Another "Which engine is better"?

[smstonypoint]

Another thread discusses Onan versus B&S.

How about Kohler versus Kawasaki? I'm interested in the Bad Boy Pup with a 60" deck. (Temporarily blocked due to reports of company closure) lists a 30HP Kohler for $500 less than a 31HP Kawasaki. I am aware that Kawasaki engines are highly rated. Are they worth the extra $500?


Everything Attachments - Skid Steer Attachments, Tractor Attachments, 3 Point Hitch Attachments, Farm Tractor Implements.


Steve

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

It would be to me but to each his own...

 

[Gator6x4]

Are both air cooled engines? Is the Kohler air cooled and the Kawasaki water cooled? A water cooled engine runs quieter than a air cooled so if the Kawasaki is water cooled I would purchase it, if not water cooled I would purchase the Kohler.

 

[BruceWard]

If it is a Kohler Courage engine then it is rebadged MTD junk made in China.

 

[smstonypoint]

If it is a Kohler Courage engine then it is rebadged MTD junk made in China.

It's the Command engine, which I understand is supposed to be of "better" quality versus the Courage.

Steve

 

[ChuckinNH]

It's the Command engine, which I understand is supposed to be of "better" quality versus the Courage.

Steve

See my note in the other "which engine" thread. It is only one engine, and the fuel pump failure looked like a manufacturing defect to me. Still, a few hundred dollars in repair parts for that caliber engine in those hours is cause for some concern to me.

 

[rjkobbeman]

My only experience with Kohler engines is with my Scotts/JD GT2554 mower. I currently have a set of head gaskets on my workbench because this engine has head gasket "issues". I don't know the cause, but the result is blown head gaskets. Right now I am trying to limp along to get through the season. I go through a spark plug every 3 hours of use due to oil fouling. Apparently this is very common for this engine around the 75 to 100 hour mark.

The engine is a 25hp Command.

From what I have read, this specific issue has been resolved (or was resolved) in later engines... but I thought I would give an example of things that can plague engine manufacturers.

Kohler's may be great, but my experience has not been the best.

I have heard nothng bad about Kawasaki engines.

 

[westbrooklawn]

I've owned equipment with both types of engine. I had a Kohler head gasket go on a 20hp at about 1300 hrs., which ultimately resulted in having to replace the engine (mechanic mis-diagnosed the problem and we continued to run it until the overheating of the cylinder caused major wear and scoring). I have a 27hp Kohler which started leaking at the sump gasket at 600 hours... found out it was a common gasket problem on those engines, but Kohler wouldn't help because it was out of warranty... cost around $340 to fix it with their new improved gasket. I've had Kawasaki engines in the same size range that ran with virtually no problem for over 2400 hours. In defense of Kohler, they are good strong engines that run well until they break. That is my real life experience... hope it helps you make a decision.