Kawasaki Engine ?

[beretta22]

What is the difference between a FR730V, and, a FS730V engine ? Is one more reliable than the other ?

 

[txmowman]

Both have the same long block. The FR crankcase is cosmetically different, but internal components are the same. The FR uses a different air filter design. The design of the FR is not the best application on a zero turn mower application, where the engine is out in the open. The FR engine is better suited on tractors, with a hood covering the engine.
For those that are particular about the maintenance of their engine, which aren't many, the FR may provide many hours of great service on a zero turn application.
All Kawasaki engines are commercial grade.
Although all engine manufactures (Kawasaki, Kohler, Vanguard, etc) have thing that could be improved, it basically comes down to taking proper care of the product. Amazon and eBay are full of very low cost and low quality replacement parts. Then, unsuspecting consumers wonder why warranty will not cover failures. Spend the extra and get genuine parts.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Carb, air filter, governor spring & blower housing
FR is the lowest spec, then FS followed by FX
Fairly sure FF only come with 1" PTO
FS & FX are 1" or 1.125" PTO
I have fitted FS to a couple of commercials and they are running fine but I upgraded the air filter to the FX dual element Donaldson type filter
The bolt patterns are the same but the FR is physically more compact to fit in tighter spaces
From memory the FS has blow out ports in the blower housing & the FR does not so you have to remove the blower housing to clean the fins
FR's have a single barrel carb, FS has a duel barrel carb
Blocks are the same cast iron liners and all of the guts are the same .
The FR's are a Hp or 2 lower but the torques are almost identical and it is the torque that does the work .
However the specs change all the time but basically it is window dressing so cheaper mowers can have a cheaper engine .
Down here the warranties were different , 2 years on FR, 3 years on FS & 4 years on FX

 

[txmowman]

Carb, air filter, governor spring & blower housing
FR is the lowest spec, then FS followed by FX
Fairly sure FF only come with 1" PTO
FS & FX are 1" or 1.125"

Carb, air filter, governor spring & blower housing
FR is the lowest spec, then FS followed by FX
Fairly sure FF only come with 1" PTO
FS & FX are 1" or 1.125" PTO

All of which should be of no real concern to most owner/operators.
The FR is available with 1-1/8" diameter crankshafts, OEM specific. Again, of no concern to the owner/operator.

 

[7394]

FS air filter has screen mesh outside the filter media.

FS has single barrel carb, like the FR,

FX is a 2 barrel.. Just saying..

 

[txmowman]

FS air filter has screen mesh outside the filter media.

FS has single barrel carb, like the FR,

FX is a 2 barrel.. Just saying..

Use to be..FX are now single barrel as well. Just so you know..

 

[txmowman]

Carb, air filter, governor spring & blower housing
FR is the lowest spec, then FS followed by FX
Fairly sure FF only come with 1" PTO
FS & FX are 1" or 1.125" PTO
I have fitted FS to a couple of commercials and they are running fine but I upgraded the air filter to the FX dual element Donaldson type filter
The bolt patterns are the same but the FR is physically more compact to fit in tighter spaces
From memory the FS has blow out ports in the blower housing & the FR does not so you have to remove the blower housing to clean the fins
FR's have a single barrel carb, FS has a duel barrel carb
Blocks are the same cast iron liners and all of the guts are the same .
The FR's are a Hp or 2 lower but the torques are almost identical and it is the torque that does the work .
However the specs change all the time but basically it is window dressing so cheaper mowers can have a cheaper engine .
Down here the warranties were different , 2 years on FR, 3 years on FS & 4 years on FX

From Kawasaki, all engine models are 3 year warranty. I wish it was as you wrote.

 

[hlw49]

What is the difference between a FR730V, and, a FS730V engine ? Is one more reliable than the other ?

Basic engine is the same. If properly maintained they are about the same.

 

[bertsmobile1]

From Kawasaki, all engine models are 3 year warranty. I wish it was as you wrote.

Warranties vary from country to country
OZ has longer warranty on most things

 

[7394]

Use to be..FX are now single barrel as well. Just so you know..

Thanks, did not know of the change..