Kohler CH Series Gas Engines. Any good?

[TomSeller]

Curious if anyone has opinions on the Kohler CH series gas engines. Specifically CH395 277cc 9.5HP

I am looking at a Dirty Hands log splitter with this engine. I really wanted a Honda GX but they are made of gold it seems when pricing any new splitter with that series of engine. The CH is Kohler's Command Pro line with cast iron cylinder liner. I think it is their better line of engines? I tend to have a Honda and Stihl preference but a buck is a buck and they want serious coin for the Honda GX line. I see posts regarding the mower 2 cyl CH engine but not the single cyl.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Those new Kohlers are made in china, just like the B&S ect...

They are no better or worse than the other better china made motors of the same size...

SR

 

[TomSeller]

I don't have too may concerns if the engine is built in China (what isn't?) as long as it was built to a good spec and it is proven. Kohler is one of the engine mfgs I have never dealt with.

 

[bob11x]

It's a good motor. For the price difference buy it and put the Honda on if it dies ( not likely since it is basically a clone).
Plus parts are available from any Koehler dealer

 

[scott_vt]

Good Afternoon Tom,
Kohler always had a great name but as Rob states, made in China. I have 1982 C-125 Wheel Horse with one of those old Kohler engines, 36 years old and still doing a good job on the
lawn !

I have to agree with you on the Honda engines, have one on my log splitter, I can let that thing sit for six months, go out and pull it once or twice and it fires right up !

 

[Cub gt 2544=best]

I don’t think that’s true. All commands are made in America. But the courage engines are made also in America but not the singles. Only the twins.

 

[STx]

Kohler makes a good motor, most commercial lawn equipment is powered by either Kohler or Kawasaki. I preferred Kawasaki when I had my business but, it was just preference, there was nothing wrong with the Kohler product.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

With care, I have never had an air cooled engine go bad on me. However, Kawasaki engines have a good rep if you want to upgrade. With some extra HP you can install a bigger pump and the splitter will work faster.

 

[5030]

So long as you keep the valves adjusted and change the oil and filter, they run forever. Not so with a Honda, I tossed a rod on a GX at 10 hours and Honda would not warrant it. Done with them. Honda can KMA.