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Roadman 08-07-2012 07:42:34 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	My 30 year old Snapper has died. I am looking at replacing it with a Craftsman 26 HP yard tractor with 54" cut. I mow about 2 acares. The price difference between a Briggs and Stratton 2 cylinder and a Kohler V-twin is about $500.00 with the Kohler being the more expensive. Anyone have any experience with these engines and is the Kohler worth the extra money. Thanks for your advise. [Reply]   [No Email]
TheOldHokie 08-10-2012 06:03:45 108.8.13.83 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to ZANE.....For YOU..John,PA, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see No opinion on the two motors. TOH   [Reply]  [No Email]
TheOldHokie 08-09-2012 09:23:11 108.8.13.83 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Wm.Mike, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Roadman said: (quoted from post at 11:43:30 08/09/12) Yep: I can't justify $12,000.00 for a Kabota. I can buy 4 of these I'm looking at and get a new mower every 6 years. Better check your prices - you seem to be confusing a Kubota lawn tractor with a Kubota 4WD diesel sub-compact. They are vastly different machines. My Kubota G2460 commercial mower cost 7K "out the door" brand new in 2009: 24 HP 3 cylinder water cooled gas engine with automotive style cast iron block Welded steel frame - not stamped sheet steel Commercial mid-mount PTO shaft driven 60" quick detach deck with hydraulic lift REAL hydrostatic power steering REAL hydrostatic drive not some POS transaxle setup Kubota list price on a new GR2020 (20 HP gas, 48" deck) is $8300 and the GR2120 (21 HP diesel, 54" deck) is another $1000. You can get either one for a good bit less than list price with a little dickering at the dealer. I bought my G2460 used a year ago for that same 7K the original owner paid. It was 2 years old, absolutely pristine, 90 hour onteh clock, AND it came with a HD two year old 10x6 landscape trailer. I expect it to last a lot longer than 6 years and it mows rings around any $2500 box store machine. While its a very nice machine my hills are a bit too much for it to handle with that heavy 60" deck and I'm considering upgrading to a used BX diesel 4wd sub-compact with 60" mower deck (no loader). That swap will probably cost me about $2k plus whatever I can get out of the G2460. Go by a Kubota dealer and test drive a G2120. Look under the hood and chassis. Then test drive any of the variously badged $2500 MTD made lawn tractors at Lowes. Look under the hood and chassis. The difference will be obvious. TOH PS> Just looked at CL - will have to go talk to this guy ASAP. Low (160) hour BX-1500 4wd diesel with 60" deck for $5k. May actually make money on the swap. This post was edited by TheOldHokie at 13:22:54 08/09/12 5 times.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-10-2012 05:38:12 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to TheOldHokie, 08-09-2012 09:23:11   Your are right Old. I was looking at the BX1860T54 instead of the GR series. Looks like the GR2020 is compariable to the one I am looking at at Sears except for the Mower size. The Kabota has a 48" deck and the Craftsman has a 54" Deck. I know I'm not going to spend that kind of money on a lawn mower so do you have an opinion on the difference between the Kolhor and the Briggs and Stratton Engines. I've been reading the post on this board for several years and respect your opinion and advise. Clay   [Reply]  [No Email]
W_B 08-08-2012 11:40:53 155.188.247.24 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I have an MTD made cheapie riding mower with a Briggs V-twin 23 h.p. with spin on oil filter (pressure lubed in other words). Had two problems that I found were related. Kept breaking the plastic starter gear and bending the push rod on one of the exhaust valves. It was getting to be a real PITA. I searched the B&S forums and came across posts that said to check the valve guides. Sure enough the guide was pushed up enough that the rocker arm was hitting it and being the weakest in the chain, the rod bent. I just pulled the head, pushed the guide back in and peened the aluminum around it with a chisel to hold it in and haven't had a bit of problem since. This was also causing enough hang up in the engine that the gear would bust when engaging the starter... that and the starter was not aligned with the ring gear. A hammer on the bracket fixed that little item. All good to go. In the future I think I'll go with the Kohler as these little issues are something that shouldn't have happened on an engine that would cost you about $800 to replace.   [Reply]  [No Email]
W_B 08-08-2012 11:28:05 155.188.183.23 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   That's nice, Old, if you have the money for it! I have a problem spending what they want for these at a price you can buy a "real" tractor for.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-09-2012 08:43:30 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to W_B, 08-08-2012 11:28:05   Yep: I can't justify $12,000.00 for a Kabota. I can buy 4 of these I'm looking at and get a new mower every 6 years.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-07-2012 13:40:12 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Thanks all for you valuable informmation. I think I have made up my mind to go with the 26 HP V-twin Briggs with the 54" deck. I know it won't last 30 years like the old Snapper but I will be happy if it last 7 or 8 years. The little wife will be a lot happier than on the old Snapper and thats very important. :)   [Reply]  [No Email]
