***"I have a 9 day return period"***
The clock is ticking, post the engine model numbers from the engine sticker so that an online manual for the engine can be viewed. The present generation of carburetted OPE has such lean operating parameters (thank you EPA and C.A.R.B.) that I think it may become more common for the need to apply choke (or partial choke) to restart even a warm engine. At least that seems to be in your case. As long as your engine makes adequate power when cutting through heavy stuff, you don't have a problem of fuel starvation that would occur if you had a blockage in the fuel system. It may come to pass that we can no longer state "Choke is not required to restart a hot engine"!! But I also believe that very soon, we will not be required to apply the choke to start the engine at all.........cold or hot! As the noose continues to tighten on the OEM neck (ever more restrictive EPA emissions standards), EFI will be the ONLY way to comply and have engines to sell at market.

My Kohler Command 16 (single cylinder) with 200 hours has always liked just a touch of choke on restart for really fast restarts, at least for the 140 hours I have had it. I never gave it a second thought, as it runs like a champ in all conditions. I assumed it had to do with things like the electric fuel solenoid shutting off fuel before engine had completely died, thereby emptying out the fuel supply for next start, for instance.

"The Owner's Manual suggests that a warm engine restart "may" not need choke."

"The present generation of carburetted OPE has such lean operating parameters (thank you EPA and C.A.R.B.) that I think it may become more common for the need to apply choke (or partial choke) to restart even a warm engine."

mownie has it right. I have a new 30hp Kohler Command Pro that has to be choked just about every time I crank if it sets longer then 15 or 20 minutes. Use to drive me nuts. But oh does it run! I've a buddy of mine that has a 28hp Kholer EFI that starts hot, cold, and even in the snow.

Just the way it is.

ms

Thanks. It looks like choking it is a small price to pay for greater efficiency. Just wanted to make sure about this, as usually choking was not necessary on a warm engine.

By the way, it sounds horrible trying to start, but runs very well as soon as it starts. --Not a metal on metal sound, just a sickly trying to turn over. But with the choke on, it revs right up and sounds smooth.

***"Not a metal on metal sound, just a sickly trying to turn over."***
Remember, this is a new engine, and as such.....is pretty tight until everything settles in place with a "run in" period.
Plus, I'm sure it sounds different (unfamiliar) than what you operated previously. You may be trying to work up a case of "buyer's remorse", and so want to be double sure about everything! That's OK, it might help you keep everything more objective during the 9 (I mean 8) day trial period. Good luck.

I have a JD L130 with a 23 hp Kohler and it does the same thing-needs to be choked for restart on warm engine. What I found was, getting off the tractor and letting the seat switch turn the tractor off, then turn the key off and it starts every time when warm without the choke.

i've owned my 25hp kohler powered tractor since 2003. it has needed choke starts since new. sometimes after running for a while and i get off to get a soda.......it might start without the choke but more times than not it will need some choke.

I am encouraged by the folks posting their individual experiences in response to the OP's concerns.
jakejones, it is pretty much a hands down, "Non problem" regarding the need for some choke! You can concentrate on other concerns if you want......but it seems to me you bought yourself a new tractor :^)

I'm one of the worse about "buyer's remorse"!

OMG! Why did I not get that other mower?

Should have gotten a Kawasaki!

Them spindles sound funny!

The freaking paint has a scratch!

on and on and on!

Then everything last me for 10 to 20 years to life!

Have fun. Check the oil! Check the tire pressures! Walk the yard picking up trash. Run that puppy. Clean her up, and put her away. Then take the time to sit and look over what you and the mower have done!

ms

Thanks for the support! Yes the seat switch trick worked --did not need choke after that -- but what a back fire! Did you know that would happen!!!!!

I guess turning the engine off by the key stops the fuel, so the choke is necessary when restarting. I think the Owner's Manual could have been clearer. Thanks all!

***"what a back fire!"***
Heh heh heh. That's what the fuel solenoid is supposed to prevent.

AHHhhh! The ole back fire! That's funny! I remember when I got my Sabre in 1999 while my wife was test mowing with it. She didn't have the seat adjusted close enough to the steering wheel. So every time she would lift her rear off the seat, kaboom! She looked scared as all get out, and I was crying with fear for my mower! It's all funny now!

Yea that's one of the things the fuel solenoid prevents!

Kholers are bad about back firing any way. I have to shut mine off at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle for it not to back fire.

ms