CTPATRIOT 12 #1 Posted January 12, 2012 A guy i know has one for sale with a deck/bagger.It has the Kawasaki engine and has 198 hrs but hasn't run for a few years.He wants 200- for it.It's been inside,but the Kawi. scares me a bit.Anything to worry about? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,674 #2 Posted January 12, 2012 I think the Kawi's have a good reputation but the tractor itself is just a lawnmower and nothing more. If your looking to just cut grass its probably fine but for any serious work it wont hold up. Mike.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,028 #3 Posted January 12, 2012 I have a Kawasaki in my JD and love it, it is my main mower, it is a V twin 17hp water cooled, no major issues in the 12 or so years I've been using it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTPATRIOT 12 #4 Posted January 12, 2012 Just looking for a leaf machine,maybe i should look at other options too?Just a little leary if the engine.It is a clean unit though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 39,124 #5 Posted January 12, 2012 Don't let the 212 scare you. I had a 1990 210 thatI bought new. I mowed, plowed snow, blew snow with a grafted on Allis-Chalmers blower and pulled down small trees. All with a 10 hp. briggs and a whimpy hydro. The thing never broke. Here's a pic just before I sold it last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel Horse Kid 104 #6 Posted January 13, 2012 I have never actually had a tractor with a Kawasaki motor, but I have heard good things about them. I did however, used to have a Wheel Horse 208-4SB(SB stands for super bagger) with a dual leaf bagger and deck on it. It had the 8hp briggs. It did a great job at mowing and also did well with picking up the leaves. Overall, a great little tractor. The only reason I sold it was because I wanted to upgrade to something a little bigger that I could use in my garden. I would say that is a pretty good deal for $200! Good Luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Irv 115 #7 Posted January 13, 2012 Sounds like a decent deal to me. The bagger is worth half that and that machine should work fine for what you want it for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,967 #8 Posted January 15, 2012 My John Deere 325 has a 17hp Kawasaki ohv single with about 550hours on it. The engine has never given me a problem. Starts easy, even in the winter, and always runs smooth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dobeleo 7 #9 Posted January 15, 2012 I have a Deere RX73 with a Kawasiki 9 HP vertical shaft engine thats over 20 years old, runs great. I had a little valve tapping when I got it years ago, adjusted them, engine sounds great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
corn53 4 #10 Posted January 15, 2012 I have a 212 which Ive used the past 3 seasons at my rental property. The kawasaki is a nice running motor and no issues here. I have the 30 inch deck on mine with bagger and it cuts and bags great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steamfitter 0 #11 Posted January 15, 2012 are you interested in a simplicity model 660 rear engine drive got it from a member lasy week Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #12 Posted January 15, 2012 my 19 hp kaw rocks and sounds mean too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CTPATRIOT 12 #13 Posted January 15, 2012 I'm really thinking about grabbing this thing,hope i can sell a few things to pay for it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #14 Posted January 15, 2012 yes dont worry about the kaw engine as i have had mine for about 10 years with no problems and lots of power. I'm really thinking about grabbing this thing,hope i can sell a few things to pay for it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
muz123 1,191 #15 Posted November 12, 2014 i have a 1989 wheel horse 212-6 that i plowed with. The tranny broke so i had put a 212-5 tranny in because i could not find a good working 212-6. Right now it has 888.2 hours on it and i still use it to this day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
