Kawasaki versus Honda

[Ben's Landscape]

I don't know if i want a kawasaki or a Honda motor on my next mower. I am buying an eastman commercial. The Kawasaki is FJ180V and the Honda is XV160. What motor would you suggest??

Thanks. I believe the Honda is a little bit more.

Brief specs:

Kawasaki:
Overhead Valve
Forced Lubrication with redesigned oil pump
Electronic spark ignition
Automatic compression release
Dual element air cleaner
Rotating grass screen
Internally vented carburetor
Cast Iron cylinder liner and chrome plated piston rings
Large sealed fan

Honda:
Transistorized magneto ignition
Horizontal type butterfly valve carburator
Forced splash lubrication
Dual element Air Cleaner

[MileHigh]

In my opinion.

Kawasaki's are found on a lot of good commercial equipment, and have earned there way to one of the top engine choices if the not the top most lawn maintenance guys want to have swinging there blades.

Of course in your case....

I have no idea what model kawi that is, and what an eastman mower is.

[Ben's Landscape]

BladeScape The model of the kawasaki is FJ 180V

Link to eastman commercial mowers.

http://www.hovermower.com/wm20k.htm

This is the one that i was mainly leaning towards.

[Ben's Landscape]

Honda:

http://www.honda-engines.com/engines/gxv160.htm

Kawasaki:

http://www.kawpowr.com/engines/detail.aspx?id=30

Both are 6 hp i believe.

[Heintooga]

I have a Snapper CRP216019KWV with the Kawasaki. I also have a commercial Honda 21". The only advantage in the Honda, for me, is the engine is quieter. The FJ180 is stronger and if you'l be cutting slopes, ditches, etc. the Kawasaki has the oil pump. Either engine will serve you well but my vote goes to Kawasaki.

[mowerdude777]

I have never used a kawasaki on a 21, but I have used a honda the honda is junk

[joed]

I've had both engines you speak of. I have used the honda gxv160 on a toro proline and a honda commercial unit. I've also used the kawasaki FJV180 on a toro. The honda is quieter, more fuel-efficient, less maintenance (due to the lack of an oil filter) but not as powerful as the kawasaki. I currently have a kawasaki FJV180 KAI series engine on my 2008 exmark metro 21". This is the best engine. It's quieter, smoother running and more fuel efficient than the original kawasaki FJV180 that was on a lot of the toro/exmark 21" built from 2004 to 2007.

[kmzlawncare]

I have Honda push mowers and they work good the thing that i like the most is no matter what they always start on the very first pull. As for kawasaki I've never used them.

[Mike's LawnCare Landscape]

I have never used a kawasaki on a 21, but I have used a honda the honda is junk
First off this guy as no idea what he is saying !!!!!!!!!!!!




Both are good on my 21's they are all Honda !!!
on my bigger mowers they are both Honda and KAW's
love them all I even have a Honda trimmer that's a brute when I need it !!(But love REDMax blowers and trimmers )all other presser washers, mixers,sump pumps generators go to Honda , Even my bed edger is a Honda.
But I have never run a KAW on a 21 . But I like both brands!!

[Ben's Landscape]

I've had both engines you speak of. I have used the honda gxv160 on a toro proline and a honda commercial unit. I've also used the kawasaki FJV180 on a toro. The honda is quieter, more fuel-efficient, less maintenance (due to the lack of an oil filter) but not as powerful as the kawasaki. I currently have a kawasaki FJV180 KAI series engine on my 2008 exmark metro 21". This is the best engine. It's quieter, smoother running and more fuel efficient than the original kawasaki FJV180 that was on a lot of the toro/exmark 21" built from 2004 to 2007.

How do you like the Exmark Metro 21".


Is there any 21" mower that you would suggest??

This is my primary mower right now. I am working on building up accounts and equipment. I do a lot of small yards.

I don't mind spending $800 or so for a good quality mower. I want to have one for a long time.

Thanks for all of the responses!!

[Ben's Landscape]

First off this guy as no idea what he is saying !!!!!!!!!!!!




