LP Engines

I'm going to buy a IH LP tractor/engine, about 30hp or so, for running a stationary generator. I only want a vapor only LP system.

Is there one LP engine that I should be looking for that was better than the rest IH produced? I'm not stuck on the 30hp requirement so if I have to go larger that would not be a problem.

Would another brand of engine be a better choice for this application?

T_Bone

I believe the Farmall M was the smallest factory-equipped for LP. Don't know whether the stationary variant of this engine (the U6 and U264) was factory built for LP, but it's likely it was.

However Minneapolis-Moline probably sold the most LP tractors and stationary engines. My experience with LP burners has been with MM tractors and it has been 100% favorable. They start and run great. And properly maintained the LP engines FAR outlast their gasoline-fueled cousins.

Another possibility: Use an LP forklift engine. Most were made by Continental. Like the MM LP engines they seem to last forever.

Most common is the F135(?) 4 cylinder flathead. I believe it's is rated around 25 - 30 HP. Bigger forklifts used the F227 flathead 6, a wonderfully smooth-running and bulletproof engine. Ask around at your local forklift supplier - shouldn't be too difficult to find a used Continental LP engine in good shape. ...Bob M

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I had forgoten all about the forklift engines and they would be cheaper than a tractor. I'll do some searching and see what I come up with.

I may just break down and go with a welding machine as that would be double duty for about the same cost, maybe alittle higher but better resale if that was a factor latter on.

Also I was strumming thru my IH340 manual and seen that there was also a LP version C-135 but that would about as rare as the diesel engine in that model.

T_Bone