Jock(OR) 08-07-2012 13:30:41 97.120.42.198 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   For two acres it sounds like you are building up a good "yard tractor" in the 1950 8N. You just have to find a mower deck and bagger setup for it!   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-08-2012 05:25:49 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Jock(OR), 08-07-2012 13:30:41   Yep, but this is a work in progress. A friend of mine's father passed away and he had just started on this tractor. He had rebuilt several of these old fords including my 1957 850 worker. The 8n is now in several pieces including the engine which is striped to the bear block but it is complete.   [Reply]  [No Email]
TheOldHokie 08-07-2012 13:20:07 108.8.21.136 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to L. B., 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see No Briggs or Kohlers for me - give me a lawn tractor with a real motor in it:   [Reply]  [No Email]
Jim SC 08-07-2012 14:00:21 70.35.65.231 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to TheOldHokie, 08-07-2012 13:20:07   I agree. I have a 2002 Kubota diesel with 60 inch deck I bought used for $7000. It's now just over 1500 hours and lube,oil/filter and blade sharpening are all I have ever done to it. Mows six acres of bahaia almost every week and puts my old JD with a Kohler to shame. I want something I feel will last 25 years...since I'm only 71.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-08-2012 05:29:55 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Jim SC, 08-07-2012 14:00:21   Yep, I'd love to have one but I can't justify it for a 2 acre manicured lawn. I checked on one and they want around $12,000.00. Like I said in my previous post, I can by 4 of these Craftsman and get a new seat every 6 years for 24 years.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Plane Bart 08-07-2012 12:53:49 108.97.106.158 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   In my opinion the Kohler Courage motors are junk I have one of them out back for parts mower engine weled the crank to the casing around 150 hours of use, common problem with this series of motors just replaced the carb and starter on my BIL's Cub with the same motor. I would go with the Briggs and Stratton after 5 hours of use change oil to synthetic grade I do this with all of my small engines, my buddy is still running a 22 years old riding mower I gave him 3years ago and Mother in law has 500 plus hour on her JD that she brought in 99 B&S engine also. I would check the spindles on your new mower to make sure they have grease zerks on them MIL's mower dose not but I repack them with grease every year when I service it for her   [Reply]  [No Email]
reomack 08-07-2012 12:48:11 184.3.94.123 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I have a mower with a big single cylinder Briggs engine and the troubles I have had with it amount to real aggravations and should be addressed by the manufacturers of the tractors, not necessarily Briggs. First, the automatic fuel shut off valve will fail, filling the engine with gasoline. This will obviously cause the engine to be very hard to start :-). Second the little diode in the charging system will fail, causing the battery to go flat also making the engine very hard to start :-). Third, the valves must be adjusted properly or the compression release will not operate, also causing the engine to be very hard to start. So, If your battery won't stay charged, replace the diode, you can buy them for very little at Radio Shack. Second, put a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line, also a cheap fix. And third, adjust the valves in accordance with Briggs recommendations. You do all three of these things and change the oil and filter on a regular basis and you will have many happy and productive years using your Briggs powered lawn tractor. Incidentally, my research leads me to believe that all of the above also applies to the twins.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Notjustair 08-07-2012 11:12:08 174.250.160.29 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I have a 30 year old Snapper rear engine that I love. I mow around the buildings and things with it. I repowered it with a 12 horse L-head Briggs. I am a huge Briggs fan. That said: I have a two year old Cub with the Kohler on it for the big yard. Love it. It has a common spin on filter and really runs well. Lots of power. I bought it because of the Kohler. I'm not convinced that the overhead cam Briggs are as good as they used to be. Those flat heads are indestructible, but they are just made too cheap now. I'd go Kohler or Kawasaki.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-07-2012 12:42:31 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Notjustair, 08-07-2012 11:12:08   Thanks notjustair. Sure hate to loose my Snapper. Its been good but the 2 acres way just too much for it. I know you can get the water cooled Kawasaki engine on a Deere but does it come on any other tractor? I too am a Briggs fan, however none of the engines are make like the use too. Wish I could buy a "New" 30 year old rear engine Snapper. :) Clay   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-07-2012 10:49:18 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I have checked out the engine specifications and it does have a pressure lubrication system. According to Ken-Pa thats a good thing. Best I can tell the tractor is make by Husqvarna. I too am a Briggs guy and have never had a problem. Thanks for the information. After reading the reply's I don't think the Kohler is worth the extra money. Clay   [Reply]  [No Email]
