How Dirt and Dust Can Damage Your Small Engine

Why replace your small engine air filter? Why is it important to clean small engines? The short answer is, because it will noticeably extend the life of your engine. Debris, dust, and grass clippings are one of the leading causes of premature small engine failure. These culprits build up slowly over time and shorten the lifespan of the engine, which ends up increasing your maintenance and overall equipment costs. The air filter is a primary line of defense in the war against engine damage.

For mower engines, grass clippings stuck to the housing and muffler area may seem like they come with the territory. Once accumulated between engine parts, grass clippings, dirt, and other grime can cause:

– Engine overheating. Clippings, dust, and dirt limit airflow, causing engines to burn too hot.
– Problems regulating engine speed. Debris can cause binding in governor linkages. In pneumatic governors, debris can block air from reaching the governor blade.
– Long-term engine damage. When exposed to dirt and debris, the pistons, cylinders, and carburetor are harmed.

Dirty Air Filters

Air filters prevent damaging refuse from running through engines. Clean air is necessary for engine operation; combustion depends on air mixing with fuel. It is important to regularly check the air filter, as a dirty filter will strangle the engine. A clogged air filter has several damaging effects, including:

– Decreased power output. Air circulation is limited when the air filter is congested. This makes it harder for the engine to run at full power.
– Diminished fuel efficiency. When the air filter is blocked up, the engine will burn more fuel as it attempts to maintain power output.
– Difficulty starting. To start an engine, a spark, air, and fuel are required. When the air filter is clogged, air availability is limited. Sputtering and stalling is the result.

Replacing the air filter earlier rather than later will protect your engine in the long term. It is far less expensive to replace an air filter than to replace an entire engine.

Preventive Maintenance

You can limit the amount of materials clogging your air filter through preventative measures. After every use, examine the blower housing and muffler area and remove debris. Do a more thorough cleaning after every 25 hours of use, and at the end of the mowing season, prior to winter storage. To systematically inspect and clean a small engine, follow the guidelines in your manual, which will generally provide the following steps:

1. Disconnect the spark plug lead.
2. Remove the plastic blower housing.
3. Use a small bristle brush to clean the cooling fins, inside of the blower housing, and the flywheel fins.
4. Clean the flywheel cutting screen. You may need to apply a light solvent to your brush to remove stubbornly stuck debris.
5. Be sure to clean by hand, not compressed air, which can force debris deeper into the engine.
6. Check the governor linkages, and check that the linkages are able to move freely.
7. Look for debris near the break assembly, and see that the linkage and break cable move easily.
8. Once the engine is as clean as possible, replace the blower housing.
9. Reattach the spark plug.

Review the air filter at the same time, and replace if necessary.

If you work in tall and/or wet grass, plan for more frequent deep cleanings. Inspect the engine again at the beginning of each season. Rodents have been known to build nests within engines. Before firing up your small engine, check that the engine does not show signs of animal infestation.

With regular inspection and maintenance, you can keep your small engine debris-free and running smoothly for years to come.

Critical Maintenance for Your Riding Lawn Mower

What is the best way to keep any engine running smoothly for as many years as possible? Maintenance. Proper maintenance is critical for engine longevity and reliability.

Before performing riding lawn mower maintenance, start by disconnecting the battery. Your work area should be well-ventilated, with the mower parked on a flat, hard surface. For all maintenance tasks, consult the manual for specifics.

Establishing a Lawn Mower Maintenance Schedule

First, establish a riding lawn mower maintenance schedule. This will be the basis of your maintenance plan, and ensure that you know how often to complete important tasks.

Additionally, this maintenance schedule will help you track the maintenance you perform throughout the year and help you remember when it is time to perform the task again. Separate tasks into several time categories, such as Every Use, Seasonally, Monthly, and Yearly. Organize these however works most efficiently for you.

Here are some maintenance categories to consider when building your maintenance schedule.

Repairing or Replacing Parts

There are many parts that comprise a riding lawn mower, and each needs to be functioning at its best to extend the life of the mower. Make a list of the parts that will need to be routinely checked for repairs or replacement.

Some of the important parts that wear out over time include the bag and chutes, drive belts, blades, muffler, and spark plugs. These should be checked at least a couple of times per season to assess the wear and tear. Not only will this prevent unexpected damage to your mower, but it will enable you to more effectively plan for upcoming part replacements.

Additionally, there are smaller parts like deflectors, shields, and fasteners that can come loose or pop off entirely. If you notice that any of these are missing, replace them or arrange for repairs through an authorized service provider.

Cleaning the Engine & Equipment

Dust and debris can cause serious problems for the engine. You can keep ahead of these cleaning needs by dealing with clippings after every use. However, a deep cleaning is necessary on a regular basis. Deep cleaning means cleaning the engine cooling fins, motor deck, and underneath the motor deck. You will need to remove the deck to properly address these areas.

