Kohler VS Kawasaki – Which One is Better

Are you shopping for a new generator but can’t decide on Kohler VS Kawasaki? You’re not alone – deciding which type makes the most sense is often difficult. That’s why we delved deep into the features, build quality, reliability, and price of both engines so that you could make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.
In this blog post, we compare Kohler VS Kawasaki generators head-to-head to answer one simple question: which motor brand reigns supreme when it comes to portable power? Read on to find out more about Kohler VS Kawasaki!
Kohler VS Kawasaki Engine – A Comparison Chart
When you’re in the market for a new engine, you have to decide between two of the biggest names in the industry – Kohler VS Kawasaki. These engines have been around for decades, with each offering its advantages. But what are those differences?
Kohler VS Kawasaki – To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a comparison chart to show how they stack up on key categories like Horse Power, Longevity, Engine Type, Maintenance, Warranty Service, and Price.
Horse Power
Kohler engines range from 22 horsepower (HP). Their mid-range models usually offer about 13 HP. On the other hand, Kawasaki engines range from 18 HP, and their mid-range offerings typically offer about 16 HP. Therefore, Kawasaki may be the better option if you’re looking for more power in an engine.
Longevity
Regarding longevity, both Kohler and Kawasaki engines are known for their durability. However, Kohler engines last longer due to their high-quality parts and construction.
The company also offers extended warranties on all of its products which helps ensure that your engine will last longer than expected. In addition, Kohler has a strong parts availability, making it easier to find replacement parts when necessary.
Engine Type
Kohler engines come in gas and diesel varieties, while Kawasaki only offers gas-powered engines. Kohler is the better choice here if you need an engine that runs on diesel fuel.
Many of Kohler’s gas models are designed with low emissions technology making them more eco-friendly than many other brands today.
Maintenance
Both brands require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements; however, Kawasaki requires more frequent maintenance intervals than Kohler, which can cost more money in the long run.
Certain models of Kohler offer advanced features like self-cleaning systems, which can help reduce maintenance costs overall.
Warranty Service
Kawasaki offers a 3-year-limited warranty on all of its products, while Kohler provides a 3-year warranty on all its residential and commercial units up to 8 horsepower (HP).
It means that if something were to go wrong with your engine within these time frames, you would be covered by either brand’s warranty service, depending on the unit you purchased.
Price
Price is another important factor when considering an engine purchase. Still, it’s hard to compare apples-to-apples here because prices vary widely depending on factors such as size and horsepower rating, so it’s best to research different models before deciding.
However, both brands offer competitive pricing options, so no matter which one you choose, you should be able to find an engine that fits your budget.
As you can see, there are several key differences between these two major brands when buying an engine.
Most notably, Horse Power ratings and Warranty Service periods offer quality products backed by reliable customer service, so whichever one you choose should serve your needs well into the future!
Which Is Better, A Kawasaki Or Kohler Engine?
Kohler engines have set a new bar for engine performance. While Kawasaki engines may deliver superior power, Kohler stands out with its reliability and efficiency.
Its hydraulic lifters enhance fuel and oil delivery while helping reduce engine vibration and noise, making it the perfect option for the more discerning buyer looking to get the best performance out of their machine.

Which Mower Engine Is Best – Kohler VS Kawasaki
The Kohler engine is well known as a powerhouse, perfect for an investment in more frequently used, residential zero-turn lawnmowers. Its larger size gives it increased durability, while its lightweight design keeps it fuel efficient and practical.
On the other hand, Kawasaki engines are slightly lighter than their Kohler counterparts, with a significantly more compact design to match that works best with small-scale mowers meant for short bursts of power.
Their engines have been known to deliver strong performance at an economical cost, making them an attractive choice for those who don’t plan on using their lawnmower often.
How Long Can A Kawasaki Air-Cooled Engine Run?
A Kawasaki air-cooled engine can run between 2000 to 3000 hours without any major issues if properly maintained and serviced periodically.
With its key features like superior quality materials, robust construction, durability, and affordability, this brand significantly stand out from other motor options.
So there’s no reason to hesitate when investing in a Kawasaki air-cooled engine.
How Can One Know If A Kawasaki Engine Is A Good Lawnmower Engine?
One of the best ways to determine if a Kawasaki engine is good for your lawnmower is to ensure that it has been certified by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
An SAE certification means that the engine has gone through rigorous tests to ensure it meets standards for accuracy and performance so you can be sure you are receiving the power promised.
That being said, asking about the specific features of a Kawasaki engine may also help indicate its suitability – look out for easily-accessible dipsticks and filters, debris clean-out ports, fuel lines, and snug housings and covers with no overlapping seal edges.
All of these components are important indicators of a well-performing lawnmower engine!
Are Kohler Engines Reliable?
From industrial use to powering residential lawnmowers, Kohler engines are well known for their reliability and power.
Many consumers appreciate the built-in convenience features that make jobs faster and easier, with choices such as electric start or fuel injection.
Professional-grade machines have the added benefit of running for extended periods without losing any power or efficiency, making them perfect for more heavy-duty tasks.
FAQs: Kohler VS Kawasaki
How Many Hours Does A Kohler Engine Last?
Gas-powered engines are common in everything from construction equipment to backyard mowers, and Kohler is one of the leading gas engine manufacturers.
Well, as a general rule of thumb, you should expect your Kohler engine to get about 5000 hours of use before being serviced or replaced. It translates into approximately 8.3 years if you’re only running the engine for 8 hours per day, which makes these engines some of the most durable in the business.
How Many Hours Will A Kawasaki Engine Last?
When shopping for an engine, such as a Kawasaki, you want it to be reliable and long-lasting. Kawasaki engines can provide dependable performance for 2000-3000 hours of service.
That is more than enough time for typical commercial or residential applications with minimal maintenance expenses and upkeep.
Whether the engine is powering large construction equipment, a generator, a lawnmower, or another machine, users can feel assured that they are getting capabilities that last over an extended period.
Are Kohler Engines Made In China?
Yes; however, this does not necessarily mean that all engines will be manufactured in Chongqing. The Wisconsin-based engine manufacturer has clarified that existing production facilities in Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Mexico will remain active, and employees from those sites won’t be affected.
Kohler announced a partnership with Chongqing, China, to produce the latest line of Kohler engines. This has brought about confusion and speculation from customers all over the world who want to know if this will mean that these engines are being made in China.
The added supply of engines from Chongqing Sitarail Corporation is expected to add value across its global customer base.
Where Are Kawasaki Mower Engines Made?
Discover the secrets of Kawasaki engine production and explore the plant that assembles and tests every motor before it reaches the market!
Located in Maryville, Missouri, the factory is a cutting-edge facility where engines are built with precision and care. Workers carefully construct the motors with raw materials specially sourced for their superior quality, then each engine undergoes rigorous performance tests to ensure its reliability.
At Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, pure dedication goes into creating high-performance mower engines to power all kinds of machines worldwide!
Final Verdict: Kohler VS Kawasaki
So, which engine is better? Neither. Both engines have their advantages and disadvantages. It depends on what you need and wants from your engine.
The Kohler engine is a great choice if you need a powerful and efficient engine. However, the Kawasaki engine may be a better option if you want a more affordable one.