23hp Kohler vs. 25hp Kohler

Talked to my Toro dealer yesterday about buying a new Z-Master. <br>The 23 Kohler model is about $1000 less than the 25 Kohler model.<p>Torque is supposed to be close between the two motors, <br>I think within 4 ft. pounds under load.<p>The water-cooled 22 Kaw is $1000 higher than the 23, but it's supposed<br>to be rated for 5,000 hours - I don't think it's worth the extra dough.<p>Does anyone have any field experience using the 23 Kohler? Is it a good engine?<br>

 

I can't believe I'm even posting this, but...<p>The 23hp Toro Z-253 62&quot; are so cheap, I think that the direction we're going to go this year.<p>

 

I think you would be better served with the<br>Toro 253 (exmark with a toro deck) for a<br>number of reasons.<p>1. Better mowing of wet turf.<br>2. 62&quot; vs. 60&quot; width<br>3. The KISS principal when it comes to the<br>deck height adjustment mech.<br>4. For the price of a $15 bracket a large<br>grass gobbler fits the discharge opening of<br>the 62&quot; Toro deck perfectly.<p>I mounted a 62&quot; Toro deck to my best traction<br>unit (1995 Kohler 18 hp V-twin) last Sunday.<p>The 62&quot; toro deck is a whole different animal when compared to the 44/52&quot; toro stamped decks. The 62 weighs in at over 100<br>lbs more than a 44/52&quot;.<p>The drive pulley on the center spindle looks<br>to be twice the size of a 52&quot; pulley. Underneath that massive drive pully is a little pulley that drives the rest of the spindles at awesome (for a Toro) speed.<p>Even with the engine up to operating temp.<br>the C.A.R.B. certified CV-18 could not start<br>the 62&quot; in deck in the run position of the<br>choke. I had to choke the engine half way<br>then engage the PTO. Once I go the deck up<br>to speed I was able to lean the engine out<br>into the run position.<p>If you look at Toros website the 62&quot; deck is<br>no longer available for a walk behind. The above &quot;problem&quot; might have lead to this but<br>I just think they want to sell more profitable ZTR's.<p><p><br>

 

The pulley has to be bigger to reduce blade RPM and keep tip speed consistant w/ 52/44.<p>The 62&quot; deck for WB is probably unavailable also to poor sales - Toro walkers w/ 62 decks are front heavy and poorly balanced compared to other brands.<p>

 

lazer, my z master has a blade tip speed of 18,400, about the same as the exmark. maybe its the older ones with the slow blade speed.

 

How much have guys seen the Toro 23hp selling for?

 

i have seen the toro z master with a 62inch deck and a 23hp kohlor selling for about 7000. i have the 25hp on mine and would definitly recomend going will the biggest engine available for a ztr. a 23 just wont cut it for a 62inch cut.

 

The new Toro's have increased blade tip speed.<p>A Toro Z-253 62&quot; 23hp can be purchased for less than $6,000.00.

 

That's a deal. If I needed another mower, I would probably consider it. Can they sell the 52&quot; mowers for that?<p>

 

I'm sure they'd be even less. A 52&quot; 17hp is on a smaller, less costly frame.