sheilabowers7532]

Good job oh buddy thanks for the video G-man out

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks G-man.

[@jacobmarucco6650]

The new piece you bought. The spider thing is not in the description. Mine is a MtD 20 ton and was not in there when taken apart. As someone else stated didn’t see in description. Great video

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the comment.

[@jacobmarucco6650]

Thanks remember where you purchased the plastic item? I need one and cannot find.

[@heathfiedler]

Sounds like a good motor, hopefully its still going, im thinking of getting one for a mower deck since the little 3.5 i had blew something in the engine and keeps blowing out oil.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

The oil is not too full is it?

[@heathfiedler]

@@Robinson-Homestead I did over fill it a bit so I had pulled the breather off and let it push out the excess but its atca proper level and still coughing up oil. I just wonder if the guy I bought it from damaged it in some way and didn't tell me. I have an idea that's the case just because of some of the Jerry rigging I found on the carb and governor.

[@426superbee4]

I would make a engine guard for it.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Good idea thanks.

[@wandamcgann7728]

YOU ARE A PRETTY SMART MAN

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks Wanda

[@chrisssmallengines7163]

You can buy Love joys which are different sizes on each end so there are other sizes available .

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I think you can I would have to look but I do think so.

[@jimmytate7587]

you should measure to the outside edge of the lovejoy coupler

[@ke6bnl]

did you think of putting the spacer on the bottom portion and have the motor mounted solid to the splitter frame. Just put a horiZontal motor on my splitter yesterday, works great but mine was a direct bolt on.

[@woodsmanallnaturalbbqwoods]

How do you change the oil? I have a very similar set up. Predator 173 cc engine on a YTD yard machines wood splitter. It was given to me.

[@peacehavenpointe1454]

Very well figured and done, proud of you and your accomplishment on the motor 💪 install. As always REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU 🙏 🙏🙏!!!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for having a nice comment all the time my friend.

[@charlesjohnson9277]

What length did u cut the spacers. I am coping this build

[@stevereilly3561]

trying to do the same thing right now....how did you make the brake lever.....what kind of wire? Have you ever seen anything like that to purtchase?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I just used 1/8 inch round bar for mine, and no i haven't seen anything like it for sale.Thanks for watching.

[@jonathanschneider6192]

Nice job. I have the exact same issue with my MTD log splitter, so this video was perfect. Where did you find the black plastic piece that goes between the two metal couplings?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I got mine from Amazon not sure which one you have. Lovejoy 11075amzn.to/3cqLvyS

[@jonathanschneider6192]

@@Robinson-Homestead Okay, it is called a Lovejoy. That explains why my amazon search for "plastic thing that fits in the log splitter coupling" was not very fruitful. Thanks a million.

[@rolanddutton7059]

Kevin, is the round plate really necessary? Or, could you just stack a bunch of washers and then bolt it down? Thanks....my MTD 25 ton 6 HP Briggs engine is dying

[@Robinson-Homestead]

You can try stack the washers it can't hurt. Sometimes I over think things. Thanks for the comment if can help let me know.

[@floydwebtube]

Do you recall the part number on the blue spider coupling bushing gear from the lovejoy? I just pulled mine and it was so shreaded that I couldn't find a number. Do you recall where you purchased the replacement from? I have the same exact splitter as you. Great video, and thank you!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Link in the description.

[@floydwebtube]

​@@Robinson-Homestead I did not see a link in the description to the blue spider coupling bushing gear that you are holding in your hand at 3:27 in your video. Did I miss something? Thank you. :-)

[@floydwebtube]

I think this is it: www.mtdparts.com/en_US/miscellaneous-classification/spider-coupling-bushing/735-04103.html#start=0

[@shamir062]

Hey Kevin, Great Video. I have a Yard Machine Briggs and Stratton. I want to change the oil, but don't know where the oil plug is located. Cn you help me out?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Look on the bottom of the engine for the plug.

[@buckhunter132]

I have that same log splitter i dont have any way to cut the circle plate that you did. Do you think it would be fine if i simply used the tubular steel as a riser?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

It's not going hurt give it a try let me how if it works thanks for the comment.

[@boblockwood64]

Great job. I have the MTD Yard with a B&S that needs replacing. Im considering the Predator as well so thanks for identifying/overcoming some of the issues I'll run into. Two questions I have. 1). why not just cut the longer shaft to length? 2). The B&S has a cast iron flywheel that helps with inertia since there's no mower blade, Predator has a light weight aluminum flywheel. No noticeable issues?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I left the shaft longer so I have to change it will be easier. On problem with the flywheel so far.

[@monkeywentbananas]

Bob L Working on a Craftsman repower and I cut 1-1/8" off the shaft on my new Predator motor and ended up with less than a 1/2" threaded hole remaining. I had to drill and tap the shaft and also had to grind the keyway to extend it in order for the blade collet to slide all the way down.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

@@monkeywentbananas thanks for sharing was it hard to do?

