First, for those of you chiming in that don't own a Power Trac, you aren't aware of the conditions these things are operating in....
COLD: They have to turn over three hydraulic pumps while trying to start. Cold hydraulic fluid is like glue.
HOT: For some reason the Subarus are prone to heat problems (almost certainly a design problem with the Power Trac engine compartment and exhaust system).
Since I have no experience with the Subaru, and only can go by what I've read here in the Power Trac forum, I can't compare them from personal experience.
As I've said before, my Kohler starts unassisted down to about 5F. For me, starting fluid is required after that. I've started it as low as -10F. I've heard of no one with a Subaru being able to start one at those temps unassisted. By unassisted, I mean warm garage, engine heaters, starting fluid, etc...
I've also run mine for hours during long summer days in the high 90's with no problems.
So, my Kohler has two pumps behind the engine, one pump in front of the engine, a Kohler factory exhaust exiting directly out the rear and lots of room in the engine compartment. It has a strong starter and I run Mobil1 5w30 in the engine and at each hydraulic filter change I add a quart of Mobil1 5w30 and now 5w40.
So if I had to do it over again, knowing what I know about my Kohler and reading what I've read about the Subaru's, I would not purchase a new Power Trac because of the cold starting issues and hot running issues expressed by Subaru powered PT's in this forum. I'd look for a used one with a Kohler, or re-power a used one with a Kohler.
BTW, Kohler Command Pro's are made in Wisconsin, not China.
Kohler Excels at Manufacturing Small Gas Engines | 2014-06-03 | Assembly Magazine