Does the 425's engine suck?

[Abitnutz]

Does the 425\'s engine suck?

I'm looking at a 425 because I like the articulated steering, 4wd, rear engine location and last but not least...the very competitive price. What worries me is, no local dealer...ok, maybe that's why it's cheaper. But also there are entire threads here that talk in detail about engine swaps. Other threads talking about starting problems and still more asking about curing some other engine ill or other. What exact engine is in the 425 and is it underpowered, unreliable or prehaps just a cheap engine that sux? One last thing...is the 425 noisy in comparrison to other manufactures because of it being air cooled? I'd like to see a liquid cooled engine offered. I see there are diesels offered but those are way too big and heavy for my use.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: Does the 425\'s engine suck?

The 425 has a 25 hp Kohler that is probably used in as many commercial ZTRs as any engine out there in that power range. Search at Lawnsite.com and you'll see some negatives on one run a few years ago with head problems, but a lot of pros swearing by Kohlers. The starting problem you refer to was in a 422, with the 22hp Robin, but by all reports is completely cured by replacement of a bad run of coils. The engine swap was from a Robin to a 27hp Kohler. The loudness is reduced by PTs new muffler, but the 425 is quieter than the 1430 Deutz even with the old one.
We haven't any reports except from Power Trac about the new wheel motors on the 425, but they say the new one climbs better. The old ones get most places their owners want to go.
Have you checked MossRoad's website?

 

[Abitnutz]

Re: Does the 425\'s engine suck?

If MossRoad is the gentlemen with the all the great info on the PT complete with videos, then yes I have. I guess the problem I'm having is camparing something engineered like the Kubota BX series diesels with an aircooled v-twin from a plumbing company. I mean, no one runs around trying to put a different engine in a Kubota. I suspect that a Kubota BX/JD 2210 would last me the rest of my life and then could be used to dig my grave. I don't that warm and fuzzy feeling from the PT's engine. I have a feeling that in a few years I'd be posting here asking if I could wedge a new Deutz 2 cylinder in it.

 

[Bob999]

Re: Does the 425\'s engine suck?

I have a ZTR with the same 25 HP Kohler engine used by Powertrac. I have had no problems with it. I know commercial cutters that have used this for more than 700 hours with no problems. I think this engine is among the best air cooled gas engines in this size range.

That said it is not a diesel and it is not liquid cooled. Both characteristics are generally associated with longer lived engines as compared to air cooled gas.

 

[Schultz]

Re: Does the 425\'s engine suck?

Providing you take care of it, I think you can expect to see 1000-2500 hrs on the Kohlers before you need to rebuild or replace. The diesels you mention are known to go longer yet, 7000 hrs plus.