Kawasaki vs briggs

[Whitemtns]

Hello all,
I am currently in the market for an entry level lawn tractor and after much looking and researching, I have narrowed it down to the following:

Husqvarna yth18k46
Or
Yth23v42

I like the features for value of the Husqvarnas and there are things I like about both. I prefer the smaller mower as I only have about 3/4 of an acre of grass with some trees, rocks, and tight spots. I also like the reinforced deck on the yth23v42. It comes equipped with the 23hp briggs intek v-twin. Now here's where it gets foggy for me: I've never had great luck with briggs on our sickle bar self propelled mowers we have for our tree farm. Truly terrible experiences. On the other hand my briggs equipped Ariens snow blower worked great on year one this past winter, and the same time the dealer assures me that the newer briggs are much nicer and more reliable. What I have read on forums and reviews is totally mixed.
The yth18k46 has the 18 hp kawasaki. According to hp, it's a less powerful engine, but from what I understand, that's not much of an accurate indicator. I've heard mostly good things about this engine. This mower has a stamped deck, as opposed to the nicer reinforced of the smaller mower, and is a little larger, which is not really a plus for me, and is about $100 more expensive which is a concern since I will be getting a bagger as well and am already really stretching my budget.
So, what do people think? Does the difference in engine outweigh the cost, size, and deck concerns? I'd love to hear what people think, since I am really at a loss here not having owned a lawn tractor before. Any info on the engines beyond brand loyalty would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[IXLR8]

Arguably the JD 7-Iron II deck is about the best deck on the commercial cutting market, it is a stamped deck. Stamped or welded deck, I don't think it matters, what matters is the quality of the deck. I actually prefer a stamped deck, especially if the grass is damp, or wet. I have a JD ZTR mower with a Kawi v-twin, it has 479 trouble free hours.. I have also used synthetic oils in it for as long as I have had it. My Husky 48" commercial walk behind, welded deck, has a single cylinder Kawi, 14hp, no issues with the motor for the last 13, again I use synthetic oil in it. From all reports on the commercial mowing site I visit, the Briggs Intek is a good motor... the only Briggs motor most of them will run. The only complaint I can remember is that it tends to be a bit thirsty. Properly taken care of, I think either would work well for you.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I would take either engine since we have both brands on mowers.

 

[sam5570]

i have over 500 trouble free hours on my jd with kawasaki moter. it works great has never used oil or give me any problem.

 

[kenmac]

I have a Kawasaki on my toro zero turn. 2 yrs now and no troubles. I had a choice Kohler or Kawasaki.

 

[uglyboywith11fingers]

I have a 1998 Kubota TG1860G with the 18HP Kawasaki water-cooled V-twin. Gets oil & filter change once a year, and uses no oil. Only problem in over 930 hours was with the float in the carb. This 18HP runs the 54" deck with power to spare.

Pete

 

[Tomtint]

I have a 17hp Kawi on a 48" Scag and a 14 Kohler on a 36" Scag. The Kohler is a pig on fuel. Also have a 23 HP Kohler in a Walker mower ( had no choice) wish it was a Kawi. I have only had smaller B&S engines. My 1st choice would be the Kawi

 

[Egon]

The makers of small engines usually have different types of service conditions they design too. Means quite a bit as to the longevity of the engine.

So to compare the service rating has to taken into account.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I have an old 1993 John Deere LX 172 with a 14 hp Kawasaki, with over 1000 hours. Runs like a champ; sometimes a puff of smoke on start up, but still lots of power.

 

[petegoud]

I'm still using an old (1980's) JD 112L mower with a 11hp Kawasaki that still runs great. No hour meter, but it has to have a couple thousand hours on it. The deck was replaced in the late 90's. I guess this makes me a believer in Kawasaki engines.