How to Repower Anything

Repowered Garden Tractors Work “Better Than New”

If you have an older model garden tractor that has a worn-out engine but the rest of the tractor is still in good shape, you’ll be interested in the Repowering service provided by Jim Kaczmarek of Hastings, Minnesota.

Kaczmarek specializes in replacing Kohler 1-cylinder and other engines with new Vanguard 2-cyinder, “twin overhead valve” engines. He will repower your tractor right in his shop, or sell you the engine along with a kit that lets you do the job yourself.

“On most tractor models, the tractor frame may have to be modified quite a bit. In all cases, the engine side panels fit like they did before so you can hardly even tell the tractor has been repowered,” says Kaczmarek.

Some of the tractors he commonly repowers include the Deere 140, 314, 317, 318, and other models: Cub Cadet 682,782 and 1450; Ariens GT 14; and Case 446.

“The Vanguard engine runs smoother and in many cases has more power than the Kohler,” says Kaczmarek. “One problem on some Kohler models is that they don’t have an oil pump so if you use the tractor on hills the engine can run dry.”

The Vanguard engines range from 14 to 23 hp. “We use the Vanguard because it’s a high quality engine with a lot of torque, and it’s also smaller so you can add more power without having to make many modifications to the tractor frame. We use the tractor’s original key switch and ignition but install a new starter. In cases where we have to install an external oil filter, a hole is drilled into the tractor frame. We order the engine without the exhaust manifold and muffler, which we install separately. The muffler can be mounted on either side of the tractor or even out the front.”

One unusual repower job involved a 1973 Deere Hydro 140 garden tractor equipped with a front-end-loader. It was originally powered by a Kohler 14 hp engine. Kaczmarek replaced it with a 14 hp Vanguard engine 15 years ago, and it’s still running strong today. “The Vanguard engine has a lot of power for it’s size,” says Kaczmarek. “There’s 200 lbs. of liquid in each tire on this tractor and also about 500 lbs. of weight on back. The tractor alone weighs about 700 lbs. and the loader about 400 lbs., for 2,000 lbs. total. The loader can haul a load of about 700 lbs. That’s a total weight of 2,700 lbs. However, the Vanguard 14 hp engine has enough torque that it can power the tractor and also operate the loader with no problem.

“Another advantage of the Vanguard engine is that it’s relatively lightweight. The original Kohler weighs about 140 lbs., but the Vanguard model weighs only 95 lbs. The lighter weight makes the tractor much easier to steer.”

Cost varies depending on the tractor model and engine used, but generally is in the $1,800 to $2,000 range when Kaczmarek does the work. Do-it-yourselfers can purchase the engine and kit for $900 to $1,450, depending on the engine size. An oil filter relocation kit sells for about $130, and a stub shaft kit for about $70. The exhaust manifold and muffler sell for about $80.

He started his Repowering business in 1988 and says business has grown every year. He has customers as far away as Montana and Wyoming. “Some of the original engines on the older garden tractors are becoming obsolete and aren’t even available anymore. The Kohler 20 hp engine is a good example,” says Kaczmarek. “We always have a big supply of new Vanguard engines on hand and also keep a good supply of Deere garden tractor parts and some Cub Cadet parts. We also sell repowered garden tractors already fitted with Vanguard engines.”

Besides Repowering garden tractors, Kaczmarek has also used the Vanguard engine to repower Bobcat Case skid steer loaders and even a 5-wheeled Deere Gator.