Kawasaki engines...are they really that good...not seeing it

[S&S_Work_Saws]

I hear guys quite a bit raving about how great Kawasaki small engines are. Has anyone had any luck with one long term? I've had two in the last year. One of them had a valve guide move and took out the valve train on one cylinder. This newest one I've got it went in a more exciting way....I'm yet to have a Briggs or Kohler come apart like this or have really any serious internal issues. So is the Kawasaki really worth the extra money and I'm just getting lemons. Or are they all just cheaply made time bombs now??

 

[cus_deluxe]

they used to be unstoppable. seems like everybody ive talked to the last 3-4 years has had nothing but trouble. friend of mine bought a new scag commercial mower in ‘21 i think. hes had 2 engines replaced under warranty becuase they couldnt get it to stop pouring all the oil out the crank seal.

 

[RCBS]

Agree with cus. When they first came to market there was nothing better. I like the sound the make. Seems like another covid quality casualty.

A buddy with a Lazer Z has been running one for ten years now with no issues.

 

[huskihl]

Couple years ago I sold my JD 285 to my son in law with a 20 HP Kaw in it. I bought it in 1997 with a bad coil on it. Replaced that and never touched it again.

Bought a 2022 Hustler with B&S 23hp Commercial on it. Ran great but only put about 100 hours on it.

Couple weeks ago I sold it and bought an older jd 737 with the 23hp Kaw on it. I’m hopeful that it keeps on ticking. Got in before the China factor I think

 

[Squareground3691]

My Kubota Z724X bought in 2018, has 23hp Kawa , no issues so far been good , but I think as mentioned the quality has gone down in the last couple years ,

 

[farminkarman]

they used to be unstoppable. seems like everybody ive talked to the last 3-4 years has had nothing but trouble. friend of mine bought a new scag commercial mower in ‘21 i think. hes had 2 engines replaced under warranty becuase they couldnt get it to stop pouring all the oil out the crank seal.

I've developed the same impression. They used to be excellent, but as of late, they are not holding up. There is a local guy here repowering a bunch of ZTR's with Honda's because the Kawi's aren't lasting.

 

[cus_deluxe]

I've developed the same impression. They used to be excellent, but as of late, they are not holding up. There is a local guy here repowering a bunch of ZTR's with Honda's because the Kawi's aren't lasting.

ive got like 1000 hours on my PoS zero turn w a kohler that ive changed the oil like 3 times on

 

[Stem]

personally I prefer Kohler over anything else. I absolutely loathe B&S engines & have only messed with a handful of Kawi engines (mostly maintenance & carb repair)

 

[Lions fan]

Couple years ago I sold my JD 285 to my son in law with a 20 HP Kaw in it. I bought it in 1997 with a bad coil on it. Replaced that and never touched it again.

Bought a 2022 Hustler with B&S 23hp Commercial on it. Ran great but only put about 100 hours on it.

Couple weeks ago I sold it and bought an older jd 737 with the 23hp Kaw on it. I’m hopeful that it keeps on ticking. Got in before the China factor I think

I've had an X320 with that same 23hp Kawasaki since 2010. It has been rock solid year around mowing grass and blowing snow. The idle circuits have a tendency to get plugged up once or twice a season, but that's a non-issue for guys like us.

 

[Sloughfoot]

I've had an X320 with that same 23hp Kawasaki since 2010. It has been rock solid year around mowing grass and blowing snow. The idle circuits have a tendency to get plugged up once or twice a season, but that's a non-issue for guys like us.

Got one of those made early teens. Never an issue. How well does your snowblower work?

 

[huskihl]

I've had an X320 with that same 23hp Kawasaki since 2010. It has been rock solid year around mowing grass and blowing snow. The idle circuits have a tendency to get plugged up once or twice a season, but that's a non-issue for guys like us.

Small Hondas do it as well. Triple shot of Seafoam in a gallon of gas, run it for a few minutes to get it into the carb and let it sit over the winter. It’s worked all 5 times I’ve done it

 

[Kiwioilboiler]

ive got like 1000 hours on my PoS zero turn w a kohler that ive changed the oil like 3 times on

Oohhh, oil thread ?

 

[cus_deluxe]

Oohhh, oil thread ?

#mobil1ftfw

 

[Lions fan]

Got one of those made early teens. Never an issue. How well does your snowblower work?

Mine is an aftermarket Bercomac, built in Quebec. I have replaced the electric hoist, a bunch of shear pins and a couple belts over the years. Aside from that, it kicks ass.

 

[S&S_Work_Saws]

Honda has always been the go to engine on concrete power trowels, gas powered air compressors and a slew of other construction equipment. Maybe they'll come to market with a 25hp-28hp vertical shaft motor before long. I guess until then it's find an older motor and rebuild it or take your pick of which new time bomb to buy.

 

[Sloughfoot]

I'm sure Kawasaki will get it corrected soon.