Hello, is there a direct engine replacement for the Ford vsg 411? Mine finally gave up and I'd like to put a diesel in it if i could, just curious if i could do that. Thanks
You can put what ever motor you like. Would be on the expensive side. You would need to stick with a brand that they factory install since you would need the bellhousing plate, flex plate, pump coupling, motor mounts, fuel system components, wiring, exhaust etc. You would have to change out the boom harness as well. The machines are designed to fitted with any number of offerings at jlg. It can be done but you would probably be upwards of 9-10k by the time you acquired the motor and assorted parts would be my guess. As far as a complete package provided by jlg I have never seen one offered through jlg parts. You would have to go through a dealer since jlg don't sell direct to end users. Factor in labor since it would probably be required to be done by an authorized jlg dealer/ repair center. They are kinda quirky about modifications done to booms..
I was thinking on this last night a little more. You could source the bellhousing plate and pump drive/flex plate direct from Hayes. That would be your best route. Being that your machine is older and if you went with a kubota or deutz, Cummins you could probably fab up all your own mounts. Fuel system would be easy enough with any older motor as well. Just drop yourself an electrical pump in the system some where. Exhaust probably the same thing. Still the biggest cost would be a good used motor. I have been looking for a little kubota to do a pick up truck conversation and little diesel units seem to pricey as all get out right now. Have not found a decent lower HR unit for under 3 grand right now on the web/ebay. And the bellhousing flex plate would still set you back about a 800 bucks.. So you could probably get into it for cheaper pending your initial motor cost.. How do you use the machine ?? Personal use or commercial use on a job site with employees in the basket ? That would be my one concern. Law suits over accidents involving equipment especially aerial ( or mewps as we now have to call them ) are easy to get into and if it ever did and god forbid you, someone else or property got damaged there would be a big spot light on you. First thing they would say is hey look this guy changed the battery with an autozone battery.. No wonder it flipped over in a ditch. In the 20 years I've been involved with booms,scissors and such i have seen a few crazy lawsuits come around. That would still be my number once concern as the owner of the machine.
a diesel engine would be the best thing that could ever happen to any gas-powered manlift. first step would be to look at your manual and see what brand/model diesel was an option in the 40HA. That will give you a starting point to go by. Look for something that was industrial over an engine that was in automotive use. It will make things a lot easier on the bellhousing/drive side of the engine. Knowing a machinist would be an asset for sure. At work we have a light tower that the bearings went out of the generator end and destroyed the generator. Little Yanmar diesel in there runs great and would be the perfect physical size to replace a Vg411. Finding something like that would be perfect for you. maybe ask around equipment rental places?