Difference between Command and Courage V-twins.

[JTKub]

I did some comparing between the Command and Courage service manuals and found some interesting differences between the two V-twins. Obviously they have cosmetic differences between the blower housings, shrouding and air cleaner assembies. #1 would be the Courage twins don't have hydraulic lash adjusters (Chevy small block lifters) like the Commands do. The Courage series uses simple lock-nut lash adjusters that would require periodic adjustment and flat tappets. That's the same setup that many high end OHVs have used for years. #2 the Courage V-twin blocks look a tad lighter in construction than the Command. Smoother, less ribs and possibly gusseting. #3 the intake manifold and crank case breather assembly are different and look lesser grade on the Courage. Not to say the Courage twin is a bad engine, they probably will still outlast the equipment they're bolted to. FWIW, what sparked my interest is I'm going from a Command 20 equipped Cub 2544 to a Courage 20 equipped Z-Force 44. Just thought I'd share.

Joel

 

[rcbe]

Joel - I've got a 20 hp courage twin in my ride.. but only have about 15 hrs on it now - can't speak to longevity/reliabilty. I moved "up" from a courage single - found the twin to much much smoother/less vibration. Enigne starts good, has plenty of torque, doesn't "scream" at full throttle.
Onliest downside I seen so far between the twin and the single is the twin's crankcase oil drain is recessed further back into the engine and is really a boogerbear to me to operate - will definitely be an opportunity to change out/upgrade the oil drain. Yers may be different...

 

[JTKub]

Good to know. Yes I did see that oil drain location in the online Kohler FSM. I have no idea how it will be setup on my new Z-Force 44" with the engine tucked between the wheels & fuel tanks. I couldn't actually "see" the machine since neither of my 2 dealers had one available, had to order it. I'll mod it with one of those permanently mounted hose deals if need be. Up until this point I thought the Courage and Command V-twins were pretty much identical aside from cosmetics. Not so, but the differences are not a bad thing at all IMO. Usually when you mention 'Kohler Courage', someone will chime-in with "oh it's got plastic gears" (which the twins don't have) or it's "junk" right off the bat. A lot of the stigma comes from the early production Courage single cylinder engines, which are a design all their own with twin cams in the block and the rocker arms in the wide open V configuration. The large cam/gear assemblies on the Courage singles are nylon. They are large and I hardly see that as ever being a problem.

Joel

 

[rcbe]

well, I put about 200 hrs on my single with no probs - just regular oil changes, air filters and tractor kept out of the weather. Wus runnin as good as new when I traded. 2005 vintage.

 

[JTKub]

Another interesting observation for the 2010 Kohler Courage twins. Rimula 15w40 motor oil! Rimula is basically the European Rotella. I'll be using Rotella on mine. This is right out of the 2010 Z-Force owner's manual:

Joel

 

[highboy1975]

i have a ford 390 that had nylon gears on the timing chain. i doubt that would be a liability on something like this since the ford fe's are known for being nearly indestructable. i'd like to know the difference in the vangaurds. i get some people say its the best motor ever, and some people say its junk. a vangaurd vs courage comparo would be fun too.