Kohler Vs Briggs Vs Kawasaki Mower Engine: Head-To-Head Verdict
Kohler, Briggs, and Kawasaki are the names you cannot ignore while looking for premium-grade mowers. These three are the most common engines globally used in residential and commercial mowers. However, who would win the ultimate battle if compared and evaluated precisely?
Kohler engines provide well-balanced performance in the case of power generation and fuel efficiency. Briggs offers budget-friendly engines with outstanding features and reliability. In contrast, Kawasaki engines are a great inclusion for any mower line for their impressive power and longer lifespan.
In this article, we will explore each engine’s strengths and weaknesses and discover which one would be a better choice for someone.
A detailed The Comparison between Kohler Vs Briggs Vs Kawasaki engine
Check out the following chart to compare these engines at a glance.
| Kohler | Briggs | Kawasaki | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Kohler’s KESS mechanism. | Brigg’s ReadyStart® starter. | Traditional electric starter. |
| Technical focus | High performance and efficiency. | User-friendly features. | Power generation and innovation. |
| Application | Commonly used in high-power mowing machines. | Generally used in residential mowers. | Widely used in high-performance mowing equipment. |
| Fuel efficiency | Very fuel efficient. | Consumes more fuel. | Less fuel efficient. |
| Noise level | Louder than the two others. | Has a unique technology to reduce noise. | Produces moderate noise. |
| Price range | High-price engine for advanced engineering. | Budget-friendly engine with sufficient features. | Expensive engine with outstanding durability. |
Power Capacity and Peak Performing Duration
Kohler and Kawasaki mostly manufacture powerful engines for high-end mowers. In contrast, Briggs usually produces low to medium-power engines for residential mowers.
The power range of Kohler mower engines is 3HP to 38 HP in general. They can perform optimally around 2000 hours at 3500 to 3700 RPMs. In contrast, Kawasaki mower engines have 4.5 HP to 38 HP power generation capacities. Users can enjoy their peak performance up to 3000 hours with 2000 to 3600 RPMs.
Briggs usually manufactures medium-power mower engines, ranging from 5 HP to 23 HP. They are able to provide the highest performance up to 2000 hours with 1800 to 3600 RPMs.
Starting System of Kohler, Briggs, and Kawasaki
Among these three engine manufacturers, Kohler and Briggs have a more advanced starting system compared to Kawasaki.
Kohler has developed its own electric starter called KESS. This technology allows users to safely and easily start the engine with more torque. The mechanism also enhances their engine reliability as it is capable to start engines in cold weather with no struggle.
On the other hand, Briggs has developed the ReadyStart®, which only requires pulling to start the engine. This unique mechanism is hassle-free and reliable as it lets user starts engines quickly with no cranking.
Kawasaki engines have a traditional electric starter system. But they are also reliable at starting and having better torque. They are also capable of starting engines in harsh conditions without much effort.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a crucial feature for any engine as it ensures a longer run time for the mower at a minimal energy cost. For fuel efficiency, Kohler is ahead of Kawasaki and Briggs.
Kohler manufactures its engines with better fuel efficiency so users can enjoy longer mowing time. Its less fuel consumption can save users money on fuel costs. Besides, these engines produce fewer emissions which are a good feature for the environment.
Kawasaki engines may consume more fuel than Kohler. But their reliability and performance are greatly appreciable. Their advanced engineering provides an excellent mowing experience to the users.
Briggs engines are not much fuel efficient. However, they are highly reliable in any condition and environment. Though not fuel efficient, Briggs engines are low maintenance, which most users prefer.
Usability – Better for Commercial or Residential?
Does an engine from a certain brand well-suited for commercial or residential mowers? The answer depends on many factors, including the engine’s power and compatibility.
Kohler and Kawasaki are top engines around the world to include in commercial-grade mowers. They are in the leading position regarding engine selection for professional mowing machines. However, they are also used in residential mowers.
Briggs engines are comparatively more cost-effective than these two brands. That’s why they are the primary choices to include in residential mowing machines. In exceptional cases, Briggs also produces powerful engines to use in commercial mowers for some brands.
