Which Is A Better Mower Engine??

[BCPEX]

I am looking into buying my first ZTR mower and so far I am focused on a Snapper with a Kawasaki engine. I will be mowing three yards and the lot sizes are 75x150. I have found a Snapper with a Briggs engine on it but, I was leaning more towards the Kawasaki. Which would be the better choice? Should I look at a different brand mower?

 

[Ron D.]

Go with the Kawasaki. The B&S states good horsepower, but only produces about 2/3's of the torque. Also, the B&S ratings are at a higher rpm than the Kawasaki ratings. I read a lot on this before I purchased, and the pro's prefer the Kawasaki.

Don't know what model Snapper you're looking at, but I would recommend getting a commercial unit of whatever brand you are considering. The cost is higher, but commercial units have stronger decks, spindles, pumps and drives over the residential units. Let us know what you decide.

 

[sxs191]

Depending on how much you wnat to spend... Gravely and Dixon make some great machines. The John Deere EZtrak Z225 was rated the best dollar for dollar deal on a ztr mower for residential purposes. Snapper is a great brand too. I would go with the Kawasaki myself given your two options.

 

[bullsram]

I would go with the Kawasaki too and if they make one thats liquid cooled then get that one if its in you're price range. The liquid cooled will last twice as long as an air cooled. I had a B&S air cooled motor on a riding mower and it gave up after just 620 hrs. I bought a new JD X540 with a liquid cooled Kawasaki and I was told by the deale that it should run 2000 hrs or there abouts. Just my 2 cents.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I am looking into buying my first ZTR mower and so far I am focused on a Snapper with a Kawasaki engine. I will be mowing three yards and the lot sizes are 75x150. I have found a Snapper with a Briggs engine on it but, I was leaning more towards the Kawasaki. Which would be the better choice? Should I look at a different brand mower?

Thank you for not calling an engine a motor.
larry

 

[Steve C]

I am looking into buying my first ZTR mower and so far I am focused on a Snapper with a Kawasaki engine. I will be mowing three yards and the lot sizes are 75x150. I have found a Snapper with a Briggs engine on it but, I was leaning more towards the Kawasaki. Which would be the better choice? Should I look at a different brand mower?

That is a total of 235 x 150 with three houses, drives and garages taking up some of the space?

It doesn't matter what you buy, you will only be mowing about 1/2 acre of grass. It will take you about 1/2 hour. I don't know where you live but if you mow once a week for 6 months that is only 13 hours of use per year. In 20 years you will only have 260 hours on it. None of them will be worn out at that point.

How large is your budget for the purchase?

 

[coobie]

I am looking into buying my first ZTR mower and so far I am focused on a Snapper with a Kawasaki engine. I will be mowing three yards and the lot sizes are 75x150. I have found a Snapper with a Briggs engine on it but, I was leaning more towards the Kawasaki. Which would be the better choice? Should I look at a different brand mower?

I would worry more about the mower deck.Is it a commerical deck or a cheap stamped out deck?coobie

 

[jhwentworth]

I think you need a lesson on wants and needs. The job needs a Hyundi, but the OP really wants a HumVee. What does it take to mow an acre of grass, or less.

 

[whistlepig]

I am looking into buying my first ZTR mower and so far I am focused on a Snapper with a Kawasaki engine. I will be mowing three yards and the lot sizes are 75x150. I have found a Snapper with a Briggs engine on it but, I was leaning more towards the Kawasaki. Which would be the better choice? Should I look at a different brand mower?

I had a John Deere riding tractor with a Kawasaki water cooled engine. Finest gas motor I have ever heard run. I'll take a Honda or Kawasaki motor over a Briggs in a second.

 

[Steve C]

I think you need a lesson on wants and needs. The job needs a Hyundi, but the OP really wants a HumVee. What does it take to mow an acre of grass, or less.

Yes but it is our wants that keep the economy going.....and you must admit that a zero turn is a hoot to drive!

I also have a comercial 15 Hp walk behind with a 36 inch 1/4" steel plate deck that makes me feel like superman. There isn't anything that it won't cut and it has a 6 speed trans. Anything over 3rd gear and I am running. My hips have kind of gone bad so I can't do that any more so now I get the same fun from my 60 inch Swisher Zero turn. My garden tractors ride a lot better but when I am in a hurry the Swisher comes out. I am mowing 3 acres at one house and 4 acres at my other place. I only have around 32 hours on it, I just got it a couple months ago.