Kohler Command Single or Briggs Twin Intec

15 years ago

Looking at Simplicity Lawn tractors, the 2008 models start with the Kohler Courage 18 HP but the dealer has a new previous model with a 18 hp Kohler Command single cylinder that they will sell for the same price as the 2008 with the Briggs 20 hp twin saying that the command model retails for higher. They say that the v-twin is a 2 cylinder intec and not as good as the command. Is the Command a better buy than the Brigs twin at the same price?

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Comments (14)

bill_kapaun
15 years ago
I think the Command SINGLES don't seem to have the problems that the various V twins seem to encounter.

Is this a PRO?
dan_the_man63
15 years ago
I have been mowing with a 2006 Simplicity Broadmoor with an 18 HP Kohler Command single cylinder without issue.

The 18 HP does everything I need it to. I have a 44" deck with the mulching attachment and the Command has plenty of power to mulch and has done what ever I've asked of it so far.

Dan
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kachinee
15 years ago
Extra noise and vibration from the single larger cylinder makes it a no go for me. I have tried out my neighbors ZTR with a Command one lunger and it is even louder than I thought.
nine7xbam
15 years ago
At the same price , no absolutely not ! While the Command is a good engine and a grade above the Courage it will vibrate more than a twin . But the reason it's a bad deal is that Regent , while new is at least 3 years old and those came with a $300 rebate from Simplicity which I believe the dealer still gets for those older discontinued models . It would be a good deal if discounted , which it should be since it's at the very least an 05 model . No surprise the dealer still has it if he's still trying to get top dollar for an older model . It sounds like that dealer is selling that older Regent at full retail and pocketing the $300 rebate . I'd stay away from dealers who operate like that !
whoami
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the input, I went back to the dealer and they had just sold the old model with the command so my decision was made for me. Now I'm trying to decide whether to go for the courage or spend 400 more for the briggs twin ELS.
xs6dfg0
15 years ago
I have the Regent 22/44 with the Briggs ELS. I can't speak for longevity, but the engine is smooth, powerful, and relatively quiet.
rustyj14
15 years ago
Gee, whats all this about engine vibrations? Every engine i have used and heard, made more noise than a Cadillac, and naturally had more vibrations!
i'd say, if ya are worried about vibrations, go buy a Caddy to tow a rotary mower around the lawn, and forget about vibrations! Or, buy a nice easy chair, and remove the standard seat and install the soft, cushy easy chair! After all, most lawns don't take more than an hour to mow!
And, folks pay lots of money to buy something to use on their arthritis pains, such as some kind of vibrating thing! So, why not combine both items into one vibrating tractor, and be really happy!
By: Rusty Jones
machiem
15 years ago
The noise and vibration from my Kohler single is WAY less than the noise and vibration from the mowing deck.

I guess if you want to sit in the garage and listen to it idle a twin might be quieter and "smoother". If you actually intend to use it, bouncing across the lawn while mowing will mask any noise and vibration from either engine.

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about any of the engines. I highly doubt Simplicity would put a garbage engine on any of their machines.
jdd332d
15 years ago
I'm surprised Simplicity still uses Kohler engines since they're owned by Briggs.
steve2ski
15 years ago
machiem,
Noise and viberation add's. One noise just doesn't cover up the other noises. Same for viberations.
mbsl98
15 years ago
I'm surprised no one is comenting on the great gas economy from the Kohler singles. I don't have first hand feel for the twins, but many comments on these boards suggest that they are quite a bit more thirsty. I do know that my 16hp Kohler Command is a honey, and a true gas miser vesrsus other's I have run, including Kawi's.
musli
15 years ago
I've found that Briggs Vanguards and Inteks are amongst the most economical engines I've used. And as for noise, I'd sooner spent a couple of hours behind a twin than a single. Eventually the noise of a single penetrates your brain and you start gritting your teeth and clenching your fists!
chevys
15 years ago
I had the same choice 10 years ago. Could have got a 15hp single koler or 14 hp twin vanguard. I ran them both and was astonished how much smoother the twin seem to run. Nothing against the singles and the dealer told me the single would probably be better on gas. My 14hp twin appears to use around 3/4 gallon per hour but thats not scientific just my best guess. I have no regrets at all.
njdpo
15 years ago
I have an old Sears single cylinder 8 or 10 HP techumsah motor (i know its no prize). But that old Tec motor runs every time i need it and never misbehaves... This unit has a hard life towing huge stones, boat trailers, etc... But I love it because it sips gas ... It is a bit noisey - but I think mostly because of the meager exhaust fitted to it way back when...

I have a 10 year old Scotts 2046 with a 20 HP B&S Intek motor... also runs great... nice and quite... and very smooth / little vibration... On the other hand the deck and ride cause enough noise/vibration ... so the point might be moot. A complete pig on gas compared to the little single cylinder Sears.

Sometimes I pretend I have money - and I look at the new riders. I would definitely get a single cylinder for the gas consumption. (I dont care about HP too much - my 8 HP sears can drag a loaded boat trailer; a 12-18 HP can certainly cut my lawn) Im sure their much more quite than the old Sears... Having a single cylinder I can say that it vibrates more than the twin - but thats NOT something which should be a deciding factor...

I would say that a pressure fed oil system would be a requirement ... Overhead valves would be nice (most new stuff has that).

But I would also try to find a unit with a sturdy tranny (for my abusive ways)...

Kohler Command Single or Briggs Twin Intec

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Kohler Command Single or Briggs Twin Intec

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