Both are good on my 21's they are all Honda !!!
on my bigger mowers they are both Honda and KAW's
love them all I even have a Honda trimmer that's a brute when I need it !!(But love REDMax blowers and trimmers )all other presser washers, mixers,sump pumps generators go to Honda , Even my bed edger is a Honda.
But I have never run a KAW on a 21 . But I like both brands!!

I really like my REDMAX trimmer and blower. What models do you have??

I got the 8001 BP and the 2610 trimmer.

[yarddawgsllc]

We have a Honda and Kawasaki and to be honest you can't go wrong with either one. We have had both for 3 seasons now and neither have ever failed to start or had any type of failures. I would go by price if one is cheaper than the other. If not flip a coin or go with your gut. You won't be disappointed either way.

[PROCUT1]

I get hondas on everything that I can.

Quiet, reliable and bulletproof when you compare them to most others.

Kawasaki makes a good engine however they are very sensitive to maintenance and most are not rebuildable.

I find a lot of ZTRs with kawis, if the oil goes low or goes too long between oil changes they wipe out the top bearing of the engine. May not be something that you think about now with a new one, but I see it all the time and when that happens the engine is junk.

[Mike's LawnCare Landscape]

I really like my REDMAX trimmer and blower. What models do you have??

I got the 8001 BP and the 2610 trimmer.
I have a 7001 ebz and later same year I got the 8001.
I have the lite weight trimmer and a mid size one . dont know the # off hand .

tr2301s 9lb perfect for weekly trimming
i think the bigger one is the bcz2610s or the bcz3001s wooks good for clean ups !!

[joed]

How do you like the Exmark Metro 21".


Is there any 21" mower that you would suggest??

I love my 2008 Exmark metro 21". Reliable, productive, good mulcher and bagger and fuel efficient.

Would also reccomend the toro version or the honda (hrx217 or commercial). I've seen a few of the new lawnboy commercial units with the honda gsv engine. They look good too.

[Ben's Landscape]

I looked at the exmark metro 21". If you don't mind me asking what you paid for it?? My dealer wanted:

1200 for the metro non propelled and with the 6 hp kaw. i believe

1100 for the husky commercial

I choked when i saw these prices. Sure making the Eastman look really good right now!!

[J&R Landscaping]

I have 2 walk behind mowers (32 & 36") running Kawis. I also have a 21" snapper with that FC 150 engine. I like it though the crank is bent slightly. Honda makes a good engine as well. The 4 hp honda on my Classen aerator seems to run forever between fill ups. Do you local dealers work on Honda engines? Are they dealers for warranty or parts. Some Honda parts are quite pricey while others can be cheap. Both engines are good. I think I would lean a bit towards honda though as long as you can get parts!

[Ben's Landscape]

I have 2 walk behind mowers (32 & 36") running Kawis. I also have a 21" snapper with that FC 150 engine. I like it though the crank is bent slightly. Honda makes a good engine as well. The 4 hp honda on my Classen aerator seems to run forever between fill ups. Do you local dealers work on Honda engines? Are they dealers for warranty or parts. Some Honda parts are quite pricey while others can be cheap. Both engines are good. I think I would lean a bit towards honda though as long as you can get parts!

My local dealers service both Honda and Kawis. Which makes this decision even harder!!

The Eastman mower that i am looking at has a crankshaft protector. I guess it is designed so that you can't bend the crankshaft??

[Ben's Landscape]

Out of the Honda or Kawasaki which one is the easyiest to work on??

I do all my matiance and service myself.

[godzilla]

For the smaller engines I go with the Hondas. When you get into the larger engines it's Kawi.

[jkilov]

For the smaller engines I go with the Hondas. When you get into the larger engines it's Kawi.
+1 on that

Expect the honda to outlast the mower. Go with kawi if you want power or need an oil filter.

My robin eh-18 had an oil filter. It cost more than oil for two changes and made a huge mess when doing so. Personally, these filters on push mowers aren't worth it. Unless you work in dust, then it's mandatory.

[Ben's Landscape]

I have changed my mind about the Eastman. Since the bag was $250. I decided that i am going to go with a toro commercial. I am looking at the basic push mower with the kawi motor on it.

Have any of you used the toro commercial mowers?? I have seen a lot of them around lately.

Do you know of any 21" that has a throttle control any more?? I really need this because i do some thick,tall grass. So the control is always nice.