Vette1992
New member
I am trying to decide between two different engines in a Simplicity Landlord: Kohler Command V-Twin, or a Briggs and Stratton Vanguard V-Twin. Anybody have any recommedations?
Dwayne
Dwayne
Kohler or Briggs and Stratton
- Thread starter Vette1992
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scotd1
Bronze Member
Definitely Kohler. I have had alot of problems with B&S engines over the years and I vow to never buy another. Kohler, Onan, Kaw., Honda are all good gas engines. I have swapped out most of the B&S engines on my equipment for the other brands mentioned.
Bird
Rest in Peace
Dwayne, unlike scotd1, I've not had problems with B&S (just put a new carburetor on my DR trimmer/mower, but was probably my fault; probably got some trash in the gas) and wouldn't hesitate to buy either of the engines you named, but I, too, would have a slight preference for the Kohler if the price is the same.
Bird
Bird
DarinRay
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2000
- Messages
- 557
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- West Valley, New York
- Tractor
- 2004 JD 4310 300CX 72MM, dozers, excavtors, bachoes, loader, tractors.
Vette1992,
I was always under the impression that Kohler was superior to Briggs but was told recently by my local small engine repair shop that he use to think the same but now sees alot more Kohler work than Briggs. ????????/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I hate to mention this with all the slamming in here about Sears.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif just kidding I can take it.../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I have a 98 Kohler 20hp, 46" mulching, rear 3 bucket bagger and only had to replace the solenoid so far (warranty) but a couple times I have to shut the motor back down when starting because I can hear the hydraulic lifter chattering or something. Not sure what the heck that is but will find out before warranty runs out. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Though you would like to know.
Darin
I was always under the impression that Kohler was superior to Briggs but was told recently by my local small engine repair shop that he use to think the same but now sees alot more Kohler work than Briggs. ????????/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I hate to mention this with all the slamming in here about Sears.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif just kidding I can take it.../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I have a 98 Kohler 20hp, 46" mulching, rear 3 bucket bagger and only had to replace the solenoid so far (warranty) but a couple times I have to shut the motor back down when starting because I can hear the hydraulic lifter chattering or something. Not sure what the heck that is but will find out before warranty runs out. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Though you would like to know.
Darin
Just my 2c ...
1c -- I've heard rumors on other boards that the 25hp Kohler has some problems. Something to do with using bolts on the cylinder heads instead of studs?? I can't verify - just spreading rumors /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif
1c -- Given that both engines are so widely used, they both must be pretty good or we'd have a class action lawsuit. I would argue that 90%+ of problems result from the old saw -- a good engine with poor maintenance will not last as long as a mediocre engine with excellent maintenance.
1c -- I've heard rumors on other boards that the 25hp Kohler has some problems. Something to do with using bolts on the cylinder heads instead of studs?? I can't verify - just spreading rumors /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif
1c -- Given that both engines are so widely used, they both must be pretty good or we'd have a class action lawsuit. I would argue that 90%+ of problems result from the old saw -- a good engine with poor maintenance will not last as long as a mediocre engine with excellent maintenance.
skent
Platinum Member
I have a 14HP B&S V on my Troy-Bilt GT. New in 1989. Change the oil every 50 hours, replaced the spark plugs once (in 97' I think) and replaced the starter pinion gear (plastic-$1.50) once. ALWAYS starts right away - has never leaked at all. This engine goes about 150 hours a year (that is until I bought my bota) [5 hours a week X 26 weeks during summer cutting grass + 1 hour a week X 26 weeks during winter doing yard work] so doing the math she has over 1800 hours and uses no oil.
Have a Kohler 12 HP (one lung) on an old Wheel Horse (late 70's I think). A neighbor was taking it to the landfill when I intercepted and fixed (broken frame -welded - now good as new). First oil change I did looked like grease, so I do not think it was taken care of. It gets used for mowing down the garden. Still starts and runs strong though. Kohler seems to be a better built engine (at least this vintage) very steady and smooth running for a single. I'm sure it has lots of hours, but doesn't smoke.
I have noticed that B&S has a slight edge on parts availability, but that might just be my area of the country.
I'm guessing TLC for either will provide a long and fruitfull life. IMO Warrenty and purchase price would decide.
Steve
Have a Kohler 12 HP (one lung) on an old Wheel Horse (late 70's I think). A neighbor was taking it to the landfill when I intercepted and fixed (broken frame -welded - now good as new). First oil change I did looked like grease, so I do not think it was taken care of. It gets used for mowing down the garden. Still starts and runs strong though. Kohler seems to be a better built engine (at least this vintage) very steady and smooth running for a single. I'm sure it has lots of hours, but doesn't smoke.
I have noticed that B&S has a slight edge on parts availability, but that might just be my area of the country.
I'm guessing TLC for either will provide a long and fruitfull life. IMO Warrenty and purchase price would decide.
Steve
Gomez
Gold Member
I'd go with Kohler, based on past experience. But as was pointed out, the Kohler's of today aren't necessarily made like they used to be. I have a 70's vintage Wheel Horse (C-110?) 10HP lawn tractor, it came with the house we bought 4 years ago. It was used for cutting 3 acres until I got my Kubota. The mower deck on the unit is about shot, but the engine runs great, starts every time (dead batteries don't count). Also have a 15 yr. old Simplicity 7114 with a Kohler. That too has been great.
skent
Platinum Member
The Wheel Horse, model A12 (Hydro Trans) Has a 12 Hp Kohler. Its a BIG engine. Makes a B&S look like a toy. I like the way it sounds when you start it cold. . . . . I guess it's because it has battery and coil ignition as opposed to magnito. Sad to say though, last time I had the deck off for blade sharpening, deck has several holes rusted thru. Have decided to end its mowing career. I think I'm going to use the engine for another project (log splitter) and part out the rest. Gosh I like that tractor. Cast Iron front and rear axles. Solid! (for a GT)
Steve
Steve
IndianaPaul
Silver Member
Dwayne:
I've not had any experience w/the Kohler V-twin, but have an '89 Wheel Horse 312-8 with a Kohler 12 hp. Other than changing plugs, oil, filters, the engine has never missed a beat in nearly 1800 hours and being kept in an unheated barn during the winter. Now.....ask me about the transmission!
Paul
I've not had any experience w/the Kohler V-twin, but have an '89 Wheel Horse 312-8 with a Kohler 12 hp. Other than changing plugs, oil, filters, the engine has never missed a beat in nearly 1800 hours and being kept in an unheated barn during the winter. Now.....ask me about the transmission!
Paul
