7 Creative Farm Uses for Old Small Engines That Save Serious Money
Discover 7 ingenious ways to breathe new life into forgotten small engines around your farm, from DIY irrigation pumps to honey extractors, saving money while creating custom agricultural solutions.
Old small engines gathering dust in your barn or shed can find new purpose on your farm with some creative thinking. These forgotten powerhouses—from lawnmowers to tillers—offer untapped potential for innovative farm projects that can save you money while reducing waste. Instead of sending them to the scrapyard, you’ll discover how these engines can transform into valuable farm tools that solve everyday challenges.
When repurposed correctly, small engines can power everything from irrigation systems to animal feeders while extending their useful life. You’re not just recycling—you’re creating custom solutions tailored specifically to your farm’s unique needs. The seven creative applications we’ll explore require minimal investment but deliver maximum utility across your agricultural operations.
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7 Creative Farm Uses for Old Small Engines
- Irrigation System Pump – Transform an old lawnmower engine into a reliable irrigation pump. By connecting the engine to a water pump, you’ll create an independent watering system for garden beds and small fields. This setup eliminates the need for expensive electric pumps and can be operated anywhere on your property.
- DIY Feed Grinder – Convert a small engine into a custom feed grinder for your livestock. With basic modifications and a grinding mechanism, you’ll save hundreds on commercial feed processing equipment. Farmers with chickens, pigs, or goats can grind custom feed mixes at a fraction of store-bought costs.
- Homemade Generator – Repurpose that tiller engine into an emergency power generator. By attaching an alternator and basic electrical components, you’ll create a backup power source for critical farm operations during outages. This setup can power essential lights, small water pumps, or incubators.
- Mechanical Compost Tumbler – Attach your small engine to a drum-style compost bin for effortless turning. This automated system speeds up decomposition dramatically, producing ready-to-use compost in weeks instead of months. Your garden will benefit from consistent, high-quality compost year-round.
- Barn Ventilation System – Use an old engine to power exhaust fans in livestock areas. By creating a belt-driven fan system, you’ll improve air quality in barns and coops without depending on grid electricity. This reduces respiratory issues in animals and prevents moisture buildup in enclosed spaces.
- Root Vegetable Washer – Build a rotating drum vegetable washer powered by a small engine. This time-saving device quickly cleans harvested carrots, potatoes, and other root crops with minimal water usage. What once took hours of manual scrubbing can be completed in minutes.
- Small-Scale Lumber Mill – Convert a powerful small engine into a bandsaw mill for processing fallen trees. With a simple frame construction and proper blade setup, you’ll transform on-farm timber into usable lumber for repairs, fencing, and building projects. This setup pays for itself after processing just a few logs.
1. Building a DIY Irrigation Pump System
Converting Engine Parts into Water Pumps
That old lawnmower engine gathering dust can become your field’s new best friend. Remove the engine from its housing and mount it on a sturdy platform near your water source. You’ll need to connect the drive shaft to a centrifugal water pump using a simple belt and pulley system. For smaller operations, a 3-5 HP engine can efficiently irrigate up to two acres, delivering 50-75 gallons per minute depending on your setup.
Setting Up an Automated Watering Schedule
Transform your irrigation system from manual to automatic with simple mechanical timers. Connect a fuel tank with a float valve to regulate engine runtime based on your watering needs. For more precise control, add a solenoid valve between the pump and main line that responds to moisture sensors placed in your fields. This setup can reduce water usage by 30% while ensuring crops receive optimal moisture throughout growing seasons.
2. Creating a Homemade Feed Grinder
Converting an old small engine into a DIY feed grinder can save you hundreds of dollars on commercial equipment while providing fresh, custom feed for your livestock.
Modifying Engines for Crushing Grains
Small engines from lawnmowers or tillers (5-7 HP) provide ideal power for crushing corn, wheat, and soybeans. Remove the blade assembly and attach a pulley system connected to grinding plates. The engine’s existing throttle control lets you adjust grinding fineness based on feed requirements. For harder grains like corn, use engines with higher torque and reinforce connection points with steel brackets to prevent vibration damage.
Building a Safe and Efficient Grinding Station
Mount your engine-powered grinder on a sturdy platform at least 3 feet off the ground to allow bucket placement underneath. Install an emergency cutoff switch within arm’s reach and add protective shields around all moving parts. Create a simple hopper system using sheet metal and attach it to a frame that directs grain flow. Add a mesh screen beneath grinding plates to separate finished feed by size, improving digestibility for different livestock types.
