Bandit 65 - Replacing Engine

Douglas Post · Sep 22, 2017

I have one of the original Bandit 65s and thinking about replacing the Kohler Model 582 (23HP) engine with this one from Harbor Freight (LINK).
Don't know much about engines but it appears it would work. Has anyone done this or have recommendations?

Merle Nelson · Sep 22, 2017

Welcome to TreeBuzz by the way. I have a 65AW with 30+ horse Wisconsin. If you value your time much and or doing any production work, I would look at the near 40 horse air cooled engines.

RopeKnight put one on his 65 and it is included in a thread here.

Search various forms of Bandit 65 (AW), (XP).

Merle Nelson · Sep 22, 2017

Oops, @RopeShield, should let him know were thinking of him.

KarlP · Oct 8, 2017

Douglas Post said:
Has anyone done this or have recommendations?

I just did this last month on my '97. The original 25 Kohler (actually 23.5) died. I opted to replace it with a 35 Briggs Vanguard. I had a welder move one slide rail for tensioning the belt forward and cut me a new engine mounting plate for the larger footprint engine. I am VERY happy with the additional power. I upgraded from 68BX to 68BP belts on the existing double sheeve pulleys to handle it.

Your option looks a LOT less expensive. However with the 35 the chipper can keep up with the pace I want to work. Barely ever need to pause the feedwheel to let the disk come back up to speed. Only on 4.5"+ stuff that is more than 8' long.

Jehinten · Oct 8, 2017

I replaced the original briggs and straton (20hp) on an olathe 182 which is a 6" disc chipper with the exact motor that you listed. It worked well on this little chipper, at first when it would get loaded down the exhaust would smoke, but once the rings seated we never had a problem with it. I used that chipper for another year with that setup until it was time to upgrade to a larger machine.

RopeShield · Oct 9, 2017

40hp Subaru is working fine bit hard to restart after warmed up
No mods needed going from 25hp to the 40

brushbandit · Dec 16, 2017

I would be careful with the Harbor Freight engine which I’m sure is sourced out of China. If this machine gets light use it may be ok. If you depend on this machine for revenue look for a Kohler option

Tom Dunlap · Dec 16, 2017

I buy some hand tools that I have low expectations ofnfrom HF. There is NO way I would buy an engine for a chipper from them though

If you do go that way read a lot of reviews about the engine first

tc262 · Dec 16, 2017

I've had good luck with the Chinese knockoff motors but still don't 100% trust them. Like what's been said already, if its a hobby or side work and you could live without it great, but if you depend on this unit don't buy a Harbor Freight motor.

Lbj · Jun 14, 2018

KarlP said:
I just did this last month on my '97. The original 25 Kohler (actually 23.5) died. I opted to replace it with a 35 Briggs Vanguard. I had a welder move one slide rail for tensioning the belt forward and cut me a new engine mounting plate for the larger footprint engine. I am VERY happy with the additional power. I upgraded from 68BX to 68BP belts on the existing double sheeve pulleys to handle it.

Your option looks a LOT less expensive. However with the 35 the chipper can keep up with the pace I want to work. Barely ever need to pause the feedwheel to let the disk come back up to speed. Only on 4.5"+ stuff that is more than 8' long.

I picked up a 2003 bandit 65aw for $300.00 in pieces , needs a motor , I am going to replace a old Honda 20hp with vanguard 35hp but all the mufflers are on the back of the motor , guess I need a side mount ? Also where can find a wiring diagram for the chipper Thanks for any help