Briggs versus Kohler.....

Bird · Aug 18, 2005

Maybe deciding whether Briggs or Kohler is the better engine is like deciding whether Ford or Chevrolet is the better car. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Depends on who you ask. We had a 1988 fifth-wheel trailer with a 4.5 kw Kohler generator running on propance, and I had a 1995 Cub Cadet lawn tractor with an 11 hp Kohler. I've had quite a few Briggs engines on lawnmowers and a pressure washer/spray rig. The only trouble I had with any of them was carburetors, and that's pretty simple to fix or replace. I did buy a Craftsman lawn tractor in 2002 with a 21hp two cylinder Briggs engine and the same mower was on sale for the same price with an 18hp single cylinder Kohler ("regular" price was $100 more for the Kohler, even though it was smaller). Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy either engine.

slowrev · Aug 18, 2005

My only personal recommendation is whether it is Briggs or Kohler, get one with a cast iron or steel bore sleeve in it. Will run forever /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The aluminum bore ones have a more limited lifespan.

Ben

garchib · Aug 18, 2005

I like your analogy Bird /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif That is a very good one and the point is well taken.....regarding the sleaves being iron / steel versus aluminum....I have noticed that kind of detail is not always published and have not had verry good luck getting that kind of information from some of the sales people at a Home Depot / Lowes / Sears in the past

frank_f15 · Aug 18, 2005

I don't know if it is the same now as it was years ago, but (just for reference i will use Briggs) if a a mower came with a 3.5 engine and sold for $89 at the local discount store it was NOT the same brigs 3.5 HP engine on a more expensive NAME BRAND mower, it was built to different specs. This was also true for Clinton engines(remember those) and i would imagine it is the same today.

Bird · Aug 18, 2005

( Clinton engines(remember those) )

Yep, my first power mower in 1955. I'm not sure, but think I bought it at White's Auto. I was making pretty good money, for a kid, mowing yards until I hit a big bone the customer's dog had left in tall grass; killed the engine instantly and bent the crankshaft. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

garchib · Aug 19, 2005

So, here is the follow-up question then....what do you consider "name brand" ? Are you saying the Briggs engines in a JD tractor are better quality than those in a Sears ? I also have heard some disparaging remarks about the JD(s) and Cub(s) sold at the home stores.....I am simply to trying to find out which brand is the best "bang for the buck".

slowrev · Aug 19, 2005

Frank there are different models of briggs engines. Some are alum bore some are cast bore, some have ball bearings, some have sleeve bearings, etc...those $89 mowers don't have seconds, they are just a cheaper model.
I don't think someone making an $89 push mower would use the best model of briggs engine. Same as an auto company, is a Corvette going to have the same engine as a Chevette ?
Kohler does not seem to make as many models of engines. Not sure why though.

Ben

Dutch445 · Aug 19, 2005

Does B&S still make the I/C models?
I know they still make the Intek, then the Vangard. If I were to guess, their motors go from I/C to Intek then to Vangard in terms of quality?
JD used to put the Vangard in the GT235, one of the biggest selling tractors they had. They did switch to the Kawi a couple years ago, but that Vangard was a good motor.
As far as Kohler, I have only seen the Command motors in the JD equipment. I can't say what the Courage? motor is about, but maybe it's a cheaper motor for manufacturers to use in equipment that is more price conscious.
I would bet that manufacturers take into account design life of the machine when they pick a motor for it. Why put a liquid cooled Kawasaki V-twin in a tractor that is only designed to last 6-800 hrs?
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

DmansPadge · Aug 20, 2005

( Same as an auto company, is a Corvette going to have the same engine as a Chevette ?)

Hahaha! I haven't even thought about a Chevette in years. My brother used to have one... with gas/diesel prices these days... I wouldn't mind having it! His was a diesel and got about 55mpg. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JTKub · Aug 20, 2005

Dutch- Briggs still makes what they call the "I/C" line, but they are really just an "intek" w/out an oil filter. Even the I/C's are OHV as opposed to flat heads these days. Pretty much everything more than about 5-6hp has gone to OHV for emissions. Hard to believe, but JD has been using kawasaki engines in their LT/GT's since around 1990. Our JD GT262 had a 17hp kawi and that was a 1992.
G/luck
Joel