Comparison Kawasaki vs Kohler (MX5060/MX 5050)

[VooDoo_Banjo]

So after research, thinking and whatnot I've decided to go with a new mower. Looks like someone is going to take my Timecutter zx480 off my hands for a little cash.


I had blown my engine and was looking for advice... see here.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/toro-...mecutter-z480-74353-engine-blown-options.html


So I am looking at the MX series, either the 2014 MX 5060 or the 2015 MZ 5050. The only real difference I see is the 5050 has a Kohler engine and a new type seat, and the 5060 (last years model) has a Kawasaki engine and a different type seat.

Any opinions on the engines in these two mowers? Are they about the same, is one worse than another?

Thanks for the input folks!

-VB

 

[Arwing64]

To me, the newer Kohlers just aren't built as well as they used to. I would go with a Kawasaki engine out of the two. They are reliable and powerful and a good choice by any commercial lawn mowing business.

Kohler Engines when you get up in the really high end models, you'll be just fine. But anything else may fail on you. I do small engine repair and the most engines that I have to replace are Kohler engines due to them throwing rods. The materials that they are built of are China quality. In fact, a lot of the engines are made in China.

Kohler

Pros:

-More fuel efficient
-Powerful
-Quieter

Cons:

-Reliability
-Overall lifetime of engine is short

Kawasaki

Pros:

-Reliability
-Powerful
-Longevity

Cons:

Noise Level
Fuel Consumption

 

[VooDoo_Banjo]

Thanks a ton Arwing64!!!

That is an awesome, short to the point review.

Speaking of engine repair, I wish you had seen my rod throwing post mentioned in #1.. I didn't know what engine to replace my old one that threw a rod. Anyway, looks like I'm getting a new mower out of it.

Thanks again for your helpful review!

 

[Ric]

So after research, thinking and whatnot I've decided to go with a new mower. Looks like someone is going to take my Timecutter zx480 off my hands for a little cash.


I had blown my engine and was looking for advice... see here.
http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/toro-...mecutter-z480-74353-engine-blown-options.html


So I am looking at the MX series, either the 2014 MX 5060 or the 2015 MZ 5050. The only real difference I see is the 5050 has a Kohler engine and a new type seat, and the 5060 (last years model) has a Kawasaki engine and a different type seat.

Any opinions on the engines in these two mowers? Are they about the same, is one worse than another?

Thanks for the input folks!

-VB

To say one is any worse than the other would only be a guess. Both engines are designed for the homeowner that wants to mow his 1/4 acre or less sub-division lawn or the Weekend Warriors as Kohler puts it. For the money your wanting or looking to spend you could buy a lot more mower than the Time Cutter series.

 

[bertsmobile1]

FWIW the only regular problem I have with Kohlers is magnets coming loose from the fly wheel and toasting the alternator stator.

The Courage series are the built to a price cheap as possible and marginally better than B & S Inteks.
The Command serie are substantially better than the equivalent Tecumseh or B & S
And any of the 3 will do fine in a mower

99.% of the engine problems I see are owner neglect and no oil is the no 1 culprit.
I have just ordered a pile of 3" diameter key rings and some promotional key tags the idea being to encourage owners to keave the key handily over the top of the dip stick in the vein hope that will encourage then to check it a bit more often.

Because of the lay out of the crankcase floor any Kohler will tollerate a far steeper tilt angle than it's equivalent Briggs or Honda, havent done enough Kawaks to evaluate them yet.

Kwaakas are built to a lot higher standard than any US motor and are being heavily subsidised at the moment in order to bump off Honda.
Both of these are way too good for a mower engine which is reflected in the price to some extent.
Kawakasi consummables are a lot dearer than Kohler ones and if you are doing a lot of mowing then the weekly $ 15 - $ 30 adds up very quickly.
If you only do an annual service then makes no difference.

 

[jimmyzshack]

To say one is any worse than the other would only be a guess. Both engines are designed for the homeowner that wants to mow his 1/4 acre or less sub-division lawn or the Weekend Warriors as Kohler puts it. For the money your wanting or looking to spend you could buy a lot more mower than the Time Cutter series.

Ric i'm looking at these two also. What would be a lot more mower in this same price range?
thanks!