3. Constructing a Portable Generator for Remote Areas
Repurposing Engine Components for Power Generation
You can transform that forgotten small engine into a lifesaving portable generator for your farm’s remote areas. Start by mounting your 3-5 HP engine on a sturdy metal frame with rubber feet to minimize vibration. Connect the engine’s crankshaft to an alternator salvaged from an old vehicle using a properly sized belt and pulley system. Add a voltage regulator to maintain consistent output and protect your devices from power surges. This setup can generate 500-1000 watts—enough to power essential tools and emergency lighting when you’re working far from the main power source.
Weatherproofing Your DIY Generator
Your homemade generator needs protection from the elements to function reliably in all conditions. Build a simple enclosure using treated plywood or corrugated metal with at least 6 inches of clearance around the engine for proper airflow. Install a small awning over the exhaust port to prevent rain entry while allowing fumes to escape. Seal all electrical connections with silicone caulk and wrap them in waterproof heat-shrink tubing. Mount essential controls on a waterproof panel with rubber gaskets for all-weather operation. Remember to include ventilation slits to prevent overheating during summer use.
4. Designing a Small-Scale Compost Turner
Aerate your compost quickly and easily with this durable steel tool. Its corkscrew design and hardwood handle make turning and mixing compost a breeze, speeding up the decomposition process.
Engine Modifications for Compost Management
Transform that forgotten two-stroke engine into a valuable compost management tool with minimal modifications. Start by mounting the engine on a sturdy metal frame that can withstand outdoor conditions. Replace the original drive shaft with an extended version that connects to a series of tines or paddles. You’ll need to adjust the throttle system for slower, more controlled operation to prevent compost from flying everywhere.
Increasing Soil Health with Your Recycled Machine
Your homemade compost turner can dramatically accelerate decomposition, turning yard waste into black gold in half the time. Regular turning introduces oxygen that activates beneficial microbes and prevents anaerobic conditions that cause odors. For best results, run your turner through the pile weekly during warm months. This consistent aeration can increase available nutrients in your finished compost by up to 40% compared to static piles.
5. Developing a Custom Seed Spreader
Converting Engines into Precise Broadcasting Tools
Transform that unused chainsaw or weed trimmer engine into a powerful seed spreader for your farm. Mount the engine on a wheeled frame, then connect it to a spinning disk mechanism using the existing drive system. Add a funnel-shaped hopper above the spinning disk to create an efficient broadcasting tool that disperses seeds evenly across your fields at a fraction of commercial spreader costs.
Adjusting Distribution Rates for Different Seeds
Customize your seed spreader‘s distribution rate by installing a simple gate control mechanism at the hopper’s base. This adjustable opening lets you precisely control seed flow – wide for larger seeds like sunflower or corn, narrow for tiny clover or alfalfa seeds. Add calibrated markings to your control lever for consistent application rates, and consider mounting a small tachometer to monitor engine RPMs for maintaining ideal spreading patterns across different terrain.
6. Building a Mini Livestock Feed Conveyor
Engine-Powered Feed Transportation Systems
Transform your old small engine into a mini feed conveyor that’ll revolutionize your livestock feeding routine. By mounting a 3-5 HP engine to a custom frame, you can power a belt system that moves feed from storage bins directly to feeding areas. This setup eliminates the need for manual feed transportation, saving you countless trips with heavy buckets. Connect the engine to a pulley system using the existing drive shaft and add an adjustable speed control for different feed types.
Labor-Saving Solutions for Daily Chores
Your repurposed engine can power a conveyor that reduces feeding time by up to 75% compared to manual methods. Install the system between feed storage and livestock pens with flexible discharge points to direct feed exactly where needed. Add a simple timer mechanism to automate feeding schedules, giving you flexibility during busy seasons. For multi-animal operations, customize the conveyor with multiple drops to serve different species simultaneously, making those twice-daily feeding chores significantly less labor-intensive.
7. Crafting a Honey Extractor for Beekeeping Operations
Extract honey efficiently with this durable, stainless steel extractor. It accommodates 2 deep or 4 shallow/medium frames and features an adjustable stand for comfortable use and a clear lid to monitor the extraction process.
