General Repower Wheelhorse question

[FLtractor 238]

Evening,

 

Have asked other repower questions before, I understand the majority here would rather Get an orignal Kohler engine running driving tractor again compared to repower with different more modern solid state engine. 
Which I agree and am working on just that… however in not being very mechanical minded.. would like to know.. to better my knowledge of how this or that works.. is there a general rule of thumb that it takes so much horsepower to move a tractor with a person on it.. so much to run deck.. so much to tow ect.. For example.. would a used Honda 160 5.0 hp engine such as this pictured here power a 856.. run the mower deck.. tow… I have been told a predator 212 6.5 hp will.. and being new in box.. warranty.. 3x cost .. 159.00 + tax 212 predator (seller asking 50$for this Honda) but Predator piece of mind.. but being less hp.. and unknown engine internal shape.. would the Honda here have enough power? Formula to figure out displacement .. hp vs weight .. driving .. mower deck engagement. Towing needs.. if makes sense? 

Edited 21 hours ago by FLtractor

[Pullstart 71,343]

You’ve asked about the Predator lots of times.  It will do the jobs you asked.  But it’s cylinders is in a 60 (?) degree format.  It doesn’t always fit where a Kohler would have.  
 

Also, I have a 1/2 hp kick start Suburban with 27” rear tires and it scoots along just fine in 3rd gear.  I’m sure the Honda would work, for what you are asking.,,
 

 

[FLtractor 238]

10 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

You’ve asked about the Predator lots of times.  It will do the jobs you asked.  But it’s cylinders is in a 60 (?) degree format.  It doesn’t always fit where a Kohler would have.  
 

Also, I have a 1/2 hp kick start Suburban with 27” rear tires and it scoots along just fine in 3rd gear.  I’m sure the Honda would work, for what you are asking.,,
 

 

Thank you for the info.. interesting Never seen a kickstart on a Wheelhorse.
yes I have asked about them a lot.

hmm didn’t consider a cylinder angle.. wouldn’t that only matter if under the stock hood hitting it?
Perhaps should have asked different questions- Do you know of a book or author I could look up to learn more about how the Horsepower.. engine output.. torque .. amount needed move tractor.. attachments ect? Just wanna understand how that all works and what it all means in relation to each other. Would prefer book compared to internet reading. 

[Handy Don 17,520]

Quick clarification.  

@Pullstart's kick start is a re-power; kick start was never a stock WH engine

 

My two cents on merely adequate horsepower needs on mechanically efficient equipment:

- to move a tractor & operator on relatively level ground: <1 hp

- to climb a hill at walking speed: <2 hp

- with a 32” two-blade mower (sharp blades, moderate grass): ~4 hp (for 36” mower, ~5 hp)

- with a 42” snow blade or 1-stage blower moving ~6” of moist snow: ~7hp

- pull a 7” soil plow through moderately firm ground: ~6hp (sod-busting may need more)

 

Things that can add power needs:

- hydrostatic drive (add ~10% but reap convenience!)

- lots of belt pulleys

- dull mower blades

- chains on drive wheels

- rough ground and steep hills

- poorly-tuned engine

- higher ground speeds

Edited 1 hour ago by Handy Don

[FLtractor 238]

4 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Quick clarification.  

@Pullstart's kick start is a re-power; kick start was never a stock WH engine

 

My two cents on merely adequate horsepower needs on mechanically efficient equipment:

- to move a tractor & operator on relatively level ground: <1 hp

- to climb a hill at walking speed: <2 hp

- with a 32” two-blade mower (sharp blades, moderate grass): ~4 hp (for 36” mower, ~5 hp)

- with a 42” snow blade or 1-stage blower moving ~6” of moist snow: ~7hp

- pull a 7” soil plow through moderately firm ground: ~6hp (sod-busting may need more)

 

Things that can add power needs:

- hydrostatic drive (add ~10% bur reap convenience!)

- lots of belt pulleys

- dull mower blades

- chains on drive wheels

- rough ground and steep hills

- poorly-tuned engine

- higher ground speeds

Yes I know his kickstart is a repower.. just haven’t ever seen or heard of any Wheelhorse or any tractor ever using a kickstart engine before. Interesting idea that works great for his Wheelhorse.

thank you for the helpful breakdown and taking the time to write it out.