How can I increase the hp of a Briggs and Stratton, without opening the engine?
I have an older MTD riding mower with an 11hp Briggs that does not have enough power to run the blades and drive the tractor. I don't have a lot of money to spend on repairs or replacement of the engine or mower.
There are a number of things you can do to help your older mower. An 11hp mower should have enough power unless you are attempting to cut grass and bushes too large for the machine.
Remove and inspect the belt or belts. Worn belts will slip causing loss of power. While the belt is off turn the blades by hand to see that they turn freely. Worn spindles can bind and reduce power. Check the blades for damage and keep them sharp. Dull blades take more power to cut the grass. Clean the air filter if needed.
I have a Craftsman 11hp mower that still works well because I maintain it. All machinery needs a little TLC. Good luck.
If the winter of 2010 has proven one thing, it's that you can't always rely on Mother Nature to be predictable. With record snowfalls on the East Coast and bone-chilling cold temperatures in the South, this winter has simply been a free-for-all, with everyone not knowing what;s in store for tomorrow.
However, those how live in heavy snow areas are sure about one thing--nothing beats a good snowblower. One of these gas powered or electric babies can really come in handy when the white stuff comes down hard...especially if there's an emergency situation and you absolutely, positively need to get out of your garage.
But how do you shop for a snowblower? What features should you look for? And what's the best snow blower for your needs? Here's a few tips that might help you get started on the right track...
--Consider the engine first. A gas power snowblower will operate much like a lawn mower, with similar starting systems and features. Plus, many of the heavier duty snowblowers will most likely feature a gas powered engine. Electric snowblowers are lighter and require less energy to use--perfect if you have most dustings and the occasional blizzard.
--Get the right width and path for your region. With snowblowers, you can go extremely heavy duty (which cuts through thigh high drifts like butter) or extremely light weight (which gets an inch or two off your driveway pretty quickly). The best advice is to check with a snowblower expert at Lowes, Home Depot, or Sears. They'll steer you in the right direction for your particular needs.
--Finally, consider converting your lawn tractor to a snow thrower. If you have a riding lawn mower, you can easily purchase a conversion kit to add a blade on the front that clears a path quickly. Plus, you can offer to clear your neighbor's driveways and sidewalks as well--for the right price, of course. And easy way to make a few extra bucks.
Choosing the best snowblower doesn't have to be difficult. Just find the one that's perfect for your needs and stick with the top brand names, like Toro, Ariens, Cub Cadet, Troy, Yardman, Yard Machines, or MTD. You should be cutting a swath through the white stuff in no time at all!
Jason Whitney writes about choosing the best snowblower at http://www.snowblowerexpert.com/
