boatman 3 #1 Posted March 25, 2012 Hi everyone, Due to rising gas prices and all the grass i have to mow, I am thinking about a diesel eng for my 414-8 tractor. I run a 48" sd mower and was wondering if a 10 hp diesel would handle that in normal conditions? I know some conversions have been done here but have never heard how they did with a mower. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 993 #2 Posted March 25, 2012 i have 2 414,s and i find them fairly fuel efficiant,but from all the people here that have swapped they say they are much better on fuel and will handle a 48 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 487 #3 Posted March 25, 2012 If you want to appreciate how thrifty the 14 hp Kohler is - find yourself a 520H with an Onan. Those things really drink the gas - but they really sound goooood! OTOH - a diesel switch sound very interesting regardless of fuel cost considerations! Good luck, Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdog_kustoms 82 #4 Posted March 25, 2012 a 10 hp diesel will be fine but you will need a differant drive pully and pto clutch bushing since your 14 hp has a 1 1/8 inch shaft and the diesel is 1 inch but im about ready to do the swap on my gt 1100 it looks to be an easy job Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boatman 3 #5 Posted March 25, 2012 Hi Everyone, I appreciate the feed back on the diesel info. The kohler 14 hp isn't real bad on fuel but I know the diesel would be alot better. I mow a little over an acre with the 414-8 and mow about three acres with a kubota 18 hp with 54" mower. I don't use anymore fuel for the three acres than I do the one acre with the gas tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,075 #6 Posted March 25, 2012 How much is a diesel powerplant? And what are extra the costs associated with the install to get it correct( pulleys, electrical items, bracketry)? Just a wild guess but will this transplant cost $700? If so thats equal to 175 gallons of regular gas (at $4/gallon). Might take along time to realize any savings it seems. Mike............. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,968 #7 Posted March 26, 2012 How much is a diesel powerplant? And what are extra the costs associated with the install to get it correct( pulleys, electrical items, bracketry)? Just a wild guess but will this transplant cost $700? If so thats equal to 175 gallons of regular gas (at $4/gallon). Might take along time to realize any savings it seems. Mike............. I been thinking the same thing. I wanted a diesel for my 520 but just can't convince myself to lay out the cash for the conversion when I have a perfectly good K12 horsepower sitting on the workbench. I'm in no hurry now anyway with all the mowing I have to do..................... my yard, Mom's yard, old homeplace across the road yard, girlfriend's yard, racetrack infield............. yes I have ALOT of grass to cut every year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
persof 14 #8 Posted March 26, 2012 Use the Kubota for all mowing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites