New baby Kubota

[Roadkill95]

Don't worry about the engine I have a Kohler on my 19 year old wheelhorse and no major problems with it 415hrs. There are so many places that carry those engines parts would never be a problem.I had to replce a fuel pump and rebuild carb and then just filters and oil in 19 years.
That tractor itself will be long gone before that engine will.

 

[lp333]

... I have a Kohler on my 19 year old wheelhorse and no major problems with it 415hrs.... That tractor itself will be long gone before that engine will.

I had a similar positive experience with my 30 year old walk-behind Gravely tractor; I think that the Gravely 500 series may have been the first generation to adopt the Kohler engine.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Keith - I don't understand what you are saying about the engine being guaranteed "forever".

This is not personal experience. My cousin has a ZD21. Our common family friend bought at ZG-something (haven't talked to him in a while). As the conversation went, my cousin mentioned to me "pretty good deal since the engine came with a lifetime guarantee instead of the simple warranty (3 yr/36,000 mile) that came with my diesel engine".

The way I translated that was if the engine started to smoke or otherwise exhibit signs of valve/ring wear some 5000 hours down the road, Kohler would pony up for a new engine.

Or something like that.

Perhaps not scientific enough for this audience. It was just my understanding that I offered. Should have done appropriate research before offering this input.

 

[vrman]

Check out the kubota warranty. Looks like it is only for 24 months. If the engine fails within that period, they'll fix/replace it.

 

[machmeter62]

COKEMAN: I have three Kohler powered V-twins lawn mowers with hp ranging from 18-23; they have been trouble free over 10 years now. I am sure Kubota wants the reliability equal to their other products?

 

[Taiser]

They won't have a problem with those engines. My cub has the 16 horse Vanguard by B&S. It's rated for 2000 hours and many I have seen go WAY past that. The Home Depot versions have standard engines, I think they are rated for about 800 hours before needing rebuilding but I'm sure also that with good maintenance they should last longer.

The commercial kohlers are just as good. I got over 800 hours on my cub now with no problems and it's a 94 so by the time I get close to +2000 hours on it, I'll be long gone!

 

[cokeman]

Update: Last weekend my mower engine started making a loud ticking noise in the valves. I took it to the dealer on monday and it is still there waiting for parts. Sound familiar? I don't know how many Kohler engines I have to go through before I get a good one. Should I ask for my money back? There is only about three hours on the machine.

 

[cokeman]

Just a little more info for anyone who might be interested. The noise was caused by a collapsed valve. I got the machine back today but I can't use it untill tomorrow because the valve cover sealant has to cure.

Dean

 

[DiezNutz]

Just a little more info for anyone who might be interested. The noise was caused by a collapsed valve.

Mmm-hmm.... I would've loved nothing better than a matching Orange ZTR but can't afford or justify a ZD and the Kohler in the ZG's was a turnoff. Was told by dealer that Kubota even knows it's a problem, some changes are in store. There must be a reason why Kohlers are significantly cheaper than comparable Hondas & Kawi's.
Sorry to hear about your problem, hope it's the first & last for you. The success stories from the other Kohler owners are encouraging however.

 

[bialecki]

Just a little more info for anyone who might be interested. The noise was caused by a collapsed valve. I got the machine back today but I can't use it untill tomorrow because the valve cover sealant has to cure.

Dean

Cokeman whats the latest?