Cub Cadet / Kohler -> not so good

[Dave01]

TeNet, sorry to hear the news, got to be frustrating to say the least. Check into the Honda replacement, and there are a few other places that offer drop in replacements, do some searching and you can call a few outfits to see what they offer for the 2500.

I've had good luck with Kohler. Several older K models, 2 Magnums, right now I'm running 3 Commands. Every one of them has run well and reliably, a solid product. My newest is a 2003 in our Cub 3204 so not sure if anything has gone wrong since then. We all rely on our own experience, and mine has been good with Kohler.

I hope things work out for you! One other thought, as bad as the engine looks, talk to a local small engine repair guy and see what he thinks. He might be able to put it back together for $500 or so in parts and labor. I know you don't want any part of that Kohler right now but might be worth a call.

 

[JTKub]

..If I got a lemon, so be it, but all you Kohler-lovers should at least admit there are some lemons out there, and some people are getting screwed. I did buy it new, and I did get Kohler-ized.

TENet. I feel for you. I've got the same tractor, same engine at ~120hrs (no engine issues thus far!). Apples/apples they are decent machines for this price range. Far from perfect, but decent. If it's an consolation, all small OPE engines are prone to loosing valve seats, valve retainers, etc.. I've read a post or two of VERY high dollar liquid cooled Kawasaki powered JDs, dropping a valve after a backfire when a retainer came off. I find it hard to believe some calm/cool/persistent push back to a cub dealer and or Kohler directly couldn't yield some type of reimbursement here?? It's going to take more than one call or visit. How old is this machine?

Joel

 

[TENet]

JTKub -

As a matter of fact, this occurred when I shut the engine off, and it did backfire, as it always does. (Yes, I've read the threads, I do throttle it down first, but I've taken to throttling down, turning the key, and quickly covering my ears. The neighbors think it's a hoot to watch).

Anyway, amazing how you called it with the backfire. To answer your question, this machine is 5 years old. The engine size / cut width was recommended by the cub dealer, so that's what I got. It takes about an hour and 20 to cut, so 25-30 hours each year. Hence, no warranty. If I was using it 10 hours a week, it would have been gone before the summer was out.

 

[2manyrocks]

I have had a Kohler command for three or four years now and have had no problems with it. This one however appears to be a clunker, unfortunately.

 

[Gator6x4]

JTKub -

As a matter of fact, this occurred when I shut the engine off, and it did backfire, as it always does. (Yes, I've read the threads, I do throttle it down first, but I've taken to throttling down, turning the key, and quickly covering my ears. The neighbors think it's a hoot to watch).

Anyway, amazing how you called it with the backfire. To answer your question, this machine is 5 years old. The engine size / cut width was recommended by the cub dealer, so that's what I got. It takes about an hour and 20 to cut, so 25-30 hours each year. Hence, no warranty. If I was using it 10 hours a week, it would have been gone before the summer was out.

The newer Kohler Command or Courage engines like to have 3/4 or more throttle when the iginition is turned off. When you have it running again and are stopping or shutting down the engine make sure the throttle is at least three quaters open before turning the ignition switch to off and see if this stops the back firing problem. Your neighbors may start inviting you over for a cold one again.

 

[JTKub]

JTKub -

As a matter of fact, this occurred when I shut the engine off, and it did backfire, as it always does. (Yes, I've read the threads, I do throttle it down first, but I've taken to throttling down, turning the key, and quickly covering my ears. The neighbors think it's a hoot to watch)..

It's pretty clear, black and white in the Cub ops manual that you are supposed to throttle UP on the newer Kohler Command twins upon shut-down. It's also a recommended procedure per Kohler themselves on the backfire prone machines. Doing so completely prevents the backfire or "afterfire" as Cub and Kohler call it. FWIW, the 17hp Briggs Intek on my ~2003 model year Yard Machines pile-o-poop 600 series lawn tractor also was "afterfire" prone. Throttling up prevented it on that one-lunger as well.

Joel

 

[JTKub]

JTKub -

To answer your question, this machine is 5 years old. The engine size / cut width was recommended by the cub dealer, so that's what I got. It takes about an hour and 20 to cut, so 25-30 hours each year. Hence, no warranty. If I was using it 10 hours a week, it would have been gone before the summer was out.

Gotcha. I'd still pursue Kohler on this though. Start with some emails or call the number here>> Kohler Engines: Contact Us Send them your pics and go from there. These are considered a "commercial" series engine and should last a good 2000hrs. I bet they come through with a good portion of a repair/replacement cost. I wouldn't expect them to pay 100% and you might wanna be clear with that right of the bat.

Joel

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

S*** happens I guess. You can get a bad apple in the barrel with almost any product. I've been on this board for awhile and haven't really seen all that many complaints about Kohler engines, especially the Command series. My old CC 1450 with a single Kohler 14 ran for 26 years and 1100 hours with nary a problem other than a voltage regulator replacement. It used very little oil when I parted with it. It's replacement is a 2004 3235 with the Kohler Command 25hp and now has 250+ hours. I don't really expect it to last as long as the 1450 but so far it hasn't been back to the dealer for anything. I replaced the blades and a couple deck rollers so far.

Bob B.

 

[micman32]

I have had no problems with my Kohler Command 20. It runs like a top uses no oil and has been very reliable. I have never had any trouble with Kohler engines.

Michael

 

[savageactor7]

On our Kohler Command engine I choke it to shut it off. Let it idle down for a minute choke it and turn the key off just before it sputters.

No backfires or post ignition drama. imo backfires are something to be avoided...bad news.