Cushman Truckster – Adding A Honda 20HP V-Twin Engine

Cushman Trucksters are considered one of the best hauling vehicles available because of their durability and long-lasting construction. Their reasonable price makes them a favorite of many greens keeping and landscaping operations who use hauling vehicles like these every day for basic debris and equipment transportation.

Proper maintenance will keep a Cushman Truckster running for years. In fact, these vehicles will often times out-live the quality of the engines inside them. While the body, electrical components, engine, even the tires will continue to run strong the power may not be up to what the modern models can provide. Rather than ridding the fleet of the older Cushman, repower kits are available so that stronger, newer engines can be easily placed into the machine. These rebuild kits cost a fraction of the price of a new engine and will give new life to an older truckster by adding more horsepower and new engineering.

Cushman Truckster small engines can be easily replaced using a number of different rebuild kits available. One of the best options is a repower kit using a Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine.

A Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine rebuild kit is best suited to replace any Cushman Truckster 18 or 22 HP small engine. Like any good rebuild kit, a Honda small engine kit will include the engine itself, an exhaust system, a motor mount, a clutch adapter, the complete installation instructions and the bolts and other items necessary to complete the installation. Before purchasing any repower kit, make sure you understand exactly what does and does not come in the package you are purchasing.

Though relatively simple, repowering a Cushman Truckster with something like a Honda 20HP engine does take some understanding and planning. It is not as simple as swapping one engine for another. It is important to read through the details of the instructions and take note of what will and will not function exactly as before and what additional parts may be necessary beyond those included in the kit. Below are some simple things to consider, specifically when using as rebuild kit for a Cushman Truckster.

Hydraulic System: If your truckster has a hydraulic system that uses a chain drive or a belt drive, additional parts or kits may need to be ordered in order to make the system work properly.

Equipment Heater: Changing the muffler system may render the equipment heater inoperable.

Power Converter: If your truckster has a 120 volts AC power converter, it may require additional changes in order to function after the repower kit is installed. This is because using a kit like one for a Honda 20HP eliminates the alternator.

All of these functions can be built back into the construction of the truckster through other means. The amount of money saved using a rebuild kit is often considered well worth the cost of a couple of additional maintenance hours to get these features back on line. Reviewing the information about any rebuild kit before you buy will help you understand what additional work may need to be done.

Cushman Trucksters are quality built machines with an excellent track-record for longevity and performance. Repowering their engines using a high-powered Honda 20HP V-Twin small engine will extend the life of the vehicle while giving it the power available in newer models.

~Ben Anton, 2008