thehorse 221 #1 Posted April 16, 2013 Was wondering the difference between the command and magnum engines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #3 Posted April 16, 2013 Magnum is an electronic ignition K-series. It's the timeless flat head that lasted forever. Command is the replacement OHV engines for the Magnums. You can thank the EPA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Moparfanforever 886 #4 Posted April 16, 2013 The twin cylinder 18/20 HP Magnum is an opposed twin engine and the Command engine is a V twin style engine. The Command V twins replaced the Magnum opposed twins. Both are very reliable engines , but the Magnums seem to have more torque , at least they feel that way. The Command with an open pipe sounds like a Harley !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bean 85 #5 Posted April 16, 2013 I believe the command series engines have an aluminum block/iron lined cylinder. the magnum line is all cast iron, aka bullet-proof Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #6 Posted April 16, 2013 I would agree with everyone's comments and would add that though the Commands are good engines, I have found them to be a pain in the buttox to work on. With a few exceptions, I would only consider the single cylinder K or Magnum engines for myself going forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehorse 221 #7 Posted April 16, 2013 leeave96.....would this qualify for an exception.....finding a 315-8 with 97 original hrs on it???? And it looks like 93 hrs of small yard mowing not tractor work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #8 Posted April 16, 2013 (edited) I have no experience with the single cylinder command but given a choice between a twin cylinder magnum and a twin cylinder command I'll take the command every time. It's a modern overhead valve design, lighter, smoother, quieter, more power per cubic inch, durable, fuel efficient and and easy to find parts for. They're pressure lubed with a filter and in some cases an oil cooler. If it didn't come with an oil cooler, one can be added easily. The down side to them is that they don't like to be overheated and it can happen easily if you don't keep them clean. The cooling fins behind the sheet metal can become clogged with grass, cutting off the airflow over the cylinders and heads. Keep them clean and maintained and they'll last 2500 hours without a problem. Edited April 16, 2013 by Jim_M Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deere Hunter 54 #9 Posted April 16, 2013 Ditto what Jim said, I'll take a V-Twin Command any day over a Magnum Twin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #10 Posted April 16, 2013 leeave96.....would this qualify for an exception.....finding a 315-8 with 97 original hrs on it???? And it looks like 93 hrs of small yard mowing not tractor work. What are you waiting for - I would agree this falls under the exception! Are you going to buy it? Let's see some pics! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehorse 221 #11 Posted April 17, 2013 I'm getting it Sunday. I have a 314-8 with the command. 500 hrs. Runs like a dream. I can only compare to my JD 112 that I sold to Fund it. That engine was the cast 12hp kohler. It was 30 years old And ran like a dream also. I will post pics Sunday. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehorse 221 #12 Posted April 17, 2013 Oh... Got a pic.... http://s737.photobucket.com/user/LenHaduck/media/image-9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #13 Posted April 17, 2013 I had a 312 w the command 12.5 didn't care for it. PO stripped the fuel pump holes. It's an aluminum block so I had to helicoil it. It requires an oil filter, nice BUT its an added expense. Ran great but I really prefer the thump of a flathead kohler! Can't kill those old boat anchors! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #14 Posted April 17, 2013 Oh... Got a pic.... http://s737.photobucket.com/user/LenHaduck/media/image-9.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0 Nice looking tractor! One thing that is a plus is if you already have a Command powered Wheelhorse and get another one, you have some commonality between engines and set-up which helps simplify things when trouble shooting between tractors. Good luck, Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thehorse 221 #15 Posted April 17, 2013 And that's a good thing. I'm putting together a 416-8. 1988 production. I'm going to hate to get rid of it before even using it, but my brother called dibs since I'm getting the 315 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
