new line of harbor freight engines, the predator series?

[Bluethunder3320]

idk, just went to their page today and found this...

http://www.harborfreight.com/small_engines.html

IMO, they look even cheaper than before...

 

[Bluethunder3320]

cross between a modern briggs and a clone??

equals this????

 

[DCProductions]

I wonder if there are still mods that will bolt in. Higher displacement promises a little if modified but it doesn't seem to be helping the hp ratings. Looks like it kept the clone carb.

 

[r97]

i would say maybe a kholer clone? or just a normal clone with more torque? (its 8.8ft/lbs @ 2500 rpm)

 

[Blazkowiez]

It still 100% looks like a Honda clone. The prices are identical to what they were having before on the clones. I'll be seeing in in a few weeks when customers bring them in, I'll bring tell ya'll what turns out.

 

[newrider3]

With different displacement specs, this probably kills the interchangeability of parts between clones and Hondas.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Have you noticed what the displacement that is claimed by the engines sold by Northern Tool?

 

[slideways]

These are clones of the Newer Hondas which are designed to meet Tier III emissions. Those that have seen them actually notice the quality of castings and parts are far better than the older clones even were.

Have you seen a Kohler OHV engine lately? Its a clone.. nothing original there except the air filter. Briggs has also created their own chinese clone in a smaller package that they are starting to use on pumps and such.

 

[Cstyle00]

Personally I like the blue Greyhounds, they start first pull right out of the box everytime.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

mine starts first pull everytime too (blue clone 6.5hp) especially in the freezing cold it is here now. doesnt even need to be a strong pull either!

you guys think they will eventually get rid of the blue ones and only stock the new series?

 

[redsox985]

These do have cast iron sleeves to boast over the current clones. While on topic, BMI has a whole new spread of clone parts available now.

 

[slideways]

Currrent clones have cast iron sleeves and dual bearing cranks.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

I still like the old clones better though, look simpler and tougher.

And redsox ill check out BMI.

One design i saw different to alot of engines (must be just ohv or something) is that the governor runs off a seperate gear in the back than the camshaft in te front.

 

[Blazkowiez]

It looks like the same **** thing to me in a different color. Just more work because they keep changing the air cleaner cover.

 

[man-on-a-MINIbike]

To all you haters,
I will stand on firm ground by the predator engines. I have put my 212 thru hell and back and gotta say these things got balls. I actually towed other people on the broke *** B&S mini bikes that broke in middle of nowhere out to safety up hills and such....I got 212cc on my Badass mini bike with comet 30 series....im 220lbs and I hit 55mph and climb any hill that came my way......Highly recommend this engine to anyone looking for a cheap but strong built alternative!

 

[r_chez_08]

I have heard good things. They are meant to be better casting than many clones and the extra 1mm stroke and 2mm bore (16cc) makes it noticeably more torquey than a 196cc clone.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

ive heard good things now that theyve been out for a while. i recommend them.

 

[conradf]

I just (an hour ago) installed a new predator 212 on my kids' Dingo...no problem, started first pull. Needed to drill 2 small holes to locate return spring from throttle. everything else bolted right up...Dont know about reliability or speed as of yet, just started to rain.

 

[blackleg miner]

Just got the 420 predator a couple weeks ago. Fired up nicely, need to get it on the arachnid and I'll let you guys know how it works.

 

[CaptCanadia]

I just got a 212cc pred today for 95 bucks. The thing started on the first pull and always does even without choking it. Idles and revs perfect. Cant ask for more.