gjgalligan
Single-Sixer
Looked at 3 or 4 different models on the CC web site and they all had Kawasaki listed for engines.
I need to get a riding mower
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GypsmJim
Single-Sixer
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I have had many lawn mowers over the last 50 years and the ONLY one that was a disaster had a Kohler engine.
Now, when I go to a Home Show or an Outdoor equipment venue the first thing I do is lift the hood to see the engine label.
In the past 5 years every CC I personal looked at had a freaking Kohler engine. Enuff for me. Not going in MY garage. I realize 3 strikes is out, but for me, 1 srike is too much.
Maybe I was only looking at the smaller models, or maybe Kawi makes Kohler, I dunno.
Mr. Briggs was a consultant to Ole Evinrude. All I need to know.
Well I've been shopping around and I really like two (at the top of my price range) the most so far.
They are a 54" Toro with their new deck that hangs from chains to prevent damage if you rub up against trees or such. It has a Kawasaki.
The other is a 50" ExMark, but unfortunately it has a Kohler.
Any thoughts on these two?
They are a 54" Toro with their new deck that hangs from chains to prevent damage if you rub up against trees or such. It has a Kawasaki.
The other is a 50" ExMark, but unfortunately it has a Kohler.
Any thoughts on these two?
Wow, this Kohler aversion.
In my lifetime, industrial and recreational equipment powered by Kohler was a positive feature. I am surprised to hear on this thread, how Kohler is now looked down upon.
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In my lifetime, industrial and recreational equipment powered by Kohler was a positive feature. I am surprised to hear on this thread, how Kohler is now looked down upon.
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Kohler commercial engines are quite a bit different from their consumer grade. Just an FYI
Kohler used to be premiere, to me at least, until 10-15 years ago. Kohler "Courage" series that was used by some manufacturers in their mowers has what is currently the worst reputation in small engines. They have an extremely high failure rate. B&S engines had several issues a few years back with their Intek, which ultimately led to their bankruptcy in 2020. I used to be a B&S guy- loved working on them when I ran my mower shop. They were simple and efficient. Despised working on a Tecumseh, once they had any major wear. They were great until they started to wear, then basically it was cheaper to replace than to repair. They were known for cylinder wear in an egg-shaped manner- making it virtually impossible to hone and rebuild. I no longer buy B&S or Kohler- simply due to watching them deny liability or warranty on their engines for manufacturing defects.Wow, this Kohler aversion.
In my lifetime, industrial and recreational equipment powered by Kohler was a positive feature. I am surprised to hear on this thread, how Kohler is now looked down upon.
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Well just to be a pain, I will say the only one that has lasted me 18 years so far is a Kohler.
Would you avoid an ExMark with a Kohler in it? I'm not sure if it's a commercial or consumer grade, it's a 22hp Kohler 7000 Series KT725.
Edit: The website says:
"Based on the KOHLER Command PRO® commercial engine design, the air-cooled, V-time 7000 Series will run rings around your neighbors. It features a 3 year, unlimited hour, limited warranty."
https://engines.kohlerenergy.com/en/products/KT725
I just did a search on the Command Pro, and see very few issues. The Courage was designed badly, but the Command Pro seems to be dependable.
GypsmJim
Single-Sixer
- Joined
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When I came of age, I had to cut the lawn for my Dad. All he had was a push reel mower. When I started High School and had little time, and he had to do it himself, he bought a new fangled gasoline powered mower. It was a Sears with a Tecumseh engine. Later I got married and moved away. Now my sister was in charge. But she couldn't pull the starter on the mower, so Dad bought one with an electric start.
No need for the Tecumseh any more, so he gave it to me. As a new homeowner with limited funds, I used it for many years. When I was able to afford a lawn tractor, I put the ole Tecumseh in the back of the garage.
Fast forward and I bought a little piece of camping property out in the woods. Needed a mower. Resurrected the Tecumseh. It's still running.
Oh, I forgot to say. The old girl is now 59 years old. It has an aluminum deck, which added to the longevity. Sure with Tecumseh was still in bizness.
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The KT-725 has been out for a while now, so far they seem to be doing OK. Have not seen any of what
I'd call design failures or trends. Personally I'd look at them and the low end Kaw as sorta interchangeable.
Kawasaki is like other engine manufactures in building different quality or design life engines.
Toro owns Exmark and they build slightly different " mixes" in their component selections, yet have many
of the same parts.
At an equal price point I'd pick which ever seemed to have the most convenient decent appearing dealer,
Assuming you're looking at a Exmark Quest S series and Toro Time Cutter Max, I'd think either one should
give good service for mid priced residential units. Don't know if Exmark offers the My-Ride seat option.
I'd call design failures or trends. Personally I'd look at them and the low end Kaw as sorta interchangeable.
Kawasaki is like other engine manufactures in building different quality or design life engines.
Toro owns Exmark and they build slightly different " mixes" in their component selections, yet have many
of the same parts.
