OPE engines; which to avoid?

[Opelman]

I'm not a big fan of the Toro branded Loncin engines. At work I have replaced dozens of Kohler and Briggs head gaskets, many without signs of restricted airflow. 0 Kawasaki.

 

[super20dan]

avoid kolher 2 cyl engines. dont last

 

[Randol]

I have about 475 hours on my liquid cooled V-Twin Kawasaki, it's a 2009 vintage. I had to replace 1 coil pack last year. While I had it down I did the valve adjustment, changed coolant. Normal maint. every year.

 

[vwmaniaman]

I have 285 hrs on our Briggs 20 HP single with zero problems. I service it at the end of the season and its on our 42 inch cut Husqvarna that me bought from a dealer in OPE. Salesman told us not to get the Koehler because 20 years ago they were having problems. Ours has the hydrostat with a cooling fan on top and we have had no problems with it.

 

[martinq]

I have about 475 hours on my liquid cooled V-Twin Kawasaki, it's a 2009 vintage. I had to replace 1 coil pack last year. While I had it down I did the valve adjustment, changed coolant. Normal maint. every year.

2000 hrs should not be a problem for this engine if it is maintained. The only issue I've seen with Kawasaki is old parts access & price but 2009 is not yet "old".

 

[Ducati996]

Briggs Vangard
Kawasaki FX series
Kohler Command

 

[Pablo]

My Kawasaki V 23 hp is a beast

I'd say the only drawback is noise. Comes with most any engines. Not sure if Honda has an engine in this class but their singles are the quieter one in the single class

 

[jake wells]

Kohler command ignition coils, head gaskets and valves that dont seat, blown crankshaft seals

Briggs vanguard ignition coil and bent pushrods, rocker arm problems in the 28,30 and 37 hp variants. High hour models have sump leaks.

I work on engines everyday and by far the kohler is the worst with briggs being second to that.
I prefer Kubota gas and diesel engines over everything.