Kawasaki vs Kohler

[Retiredgunny]

Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny

 

[MParr]

Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny

According to Hustler's website, every new Raptor series mower comes with Kawasaki engines.
I can say that Kohler and Kawasaki engines sound different. I can't say one is louder than the other. That would have to be checked with instruments.

 

[Auto Doc's]

Stick with Kawasaki if you have a choice.

 

[Retiredgunny]

According to Hustler's website, every new Raptor series mower comes with Kawasaki engines.
I can say that Kohler and Kawasaki engines sound different. I can't say one is louder than the other. That would have to be checked with instruments.

My Wife noticed a huge difference between my mower and the neighbors. His Kohler sounds like it has a 3hp size muffler on it. As I far as I know, the Kohler has hydraulic valves and the Kawai solid, but it has been well over a decade and my 651 still purrs like a kitten. At what point might I expect to need a valve adjustment?

 

[MParr]

My Wife noticed a huge difference between my mower and the neighbors. His Kohler sounds like it has a 3hp size muffler on it. As I far as I know, the Kohler has hydraulic valves and the Kawai solid, but it has been well over a decade and my 651 still purrs like a kitten. At what point might I expect to need a valve adjustment?

Your Kawasaki engine owners manual should have the valve lash specifications and intervals for adjustmentI believe that it's every 300hours.
Refer to your Kawasaki manual or look on their website.

 

[MParr]

Also, the muffler for a Kawasaki, Kohler, or Briggs engine mounted on one brand of mowers might not be the same as on another brand of mower. The mufflers are not always interchangeable.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny

There are different models in each line of Kohler (Rehlko) and Kawasaki. Different specs and qualities. The only engine that has some problems of any significance to watch is the Kohler Courage single cylinder.

 

[Retiredgunny]

There are different models in each line of Kohler (Rehlko) and Kawasaki. Different specs and qualities. The only engine that has some problems of any significance to watch is the Kohler Courage single cylinder.

I had a Courage on a Cub Cadet and got 9 years out of it with no issues. Always thought I was lucky. Sold it to help fund the Hustler. Gonna adjust the valves this morning as it looks very easy.

 

[Retiredgunny]

12 years and the valves were perfectly in spec.

 

[GearHead36]

• The current Kohler Confidant ZT720/ZT740 series (post-2021) has been better than the Courage line ever was. Real upgrade.

I don't want to derail this, but do you know anything about the earlier Confidants? I have a 2016 EZT750. It has some of the features you tout for the Kawasaki... dual element air filter, aluminum block with cast-iron sleeves. I don't know about bearings and tolerances, though. I've had some problems with it, but I think it's due to neglect by previous owner(s).