I’ve ridden all three ISX models, to me, the 2200 is more comfortable if both have a suspension seat, it’s not a huge difference though. I personally would go for the Vangaurd 26, the “Commercial series” seems to be low quality and there is a reason why the engine itself costs around half of what the others do, couple that with EFI which isn’t perfectly reliable and you’ve got a lot of trouble 500 hours later. I don’t think EFI is more dependable at all, I think it’s the opposite, carbureted is tried and true and the fuel savings won’t be worth it unless you are going beyond 500 hours every season. I would not be concerned about the 2hp difference, I’ve got 23.5 on my 60” hustler with solid hydros and it is plenty. If you are concerned about power find a 3200 or 3300 with a big vangaurd engine.

 

One of the primary reasons to bump up to a isx2200 is there are significantly more engine choices. The only engine available on 800 that I'd even consider is the 26 vanguard

 

Once you're in the 2200 range you might as well go for something in the 3000 series, very similar to the 2200 but you get much more power which you seem to think you need.

 

True. Well the simple answer is get the vanguard. Everyone has their own opinions on power needs, fuel injection and brands but I think of the choices he gave us everyone can agree the Vangaurd is the way to go.

 

I guess it could be a homeowner question, but it's for our church with seven acres and I'm helping coordinate for the volunteer crew. We definitely don't want a homeowner line mower. Maybe I misunderstood the forum classification then. Sorry about that. Thanks on the Vanguard recommendation nevertheless.

 

28 hp EFI is fantastic on my 52” Z2.

 

28 hp EFI is fantastic on my 52" Z2.

This is partially what I meant about stepping to the 2200 for more engine options. This option isn't available on the 800

 

We are a Vanguard and Kawasaki service center and as far as warranty work/engine issues we see ALOT more vanguards come in for issues than Kawasaki. And most of the vanguards have lower hours. It’s all what you want but as far as fuel savings with an EFI it’s not that impressive... also add on if you have EFI issues it’s gonna cost (possibly) twice as much to fix due to expensive fuel pumps (yes they have two), O2 sensors, and other sensors

 

We are a Vanguard and Kawasaki service center and as far as warranty work/engine issues we see ALOT more vanguards come in for issues than Kawasaki. And most of the vanguards have lower hours. It's all what you want but as far as fuel savings with an EFI it's not that impressive... also add on if you have EFI issues it's gonna cost (possibly) twice as much to fix due to expensive fuel pumps (yes they have two), O2 sensors, and other sensors

that's what I thought was the case, I love my Kawasaki for that reason 0 problems in the 500 hours mine has on it. Too bad they don't offer an FX801v or an FX730v on that 800, that would be a fine machine!