[@monkeywentbananas]

@@Robinson-Homestead On a scale of 1 to 10 in shade tree mechanics I would say it was a 9! The other issues I had with that Predator motor was the brake mechanism. I ended up putting a weaker spring on it in order to be able to actuate it with the hand bail! How did You bypass the brake in Your log splitter application?

[@12stunter]

Do you have a part number or link to a replacment to the blue plastic peace that drives the pump?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

it should be in the description

[@prestonprtcobra8109]

Nice video. Question, have you had a problem with that engine kicking back when starting it & pulling the pullcord out of your hand? I have tried 3 different ones of the same model & the timing has to be off because the fuel lites on the upstroke of the piston & violently rips the cord out of my hand. Also is there a reason you faced your exhaust towards you? Thanks again!!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Yes it does kick back not good.

[@johnfitzgerald1035]

I have the same issue. It was explained to me that it happens because the Predator is a mower engine and there is not enough drag on the motor when mounted on a splitter.

[@prestonprtcobra8109]

Yes so i found out that a log splitter needs a heavy flywheel to make up for no weight/ blade on the shafts end to push the piston over the cycle without snapping back up. I bought a b&s with a heavy flywheel after months of non stop research & it resolved the issues.

[@NHHalKnowsHow]

My question is where does it blow the exhaust? is it away from you?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I've never had any issues with it exhaust on it.

[@bobbipson8906]

Does the engine have a cast iron flywheel or does the pump act as the harmonic balancer?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Sorry im not sure about that.

[@bobbipson8906]

I answered my own question today. I put a mower engine on a fellow's Yard Machines splitter, and the pump it drives does indeed serve as a 'harmonic balancer' (kind of like the blade does on mower applications. Oh no! I learned something! Owwwww! Thanks for replying.@@Robinson-Homestead

[@cliffp73]

You know mu wife says my shaft is shorter also.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Lol ok Cliff thanks for sharing my friend.

[@brianthomas8792]

Where did you buy the replacement blue spider gear ?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I think the is in the description.

[@jesserodriguez639]

Hello great video. Where did you buy part for the lovejoy ? Thank you?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Amazon link in the description thanks Jesse.

[@12stunter]

@@Robinson-Homestead were is the link for thisbpeace can't seem to find it ?

[@monkeywentbananas]

I just did a Predator repower on a 24 yr old Craftsman push mower and made the mistake of cutting 1-1/8" off the shaft. I was left with a threaded hole less than 1/2" deep! I ended up drilling and tapping the shaft and grinding the keyway to extend it to accept the blade adapter! If your existing mower has a shorter shaft then I don't recommend the Predator!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the info.

[@dougmoore7116]

Could you give us an update? How’s the new motor working out for you?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

The motor worked out great this year so far Doug maybe I will do a update video In the spring.

[@ravenfeather7087]

It's not a Lovejoy it's a coupler. A coupler is a device used to connect two objects. Lovejoy Inc. is a manufacturer of this particular type of coupler. Seven eights of an inch is the diameter (width across the center) of the shaft and not the circumference (distance round the outside of the shaft) as you indicated.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for watching.

[@chasehaugh2]

Anybody have the measurements for the kill switch rod? Length and where the tack weld was put? I would like to make one on my lunch break at work today? Can’t really measure mine as it’s at home… same motor as in the video! Thanks

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Sorry

[@surroundedbyjaggoffs]

That’s the same motor I put on my splitter , the flywheel is to light and it backfires when starting and pulls the handle out of your hand rapidly and it hurts like Hell it finally broke my hand and wrist , so be careful!!!!

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I no what you mean thanks for the comment.

[@michelelangevin3038]

what ton is the log splitter. Can i use on 25 ton splitter

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I would think mine 20 ton not sure.

[@johnhoagland2214]

just an afterthought- you put your engine so the oil plug might be in the way of the splitter body... how will you add oil/check oil level? Also, to change the oil- there is no, i repeat, no drain plug!! because it is a lawnmower engine they want you to lean the mower on its side to drain out the old oil!...Can not do that with a splitter!...I bought a 12 volt pump/extractor unit on Ebay for 15 dollars that plugs into your trucks cig lighter and that worked fine when I changed the oil after 20 hours during the break-in process......keep the videos comin.... john in co.

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the information.

[@jacobmarucco6650]

Thank you. I’ve been looking around this thing for the plug for a few

[@stevetuskes7384]

what if shafts too short

[@Robinson-Homestead]

You might have to modify the position of the pump.

[@MiserableOldFart]

Lawmower engines don't have suitable flywheels, no? Don't you need a heavy flywheel, or does the pump suffice?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

So far mine is working great with no issues.

[@michaelpreston2392]

Why not just cut the shaft off to the correct length?

[@Robinson-Homestead]

I think it was much easier just to put a spacer for me.

[@kennymartin379]

Not a predator motor

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for the comment Kenny.

[@edrose5027]

The motor is junk I've been doing tree work for 30 years I never had a motor to motor like that is joke I busted my Knuckles on it the motor the cord pulls too damn hard it's junk

[@Robinson-Homestead]

Thanks for watching