SnowRidge
Elite Member
FWIW, the 25HP Kohler in my Power-Trac popped a valve seat at 110 hours. It was repaired under warranty, but during the process I learned a few things about Kohler that disturbed me.
Their warranty has both a time limit and an hours limit. Fair enough, but they cut the time limit in half for commercial use even if the hours limit hasn't been reached. For daily use commercial mowers, it probably doesn't matter, but for occasional farm use it does, as it is possible to pass the time limit before passing the hours limit.
They define farm use as commercial. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Their web site lists authorized repair facilities, but makes no mention that it doesn't list all of them, but only those who paid Kohler to get in the listing. I got this bit of information from a rather angry authorized repair shop.
Their web site also claims something like "Outstanding Support" and provides a toll free support number. Support turns out to be a young lady with a computer who has never worked on an engine in her life, but can look up your 'problem' in the database. If pressed, she will give you the real support number with actual technicians, which is not toll free, IIRC.
The web site has the manuals on line, except the service manual. There is not even an option to buy one.
My Kohler sucks gas like there is no tomorrow. I don't know how much of that is due to the hydraulic drive of the Power-Trac and how much, if any, is due to the engine design.
The full line of Kohler engine parts is available at Napa stores, all of which should have a complete illustrated parts book behind the counter (mine does). This is a very good thing.
If I was buying a piece of equipment today, and I had a choice between Kawasaki and Kohler, I would do some research on Kawasaki engines in general, and the model in particular. If I didn't turn up anything noteworthy, I would buy the Kawasaki equipped version without hesitation.
Their warranty has both a time limit and an hours limit. Fair enough, but they cut the time limit in half for commercial use even if the hours limit hasn't been reached. For daily use commercial mowers, it probably doesn't matter, but for occasional farm use it does, as it is possible to pass the time limit before passing the hours limit.
They define farm use as commercial. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Their web site lists authorized repair facilities, but makes no mention that it doesn't list all of them, but only those who paid Kohler to get in the listing. I got this bit of information from a rather angry authorized repair shop.
Their web site also claims something like "Outstanding Support" and provides a toll free support number. Support turns out to be a young lady with a computer who has never worked on an engine in her life, but can look up your 'problem' in the database. If pressed, she will give you the real support number with actual technicians, which is not toll free, IIRC.
The web site has the manuals on line, except the service manual. There is not even an option to buy one.
My Kohler sucks gas like there is no tomorrow. I don't know how much of that is due to the hydraulic drive of the Power-Trac and how much, if any, is due to the engine design.
The full line of Kohler engine parts is available at Napa stores, all of which should have a complete illustrated parts book behind the counter (mine does). This is a very good thing.
If I was buying a piece of equipment today, and I had a choice between Kawasaki and Kohler, I would do some research on Kawasaki engines in general, and the model in particular. If I didn't turn up anything noteworthy, I would buy the Kawasaki equipped version without hesitation.