Which Engine Option

[grasshopperslawn]

Which engine option would you go with and why 35hp Vanguard or a Kawasaki 27lc.

[daveyo]

Which engine option would you go with and why 35hp Vanguard or a Kawasaki 27lc.

Go with the Kawasaki, I always had problems with the Vangaurd after two seasons or so I guess its what works for me and Kawasaki has always been good.

[White Gardens]

Ya, I've seen too many Briggs motors fail in the last 10 years to suggest one to anybody. I'd go with the Kawi.

I feel Briggs has gone way down hill with their motors, and might go the way of Tecumseh if they don't change their ways.

I think the only thing that keeps them in business is that they make generators now, and I know they own Simplicity now also.

[TomberLawn]

I would go with the Vanguard. I've heard good things about them from folks around here who have run them. Of course, it will probably burn more fuel than the Kawi l/c. What size mower are you talking about? That makes a little difference too. Do you need 35hp? Will 27hp lug down often? If you use a bagger or mulch leaves a lot, the extra power is very handy.

[nosparkplugs]

It all depends on your application, I have heard nothing but good about the 35hp VG big block it's "the poor mans diesel" The only advantage to 27hp Kawsaki has is Liquid cooling; however in a harsh mowing application the 27hp would be underpowered, and can overheat. Where the 35HP VG would just power through. Look at the hp/torque numbers this is not even apples to apples.

When its gas vs gas "their is no replacement for displacement"

[djagusch]

I run a 27 LC Kawi with a 61" deck rarely bogs down. Plenty of power if you mow lawns that are kept up.

[daveyo]

It all depends on your application, I have heard nothing but good about the 35hp VG big block it's "the poor mans diesel" The only advantage to 27hp Kawsaki has is Liquid cooling; however in a harsh mowing application the 27hp would be underpowered, and can overheat. Where the 35HP VG would just power through. Look at the hp/torque numbers this is not even apples to apples.

When its gas vs gas "their is no replacement for displacement"


Yea, I never had any issues bogging down with a 27hp Kawi, if you do you need to reevaluate your methods.

[nosparkplugs]

Yea, I never had any issues bogging down with a 27hp Kawi, if you do you need to reevaluate your methods.

So are you saying a 35hp big block is weaker than a 27hp LC kawaski. What deck size are you running with a 27hp Kawaski. If the 27hp Kawaski was the end all of engine choice's, their would be no other options. It's torque that does work not liquid cooling, 27hp is moderate power, that has the advantage of liquid cooling for longer life, and extended oil change intervals vs a/C.

27hp never bog down? I'm sure their are many folks beside's myself that could, and have found situation that are different, No matter the brand ZTR 27HP is midship/moderate power. Add liquid cooling to the 27hp you have stamina/long life, not a real advantage over the 35hp big block. Their are many lawnsite members who argee the 35hp big block has more torque vs the 27hp Kawaski.


This goes back to the debate how much HP/torque do you need, and how much do you want, and can afford. Do you want more HP/Torque or less hp/torque, but liquid cooling. Each engine has it's pro's & con's it's more application, brand loyalty, engine likes & dislikes.

[topsites]

Briggs makes economical engines, Kawasaki is more high performance,
they are both good products for the money.

[daveyo]

Don't put words in my mouth please. I don't mow the wet heavy stuff, I don't mow high wet turf, and I won't mow your field either. No I never had issues bogging down, never, I mow fescue, bluegrass and perennial rye. Who said Kawi was an end all of all engines? No ones debating hp or t I answered his question, like I said I had problems with the Vangaurd, I have one on the shelf right now so my choice for my application is the Kawi, cheaper, does the job, burns less fuel, probably not necessary for his application but only he can answer that. None of the companies here use that much power just not practical.

