Kohler vs Kawasaki engine for my new machine?

[NormanB]

First post!
I'm shopping for a new ZTR. I have narrowed my search down to 2 machines: Kubota and Gravely. The models I am interested in have either a Kohler 7000 series or a Kawasaki engine. I was hoping someone could share their experiences with these engines, good or/especially bad. Should I be wary of either type engine. TIA

 

[shiftsuper175607]

First post!
I'm shopping for a new ZTR. I have narrowed my search down to 2 machines: Kubota and Gravely. The models I am interested in have either a Kohler 7000 series or a Kawasaki engine. I was hoping someone could share their experiences with these engines, good or/especially bad. Should I be wary of either type engine. TIA

Go to the bottom of the page and see similar threads answered...the same one was asked yesterday.

 

[NormanB]

Yes, I saw the similar threads list after I posted, very helpful. Thx.

 

[Ric]

First post!
I'm shopping for a new ZTR. I have narrowed my search down to 2 machines: Kubota and Gravely. The models I am interested in have either a Kohler 7000 series or a Kawasaki engine. I was hoping someone could share their experiences with these engines, good or/especially bad. Should I be wary of either type engine. TIA

I've never had any experience with the 7000 series but have had plenty of experience with Kohler and Kawasaki both. Both are good engines. What Kawasaki engine are we talking about? Now I've run the Kohler Courage engines for 1400 hrs or a little more and never had any issues. I've got almost a 1000 hrs between the 2 Kawasaki engines, the FS 541 and the FX 651 and Never an issue with either.
The 7000 series is a residential/homeowner engine so depending on what you're comparing it to or what the two engine are that the mowers are running it could make a difference in which one you buy.

 

[NormanB]

I've never had any experience with the 7000 series but have had plenty of experience with Kohler and Kawasaki both. Both are good engines. What Kawasaki engine are we talking about? Now I've run the Kohler Courage engines for 1400 hrs or a little more and never had any issues. I've got almost a 1000 hrs between the 2 Kawasaki engines, the FS 541 and the FX 651 and Never an issue with either.
The 7000 series is a residential/homeowner engine so depending on what you're comparing it to or what the two engine are that the mowers are running it could make a difference in which one you buy.

Thanks for the response. I didn't get any model numbers on the Kawasakis, but I'm looking at residential mowers, not commercial. The engines are on similar Kubotas and Gravelys, and are in the 20-25hp range. I've narrowed my selection down to 2 mowers of mostly equal qualities, but one has a Kohler and the other a Kawasaki. I favor the Gravely ZTXL48 and it has a Kohler. A friend expressed misgivings about Kohlers so I wanted to check with other users/mechanics about the 2 engines. So far I have found testimony for both engine manufactures. It appears that owner care may be the determining factor in engine performance and longevity.

 

[Ric]

Thanks for the response. I didn't get any model numbers on the Kawasakis, but I'm looking at residential mowers, not commercial. The engines are on similar Kubotas and Gravelys, and are in the 20-25hp range. I've narrowed my selection down to 2 mowers of mostly equal qualities, but one has a Kohler and the other a Kawasaki. I favor the Gravely ZTXL48 and it has a Kohler. A friend expressed misgivings about Kohlers so I wanted to check with other users/mechanics about the 2 engines. So far I have found testimony for both engine manufactures. It appears that owner care may be the determining factor in engine performance and longevity.

Ok if there both residential mowers then probably your looking at the Kawasaki FR series engine which is a real good engine. One of the things that may help you make your decision and I'm not saying the Kohler is a bad engine or anything because I wouldn't be afraid of either but the Kohler has a 2 year consumer warranty and the Kawasaki will have a 3 year warranty. So looking at it from the if factor, if something should happen down the road that extra year warranty could save you a lot of money.
The problem I would have with the 7000 series is it's a new engine that kohler put on the market a little bit ago and I don't know of anyone who has any time on one that could say one way or another about how reliable or durable the engine really is.
As you say owner care can be the determining factor in engine performance and longevity. Change the oil and filters every 50 hrs regardless of what the manual says or for you as a homeowner at least once a year unless you go over the 50.

 

[NormanB]

Ok if there both residential mowers then probably your looking at the Kawasaki FR series engine which is a real good engine. One of the things that may help you make your decision and I'm not saying the Kohler is a bad engine or anything because I wouldn't be afraid of either but the Kohler has a 2 year consumer warranty and the Kawasaki will have a 3 year warranty. So looking at it from the if factor, if something should happen down the road that extra year warranty could save you a lot of money.
The problem I would have with the 7000 series is it's a new engine that kohler put on the market a little bit ago and I don't know of anyone who has any time on one that could say one way or another about how reliable or durable the engine really is.
As you say owner care can be the determining factor in engine performance and longevity. Change the oil and filters every 50 hrs regardless of what the manual says or for you as a homeowner at least once a year unless you go over the 50.

Thanks for your input. It was helpful.

 

[Mad Mackie]

ZTRs are dusty by nature of their design. Kawasaki makes the FX line of engines that are found on upper end machines. This line of engines has the Donaldson two stage HD air filtration system as standard equipment. Kohler also uses these air filters on their upper end engines.
Adding this air filter system to an engine is not recommended as carburetion is different due to the increase in airflow resistance caused by the two stage air filtration system.
Just a thought for your consideration.

 

[NormanB]

Thanks Mad.