Kohler magnum vs Koehler command pro

[Dominator 68]

Hello all,. Have a shot at a 2000 314-8. Has the command pro which I'm not too familiar with.  How does it stack up against the magnum  or is it one to avoid?  Appreciate all comments. Thank you, dominator

[Sam Pasch 449]

My command is a great engine, but mine is a verticle shaft. I assume yours is horizontal so I'm not sure if there are differences.

[Sam Pasch 449]

[Dominator 68]

Yes, it is the horizontal shaft.  Other differences are the spin on oil filter and the aluminum block.  Just wondering how it compares to the cast iron magnum in performance and longevity. Thanks dominator

[Sam Pasch 449]

Mine has been used hard and still runs very well. They are sleeved cylinders so they wear about the same as an iron block. 

[953 nut 59,215]

38 minutes ago, Dominator said:

Has the command pro which I'm not too familiar with.  How does it stack up against the magnum

With a pressurized lubrication system rather than a splash oiler I would say it should last a long time.

[SPINJIM 1,984]

The Magnums are great engines.  The main difference between the older K engines is the ignition system.  I have found the Magnum ignition to be more maintenance free than the K engines.  However, I've read that the Magnums were only made for a few years before they were replace by the Commands, so Magnum parts may be harder to find in the future.  I know a few knowledgeable people who love the Command engines, so I don't think you can go wrong.  Just avoid the Kohler Courage engines (Chinese junk).

    Jim

[Sam Pasch 449]

That pressure lube system keeps everything very well oiled. Plus the filter keeps the oil clean longer. Like I said, I havn't had any problems with mine so I wouldn't hesitate on it.

[953 nut 59,215]

11 hours ago, SPINJIM said:

Magnums were only made for a few years before they were replace by the Commands,

They had a ten year run from '87 to '96. EPA rules were the only reason for the switch to Courage. (AKA JUNK)

[Dominator 68]

I'm confused now,. The majority agree the courages are junk, but this 314-8 has the command pro .  Did wheelhorse ever use the courage? Thanks

[Rob R 973]

Command Kohler series great engine..... as stated.....  Courage JUNK!

[SPINJIM 1,984]

4 hours ago, Dominator said:

Did wheelhorse ever use the courage?

 

No, but other brands do on their low end mowers.  Some WHs may have been switched over to Courage or HF Predator by later owners.  I mentioned the Courage because some confuse the Chinese-made Courage with the better quality Command.   Wheel Horse never used Courage engines.

 

WH used K series engines up through 1986, along with some Briggs, and Tecumsehs, and 8hp Magnums (in 1986).  When Toro took over, most were changed to the Kohler Magnums (along with Onans on higher HP models).  Magnums were used until 1997, after which they switched to Kohler Commands (and Onans).  Someone may correct me on minor points, but I'm just trying to give your some rough guidance.

   Jim

[bds1984 1,497]

My 315-8 has a Kohler Command 15 on it that performs just fine.  It spins my 48" deck just fine in the thick grass, is quite, fuel efficient, and having the pressure lube is a plus.  Not quite a K341 but not much is.

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