motors (KAW or KOL)

[R&RLandscaping]

I am looking to purchase a new ztr mower. I have had problems with the koler motor. I had been looking at a Ferris IS3000, because of the 25hp Kaw. motor. I just looked on Exmarks web site and they show a lazer z new for 2002 with a 25hp Kaw. Has anyone used one? How did it preform?
thanks Bruce:blob3:

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Kohler

How long do you want the motor to last?

[R&RLandscaping]

I want it to last as long as possible which motor is best?

[scottb]

Ihave always had better luck with the Kohlers. I still think the Japs are underbidding everybody to get them to use the Kawai's to begin with.

[MikeLT1Z28]

both are good motors, i have one of each. my exmark has a 15 kohler on it and my encore (yes, i bought a used encore for a very good price and it actually does a great job) has a kawi 14 on it. carb needs some attention as it hunts a little at low idle, but after a new spark plug and the carb cleaned up some, it runs like it always has.

[FrankenScagMachines]

Mike, i've not been around Kawi's enough to know if they are this way, but some engines such as Tecumseh, just hunt at idle like that from the factory.
Never heard bad about either engine though.
Eric

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Kaw's best enigne was the single cylinder 14hp.

Kohler make the best v-twin.

[Brickman]

Both are good, it is possible that you happened to get a dud. I have and use both myself.

[We do 4 U]

I have a 12.5 hp kaw on my 44 toro and love it. Wish I would have bought one with mor power though. I am about 230lbs and it sometimes has trouble pulling me up hills. When I first got the toro, a shaft went bad on the motor and it had to be replaced. was replaced under warrenty with no problems and i have not had a another problem with it and it is 3 years old. I also notice mine hunts at low idle.

[mklawnman]

Ive heard mixed things about Kohler engines, the older ones like the one i have on our JD 314 from 1982 has a 14hp engine and still runs some, burns some oil when we use it but it never gets used that much anymore. But when we need it, it runs.
Though if you want an engine that will last longer look for a liquid cooled model such as a Kaw, Kohler is starting to get into liquid cooled, but Kaw has been doing it for years. Im sure their are other engines out there but those are the only two i know alot about.
Matt(lawnman)

[awm]

ive owned both and both make premium engines. my favorite is the command series. but just because its strong and durable beyond belief for a simple aircooled engine..my next fvorite was a smaller kaw that simply performed like new for five yrs or so of hard mowing.. so with a few exceptions ,u cant fault either one . imho

[Russo]

Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
Kaw's best enigne was the single cylinder 14hp.

Only had mine a year, but it's over ten years old. First pull every time. I'd tend to agree with ya!

You said "was", Do they not make them any more?

[steve225]

I have always liked kawi but the 23hp. on my ztr just went up on me just bought a 25 Koehler on my new ztr Exmark had good luck with my 20 Koehler . I think koehler makes a good v twin
best of all parts are available .I'v been waiting 2 months for my kawi parts .. BY a a koehler. If it does break you can get parts

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by landscraper
You said "was", Do they not make them any more?

Not quite sure if they still produce them, but I know there is a mass quantity of them in wharehouses for sale.

I think they replaced it with the 15 v-twin

[johnhenry]

I have a ferris 3000 and I love it.You will never find a better riding unit. there suspension is what make ferris so specila. Just like exmarks cut ferries has the ride. very few hills that you will find that you cant climb with the 3000. As far as engines go I prefer the kohler. I have a kohler in my dixie it is so much better than the kaw,But I am a kohler man unless its diesel then thats a whole better world. Either way exmark or ferris both are great. It funny a guy park at a motel tonight that I mow. He had on his trailer two exmarks.Now I have on my trailer a dixie and a ferris but I had to stop and look at his exmarks. I dont have one but they are sweet looking sleek machines

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Kohler / Kaw

Ford / Chevy

Who will win?

That's why it is the great USA.

[Mark]

Do a search on the 2000hr club. Don't see many kaw's mostly all Kohler. Marks Mowing Service