kohler 38 hp big block

[dpracetime]

looking at a new grinder with the 38 kohler big block, just curious if anyone has one and what that engine is like, ,gas consumption,reliability,known problems etc.also how might that compare to a diesel like a 35 cat as far as tourqe,power.
Any thoughts or info would be helpful.

Dan

 

[Mowingman]

I have no experience with he 38hp big block, but do have experience with some of the other Kohler big block engines that are a little smaller.
They were dependable, but used a LOT of fuel as I recall, 2GPH was about average for a somewhat smaller big block engine. I would guess the 38 will go through 2.5-3GPH in hard use.
Jeff

 

[OLD MAN GRINDER]

Very dependable engines but as Jeff says, very hard on fuel, my Bandit has an 8.5 gal tank, if u start work at 8am u can get till noon maybe, i usually put 5 gal in at 1130, so i would say close to 2 gal per hr in hard use, i have the 27hp on my exmark ztr with over 1000 hrs, not nearly as bad i can mow all day 8 hrs easy with plenty of fuel left, i would say maybe 1.25 gal per hr in hard use, the engine on my ztr has been great, replaced one clutch under warranty but no eng problems, change the oil every 50 hrs with castrol full synthetic, 120 hrs on the big block no problems yet..

Hope this helps..

Bob....