A dirty air filter is the main result of failure to properly clean the riding lawn mower. When your air filter is dirty, you may notice a decrease in engine performance. This could manifest as a problem with inconsistent power, increased fuel intake, starting problems, or smoke. To prevent these issues, check the air filter after every 25 hours of use.

Fluid Levels

Effectively managing fluid levels and lubrication will keep your riding lawn mower functioning at its best. First and foremost, check the oil level after every use. Perform oil changes as soon as you notice one is needed to prevent serious engine damage. In general, the oil should be change every 50 hours according to riding lawn mower engine experts.

While checking fluid levels, do not forget to also check the tire pressure on your riding lawn mower. Keeping the recommended tire pressure will help your equipment perform better overall and play a noticeable role in the performance of the riding lawn mower.

Consistent maintenance will bring peace of mind. You can tackle the mowing season head-on, knowing that your mower is in excellent condition. Extend the life of your mower while optimizing its output – perform regular maintenance.

Understanding Kohler Homeowner vs. Professional Engines

Having built generators and engines for almost a century, Kohler understands the need for different engines in different settings. The company produces a wide range of engines for various applications, both residential and commercial. From low-horsepower walk mowers to construction equipment, Kohler has a small engine to power all industrial, commercial, and residential machinery. Today we are taking a look at the main differences between Kohler professional engines and Kohler homeowner engines by reviewing which category of Kohler engines best serve different residential and commercial needs.

Kohler Homeowner Engines

Kohler has dozens of homeowner engines available, from the starter-level XT to the Command PRO and Aegis lines, among others. We will examine how different Kohler lines work in different pieces of residential outdoor equipment.

Walking, Riding and Zero Turn Mowers: XT, Courage, and 7000 Series
The Kohler XT series is perfect for walk behind mowers. This line is designed for quick starts and low temperature operation. If your horsepower requirements will be limited, an XT engine will be a low-maintenance, safe choice.

The Courage and 7000 series of Kohler engines are better suited to riding mowers, which demand more power. In both single and twin cylinder Courage engines, larger engine displacement translates to better handling. The 7000 series takes it one step further, with V-twin designs, even greater displacement, and air cooling to minimize maintenance. Zero-turn mowers are slightly heavier than riding mowers, so they also demand more powerful engines, such as those in the Courage or 7000 series.

Utility Equipment: 2000, 3000, Command PRO, and XT Series
Large residential properties may require utility vehicles for hauling, snow plowing, pulling stumps, and more. Kohler recommends picking from the 2000, 3000, Command PRO, or XT Series for utility vehicles.

Again, stronger engines are needed because utility vehicles are heavier and require greater power output. These lines are also considered best for commercial use.

Kohler Professional Engines

Landscapers, agriculture workers, golf course managers and other professionals around the world rely on Kohler engines. Commercial equipment runs for long hours, often in harsh conditions. As such, compared to residential engines, commercial engines must be more powerful, with more sophisticated cooling mechanisms, and more defenses against clogging substances, such as dust. Here is a rundown of which Kohler engines best serve different industries.

Lawn Service and Landscaping: Aegis, Confidant, Command PRO, and Kohler Diesel
The lawn tractors and heavy mowers used in landscaping and lawn service require long-running engines. Kohler Diesel, Confidant, Command PRO, and Aegis engines are strong enough to stand up to the beating of non-stop lawn and landscaping work.

Golf Course Maintenance: Aegis, Command Pro, and Kohler Diesel
The larger the maintenance area, the more powerful an engine must be. Golf course maintenance requires especially robust engines, as acres of maintenance are involved. The Command PRO, Kohler Diesel, and Aegis lines best serve the course maintenance industry.

Power Generation: Courage, Aegis, Command PRO, and Kohler Diesel
Power generation engines should not take up too much room, yet they must be powerful enough to run lights and operate some commercial equipment. Fuel efficiency is another top consideration. The Kohler Diesel, Command PRO, Aegis, and Courage lines fit the bill.

Construction and Agriculture: Kohler Diesel, Command PRO, and Aegis
Both agriculture and construction require powerful engines that must be reliable in dirty environments. The Kohler Diesel line is the most popular among construction and agriculture companies, but Command PRO engines are also strong enough for this kind of work. Finally, the Aegis line is highly fuel efficient, and air cooled to power ongoing farm and construction work.

How to Choose Between Kohler Homeowner and Professional Engines

How will you be using the engine? That is the first question to ask. In general, commercial purposes and utility equipment will require professional-grade engines, such as those in the Command PRO and Kohler Diesel lines. Property size also figures large. Obviously, you will not need a riding mower to take care of a city lot; a small, light engine such as those in the XT line will be enough to power a walking mower. On the other hand, if you maintain acres, a heavy mower will be needed, as will higher horsepower.

We recommend comparing the above information with the work you plan to do. Then, research within the suggested Kohler engine lines. Start to parse out maximum horsepower, maintenance features, and filter innovations. If you will be running the engine in tough conditions, such as dusty, dry heat, extra cooling mechanisms and vigorous filtration will prevent problems. The Kohler Product Matrix includes both big-picture stats (such as horsepower) and design details (such as fuel filter devices). And, of course, if you are repowering an engine you will need to check that the new engine will fit and operate properly.

