command vs magnum

[btrrg1969 11]

Are the kohler command with aluminum blocks as good as the magnum's with cast iron blocks ?

[WH nut 553]

Im my oppinion No, I perfer the cast blocks for weight, and longevity

[btrrg1969 11]

Here's my dilima , I just pick up a 314-8 with 64 hrs on it . The paint is faded and the seat is shot . It has never had a deck or anything else attached to it , they just used it at a ball field to pull a drag . I got it with the intention of painting and repairing all that is in need , then re-sale.

I have a 312-8 I just restored with 950 hrs on it , Now here is where I need help , do I keep the 1998 314-8 with 64 hrs and sale the 1992 312-8 with 950 hrs ? I cant keep both or I dont need both. Weight is not a issue I mow a 1/2 ac lot.

[kpinnc 14,643]

Brandon,

Just an opinion here, so bear with me. The Command series engines are good engines, but are not even close to the power and longevity of the Magnum/K- series engines. Of course, that opinion changes greatly with whether you are a puller or not...

For the wrench- turning, likes to work on his stuff user, the Magnums are better. They can be rebuilt at least a couple times, and are virtually bulletproof. As long as you keep the maintenance (oil changes, etc), you should get many years service out of them. Don't get me wrong here, these engines do not require any special attention. It's just that if something goes wrong, you have more ability to overhaul everything in it.

On the other hand, if you are not a mechanically-inclined person- then the Command-powered tractor may be better for you to hang on to, simply due to the small amount of hours on it. The same rules apply here: Just keep the scheduled maintenance up and she should last many years.

Good luck,

Kevin

[WH nut 553]

So let me take the 314 off your hands the way it is :thumbs:

[btrrg1969 11]

Thanks for the help . kpinnc

WH nut , I bet I live too far away and thanks for your input also

[WH nut 553]

Never to far away for a Wheel Horse

[hcminis 1,700]

Not an expert here but my solution...

KEEP THEM BOTH!

:thumbs:

[Forest Road 594]

I have a 12hp Magnum and 12.5 Command both on 312-8's. I prefer the old school Magnum hands down. It idles smoother and just has a better thump to it. The PO whom I bought the Command from stripped the fuel pump screws in the aluminum block. Thank God for helicoils! But now I wonder how long will the helicoils last.

By the way I have two tractors for very good reason. One MIGHT break down! Well that's what I tell my wife. If you have the space and don't need the money. Keep both of them.

Just my two cents....

[kpinnc 14,643]

By the way I have two tractors for very good reason. One MIGHT break down! Well that's what I tell my wife.

I think I have 14, and I tell my wife the same thing... :thumbs:

[btrrg1969 11]

I could just over price it and that way I'll be stuck with it :thumbs:

[buckeye 5]

I could just over price it and that way I'll be stuck with it

why havent i ever thought of this? :thumbs:

[ChevelleSSLS6 0]

I have less than a half acre...

My Jeep and the wife's econobox in the garage too... I have a econoturd in the driveway, but that's ok as I want to keep my Jeep out of the salt. Snow isn't bad, just the salt they use here in Michigan eats them alive.

Let's see what I have...

crappy running pushmower x1

crappy nonrunning pushmower x1

3.5hp briggs mower engine x2

3.5hp tecumseh vert shaft engine x1

lawn tractors (non WH) x1 (1973? Wizard)

tree damaged lawn tractor x1 (John Deere 108)

garden tractor x1 (1972-3 Cub Cadet)

Wheel Horse x2 (Bronco 14 and unknown in storage somewhere I have to go get)

Snow throwers x3 (one for the Cub Cadet, and 2 old Ariens units)

[Warning:Unsupervised 82]

  Is 800 a lot of hours on a good maintained Command CH14 (single cylinder) engine? 

Its on a WH 314-8 mower using a 48" deck. Pulled small yard cart occasionally.

What's the Command weak points without starting chit here?..lol

Thanks folks!

 

[AHS 1,546]

On 10/18/2010 at 10:36 AM, kpinnc said:

Brandon,

 

Just an opinion here, so bear with me. The Command series engines are good engines, but are not even close to the power and longevity of the Magnum/K- series engines. Of course, that opinion changes greatly with whether you are a puller or not...

 

For the wrench- turning, likes to work on his stuff user, the Magnums are better. They can be rebuilt at least a couple times, and are virtually bulletproof. As long as you keep the maintenance (oil changes, etc), you should get many years service out of them. Don't get me wrong here, these engines do not require any special attention. It's just that if something goes wrong, you have more ability to overhaul everything in it.

 

On the other hand, if you are not a mechanically-inclined person- then the Command-powered tractor may be better for you to hang on to, simply due to the small amount of hours on it. The same rules apply here: Just keep the scheduled maintenance up and she should last many years.

 

Good luck,

 

Kevin

I have the 00 312 with the command 12.5 and the 88 414 with the magnum 14. The 312 has been my snowblower for the past 3 years..... I can’t count how many times I’ve said “this is gonna be it!” As far as the motor goes; that thing torques right up and keeps on blowin!! I change the oil and filter two times a year.... next year I’m gonna use the 414, before the 12.5 has a seizure!!

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

On 10/18/2010 at 11:43 AM, hcminis said:

Not an expert here but my solution...

 

KEEP THEM BOTH!