SnapperPro ZTR 26HP Briggs or 19HP kawasaki?

[Cuda]

Our local dealer who is also my neighbor is cutting me a good deal on a SnapperPro S50, he has 2 in stock one with the Briggs 26hp and the other with the 19hp Kawasaki, now what would be a better choice? I don't mow thick grass but mostly light stuff and small scrub brush in a 2 acre pine grove. And does Snapper think the 19hp Kawasaki is just as powerful as the Briggs or are they just giving a more efficient but more expensive option? I can get the Briggs for a few hundred less.
http://www.snapperpro.com/s50x.php

[lawnspecialties]

Kawasaki is considered a better, more dependable brand. But if you're one of those homeowners who waits until the grass gets knee high before mowing, get the bigger Briggs. If you mow under "normal" conditions, the 19 Kawasaki will be fine for the 48" or 36" deck.

Either way, it's for homeowner use so the hours won't be anywhere near a machine under commercial use. Get whichever motor you want and be confident it'll be fine.

[ransuz]

I just bought the 36" s50x with the kaw 19hp. That is kawasaki's flagship engine. I live in the midwest and have to wait a while to use it, but that tractor is built like a tank. 2009 for $3675.00. I thought that was a great deal for new.

[WREBELMACHINE]

There is a guy here that replaces his engines with the 26hp briggs and has not had any trouble with them in the three years that I know him. He has 9 crews running!

[topsites]

That 19hp Kawasaki is closer to 23-24 hp of Briggs stuff, plus it's a far better engine.

The briggs runs great when it's new but even running synthetic in them right from the git-go
to include break-in these engines gradually lose power over time, while I do run the odd Briggs
and am relatively pleased so I guess as with all things you can get good ones and you can get
a lemon, but ultimately the Kawasaki is the better engine.

And this Briggs has more power, and it's cheaper.
Considering that you won't be putting thousands of hours on it makes it a tough choice.

I don't know, does either have LOS?
That stands for Low Oil Shutdown, it does exactly what it says, if you run one low on oil it shuts down, like Hondas.
If either has it that would be a determining factor for me.

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

For just homeowner use, I would probably go with the Briggs option, esp if LESS expensive for more horsepower.

[Bluffman]

Do you feel you'll ever have to sell this machine or trade up? If so, the Kawi is definately worth considering. There is ample dispute on these forums over the quality of Briggs motors and I will not disparage their product but one thing you will notice if you do your research is that you'll have to look awfully hard to find negative comments on the Kawis. Also, torque is the factor to consider on engines. Many mfgs offer choices in HP options because of price points. The Briggs is a cheaper engine than Kohlers and Kohlers are slightly cheaper than Kawis (though Kohlers are excellent). In a Scag Tiger Cub, the Briggs is a 26HP, the Kohler is a 23HP and the Kawi is a 19HP. These are TORQUE comparable engines in that application. Don't get too hung up on HP ratings which is what many of us do....wer'e guys after all! LOL! Hope this helps....good luck.

[Bluffman]

Whoops! I just noticed the original post date....I'm sure you've made your purchase long ago and I hope your happy with it. Next time I'll look first before hitting quick reply!