855ownerJoel 32 #1 Posted October 20, 2012 I have come to really like the Kohler engines. Seem to be strong and last...... Just would like to hear opinions on any? Also I hear negative responses about vertical crank shafts. What is the overall thoughts out there? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #2 Posted October 20, 2012 I have a Magnum 12hp, a K-321, a K-341, a KT-17 series 2, and a spare K-301. They are all good engines. Easy to work on, and reliable. Change the oil religiously every 25 hours. Keep the air filter clean, and the carb tuned. Doing this I finally changed the spark plug on my Magnum 12 after 21 years. I told myself I was not going to change the plug until it burned itself out (was seeing how the breakerless ignition extended life of the plug), but 21 years of service on the original spark plug made me a believer in the Magnum ignition system. What else you need to know? Oh yeah, verticle crank engines. Nothing bad to say about them. I have a soft place in my heart for Starter/Generator verticle crank engines. But the horizontal crank motors I think are more naturally adaptable to the LAGT's that perform task other than just cutting grass. Not in all cases, but generally speaking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
855ownerJoel 32 #3 Posted October 20, 2012 I am looking at one that ha a vertical shaft engine and it kind of scares me.. My Kohler runs and never seems to die. I also change the oil regularly and try to be up on maintenance. I would like to use the Commander that I am looking at for plowing, gardening work more but it looks like the picture the guy had posted has a verticle shaft engine and I have heard they tend to not have the power per hosepower (torgue) as the horizontals? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #4 Posted October 22, 2012 the vertical shaft engines are generally for lawn tractors,not garden tractors,at least with wheelhorses,verticals are good grass cutting machines but thats about all you really want to do with them,if you want to do ground engaging work stick with the garden tractors that have horizontal shaft engines Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobert94 38 #5 Posted October 22, 2012 the old k series kohlers are my personal fav they just seem to keep on chugin and are very easy to work on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkPalmer 81 #6 Posted October 23, 2012 Kohler K series and Magnum cast iron singles are my favorite small air cooled engines. Easy to work on, long lasting and they run fantastic. The Command is a decent engine also, but not one I get excited over. The Courage engines are junk throw-aways. -Mark- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #7 Posted October 29, 2012 Yep and to add they have great aftermarket support & replacement parts. No other engine has this many parts offerings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
855ownerJoel 32 #8 Posted October 30, 2012 I noted that they have all the manuals online for the K Series engines. Bonus.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