At an equal price point I'd pick which ever seemed to have the most convenient decent appearing dealer,
Assuming you're looking at a Exmark Quest S series and Toro Time Cutter Max, I'd think either one should
give good service for mid priced residential units. Don't know if Exmark offers the My-Ride seat option.
The KT725 is a high end consumer grade engine in the 7000 series. If properly maintained it should last a long time. I have the Kawasaki FR651V in my JD which is a very similar motor and another good option used in some zero turns.
Actnbill
Single-Sixer
Buy a tractor that was Not from Homey Depot or Lowes.....just asking for trouble....
I bought a John Deere X300 with a Kawasaki engine used from local John Deere factory store.... 8 yrs later....running great...1 1/2 acres every week...
Nothing runs like a Deere..... ( except a Trane for u furnace guys )
I bought a John Deere X300 with a Kawasaki engine used from local John Deere factory store.... 8 yrs later....running great...1 1/2 acres every week...
Nothing runs like a Deere..... ( except a Trane for u furnace guys )
I found a 54 year old mini-bike with a Tecumseh pull start motor. Had not been started in decades. Changed the oil, cleaned the carb, started on the first try after a priming pull. Had not even cleaned or changed the spark plug yet.
I don't know anything about zero turns. I've had a John Deere I bought from Home Depot for 7 years. It has been fine. It has a Koehler engine. Before that I had a Craftsman with a Briggs & Stratton engine that I kept for 18 years. The engine was still going strong but the chassis started falling apart. I actually liked the Craftsman better. It had a manual transmission. The John Deere has been fine though. The only Tecumseh I've had is an old 3rd hand go cart I was given. It hasn't been used a lot here but I pull it out for the kids from time to time. The only issue I've had with it is the carburetor. I ordered another carb from online (it was cheaper than buying a rebuild kit) put the new carb on & quit using ethanol gas. No more problems.
gjgalligan
Single-Sixer
As luck would have it......
I commented in post #15 that I was getting my Cub ready for it's 13th season and today I went out for the first cutting. About 1/3 of the way it just quit moving forward. Motor still running fine, mower deck still working. Just will not move forward or backward.
First thought is the hydro static drive died. If that is indeed the case then I will also be looking to buy a new mower.
422 hrs on the clock.
I commented in post #15 that I was getting my Cub ready for it's 13th season and today I went out for the first cutting. About 1/3 of the way it just quit moving forward. Motor still running fine, mower deck still working. Just will not move forward or backward.
First thought is the hydro static drive died. If that is indeed the case then I will also be looking to buy a new mower.
422 hrs on the clock.
I sharpened up the blades on my JD X350 today and cut grass for the first time this season. 7-8 inches of grass, sometimes more. Set the blades to 2" and mowed that down like it wasn't even there. Say what you want about JD but I'm good with this mower, I cut a couple acres or more this afternoon.
GHollan
Bearcat
I'm a reel guy and mow under an inch. It is a 34" reel and makes quick work. I only have 12,000 square feet to mow and a few hills and narrow sections but if I had a larger and flatter lawn I would love a riding tri-reel rider.
gjgalligan
Single-Sixer
It appears as Cub Cadet is using a mix of Kohler & Kawasaki engines.
Good news is I don't have to buy a new mower right now. Just need to replace the drive belt on mine.
Due to a bad back & knee I will have to take it in and pay the big bucks for somebody else to do it.
Good news is I don't have to buy a new mower right now. Just need to replace the drive belt on mine.
Due to a bad back & knee I will have to take it in and pay the big bucks for somebody else to do it.
Woodtroll
Bearcat
"As luck would have it......
I commented in post #15 that I was getting my Cub ready for it's 13th season and today I went out for the first cutting. About 1/3 of the way it just quit moving forward. Motor still running fine, mower deck still working. Just will not move forward or backward.
First thought is the hydro static drive died. If that is indeed the case then I will also be looking to buy a new mower.
422 hrs on the clock."
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Is it one of the ones that has a v-belt to drive the transmissions/pumps, separate from the deck? That happened to mine once, and it was a failed belt. Usually the hydrostatic drives give some warning before failing, in my admittedly limited experience with such things. Good luck!
Edit - sorry, guess we were typing at the same time. Glad it was relatively simple!
I commented in post #15 that I was getting my Cub ready for it's 13th season and today I went out for the first cutting. About 1/3 of the way it just quit moving forward. Motor still running fine, mower deck still working. Just will not move forward or backward.
First thought is the hydro static drive died. If that is indeed the case then I will also be looking to buy a new mower.
422 hrs on the clock."
-----------------------------------
Is it one of the ones that has a v-belt to drive the transmissions/pumps, separate from the deck? That happened to mine once, and it was a failed belt. Usually the hydrostatic drives give some warning before failing, in my admittedly limited experience with such things. Good luck!
Edit - sorry, guess we were typing at the same time. Glad it was relatively simple!
