Mower engines: Which do you choose and why?

Closed-loop electronic fuel injection systems are a trend among manufacturers. Such is the case with Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power’s Vanguard 810cc EFI engine, released last year. PHOTO: BRIGGS & STRATTON

Mike Smith
President, Fourm Property Services
Alliance, Ohio
“We run several models of Kawasaki engines on our Wright Standers, the FH601V has been the model that has lasted the longest. We have mowers that have 4,000-plus hours on them with the original engines. The key to any machine is preventive maintenance and operators that take care of the machines.”

Jeff Grizzle
Owner, Grizzle Lawn Care
Sun City Center, Fla.
“Kohler gas and Kubota diesel because that’s what my Toros have and they haven’t let me down. We have a couple Groundsmaster 3500-Ds along with one Reelmaster 3100-D with around 2,000 hours each that have Kubota diesels. All of our Z Masters have Kohler gas engines and run great.”

Edward Pressley
Owner, Edward & Sons Lawn Care
China Grove, N.C.
“We use both Toro 60-in. 3000 series and Exmark 48-in. walk-behind units. We’ve used both Kawasaki and Kohler engines in our time of business and prefer Kohler. We believe Kohler is more efficient and the most reliable.”