Repurposing Engine Parts for Centrifugal Extraction
Transform that old chainsaw or weed eater engine into a powerful honey extractor by utilizing its rotational force. You’ll need to mount the engine horizontally on a sturdy frame and connect it to a central shaft using the existing clutch system. The centrifugal force generated by the 2-3 HP engine perfectly mimics commercial extractors, spinning honey frames at 300-400 RPM to extract honey without damaging the valuable honeycomb structures.
Creating a Food-Safe Processing System
Ensure food safety by constructing a stainless steel drum that never comes in contact with engine components. Use food-grade bearings for the central shaft and create a sealed compartment that separates the engine from the extraction chamber. Add a honey gate valve at the bottom for easy collection and incorporate a variable-speed controller from the original throttle mechanism. This DIY extractor can process up to 4 frames simultaneously, saving beekeepers $400-600 compared to commercial options.
Conclusion: Giving New Life to Old Farm Equipment
Your farm’s forgotten small engines hold untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. By repurposing these mechanical workhorses you’re not just saving money but embracing sustainable practices that benefit your entire operation.
From irrigation pumps and feed grinders to honey extractors and portable generators these DIY projects offer practical solutions to everyday farming challenges. Each repurposed engine represents both environmental responsibility and agricultural innovation.
The next time you’re tempted to discard that old lawnmower or chainsaw remember its potential transformation. With some creativity basic tools and mechanical know-how you can build custom farm equipment that meets your specific needs while extending the useful life of engines that still have plenty to offer.
Turn your mechanical graveyard into a treasure trove of farm solutions and watch your productivity soar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of repurposing old small engines?
Repurposing old small engines saves money, reduces waste, and allows farmers to create custom solutions for agricultural challenges. These DIY projects require minimal investment while providing significant utility for farm operations. By transforming neglected engines into valuable tools, farmers can enhance efficiency and sustainability while giving new life to equipment that would otherwise go unused.
Can a lawnmower engine really be converted into an irrigation pump?
Yes, lawnmower engines can be effectively converted into irrigation pumps. By modifying the engine parts and connecting them to a water pump mechanism, you can create a reliable irrigation system. With additional components like mechanical timers and moisture sensors, this DIY solution can reduce water usage by up to 30% while ensuring optimal crop moisture throughout growing seasons.
How difficult is it to build a DIY feed grinder from an old engine?
Building a DIY feed grinder from an old engine is moderately challenging but achievable. The process involves removing the blade assembly, adding a pulley system, and creating a grinding mechanism. Key safety features include mounting at a proper height, installing an emergency cutoff switch, and designing a hopper system. The finished grinder can crush grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans for fresh livestock feed.
What power output can I expect from a homemade small engine generator?
A homemade generator created from repurposed small engines typically produces between 500-1000 watts of power. This is sufficient to run essential tools, emergency lighting, and small appliances in off-grid locations. The generator requires connecting the engine to an alternator and adding a voltage regulator to ensure consistent output power.
How can a small engine improve my composting process?
A small engine can be modified to create a mechanical compost turner that significantly accelerates decomposition. By mounting the engine on a sturdy frame and connecting it to tines or paddles, you can build a system that regularly turns compost piles. This process can increase nutrient availability in finished compost by up to 40%, improving soil health and maximizing the efficiency of your composting operation.
Is it cost-effective to build a custom seed spreader from an old engine?
Building a custom seed spreader from an old chainsaw or weed trimmer engine is highly cost-effective. The DIY approach costs a fraction of commercial options while creating an efficient broadcasting tool for seeds. With adjustable distribution rates and gate control mechanisms, you can achieve precise seed flow and consistent application, making it a valuable addition to any farm operation.
How much time can a homemade feed conveyor save in livestock operations?
A homemade livestock feed conveyor powered by a small 3-5 HP engine can save up to 75% of feeding time. By creating a belt system that transports feed directly from storage to feeding areas, this system significantly reduces manual labor. With customizable discharge points and the option to add timers for automation, daily feeding chores become much less labor-intensive.
Can I use an old engine to make a honey extractor for beekeeping?
Yes, chainsaw or weed eater engines can be repurposed to create an effective honey extractor. By mounting the engine on a frame and connecting it to a central shaft, you can utilize centrifugal force to extract honey from multiple frames simultaneously. Using food-grade materials like stainless steel drums ensures safety, while the DIY approach offers significant cost savings compared to commercial extractors.
