Should I Build it?

Fail, Mo! :#1:Try again!  

That convinced me I'm buying a TM

I say go for it MO. Are you thinking propane or heat exchangers for heat. Either way go for it, I've seen the first operating Hydramaster unit
at their factory it started with two 55 gal drums and it worked fine. So good luck.

I was leaning towards propane since I'm already familiar with that heat source, it will be less expensive to build and the engine will be propane powered.

Do you think a propane powered engine will generate enough BTUs for a heat exchanger?

Ok, so this video doesn't load/show in FF or IE, so what are you guys using to view it!?!

I'm using explorer. You might have to wait for it to load. Any one else having a problem viewing the vid?

I can't see it either. On phone

What kind of frame are you looking to use Mo.

Stainless steel tube frame with the Judson layout

Go for it bro. I built my first unit in February, installed in March and have over 900 trouble free hours on it now. I made some mistakes but its been great and I'll never go back.

First I would go with a bigger motor. Especially if you want it to run propane. You lose 20% HP with propane. Then if u run belts you lose a little more. 25 HP is a good combo and you will still have 22HP after the propane HP loss.

If you got ur heart set on propane i say go with it. I decided against it and went with a Kohler efi unit. Super happy with this motor. The fuel injection is superior. Uses 25% less gas, easy smooth starts and no choke!

There is a lot to go over. You can call me if you want. 719-440-8123

I would go with a larger motor. 18 hp. will be under powered for that 45 blower. Like Fuzzsucker said 25 hp. would be good. Go for it Mo.
I built this one a couple of years ago. Waste of money because it drank gas. I really thought that with the big engine I could run it at a lower rpm and overdrive the blower.


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That thing is a tank Larry. Awsome! Sorry it didn't work out. I have heard the same thing about those big motor builds. The HP curve gets exponentially worse at low rpm and you end up running them at gas guzzling speed anyway.

Did you guys take into consideration cleaning time and total operating costs including propane costs when comparing these fuel costs ? Mine is 60 hp with size 6 blower, I can knock most 2000 sq ft home in about 2 hours by myself or about an hour and a half with a helper, I think at the end of the day after you calculate all of these costs, it may come pretty close, don't you think ?

Wow Larry that was a beast of a machine the diamond plate panel looked pretty cool. Its nice to see that other guys have done.

Wow DP a 60 HP engine and 6 blower another beast. The main reason I want to go with propane powered engine is that it is in line with my companies USP but the low cost of propane is nice too. I really like the convenience of a HX machine too.

Fuzz I've heard that the loss of HP with a propane powered engine is a myth.

I heard it right from the propane power man himself. Les Judson. He builds em stock with propane and when I was getting ready to build mine he is the one who told me that.

I see What HP is his propane powered machine? Is it turning a 45 blower?

I believe the tnt runs a 25/45 on propane.

Never mind I looked it up. Its a 20hp

Also they sell a Kohler motor from the factory stocked for running on propane. That way your not breaking warranty by modifying

Mo
Are you going to use a water box. If so I have a water Bx off a prochem unit with the float valve assy. And lid I would sell if you need one

No water box Eric I like the pump recirculation with pulsation dampener design of my Workmaster.

Hey Robert, The TNT used an 18 HP briggs for years before going with the 20 HP Kohler. If the propane powered Kohler is 20 hp that would make it a 10% increase allowance for loss of ponies.

Eric you know the model number for the factory built 20 HP Kohler?

Here is your motor brother. I have bought from these guys before and they are very quick and informative. I would call first before ordering this motor. But at 2100 thats a killer price for 25hp with LP factory installed and shipping included.

http://www.kohler-engine-parts.opeengines.com/kohler-engines-parts/full-line-of-kohler-engines/command-ch-cv-series-11-to-40-hp/horizontal-twin-cylinder-ch-18-to-40-hp/ch730-25hp/25hp-kohler-command-engine-ch730lp-lpg-w-panel-1-7-16-ch730-3266

Thanks for that link Robert the 20 hP option looks to be about 700 bones less

If you check the specials section they always have some killer deals too