Kohler vs. Kawasaki Mower Engine – Which is Better?

When it comes to lawnmowers, among the available engine brands, Kohler and Kawasaki are two of the most trusted and reliable.

These brands have a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality engines widely used in lawnmowers.

Overall, both engines offer satisfaction to their customers. Kohler engines are known for their reliability, durability, fuel efficiency, and quiet operation, while Kawasaki engines are known for their power and performance.

Choosing between Kohler and Kawasaki mower engines depends on personal preference and specific lawn mowing needs.

Both brands offer engines that deliver power, efficiency, and durability. 

In this article, I will compare Kohler and Kawasaki mower engines to help you decide when choosing a lawn mower.

Kohler VS Kawasaki Mower Engine – Pros And Cons

Pros of Kohler Engines

Kohler company was founded in 1873 and has been in the engine business ever since.

Here are some of the benefits of the Kohler mower engines:

• They come in different sizes and are customized just as much to facilitate different lawn-mowing requirements. 
• Kohler engines are fuel-efficient and provide maximum run-time while reducing fuel costs for homeowners.
• Kohler mower engines are easy to maintain. They have accessible maintenance points, allowing homeowners to easily perform routine tasks such as oil changes and air filter replacements.
• These engines are built to last for a long time. They are constructed with top-quality materials. Kohler offers a long-time warranty on their engines, giving homeowners peace of mind when buying their products.

In summary, Kohler mower engines are suitable for homeowners seeking a dependable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-maintain engine for their lawnmowers.

Also Read: Are Kohler Engines Good? Decoding The Reputation

Pros of Kawasaki Engines

Kawasaki was founded in 1896 and has been producing different engine types ever since.

Here are some of the advantages of the Kawasaki mower engines that attract customers:

• These engines are known for their impressive power and performance. They are suitable for a range of lawn mowing needs. 
• One of their most liked features is their smooth and powerful operation, allowing them to cut through thick grass and tough land easily.
• Durability is another key feature of Kawasaki mower engines. These engines are constructed with high-quality materials to ensure they are reliable and long-lasting.
• They are designed to endure challenging situations and operate at peak performance levels.
• Kawasaki engines also contain an easy starting system, making it easy for homeowners to start their lawnmowers, even in cold weather conditions. This is a great feature to save time and effort when starting your lawn mower.

Overall, Kawasaki mower engines are an excellent choice for homeowners who want an easy-to-use, reliable lawnmower engine.

Comparison Between Kohler VS Kawasaki Engine

When selecting a lawn mower engine between Kohler and Kawasaki, it is important that you take several aspects into account for an informed choice.

1. Which is More Powerful?

Kawasaki engines are known to be more powerful than Kohler engines, which makes them the preferred choice for homeowners with larger yards or hard-to-mow grass.

These engines provide higher torque that allows them to overcome difficult grass and debris. 

Compared to Kawasaki, the Kohler engines are less powerful.

Many users have complained that Kohler needs to be more competent in tough situations, so it is not recommended for areas requiring powerful equipment.

2. Fuel Efficiency

Kohler engines are recognized for their fuel efficiency, an advantage for those who desire to save on fuel expenses over time.

This is one of the primary priorities for users who plan on using it frequently.

Kawasaki engines consume more fuel due to their intense performance, so they are not recommended for users looking for optimal fuel consumption.

3. Maintenance

Both brands design their engines for easy maintenance, but Kohler engines have more convenient maintenance points. 

Kohler engines are easier to maintain, which saves time and energy when executing maintenance activities like oil changes and filter replacements.

On the other hand, maintenance of Kawasaki engines can be tough for some users because of their complex design and the precautions you must take.

Also Read: 5 Common Kawasaki Lawn Mower Engine Problems [Fixed]

4. Durability

Durability is an important aspect to consider when picking a lawn mower engine, both Kohler and Kawasaki engines are known for their durability because of their companies’ standards.

That said, Kawasaki engines are typically manufactured to withstand harsher operating environments, making them a better option for those who intend to use their lawnmowers in more challenging conditions.

Kohler engines can have a long operating time if they are not used for intensive purposes.

5. Starting System

Starting a lawn mower engine can sometimes be challenging for some users, especially in cool weather conditions when the engine is just out cold. 

Kawasaki engines are highly regarded in this department. They come with a dependable starting system that allows homeowners to ignite their lawnmowers’ engines with minimum effort, even in colder temperatures.

6. Price Difference

When considering Kohler vs. Kawasaki mower engines, pricing is a concerning factor.

Kohler engines’ prices range from $150 to $500, depending on the size and power output.

The smaller engines usually cost less, while the larger engines with higher power outputs are more expensive.

Kawasaki engines are typically more costly than Kohler engines, with prices ranging from $250 to $900.

The reason why Kawasaki is priced more than Kohler is that their engines are built for tough situations.

Repair costs for both engines can also vary, as repairing a Kawasaki engine takes quite a lot of labor.

Bottom Line: So these are some of the differences between the two engines. Ultimately, it all comes down to the person and his preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which brand is more environmentally friendly, Kohler or Kawasaki?

Both Kohler and Kawasaki have a reputation for producing environmentally friendly engines that meet the latest technologies for controlled environmental effects. 

However, Kohler engines are generally more fuel-efficient.

They produce fewer emissions than Kawasaki engines, making them a better choice for people concerned about their lawnmowers’ environmental impact.

How often should I perform maintenance on my Kohler or Kawasaki engine?

The maintenance required for your engine depends on the specific model and how often you use it.

However, you should perform routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements at least once every 3 months. 

Consult the company’s manual for your specific engine model. 

You can also learn more about the intervals after which you should perform proper maintenance.

Which brand offers better customer support, Kohler or Kawasaki?

Both Kohler and Kawasaki have a reputation for offering comprehensive warranties on their engines and providing customer support to help troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Before contacting support, it’s important to research and chooses a reputable dealer or service center that offers quality customer support.

Conclusion

When deciding between Kohler and Kawasaki lawn mower engines, it is essential to consider aspects such as power and performance, fuel efficiency, maintenance ease, durability, the starting system, and the warranty. 

Both brands have advantages and disadvantages of their own.

While Kawasaki engines are generally more powerful and durable, Kohler engines are more fuel-efficient and easier to maintain. 

Ultimately, the choice between the two brands depends on personal preferences and the particular needs of the purchaser.