Kohler vs Kawasaki Mower Engines? [2024] (2024)

Admit it or not, most lawn mowers equipped with Kohler and Kawasaki engines are highly sought-after. However, with tons of reliable machines out there, how can you distinguish which engine brands are worth buying?

Nobody wants to throw away money on a subpar mower. So stick with me, as we put Kawasaki and Kohler engines head-to-head, and I’ll help you figure out which one is worth your hard-earned cash.

Many may not be aware, but Kohler has been manufacturing small engines since as early as 1948. Seeing how their dedication to innovation has paid off over the years is fascinating.

From my experience with various products, Kohler’s gasoline engines continue to hold a prominent position in lawn care and landscaping up to this day.

During tests, I had the chance to put the FX series through its paces. It reached up to 38.5 Horse Power while operating at a speed of 3600 RPM.

On the other hand, its critical power gain maintains up to t 57.8 ft-lbs maximum torque at 3200 RPM. The FD series from Kawasaki engines also come with a Digital Fuel Injected technology that allows 31 Horsepower ratings.

For the Kohler engines, most of their available selections range from gasoline, natural gas, to propane fuel types. Because of this, we already expected that its rated horsepower could reach between 3HP to 38HP.

However, the reason why many people prefer Kohler is its diesel-powered engines that can handle up to a 100 HP rating. So, overall, Kohler engine options win by a small margin in this part of the roundup.

Kohler and Kawasaki engines are regarded as the best options for zero-turn mowers due to their excellent cutting capabilities and fuel efficiency.

From my experience, Kawasaki engine models, often outfitted with V-twin technology, not only deliver great performance but also keep emissions in check, making lawn mowing a more environmentally friendly task.

Read Next: ReasonsWhy a Lawn Mower Backfires

You may not know, but Kawasaki hires a third-party testing group to ensure the reliability of its Critical Power engines before they hit the market.

But if you want maximum fuel efficiency, Command models from Kohler are the best engine to consider. Thanks to its Smart Choke Technology, any lawnmower with this engine will run as smooth as butter.

Given the reliability of its hydraulic lifters, Kohler is more efficient than most Kawasaki engine options.

Regular maintenance prevents excellent engines from breaking down [1] and increases the life of a lawnmower.

However, it’s not a secret that most lawnmower machines require less maintenance than other garden equipment. Typically, all you need to do for these engines is keep the air filter clean and replace the oil filter.

But if I compare Kohler vs. other models, this brand requires less maintenance as its parts are widely available. On the other hand, Kawasaki parts are premium and harder to find in the aftermarket parts suppliers.

Parts of the Kawasaki engine are often produced in a lower volume, so I wasn’t surprised to discover that they have much higher prices than Kohler’s good engines.

Despite being not budget-friendly, we wouldn’t discourage you from buying a Kawasaki engine as they have fewer problems than standard engines and saves you money in the long run. And as the Kawasaki parts prices consistently go up, aftermarket suppliers are doing their best to keep its costs down.

On the other hand, Kohler engines are definitely more affordable than Kawasaki. However, if you compare it to Briggs’ prices, this engine may appear more expensive.

For Kohler, its residential engines are protected with a one to five-year warranty. While commercial or rental policies may range up to three years. However, keep in mind that these warranty durations depend on the engine type.

For Kawasaki, your new mower will be protected within 36 months from the day of its purchase. It covers any engine failure, but free repairs will only apply if a legitimate Kawasaki technician or dealer fixes it.

Having dealt with various manufacturers, I’ve noticed that Kawasaki and Kohler also offer technical support via phone and email, much like the rest.

If you’re keen on receiving prompt responses to your questions, here’s a tip from our team: reaching out during regular office hours seems to yield quicker results. Both brands are only available Mondays to Fridays from eight in the morning to five in the afternoon.

The downside of the Kawasaki technical assistance team is only answering email concerns about warranties and repairs, while Kohler has a much friendlier approach to every query.

To close to this Kohler vs Kawasaki engine comparison, I can confidently say that both brands offer competitive perks for the lawn mowing industry in different applications.

If you intend to use it for residential use, Kohler is a more sensible choice to consider. And as for commercial use, Kawasaki’s premium materials have the durability for extensive operations.