Noise level of Kohler, Briggs, and Kawasaki Engines
Noise is the most bothering thing about mowers. So, these engine brands are constantly working to reduce the noise level. Among these three engines, Briggs has the best noise-reduction technologies.
Kohler engines are noisy as they produce massive power. However, their noise level may vary depending on mower models and the overall engine condition. In recent, Kohler has claimed that they have improved their engines’ design to reduce vibration and noise levels.
Briggs has developed a dedicated mechanism for noise reduction called the Quiet Power Technology®. The key purpose of the technology is to minimize the vibration and noise level of engines. It has made Briggs a better engine for residential mowers, as you can mow in any area without disturbing the surroundings.
Kawasaki engines are comparatively quieter than Kohler and other brands. However, their noise level can vary depending on specific mower brands and models. In some exceptional cases, powerful Kawasaki engines can also be louder.
Similarities among Kohler, Briggs, and Kawasaki
One of the reasons behind comparing these three engine brands is their similarities. Check out the following point for an instant example.
Domination in small engine manufacturing:
For decades, the three brands have been serving the mower industry with their high-performance engines. It is even surprising that they are very common engines in most mowers in the world. Their reliability and exceptional engineering have made them the top engine options for most mower manufacturers.
Admirable longevity:
Mowing is a heavy task where most engines struggle to survive. However, these mower engines offer a surprising lifespan without major issues. They are praised for performing optimally for 2000 to 3000 hours, where many engines die before reaching this duration. With proper maintenance, users even can enhance their longevity.
Common Problems of These Engines
Though popular for quality and performance, these engines are not free from common engine issues. For many reasons, they can malfunction. Here we mention some problems often noticed.
Kohler engine issues:
- Difficulty in starting: Jammed fuel line, faulty spark plug, EFI Engine Problems and dirty air cleaner often prevent the engine from starting.
- Overheating: The engine can be overheated because of low oil level, defective cooling fan, and dirty air filter.
- Backfiring: Sometimes, it can backfire due to ignition and valve problems.
Briggs engine issues:
- Problem with starting: Users may have starting problems with these engines due to internal disconnection and defective spark plugs.
- Carburetor issues: The carburetor can malfunction when it becomes dirty.
- Compression problems: A leakage or lack of proper valve cleaner can cause these issues.
Kawasaki engine issues:
- Starting issues: It may happen for a faulty spark plug or a damaged fuel line.
- Backfiring: A dirty carburetor or issue with the valve can cause the problem.
- Sudden shutdown: The engine may stop working suddenly due to a faulty voltage regulator or a damaged starter.
in our Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
Kohler, Briggs, and Kawasaki are three renowned engine brands in the mower industry. Each of them provides unique advantages and value than the other. However, the best engine will be one which can satisfy your mowing needs practically.
Kohler engines are well-balanced from all angles, including their power generation, reliable performance, and fuel efficiency. They are the gems for any commercial mower line.
Briggs offers excellent quality engines on a user-friendly budget. They are one of the finest options for residential mowers that require low maintenance and produce less noise.
Kawasaki engines are prominent for their outstanding lifespan and powerful performance. They are the primary engines for many commercial mower brands.
In short, Kohler and Kawasaki’s engines have dominated the commercial mower series of most brands for decades. On the other hand, Briggs is a famous engine among residential mower users.
FAQ about Kohler Vs Briggs Vs Kawasaki Mower Engine
Q. Which type of mowers does Kohler manufacture engines for?
Kohler manufactures versatile engines for both residential and commercial mowers, including the walk-behind and zero-turn types.
Q. Which series of Kawasaki engines are used in mowers?
Kawasaki’s FS, FX, FT, and FR series engines are commonly used in mowers.
Q. What are OHV engines from Briggs?
Overhead Valve (OHV) is an advanced engineering that ensures dependable power. Like other brands, Briggs also offers engineering in its mower engines.
Q. Does high HP means a better engine?
No, engines with low HP can be better too. Horsepower (HP) simply means how powerful the engine is.
Continue Reading…
