OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions on Other Engines Kohler XT8

Hello to all.
I want to buy my first new mower and decided to get a good self propelled, as getting a bit long in the tooth. We also have a big area to mow and will probably do a few neighbors, to help cover cost.

After much study am convinced the Rover Procut was for me. They are less than half the cost of a similar Honda, albeit with more frequent maintenance involved, but parts are cheap and it doesn't worry me.

There are still a couple around with the B&S 850 I/C but at 1100 bucks is stretching my resources to far (I think).
The most easily available is powered by a Rover 910, as mentioned on this forum is probably another Honda clone. At 6.5 HP plenty of power and the contractors are getting a good run out of them, much closer to my price range, but I just can't get my head around a fixed throttle. Was thinking of replacing carb and adding throttle control, but more cost and probably void warranty.

The other option is Kohler XT8 powered - 5.5HP, 8ft/lbs torque, cast iron bore, bearing crank, OHV and a throttle control. Usually more cost than 910 but looks like I can get one for same price.

Has anyone used, or know first hand of, this engine and might I ask your thoughts?

My research has turned up trouble with the auto choke after time, I recon buy that time I would be out of warranty and may be able to fit a manual choke/primer carb(?)

I have also read this donk is a clone of one of the HR series Honda's. If so would a Honda carby fit? Do you know which Honda engine?

Sorry for the ramble, but this will be a big investment for me.

Regards,
Bushie.

Hi Bushie, I may be able to contribute to some of these points, but others, not. First, I agree that Honda mowers are over-priced, and have the impression that they are losing market share among the contractors. Second, some of the chondas are just about as good as real Hondas except for a few minor weaknesses. However if you are not sufficiently mechanically inclined to address those weaknesses you might end up joining the long line of people who throw them away at an early stage. Also, I suspect the chonda you have described as 6.5 hp may not be: the chondas I have heard of that were marked 6.5 were copies of the GXV160, which Honda advertises as 5.5 hp. Third, everything I have heard about the Briggs 850 I/C has been positive at this stage. Third, Kohler engines have never been popular in Australia, and there may be relatively inferior availability of parts and repair expertise, as well as resale value.

Remember that the cable control on modern mower engines (not trimmer or chainsaw engines) is not a throttle control, it is an adjustment of the engine's governor setting, within the governed range. Most people, especially contractors, leave them set on maximum except perhaps when they are emptying the catcher. As far as I know mower manufacturers usually recommend this, because it gives a better lawn finish, better pick-up of cut grass, and better performance when you pass through a slightly longer section of the grass. Fitting a speed control cable to a Honda or Briggs engine does not involve any engine modification, and does not involve going anywhere near the carburetor. Interfering with the carburetor is a very bad idea, and not only because it would void the warranty.

Thanks for your quick reply grumpy.

Have heard the Rover 910 196cc may be a clone, but then don't know of a 196cc Honda.

I had heard those comments on Kohler as well but have heard recently things are much improved. Rang around a bit for parts and so far seem reasonable. I hope the one I'm interested in has a true throttle, but I guess a governor control is something to keep revs down on start up, shutdown and when emptying the catcher. The Rover 910 has neither.
I agree, in most mowing applications, should be WOT.

The larger sized Kohler Courage's did start off with a bad rep.

Still keen to hear of others comments on the Kohler XT8. Would be like to know if it is a Honda clone, it is 173cc.

Thanks.

The Kohler XT8 is a very large contender within the push mower and self propelled market. They do not have a true throttle, it is still a governor controlled system, that in its own work very well!

The Rover 910 is a clone, and is a very average set up as far as reliability goes as a self propelled.

I would recommend a supaswift 777kmc or 778kmc they give a fanastic cut and great value for money, I will double check the exact model number tomorrow at work and let you know, they all sport the Kohler engine weather it be the xt6 or xt8, they also have the option of a honda donk also.

I am also a fan of the pro scape self propelled mowers and the run a kawa FJ180 engine. worth a look into they are under 1000 big ones.

cheers

Nath

Thanks for you input Natho.

I was ringing around re the Procut and came across one at $150 below rr (turns out it was an error by the salesman, but the shop stuck by their quote!) Even though I didn't need it right now, of course I could not resist.

Happy to say it has a manual choke. The throttle and choke control are on the handle and will idle down quite low, so very surprised if it's gov. controlled.

Dropped the oil after an hour break in and very pleased to say the oil had very few minute shiny bits.

So far have put on a hour/tach meter and putting on a fuel valve today.

Did research the Superswift and Proscape. They don't get good reviews on another contractor forum I follow. I must say I really like the Kawa FJ180 though.

Time will tell re durability. Will post some pic's.

Cheers,
Bushie.

Here are a couple of photo's of the Rover.
Still hadn't trimmed the cable ties on the cable for the hour/tach meter.




Have fitted a metal full tap.

The engine is now called XT 7.75 to confirm with the new regulations.

Hate the cheap and nasty push on clips to hold the wheels on, especially the rears which need to be removed fairly often to service properly.
Does anyone have some idea of a better way to secure them?
I have drilled a hole and put in a split pin and washer on one, but think this might be a bit weak over time.

Cheers.