New Zero turn engine choices?

J

JC ND

Forum Newbie
Hello: I'm new to the forum but have had a 60" deck zero turn for 7 years (JD Z950M). Our son's mower has died so we are going to sell the JD to him and get a new one for our rural property. Both the local dealers offer similar 60" deck mowers. The engine choices are the Kawasaki FX series, and Vanguard with Oil Guard. I think the Vanguard is a Briggs & Stratton. We had a Kawasaki in the JD with no problems. Some people rave over the Kawasaki, one of the dealers recommends the Vanguard because of the remote oil tank. We only mow about 120 hours a year so we probably won't wear it out in ten years. Can anyone give any feedback on the choices?

Thanks!
 
I recommend Kawasaki but avoid excess electrical options. The engines normally outlast the rest of the machine if properly maintained.
 
ILENGINE said:
The Vanguard with oil guard is a dry sump engine that holds 5 quarts of oil and can operate at a 45 degree angle.
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I was going to say Kawasaki all the way, but this is a pretty cool feature. Most mfrs say to not exceed 20 degrees on any slope. So now I'd say, if you need this feature, go with the Briggs. If you don't, go with the Kawasaki.
 
Vettepiper said:
Does that mean that mowing on a steep hill will starve my wet sump engine?
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It can. Most engines are rated for a 25-30 degree slope with some as low as 20 degrees. Add in an oil level that is not at the full mark, and that safe angle drops dramatically.
 
I am curious about the Vanguard dry sump / remote tank arrangement - Is is a real dry sump, that you might find in an aircraft/performance car OR just a way of having a larger oil capacity ???
 
Skippydiesel said:
I am curious about the Vanguard dry sump / remote tank arrangement - Is is a real dry sump, that you might find in an aircraft/performance car OR just a way of having a larger oil capacity ???
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Two oil pumps with remote mounted oil tank. one pump is full pressure lube to all the bearings, and the other oil pump, recovers the oil that drains from the bearings in the engine sump and pumps it back into the oil tank.
 
ILENGINE said:
Two oil pumps with remote mounted oil tank. one pump is full pressure lube to all the bearings, and the other oil pump, recovers the oil that drains from the bearings in the engine sump and pumps it back into the oil tank.
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Sounds like the real deal but why two oil pumps, when one is more than capable of doing the job? :devilish:
 
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