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Need advice on Scag TT engine choice

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Marshmallow

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Looking at a 61" TT. Can't decide between the Vanguard or the Kawasaki 791 DFI.

I don't care about initial cost or GPH. I want longevity and reliability plus ease of maintenance. I feel these two would be the most reliable choices.

What are your experiences with these engines? Would you choose different given the choice again?

Thanks for the advice guys!
 
#3 ·
If you don't care about gph, it's a no brainer. The 35 Briggs is the way to go. I own both, a 29 EFI Kohler and a 35 Briggs and if fuel consumption weren't a concern, I'd have all 35 Briggs mowers. I chose the 29 Kohler over the 791 Kaw because I didn't want to deal with liquid cooled, I also believe the 791 Kaw is over-priced, ... and because I actually prefer Kohler.
 
#4 ·
The fd791 has the longest mfg run. 03 I think was the first year. It is basically a fd750 also which goes back to 2000.

If you cut thick stuff go briggs, if you mow often then go kawi. Also the LQ has a much different sound then the ac motors. I personally grab my LQ kawi engines as its queiter even through ear muffs.
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
I have heard some guys had issues with the 31 Kohler aegis. This is why I choose the Kawasaki for a efi choice.

The downside of the Kawasaki is the engine is only actually 26 horse.

Do you think the vanguard is as reliable as the Kawasaki?
 
#6 ·
The Vanguard is as good as it gets for an engine. No brands other than Kawi are rating their engines correctly yet. Kohler is starting to, but they put it in tiny print at the bottom of their spec charts. They still post the old rating up top in larger print which is bogus and misleading. B&S is stilll doing it too, even on the Vanguard the 35 is still a very powerful engine.
 
#7 ·
Marshmallow said:
I have heard some guys had issues with the 31 Kohler aegis. This is why I choose the Kawasaki for a efi choice.

The downside of the Kawasaki is the engine is only actually 26 horse.

Do you think the vanguard is as reliable as the Kawasaki?
Click to expand...
There were issues with the 31 Kohler and it's been discontinued... and...it was a liquid cooled engine. As I said, I don't want anything to do with liquid cooled. I think the vanguard is currently one of the most respected engines available.
 
#9 ·
Marshmallow said:
After reading up on the Kawasaki and vanguard both need more maintenance than the 31 Kohler. Valve checks every 300 hours on Kawasaki and every 250 on vanguard.
Click to expand...
But they don't make the 31 anymore, so that is kind of a moot point....right LOL.

Kohler has it's share of problems as well, like smoking on start up way more than the other two do as a general rule. My last one was so bad, they had to replace it under warranty with only 50 hours on it.:rolleyes: I like the hydraulic lifters, but no more Kohlers for me thanks.
 
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Marshmallow
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