[nosparkplugs]

Don't put words in my mouth please. I don't mow the wet heavy stuff, I don't mow high wet turf, and I won't mow your field either. No I never had issues bogging down, never, I mow fescue, bluegrass and perennial rye. Who said Kawi was an end all of all engines? No ones debating hp or t I answered his question, like I said I had problems with the Vangaurd, I have one on the shelf right now so my choice for my application is the Kawi, cheaper, does the job, burns less fuel, probably not necessary for his application but only he can answer that. None of the companies here use that much power just not practical.


You told me to re-evaluated my methods, when in fact you don't have situations that would truly test the 27hp kawaski's ability? yet your comfortable criticizing a 35hp Big Block. It's safe to say a 27HP Kawaski is a great engine, but not the best or most powerful option, depending on application, or as you say "re-evaluate your methods". Depending on deck size , and hydropump set up a 27hp engine could be short on hp/torque

[daveyo]

You told me to re-evaluated my methods, when in fact you don't have situations that would truly test the 27hp kawaski's ability? yet your comfortable criticizing a 35hp Big Block. It's safe to say a 27HP Kawaski is a great engine, but not the best or most powerful option, depending on application, or as you say "re-evaluate your methods". Depending on deck size , and hydropump set up a 27hp engine could be short on hp/torque

"Reevaluate your methods" was a general term it wasn't directed at you, if it was I would of said "sparkplug reevaluate your methods" and their you go again assuming you know what the hell your talking about, STOP assuming you know my business you have absolutely no clue what I ran,run or have experience with, give me a break! It seems you "assume" nobody knows anything about hp and t I hate to bust your bubble but its not rocket science.

[nosparkplugs]

"Reevaluate your methods" was a general term it wasn't directed at you, if it was I would of said "sparkplug reevaluate your methods" and their you go again assuming you know what the hell your talking about, STOP assuming you know my business you have absolutely no clue what I ran,run or have experience with, give me a break! It seems you "assume" nobody knows anything about hp and t I hate to bust your bubble but its not rocket science.

Man? you quoted me on it:waving: so it was directed right at me:laugh:, my rebuttle touch a nerve:realmad:, my gosh, sorry:angel: no one was telling you how to run your business.

[daveyo]

Look I didn't mean to get so defensive but you were putting words in my mouth in all your rebuttals. We all have our opinions on exactly that "our own applications and experiences" no hard feelings :waving:

[lifetree]

... I know they own Simplicity now also.

They own Snapper ... which also makes Simplicity !!

[lifetree]

... When its gas vs gas "their is no replacement for displacement"

Very well said !!

[Sammy]

It would also help if he had listed the model he is getting and any bagging or mulching he plans to do with it.

[OrangeToys]

I have both a Vanguard and a kawsaki and they both seem to work great for me. the vanguard is only a year old though. but I have always been wanting the Kawasaki LC but can't afford it.

[White Gardens]

They own Snapper ... which also makes Simplicity !!


They also own Guardian generators. Used to be owned by Generac, Me thinks. That's why you don't see the Guardian Motor in The Guardian generators anymore. All Briggs now, and I'd rather have a Generac/Guardian motor for a stand-by generator.

I thought Snapper was owned by MTD.

[White Gardens]

You were right there LifeTree.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/corp/about_us/newsroom/2008/01/sears_snapper.aspx

[LawnGuy73]

I've always been a Kawi guy...

[jtkplc]

I've ran both a 31 and 35hp Vanguards. They are a smooth and very powerful engine and haven't had any problems yet. I would say for a 60" deck the 27 Kaw. would be fine but a 66" or 72" you would want the higher displacement/horsepower engine.

[TMlawncare]

^
I agree if you were going with a 66 or 72 the higher hp vangard makes good sense. For a 60" the Kaw 27lc is an excellent choice. I have a Exmark Lazer 60" with 27hp lc kaw on. I have never felt like it was underpowered or like I could use more. The fact is the motor does its job. One other key adevantage is fuel consumption. It only uses 1.2 gallons per hour. Reliability, 1600hrs and still has the same spark plugs. It still runs like its right off the showroom floor.
There is no need for more power if the engines not bogging. 20hp vs. 60hp the blades turn at the exact same speed as long as the engine isn't bogging down.