Yardman wood splitter

I bought a yardmax 30 ton splitter 3 years ago. I noticed after the first year it was dripping a little oil. Well after the second year it got worse and I brought it to a friend who works on small engines. He found a broken off bolt from the factory and a small crack in the block. Well after calling home Depot and yardmax and Briggs and Stratton. It's now out of warranty and I will have to pay to fix it. Well my friend used jb weld on the crack replaced the broken bolt and it runs great now but it's in the back of my mind when it will fail. Can I change out the Briggs and Stratton for a Honda motor?

 

I’d keep an eye on the JB weld, but it might surprise you how long it lasts if he cleaned and prepped the area well.
But yes, you can replace it with a Honda. Or a Predator (Honda clone) from Harbor Freight. Might have to fit a new coupling between the motor and pump if the crankshaft ends are different

 

I know three people who have replaced OEM motors with the Harbor Freight motors of like horsepower. One log splitter and two pressure washers. The pressure washers were a direct fit but I don't know about the splitter. All three are very happy with the replacements!

 

I had a new Honda GX160 put on our MTD 20 Ton H/V splitter last fall because the old Briggs and Stratton was eating oil and had a small leak in the gas tank if you filled it up over halfway, I'm very happy with it.
MTD 20 Ton Splitter

 

Well I hate to say it but the Harbor Freight motors are really hard to beat for the cost.
Yeah I know ; China imported and I am not a huge fan of that part either. They are a fraction of the cost of a Briggs or Honda and just keep going.

Can you weld ( or have the case welded ). You would have to tear it apart so it can be cleaned prior to welding so that makes it a project so to speak but could be another option. Maybe?
I don't know where it is cracked obviously but just throwing it out there.

 

I'm right there with you. I really really dislike buying anything from China that I don't have to. But the price difference between the predator and the Honda or Briggs or Kohler isn't even funny.
I put a chonda on the old splitter and not only did it literally bolt right up, it runs better in every aspect than that old Briggs.
That was years ago now, and it was a great fix.

 

My splitter is 8-10 (bought used) years old.
It's been reliable so far but is hard starting after sitting a few months. If/when it wears out, I'll probably try a Honda or chonda/predator depending on available funds. I have a Honda 160 on a pressure washer that has been very dependable and easy to start. (It does get an occasional gas leak/drip from the carb if it sits a long time, but i think it must just be the float sticking as it goes away quick when i run it.)