61" Scag Zero Turn - Kohler or Kawasaki?

[VirginiaMoo]

I am getting ready to purchase a 61" Scag but have to decide what engine I want. The 27 hp Kohler or the Kawasaki 730FX (23.5 hp). Any recommendations and why? Thanks!!

 

[Rocketman]

I am getting ready to purchase a 61" Scag but have to decide what engine I want. The 27 hp Kohler or the Kawasaki 730FX (23.5 hp). Any recommendations and why? Thanks!!

I have heard from more than a few people that the Kawasaki engine is one of the best, and my second pick woujld be the Kohler! The only Kawasaki engine I own right now is on a 200 MPH sportsbike, and it has been a flawless engine!

 

[VirginiaMoo]

Thanks! I guess my main concern (keep in mind I don't know that much about engines, etc) would be the difference in horse power. Is that a legitimate concern?

 

[Rocketman]

Thanks! I guess my main concern (keep in mind I don't know that much about engines, etc) would be the difference in horse power. Is that a legitimate concern?

Well if you are going to be mowing high weeds, up steep hills, and pretty much putting the mower through the ringer, then the horsepower rating would matter much more. If you have a rough hilly yard or a field that you are going to mow, then the Kohler may be the best choice. The Kohler is a great engine and the only reason I would prefer the Kawasaki is it is somewhat more dependable from what i have heard.
You can't go wrong with the Kohler as long as you maintain it properly, so if you really need the additional horsepower, go for the Kohler! If you have a flat yard that is easy to mow, get the Kawi!

 

[VirginiaMoo]

Thanks again!! It will be used on our farm... so will have some weeds and such. Certainly much more work than a "lawn" would take!

 

[Parkmower]

I am getting ready to purchase a 61" Scag but have to decide what engine I want. The 27 hp Kohler or the Kawasaki 730FX (23.5 hp). Any recommendations and why? Thanks!!

I'd go Kawasaki. I run a 34hp FX on a 72" zt. It is a top of the line commercial engine.

 

[djdicetn]

I'd go Kawasaki. I run a 34hp FX on a 72" zt. It is a top of the line commercial engine.

Amen....Kawasaki FX691V here on my Gravely. The Kawasakis(FR=Residential, FS=Heavy Duty, FX=Commercial) are indeed recognized as the most dependable small engine on the market today.

 

[VirginiaMoo]

Thanks You!!!

 

[Scrub]

I have a 22 hp Kawasaki on my 61" Turf Tiger and it's more than enough. I do a lot of hills and it's not a problem.

 

[djdicetn]

I have a 22 hp Kawasaki on my 61" Turf Tiger and it's more than enough. I do a lot of hills and it's not a problem.

Scrub,
Yeah, my understanding is that with the recent year turmoil over hp ratings(and some not rated appropriately) that the real determination of cutting power is in the cc displacement and torque produced rather than the hp.