26 EFI or 27 Liquid Lazer Z?

[JLC]

Now that these machines have been out a while I would like some opinions before I buy. Thinking about the 26 or 27 with a 72 deck. Can either of these handle this deck? If they cant I'll get the 60" deck, but what is the better motor based on experience. Thinking the 72 with a 48 turf tracer hp with ECS would be a nice combination for big and small yards. Tired of the Scag.

Thanks,

Ben

[TLS]

JLC,

I have the 27/60 and love it. My friend has the twin of mine and a 27/72. The extra foot of cut bogs it only slightly in real deep grass, where the 60 is just fine. I would like to hope that this LC engine will be reliable and trouble free over the years. Im not bashing the EFI, but, it is a Kohler! I have also heard great things about this combo as well. I just think that when you go to a 72" deck, the engine will have to work harder, which in turn makes heat. The Kohler is air cooled and is limited to ambient air temp, while the LC will never overheat. I haven't got my Temp gauge to move above normal, even when its really working hard!

[jaybee]

I have 15 hrs. on my 27hp Kawi with the 60 inch deck. Two words---Simply awsome!!!!!!!!!

[MOW ED]

I have a 26 EFI and it does have plenty of power but it also is air cooled as stated. I have had no trouble with overheating but I don't really put it to the test either.
I am planning on another purchase within a year or 2 for a ztr with a 60 deck and I will be looking at kawi liquid as well as the diesels for the reason of heat and power over the long cuts. I won't get a Kohler for this type of mowing.
My 26 powers a 42" deck on a Walker GHS. Overkill? Mayby but it sure can vacuum stuff up. Good Luck.

[Randy Scott]

I have the 26 EFI with 60" deck and I would like more power! I already know I'm getting a diesel next year. You can never have too much power. I want to cut fast, not piss around, me need more power!

[JLC]

Talked to the Exmark dealer today. He claims the 27 liquid is plenty for the 72" deck, although it will be worked in the fast growing spring stuff. I like the idea of a 72" because the productivity would be phenominal. He quoted me $9450 for the 72" and $9050 for the 60"...is this fair within a couple hundred? I would also be picking up the 48 walk at the same time so maybe he cut me a deal.

[Hardy Enterprises]

I bought a 26/72 last year and it is a great machine. I have not had any real problems with it lacking power. I don't know that you can ever have too much power, but the 26 EFI will sufficiently handle the 72" deck. As far as overheating I would doubt that would problem where your located. I run that 26 air cooled wide open for 4-5 hours straight in 95-100 degree Mississippi heat with no promblems.


Jay

[mlo]

I have both the 26 and the 27 with the 72" deck, both do a great job, either one will do you a good job.