My first 2 splitters had B&S motors and did fine except for one that had a carb issue. That could have been more of a fuel issue then the carb.That’s good. I also caught mine on sale and had a 10% seasonal coupon so the 30 ton was $1260 plus tax. I really wanted the north star with the Honda I just couldn’t justify the money.
The Kohler motor on my first 40 ton has ran perfectly with zero issues in 4 years. I don't think it's a design issue with most of them, it's a quality control issue.