Having built generators and engines for almost a century, Kohler understands the need for different engines in different settings. The company produces a wide range of engines for various applications, both residential and commercial. From low-horsepower walk mowers to construction equipment, Kohler has a small engine to power all industrial, commercial, and residential machinery. Today we are taking a look at the main differences between Kohler professional engines and Kohler homeowner engines by reviewing which category of Kohler engines best serve different residential and commercial needs.
Kohler Homeowner Engines
Kohler has dozens of homeowner engines available, from the starter-level XT to the Command PRO and Aegis lines, among others. We will examine how different Kohler lines work in different pieces of residential outdoor equipment.
Walking, Riding and Zero Turn Mowers: XT, Courage, and 7000 Series
The Kohler XT series is perfect for walk behind mowers. This line is designed for quick starts and low temperature operation. If your horsepower requirements will be limited, an XT engine will be a low-maintenance, safe choice.
The Courage and 7000 series of Kohler engines are better suited to riding mowers, which demand more power. In both single and twin cylinder Courage engines, larger engine displacement translates to better handling. The 7000 series takes it one step further, with V-twin designs, even greater displacement, and air cooling to minimize maintenance. Zero-turn mowers are slightly heavier than riding mowers, so they also demand more powerful engines, such as those in the Courage or 7000 series.
Utility Equipment: 2000, 3000, Command PRO, and XT Series
Large residential properties may require utility vehicles for hauling, snow plowing, pulling stumps, and more. Kohler recommends picking from the 2000, 3000, Command PRO, or XT Series for utility vehicles.
Again, stronger engines are needed because utility vehicles are heavier and require greater power output. These lines are also considered best for commercial use.
Kohler Professional Engines
Landscapers, agriculture workers, golf course managers and other professionals around the world rely on Kohler engines. Commercial equipment runs for long hours, often in harsh conditions. As such, compared to residential engines, commercial engines must be more powerful, with more sophisticated cooling mechanisms, and more defenses against clogging substances, such as dust. Here is a rundown of which Kohler engines best serve different industries.
Lawn Service and Landscaping: Aegis, Confidant, Command PRO, and Kohler Diesel
The lawn tractors and heavy mowers used in landscaping and lawn service require long-running engines. Kohler Diesel, Confidant, Command PRO, and Aegis engines are strong enough to stand up to the beating of non-stop lawn and landscaping work.
Golf Course Maintenance: Aegis, Command Pro, and Kohler Diesel
The larger the maintenance area, the more powerful an engine must be. Golf course maintenance requires especially robust engines, as acres of maintenance are involved. The Command PRO, Kohler Diesel, and Aegis lines best serve the course maintenance industry.
Power Generation: Courage, Aegis, Command PRO, and Kohler Diesel
Power generation engines should not take up too much room, yet they must be powerful enough to run lights and operate some commercial equipment. Fuel efficiency is another top consideration. The Kohler Diesel, Command PRO, Aegis, and Courage lines fit the bill.
Construction and Agriculture: Kohler Diesel, Command PRO, and Aegis
Both agriculture and construction require powerful engines that must be reliable in dirty environments. The Kohler Diesel line is the most popular among construction and agriculture companies, but Command PRO engines are also strong enough for this kind of work. Finally, the Aegis line is highly fuel efficient, and air cooled to power ongoing farm and construction work.
How to Choose Between Kohler Homeowner and Professional Engines
How will you be using the engine? That is the first question to ask. In general, commercial purposes and utility equipment will require professional-grade engines, such as those in the Command PRO and Kohler Diesel lines. Property size also figures large. Obviously, you will not need a riding mower to take care of a city lot; a small, light engine such as those in the XT line will be enough to power a walking mower. On the other hand, if you maintain acres, a heavy mower will be needed, as will higher horsepower.
We recommend comparing the above information with the work you plan to do. Then, research within the suggested Kohler engine lines. Start to parse out maximum horsepower, maintenance features, and filter innovations. If you will be running the engine in tough conditions, such as dusty, dry heat, extra cooling mechanisms and vigorous filtration will prevent problems. The Kohler Product Matrix includes both big-picture stats (such as horsepower) and design details (such as fuel filter devices). And, of course, if you are repowering an engine you will need to check that the new engine will fit and operate properly.
Do not hesitate to call us for assistance. We are Kohler engine experts, having sold and repowered them for years. We can help you find the best engine for your needs. Call us today.
[Photo from dumbonyc via CC License 2.0]