Kawisaki Support Problems.....

[Scott Campbell]

I posted this same subject over on TurfMfg.com while LS was down, because I was curious to see what a mfg had to say about this issue. I wanted to bring it over here to give everyone a chance to weigh in on this.

I am deciding between a 27hp LC Kaw & a 26hp EFI Kohler. I read several of the Kohler posts' and I know that the 25's are a sore spot with many. I don't know about the 26's though. Was pretty sure I was going with the 27 LC until I really started talking with my dealer about this. I am interested to see if any of you have had, or heard of these problems.



As I have mentioned on here before, I have been looking into the 27hp LC Kaw. The only thing that I have heard negative about this set-up is from one dealer near me. They have had nothing but trouble in getting distributor help.

More than one person at this dealer has told me of a backorder problem with service parts, and they have experienced lost orders as well. This leaving some operators setting for more than 3 weeks at a time (or more) waiting on parts.

Granted this is the only one around locally that I have heard with these kinds of problems. Problem is this is the dealer that I plan on doing business with. They are an established dealer, and have a fine staff. The dealer's name is RW Geeting Sales & Supply. They are located in Anderson Indiana.

This group has really gotten a bad taste in their mouth over these incidents. They have nothing but praise for the Kaw engine, the problems arise out of the lack of support on the service end. They have said that at some trade shows they have heard of similar grumblings from other dealers.

I was just wanting to know if this is a "problem" around the country, or does it seem to be just confined to these few dealers who may not have good favor with the distributor's.

Thanks for your time.
Scott

[captdevo]

i cannot help you about the Kawasaki, I know they have always made great engines. The 26hp EFI Kohler is an excellent engine. Smooth running, easy start, low fuel consumption, quiet. i have sold and still operate a few 26hp EFI Kohlers on Walker Mowers, they are nice engines.

[Scott Campbell]

This was the response to my post on TurfMfg.com, I want to thank Exmark for his reply. Also wanted everyone to see the response on LS as well.



Scott and 65Hoss,

Your comments on Kawasaki parts availability certainly concerns us. I have forwarded your comments to our contact at Kawasaki looking for a response.

This is a tough one to give you a response that will make you warm and fuzzy.

Engine parts distributors, be it Kohler or Kawasaki are independent business people. Independent by its nature means (as much as it pains the manfucturers) that each Distributor in the network may not necessarily provide consistent high-quality service. Conditions vary from market to market

With out going into detail, your best source of how the parts distributor serves your market is to ask your dealer. Your Dealers will tell it like it is.

On the positive side, both Kohler and Kawasaki produce strong products at this point. Your Dealer will direct you on the right way to go. If he is concerned you should be as well.

Thanks for the heads up this issue guys....

Regards,

Exmark

[mowerman90]

Man, you gotta give the folks at Exmark credit for telling it like it is. I may be seriously thinking of getting an Exmark next time I need a new mower.

[cutting edge]

I planned on getting the Kaw engine when I purchased my Exmark last year, my dealer advised against it. He said they had some trouble in the past getting Kaw to back their products under warranty. I went with the Kohler.