I'm a true Honda GX engine lover, they are superb, but can honestly say Kohler Command is great engine too, and I would not pay a $600 difference between great and superb- the engines are so very similar in design and both only $900-$1100 engines to buy outright. I'd go for Kohler in this instance IF the Kohler is the 20 HP Command, not the cheaper 20 HP Courage model. That could be where the $600 difference is coming from between the names, but even still that is a steep markup just for the Honda tag.
As Honda is no longer making lawn and garden tractors, look for Honda GX engines to be showing up in many of the major brand high end tractors and equipment very soon- quantity and competition from Kawasaki will bring the prices for the ultra-smooth long life Japanese engines down on these machines. I don't know why Briggs and Stratton couldn't really get an OEM foothold with their Vanguard V-twins, it's a very smooth operator too.
My Cub Cadet 682 is powered by a Honda GX610 18 HP V-twin. Everyone who hears the tractor comments on how smoothly and quietly the engine runs- its fantastic.
-Fordlords-
