Kawasaki vs Kohler

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Retiredgunny

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Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny
 
Retiredgunny said:
Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny
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According to Hustler's website, every new Raptor series mower comes with Kawasaki engines.
I can say that Kohler and Kawasaki engines sound different. I can't say one is louder than the other. That would have to be checked with instruments.
 
MParr said:
According to Hustler's website, every new Raptor series mower comes with Kawasaki engines.
I can say that Kohler and Kawasaki engines sound different. I can't say one is louder than the other. That would have to be checked with instruments.
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My Wife noticed a huge difference between my mower and the neighbors. His Kohler sounds like it has a 3hp size muffler on it. As I far as I know, the Kohler has hydraulic valves and the Kawai solid, but it has been well over a decade and my 651 still purrs like a kitten. At what point might I expect to need a valve adjustment?
 
Retiredgunny said:
My Wife noticed a huge difference between my mower and the neighbors. His Kohler sounds like it has a 3hp size muffler on it. As I far as I know, the Kohler has hydraulic valves and the Kawai solid, but it has been well over a decade and my 651 still purrs like a kitten. At what point might I expect to need a valve adjustment?
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Your Kawasaki engine owners manual should have the valve lash specifications and intervals for adjustmentI believe that it's every 300hours.
Refer to your Kawasaki manual or look on their website.
 
Also, the muffler for a Kawasaki, Kohler, or Briggs engine mounted on one brand of mowers might not be the same as on another brand of mower. The mufflers are not always interchangeable.
 
Retiredgunny said:
Howdy, very long no post because my 2012 Raptor 42" has been the best mower I have ever owned. I have only had to replace the bolt that holds the front of the deck as it snapped. They came out with a heavier bolt. I had them change the belt just because it was old. I am not sure when they switched to the Kohler, but I did read an older press release claiming the choke, reliability, etc.. My neighbor bought a new Hustler and the first thing I noticed is it is twice as loud as my Kawasaki. Have to shut the door when he is mowing. Not sure I am buying the reason they switched. Not sure if I am super lucky or the Kawasaki is a really good engine. 14 years and zero issues with the engine. I change the oil, oil filter and air filter annually and that's it. Maybe more of a financial reason?

Gunny
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There are different models in each line of Kohler (Rehlko) and Kawasaki. Different specs and qualities. The only engine that has some problems of any significance to watch is the Kohler Courage single cylinder.
 
Tiger Small Engine said:
There are different models in each line of Kohler (Rehlko) and Kawasaki. Different specs and qualities. The only engine that has some problems of any significance to watch is the Kohler Courage single cylinder.
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I had a Courage on a Cub Cadet and got 9 years out of it with no issues. Always thought I was lucky. Sold it to help fund the Hustler. Gonna adjust the valves this morning as it looks very easy.
 
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Kawasaki has been the better small-engine choice for at least the last 15 years, and the gap has actually widened since Kohler shifted production around 2018-2020.
Why Kawasaki tends to be quieter and more reliable:
  • Better OEM bearings and longer-life camshaft profiles. Kohler Courage and earlier 7000-series engines had documented camshaft and lifter problems.
  • Aluminum block with cast-iron sleeve gives better heat dissipation while keeping the wear surface durable.
  • Dual element air filter is more effective at keeping fines out of the carb — especially important for dusty mowing conditions.
  • Kawasaki's tolerances are tighter from the factory, so less break-in noise and vibration.
Where Kohler can still make sense:
  • The current Kohler Confidant ZT720/ZT740 series (post-2021) has been better than the Courage line ever was. Real upgrade.
  • Kohler service network in some rural areas is denser than Kawasaki, which matters if you ever need parts/service.
  • Generally a few hundred dollars cheaper at the same HP rating.
The "twice as loud" observation on your neighbor's Hustler is real — Hustler tunes their muffler and air intake more aggressively for response, not noise. It's not really a Kohler vs Kawasaki thing on that one machine; it's the Hustler exhaust setup.
If you ever shop the next mower, pay attention to engine spec sheets more than brand reputation alone. The displacement, RPM at rated HP, and warranty terms tell you more about what you're getting than a Kawasaki/Kohler badge. I noted current models with their actual engine specs in this lawn mower comparison — useful to compare apples to apples.
For now, your Raptor with the Kawasaki is doing exactly what it's supposed to. Hard to argue with 13 years and one bolt.
 
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