Shipping a motor.

[Huffa]

This is a Honda 200 Big Red motor that weighs 78 lbs.

1) need to know what is the best way to crate it for shipping with out making a project about it

2) want to ship it the cheapest way possible - what are my options?

It is approx 1100 miles it must go.

My wife says I could take it down the road to a Pack & Ship place but I imagine that would jack the price up at least 25% or so?

I asked Chris 200X a while back but don't remember what he said.

Maybe it was one of you that won it?

Thanks!

[kdagenais]

I have shipped a couple of motors in rubbermaid containers from Wal-mart or Lowe's that you get for around $10.00. Would recommend putting a piece of plywood in the bottom so sharp parts don't poke through. Then just shove any soft material around it zip tie the lid shut and send it off. I even shipped a 16hp Kohler Cast Iron engine that weighed 150lbs this way. This is the easiest way I have found to ship such a big item without building your own box. The three engines I have shipped only had one get lost which was found two weeks later and no damage.

[ScottZJ]

Yeah the best way is to get a rubbermaid container that just fits the motor. Put the motor in there and screw the lid shut or you could drill holes in the lip all the way around and zip tie it. It works great and if it leaks any left over stuff out.......its still ok and the motor is pretty safe in there.

[Howdy]

Plastic Tote is the way to go. I use a bunch of cardboard instead of plywood for the bottom. For to sides and top I use one of the following: foam, packing peanuts, or cardboard. I also try to put the motor in a trash bag before putting it into the tote. This was it keeps the motor sealed better.
Howdy

[Huffa]

It worked great, I feel like a real proffesional engine packer-shipper now.

The "put motor in a trash bag" was a simple but great idea Howdy, I would not have thought of that!

Guess I should warn the guy of the 1000's of peanuts though

[mike from long island]

if you do use plywood in the bottom make sure you cut a hole were the oil drain plug is. if they drop the motor the plug may crack the bottom case. i go an extra motor one time because of that. just over kill the packing material. better to be safe then sorry i say. but i always use the rubber maid totes they work great and the shipper has a handle to grab. good luck

[Huffa]

if you do use plywood in the bottom make sure you cut a hole were the oil drain plug is. if they drop the motor the plug may crack the bottom case. i go an extra motor one time because of that. just over kill the packing material. better to be safe then sorry i say. but i always use the rubber maid totes they work great and the shipper has a handle to grab. good luck

I undersatnd your point but on the 200E it is on the LS of motor near shifter, not the bottom.

[mike from long island]

even better no need to worry then.