OPE engines; which to avoid?

[oldcodger]

When shopping for a zero turn mower which engines would you avoid?

 

[GaryMX5]

Single cylinder Briggs motors are having issues. Best to stick with Kawasaki , Kohler, and the Briggs PXi multi cylinder (considered one of their commercial motors).

 

[brillo54]

I've had 2 Kawasaki twins on my ZTRs and happy with both.
The thing that I avoid is mediocre air filtration systems. If it doesn't have a canister type air filter (like a Donaldson), I'm not interested.

 

[User_19876]

I’m not saying they’re the only good manufacturer, but I stick with what works for me: Kawasaki.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Everyone I know with Kohler engines have had major issues at surprisingly low hours. I’ve had zero issues with my Briggs Commercial Turf and my buddy has a Briggs Vanguard with no issues either. Both mowers have well over 200 hours at this point.

 

[spasm3]

I would look for Kawasaki specifically.

 

[MNgopher]

Ditto some of the other posters: Look for a Kawasaki.

 

[wavinwayne]

Single cylinder Briggs motors are having issues...

What are the issues, and are they more of a problem with the engines, or the users who don't service them?

Back in the day I badly mistreated the single cylinder Briggs on my old 2007 John Deere LA110, and it refused to die. I eventually gave the engine some TLC and gave the mower to my FIL. It's still running fine and is being used as a cart puller around my FIL's property.

 

[fozzdesy2001]

Kawasaki or Honda

 

[Lubener]

Single cylinder Briggs motors are having issues.

Care to elaborate?

 

[jeepman3071]

Care to elaborate?

They have some design flaws. I see a lot of them with blown head gaskets, dropped valve seats, and compression release failure.

If I was looking for a commercial mower, I would want a Kawasaki, Honda, or Briggs Vanguard.