Tell me all about my KOHLER command 18hp...please

[antonmnster]

We have a fleet of service vehicles that use these engines and drive manual transmissions. They see extreme heat, long periods of idling, and a lot of lugging.

They are supposed to be serviced ever 100-200 hours, but many go a whole season (400+ hours) with none.

The engines typically make it to 3000-6000 hours before they wear to the point of rebuild under these conditions. I'd say they're stout and will live forever with owners that actually take care of them.

 

[Mamala Bay]

Originally Posted By: antonmnster
We have a fleet of service vehicles that use these engines and drive manual transmissions. They see extreme heat, long periods of idling, and a lot of lugging.

They are supposed to be serviced ever 100-200 hours, but many go a whole season (400+ hours) with none.

The engines typically make it to 3000-6000 hours before they wear to the point of rebuild under these conditions. I'd say they're stout and will live forever with owners that actually take care of them.


What type of oil is used on those fleet. Manual states 100 hrs OCI with oil filter changed every 200 hours. I use the Delo400 30wt with 1200 hrs presently. Oil and filter are changed every 100 hrs. Engine still runs like new and very clean.

What I've notice is the oil after 100 hrs of usage still looks good. But after 100 hours the oil will start to degrade rather quickly. Reason I suspect the manual states 100 hours intervals for safety reasons.

 

[gd9704]

My JD LT155 has the 15hp single version of this engine. It is going on 400 hours in 10 years of use, and it has been a champ.

Enjoy it!

 

[antonmnster]

I have no idea what we use. It's bulk and if it's not the bottom of the barrel, it's within spitting distance.

The shop uses 10-30, but I when I need to add makeup oil, I use HD30. I figure if the unit is burning, then it's probably better to run something without VIIs.

 

[jstutz]

I have kohler command 20 in my cub 2544. I started using Mobil 1 5w40 and have been very happy with it. After a year in the crankcase, it still looks almost new and in the winter it starts up fine. My only concern is that it does have a fuel smell. I think i may get a used oil analysis done this year just to check for fuel. I run it all the time at about half throttle when im using it around the yard or riding the kids around. Has anyone noticed any fuel dilution on command engines?

 

[ProStreetCamaro]

We have the 18hp command pro on our Exmark lazer hp 48". We bought the mower new in 1999 and today it has about 2400 hours on it. We use it as a backup machine now in case our 60" Gravely ztr goes down. At 2400 hours it still runs pretty strong and starts easy.