RJ IN WYO 08-07-2012 10:34:03 174.45.134.10 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   i just purchaced a new john deere riding mower and in my shopping of all the brands al seened to have briggs and stratton motors. talking to the salesman at sears i said all the different brands almost were the same but with slight difference in features, he told me they were all made by MDT company unless you buy the commerical grade.   [Reply]  [No Email]
dbNga 08-07-2012 10:23:14 205.174.22.27 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   First off I consider myself a Briggs & Stratton fan, however my brother bought a Husqvarna 42 inch cut Lawn Tractor w/Briggs 22(?) hp in 2011. He cuts about 3 acres of grass. It got to where it acted like a weak battery or loose connection, it wouldn't turn over without a helping hand-literally. It got so bad he had to take it in and they tell him it is the compression release valve. It went to shop 3 times last season and at the end of the season they put a new engine in his mower. This year after two cuttings the new engine is doing the same thing, he takes it back in and the store says you want to upgrade to another mower or your money back? He got his money back....this was a big box store mind you, all mtc is sent to contracted off site shop. What I am trying to say is the compression release system that has been around for years apparently has fallen in to poor re-design and unimprovement cost cutting measures and I would look for the largest eng w/o compression release and settle for it.   [Reply]  [No Email]
tackhammer 08-07-2012 09:48:08 98.94.213.242 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I have a 2008 Cub GT 2542 with the kolher. (not a box store cub) 250hrs on it. I push snow, plow gardens, and mow 2 acres weekly with no trouble so far. Also have a 1964 Cub 104 kolher, never had any engine work and runs like new. My father had a Craftsman garden tractor with the big Briggs twin in it and he never had any trouble and abused it badly. A friend of mine just bought a Husqvarna commercial rider with a Kawasaki in it. It has welded together deck. Not stamped out piece tin and it seems real heavy duty.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Roadman 08-07-2012 09:44:41 199.38.59.2 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Thanks for the opinions. I checked into the Kabota but at $12,000.00 it is to rich for my blood. I can buy 4 of the Craftsman for the price on one of those. I guess if I was in the mowing business that may be the right choice. For what I'm doing I think a well maintained Briggs and Stratten will work fine. Thanks again for the information. I have an 850 worker and am starting a restoration of a 1950 8N. Learn a lot from the prople on this board.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Bob Harvey 08-07-2012 08:49:55 209.91.107.138 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Just bought a 24 HP Craftsman with the Brigs V-twin (42" cut, tight turn). With only 14 hrs. on it , too early for a report-other than it works very well for me. Has footpedal transmission.   [Reply]  [No Email]
TheOldHokie 08-07-2012 08:42:58 108.8.21.136 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to soundguy, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Don't expect either one to last anywhere close to 30 years. I'm of the opinion you are far better off to move up several thousand dollars to a quality Deere or Kubota - preferably diesel. Current offerings from Cub Cadet are a very poor third. TOH   [Reply]  [No Email]
Ken-Pa 08-07-2012 08:25:29 65.25.107.208 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I had just bought used a Cub Cadet with a KT17 v-twin . It blew to pieces the first time I tried mowing a section of yard with a slope . Found out later that it had oil slingers not an oil pump & they were a well known problem for Cadet . So make sure it has an oil pump system . God bless, Ken   [Reply]  [No Email]
2ruNgineer 08-07-2012 08:08:35 216.82.251.228 Report to Moderator	Re: OT-Yard Tractors in reply to Roadman, 08-07-2012 07:42:34   I own the GT5000 model w/Kohler engine. 25hp, 54". It is an "05 or "06 model with hand lever hydrostat that I purchased slightly used. I only have 100 hours on it so far. I abuse it on our acreage to do 2-3 acres of mowing. The uneven ground is tough to do with the 54" deck. I get the thing hi-centered regularly. I can get off and push it out of trouble most times, and I"m 150lb weakling. The Kohler engine is running well so far. No complaints there. It blows through the thick stuff. If you are bagging, the transfer tube can plug up pretty often if you"re doing thick stuff. The frame/structure is probably not as stout as some others that cost more. I have broken the connecting rod on the link plate on the front brace of the mower deck....but again, it gets some abuse. My personal opinion is that Kohler engines are probably better but have no experience on the large Briggs either. I also have a push mower with 6hp briggs that i have abused for 10 years and it keeps on tickin"....so I"m not sure that i have complete data for your dilemma. But if i had the cash i"d go with the Kohler. In either case, regular maintenance is probably the real factor that adds life to these engines.   [Reply]  [No Email]