JD 112's with Kohler engines?

I bought 5 JD112's today....Thei all have Kohler engines;i thought 112's were tecumseh powered? came from different places;seller said he bought them that way. my 110 has the same Kohlers;not complaining,just wondering.

I have 1968 112 with a Tecumseh in it. If I remember correctly some tme in late 68 they went to strictly Kohler engiines in all models.

I have a 112 with Kohler in it. Be glad. Kohler is still around and still making a lot of parts for yours.

(quoted from post at 23:30:59 07/18/15) I bought 5 JD112's today....Thei all have Kohler engines;i thought 112's were tecumseh powered? came from different places;seller said he bought them that way. my 110 has the same Kohlers;not complaining,just wondering.

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I've been trying to figure this out just recently. As near as I can tell, the standard engine was the Kohler k241 10 hp, and when demand exceeded supply, Tecumseh was able to fill the gap with their 10 hp engine. I've never heard a single complaint about either one.

The following info is from The Weekend Freedom Machine page. Hope it helps.

The Model 112

The model 112 came out in 1966. After the successful sales of the Model 110, Deere realized they need a lager size mower for the larger size jobs. The 112 carried on the same sleek styling of the 110, but with a larger motor and of course, a wider deck.. The new model 112 had the following specifications: Cast-iron Tecumseh HH100 ten hp engine.
4speed transaxle with super low for tilling
Electric start,
Worm gear steering
Fiberglass hood
1.9 gal fuel tank
Dry type air filter
Variable speed drive








The 112 is truly a farm-bred tractor. They bring time saving performance and convenience that owners expect form John Deere. They are designed for everyone to drive with a triple-safe starting system to prevent dangerous unexpected starts. The variable speed drive gives you complete control to match the tougher job conditions without sacrificing engine speed or working efficiency. Hydraulic Lift was a new option for the 1966 model year on the 110 and 112.

The 1966 112 had a base weight of 642 lbs, and carried a $830 price tag. A 12 with hyd lift weighed in at 663 lbs and was $938. The #46 deck was $150.

The 1968 model year showed a lot of new changes. The fenders and platform were combined into a 1 piece fender deck. An adjustable cushioned seat provided great comfort. Slanted footrests provided a place to rest the feet while mowing. Headlights were placed right above the grill just under the front lip of the hood. In 1969 another 10hp was an option. You could get a K241AS 10hp Kohler. Hyd lift was still an option.

1972 brought another hp change. A 12 hp K301AS Kohler was standard. Manual and Hyd lift were dropped and electric lift was the only lift option. An electric PTO clutch was standard 1972,73. In 1974 a manually engaged PTO replaced the electric clutch.

Year Serial Number Engine
1966 2,551 -3,550 Tecumseh HH100 (10hp)
1967 3,551 - 100,000 Tecumseh HH100
1968 100,001 - 130,000 Tecumseh HH100
1969 130,001 - 150,000 Tecumseh HH100
1969 150,001 - 160,000 Kohler K241 (10hp)
1970 160,001 - 180,000 Tecumseh HH100
1970 180,001 - 185,000 Kohler K241
1971 185,001 -225,000 Tecumseh HH100 (10hp)
1971 225,001 - 250,000 Kohler K241
1972 250,001 - 260,000 Kohler K301 (12hp)
1973 260,001 - 300,000 Kohler K301 (12hp)
1974 300,001 - Kohler K301 (12 hp)