Kohler Lifting ring placement

[pfrederi 17,961]

All my big block Kohlers (K and Magnum) have the lifting ring mounted on a head bolt on the PTO side of the head.  Also it is shown that way in pictures in service manuals.  Problem is the Flywheel is the heavy side and when you lift the engine is tipped making landing in position it harder.  I have to wonder why they did this.  Do you think there would be any issue moving it over to the Flywheel side??  May have to slightly enlarge the hole in the air shroud but I don't see that hurting the cooling.  Just wonder if Kohler did it for a specific reason.

 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 39,083]

I'm guessing it was just easier and cheaper than modifying the tins.

[ebinmaine 68,763]

I'm going to put a  second vote on what Ed said above.

 

Seems to me for manufacturing reasons and simplicity and cost-effectiveness it just was easier to put it on that side of the engine.

 

The only thought I have about expanding one of the holes to put a lift loop on the tin side is I would maybe try to get the loop so that it is faced in a direction to block as little air as possible.

[lynnmor 7,363]

Tilt the tractor 30 degrees. 

[The Tuul Crib 7,338]

 My opinion is strong back and lift with the  knees !!   Of course that is only with the single cylinder K-series engines. Now the twin cylinders is another issue. 

[953 nut 56,107]

My guess is that the factory lifting device made three point contact, two of which were resting against the side and the third one went through the eye,

If memory serves me right I think @ebinmaine has a lifting rig that works well.            

 

[ebinmaine 68,763]

2 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

My guess is that the factory lifting device made three point contact, two of which were resting against the side and the third one went through the eye,

If memory serves me right I think @ebinmaine has a lifting rig that works well.            

 

It works perfectly Richard !!!!

 

Love that picture.....

 

[edgro 677]

Engineering cost of moving it "outweighed" the benefit

[ebinmaine 68,763]

1 minute ago, edgro said:

Engineering cost of moving it "outweighed" the benefit

Well played.

[pacer 3,174]

I feel lucky to just GET a lifting ring! Really, so often they are missing.

 

But since they are so .... handy, I will make one if need be, and I definitely put it at the 'sensible' head bolt.

[oldredrider 2,553]

Since rigging up a lifting winch for big blocks, I found it useful to keep lifting rings stocked for the occasional motor without one. My back likes me.