Admit it or not, most lawn mowers equipped with Kohler and Kawasaki engines are highly sought-after. However, with tons of reliable machines out there, how can you distinguish which engine brands are worth buying?
Nobody wants to throw away money on a subpar mower. So stick with me, as we put Kawasaki and Kohler engines head-to-head, and I’ll help you figure out which one is worth your hard-earned cash.
About Kohler
Many may not be aware, but Kohler has been manufacturing small engines since as early as 1948. Seeing how their dedication to innovation has paid off over the years is fascinating.
From my experience with various products, Kohler’s gasoline engines continue to hold a prominent position in lawn care and landscaping up to this day.
And did you know that the idea of electronic fuel injection (EFI) engines used in lawnmower machines originated from this brand? Upon checking, these engine types only existed in cars before Kohler introduced the technology to the lawn mower industry.
About Kawasaki
Like Kohler, Kawasaki engines have been in the market for a long time. From manufacturing general-purpose engines in 1957, the brand specifically started a product line for lawn mowing in 1984. Since then, Kawasaki engines expanded its global recognition.
If you surveyed the market today like I did, you’d discover that this mower engine is regarded as one of the most durable and safest options out there.
Kawasaki or Kohler: A Quick Overview
Comparing the Features of Kawasaki and Kohler
Power
To start this Kawasaki vs Kohler engine review, let’s take a closer look on each brand’s Horsepower ratings. Upon close evaluation, it’s clear that Kawasaki offers both liquid-cooled and air-cooled engines.
During tests, I had the chance to put the FX series through its paces. It reached up to 38.5 Horse Power while operating at a speed of 3600 RPM.
On the other hand, its critical power gain maintains up to t 57.8 ft-lbs maximum torque at 3200 RPM. The FD series from Kawasaki engines also come with a Digital Fuel Injected technology that allows 31 Horsepower ratings.
For the Kohler engines, most of their available selections range from gasoline, natural gas, to propane fuel types. Because of this, we already expected that its rated horsepower could reach between 3HP to 38HP.
However, the reason why many people prefer Kohler is its diesel-powered engines that can handle up to a 100 HP rating. So, overall, Kohler engine options win by a small margin in this part of the roundup.
Reliability and Efficiency
Kohler and Kawasaki engines are regarded as the best options for zero-turn mowers due to their excellent cutting capabilities and fuel efficiency.
From my experience, Kawasaki engine models, often outfitted with V-twin technology, not only deliver great performance but also keep emissions in check, making lawn mowing a more environmentally friendly task.
Read Next: Reasons Why a Lawn Mower Backfires
You may not know, but Kawasaki hires a third-party testing group to ensure the reliability of its Critical Power engines before they hit the market.
But if you want maximum fuel efficiency, Command models from Kohler are the best engine to consider. Thanks to its Smart Choke Technology, any lawnmower with this engine will run as smooth as butter.
Given the reliability of its hydraulic lifters, Kohler is more efficient than most Kawasaki engine options.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance prevents excellent engines from breaking down [1] and increases the life of a lawnmower.
However, it’s not a secret that most lawnmower machines require less maintenance than other garden equipment. Typically, all you need to do for these engines is keep the air filter clean and replace the oil filter.
But if I compare Kohler vs. other models, this brand requires less maintenance as its parts are widely available. On the other hand, Kawasaki parts are premium and harder to find in the aftermarket parts suppliers.
Lifespan and Durability
If maintained properly, a Kawasaki engine can stand the test of time. In fact, its John Deere model alone can run around 1200 hours. It complies with SAE J2723 standards, so rest assured that this engine will perform at its utmost durability.
There’s this perception among Kawasaki enthusiasts that Kohler falls short due to its mix of plastic and metallic components. But I’ve observed a few of Kohler’s options, particularly the fresh Courage model, which surprised me with its cast iron interior. Kohler’s air-cooled engine also has an approximate lifespan of 2000 hours.
Pricing
Parts of the Kawasaki engine are often produced in a lower volume, so I wasn’t surprised to discover that they have much higher prices than Kohler’s good engines.
Despite being not budget-friendly, we wouldn’t discourage you from buying a Kawasaki engine as they have fewer problems than standard engines and saves you money in the long run. And as the Kawasaki parts prices consistently go up, aftermarket suppliers are doing their best to keep its costs down.
On the other hand, Kohler engines are definitely more affordable than Kawasaki. However, if you compare it to Briggs’ prices, this engine may appear more expensive.
Warranty
Both Kohler and Kawasaki engine options offer competitive warranty policies. These engines are often used in exposed environments, so I recommend you buy a machine with a corresponding engine warranty.
For Kohler, its residential engines are protected with a one to five-year warranty. While commercial or rental policies may range up to three years. However, keep in mind that these warranty durations depend on the engine type.
For Kawasaki, your new mower will be protected within 36 months from the day of its purchase. It covers any engine failure, but free repairs will only apply if a legitimate Kawasaki technician or dealer fixes it.
Customer Support
Having dealt with various manufacturers, I’ve noticed that Kawasaki and Kohler also offer technical support via phone and email, much like the rest.
If you’re keen on receiving prompt responses to your questions, here’s a tip from our team: reaching out during regular office hours seems to yield quicker results. Both brands are only available Mondays to Fridays from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon.
The downside of the Kawasaki technical assistance team is only answering email concerns about warranties and repairs, while Kohler has a much friendlier approach to every query.
FAQ
How many hours does a Kohler engine last?
A Kohler engine can last up to 1000 hours of cutting operations. The lifespan of its air-cooled models is also reported to handle at least 2000 hours. Kohler unsurprisingly has a longer lifespan due to its larger engine design than other brands. However, this engine is more suitable for residential zero-turn lawn mowers.
How many hours will a Kawasaki engine last?
A Kawasaki engine can last from 1000 to 3000 hours in a commercial application. However, this lifespan metric may change according to several factors. Generally, its durability and efficiency may vary depending on its model, maintenance, workload, and usage. You must maintain the unit well to maximize its use.
Are Kohler engines made in China?
Yes, new Kohler engines are made in China. However, some of its flagship models, like KOHLER® 7000 Series, are specifically engineered and assembled in the United States. Its manufacturing started in Hattiesburg in 1998, and they also have a sprawling factory, but it’s more known for bathroom fixtures.
Where are Kawasaki mower engines made?
Kawasaki mower engines are made in the Maryville, Missouri plant in the United States. Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp started engine production there in June 1989. Before this, their general purpose engine was sold in 1957. But it wasn’t until 1984 that they decided to manufacture engines for lawnmowers.
Conclusion
To close to this Kohler vs Kawasaki engine comparison, I can confidently say that both brands offer competitive perks for the lawn mowing industry in different applications.
If you intend to use it for residential use, Kohler is a more sensible choice to consider. And as for commercial use, Kawasaki’s premium materials have the durability for extensive operations.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
