GRIZZLY DYNO

By Staff
Published on June 1, 1997
1 / 3
2 / 3
3 / 3

21 Broadway St., Leipsic, Ohio 45856

I have been interested in steam and gas engines since I was a
boy when I worked for a gentleman in a lawnmower shop.

My wife and I have attended engine shows for years and have
never seen them pulling under load or working. Most engines are
just sitting there running.

I am also a pilot and thought I could use a ‘run-out’
prop. After I contacted a prop manufacturer, I found that they
would not sell one to me for this purpose due to safety
reasons.

Since I run a small welding shop which accumulates all types of
scrap materials, I found an old positive displacement pump, which I
used as the heart of Grizzly. Next I built a tank with runners,
mounted the pump, added a pulley, pressure gauge and a tachometer.
After some fine tuning and help from friends it was ready to go. It
uses hydraulic oil and has a built-in relief valve.

My first several pulls were rather disappointing, as the engines
tested didn’t seem to produce the rated horsepower. Following
more discussions with friends, we decided to test it on a tractor.
We then put the tractor on a dynamometer for comparison. This
worked well, so we slid the figures on our charts to match. Now the
horsepower measurement is in line with engine ratings.

We have taken it to several shows, and have had a lot of fun.
The Grizzly will handle engines rated up to 20 HP without
overheating.

We would be willing to pull engines at shows in the Ohio,
Michigan, or Indiana area. If you are interested, give us a call.
Enclosed are some photos from several 1996 engine shows.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388