Kohler V twin engine Life

[Hill Billy Bob]

I've never once had that problem with my Command twins using 5w or 15w40. I have used them with temps in the 20-40degF range (without any issues what so ever), but they are not used for snow removal.

15w40 is actually recommended by Cub Cadet for my Courage Pro V-twin, but that has lock-nut valve adjustment.

Joel

My expierience is identicle to JTKub's. I have run Mobile's 15w40 in my 2005 Kohler Command engine since almost new. Just wrapping up it's 11th season of use...engine uses no oil, clock now stands at 1,129 hours. I have never run anything of mine at WOT.....have never seen any reason to do so.

The wife is the main operator, and is good about starting the compressor, to remove all of the built up debri, grass, dust, etc., etc. I have advised her as to the importance of including the engine shroud, when the air hose is used. When removed from winter storge, always blow it out.....rodents love to build nests under the shroud, and will cause overheating of which ever side of the engine they occupied.

I have also used the same 15w40 oil in the hydrostatic tranny of this mower for years....no problems yet. Tranny gets changed yearly (every 100 or so hrs)

Also use 15w40 in both of my BMW motorcycles, Ural sidecar rig, and motor scooter......these aren't Kohlers.....but all are air cooled

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

My expierience is identicle to JTKub's. I have run Mobile's 15w40 in my 2005 Kohler Command engine since almost new. Just wrapping up it's 11th season of use...engine uses no oil, clock now stands at 1,129 hours. I have never run anything of mine at WOT.....have never seen any reason to do so.

You should always run a mower at full throttle to achieve the best cut. In fact I just upgraded to a new Cub Enduro XT3 GSX and it has a decal by the throttle saying to always run at WOT for proper battery charging and cut.

Bob B.

 

[rau2009sch]

I have 15 year old Troy-Bilt, Command CV-23 engine, 1100 hours, 23 Hp, and I change oil and filter as often as I can. I keep the oil new clear-amber looking. All the plastic mower parts have long since fallen off, and I have had to change muffler, deck spindles, belts, fuel pump, lights, lots of things from front to back. But the thing runs like a champ. Very powerful. I odn't think it uses any oil. Might keep it.

 

[Duwop]

Craftsman GT3000 Command 23hp Kohler 14 yr 1000+ hours no problems. Oil changed 10w30 once a year with cheapest brands spark plugs every two years stored in barn used for mowing 5+ acres hilly terrain garden plowinging and tilling. When I purchased this machine I never imagined it would last this many years but have saved some coins for sure. My only problem has been keeping air in tires, since day one every third day I have at least one tire down I've tried fix a flat but they still go down so I've been carrying air tank to barn every time I want to use it. Air is to cheap to complain much.

 

[Hill Billy Bob]

You should always run a mower at full throttle to achieve the best cut. In fact I just upgraded to a new Cub Enduro XT3 GSX and it has a decal by the throttle saying to always run at WOT for proper battery charging and cut.

Bob B.

I know how the manufacture suggests running these mowers, my 11 year old owners manual says the same thing you said.... but I have never found the need to do so. They also say 10w30 engine oil, and 20w50 transmission oil. I was just relating what has worked for me, and my cheap little 1000 series cub, for over 1100 hours. My lawns always look good enough to suit me after being mowed.....and that's all that matters.

When using the Bush Hog, or flail mower with the tractor, I never run at the 2500 rpm's required to spin the pto at 540. The engine sounds happier at 2100, or 84% of suggested speed. Seems to cut just fine operating it in this manner.

I'm not trying to change anyones mind about how to run or maintain their equipment......just stating what seems to have worked fairly well for me.