Do not hesitate to call us for assistance. We are Kohler engine experts, having sold and repowered them for years. We can help you find the best engine for your needs. Call us today.

[Photo from dumbonyc via CC License 2.0]

5 Important Features of Kohler Command PRO Engines

Kohler Command PRO Engines are specifically designed for heavy-duty agricultural and industrial use. The small engine marketplace demands reliable heavy-duty operation, fuel efficiency, and low emissions. As one of the longest established manufacture ring firms in America, Kohler continues to lead the industry in innovative small engine design.

Kohler was founded in 1873, when Austrian immigrant John Kohler purchased the foundry from his father-in-law. In those early days, Kohler manufactured agricultural tools, including steel and cast iron plows. In 1883, Kohler decided to add feet to an animal watering trough, creating a bathtub. This represented their entry into plumbing fixtures; by 1926 the company was a full-line plumbing manufacturer. The company produced its first power product, an electric-driven electric generator, in 1920. By 1963, Kohler-built engines powered nearly half of all lawn and garden tractors in the U.S. The company continued to push the envelope in engine design. In the mid 1980s, Kohler engineers created the first overhead camshaft small engine, delivering a quieter, more fuel-efficient alternative to conventional side-valve engines. The year 2000 brought the next major innovation: Liquid-cooled products modeled after off-road equipment.

Today, Kohler Engines are known for their durability, dependability, efficiency, and high-power performance. Vice President of Kohler Engines Americas Brian Melka calls consistent power the defining characteristic of all Kohler engines, which are proven to go from zero to full load with only a market-leading 10% drop in RPM.

Kohler Command Pro Engines are designed to shine in all conditions. Even if cutting wet, thick grass, Kohler engines thrive, thanks to specialized features such as a specialized governor system. Kohler has also designed their Command PRO engines to minimize emissions while maximizing service intervals. Here are some of the important features that make the Command PRO ideal for commercial use.

Kohler Command PRO Engines: Top 5 Commercial Features

Cast Iron Cylinder Bores
Cast iron resists piston ring wear, retaining a tight seal over time. Moreover, extra large sleeve bearings allow for heavy loads in commercial and industrial environments.

Overhead Valve Technology
Valve placement greatly impacts engine performance. In general, overhead valve engines are more compact than overhead camshaft engines. Overhead valves deliver multiple advantages, most notably the greater volumetric efficiency to a higher compression ratio. Overhead valve placement also results in increased power, improved fuel economy, increased cooling, and reduced oil consumption. Experienced engine technicians would point out that overhead valves also virtually eliminate carbon buildup, slashing overall maintenance costs. Finally, with overhead valve technology, the valve train requires no adjustment; it is practically maintenance-free.

High Performance Spark Plugs
The Command PRO electronic ignition system creates a stronger spark at a low cranking speed. The Specialized Automatic Compression Release allows compression to escape during cranking, reducing pull force.

Advanced Lubrication Features

Agricultural and industrial applications can be rife with dust and debris. Kohler pushes back service intervals while protecting their Command PRO Engines with heavy-duty, high-efficiency air filters. Integrated oil coolers are another pioneering lubrication feature in Command Pro Engines; they help maintain low temperatures during the entire power range, while further extending service intervals. Thanks to full-pressure lubrication, lube is distributes lube continuously to critical engine components, even at a 25-degree angle of operation

Eco-Friendly Technology
Commercial and industrial contractors must meet stringent emissions requirements. Kohler has responded with inventive design features. For instance, the Kohler Command PRO EFI engine features electronic fuel injection where an oxygen sensor in the muffler analyzes the air to fuel ratio. If oxygen levels vary from the perfect air-fuel mixture, the sensor triggers changes to how much fuel is injected into the system.

Kohler Command Pro Engines are ideally suited to commercial and industrial applications. These engines combine reliable power with clean operation and extended service periods. Plus, Kohler includes a two year limited manufacturer warranty to protect your investment. Call us today to learn more about Kohler engines, and how they can support your team.

What's in Your Repower Kit? [Checklist]

When you purchase an engine kit from Repower Specialists, it is important to understand what you will receive. We work hard to ensure that every kit we send is ready for installation in your equipment and fit for your application. In addition to the standard kit, you will receive important parts and pieces like drive line adapters, mounting plates, and new exhaust.

If your new engine from Repower Specialists is missing a part, just give us a call. We will send you the part you need free of charge as part of our satisfaction guarantee. Call Repower Specialists for help in selecting the best small engine for your needs.

Specs to Know When Replacing a Sand Pro Engine [Checklist]

When replacing any mechanical part, it is critical to match specifications. If old and new specs do not correspond, compatibility may be lost, wasting time and money. It is a headache to have to return a part that does not fit or work properly. Sand Pro engine replacement is no exception to this rule. An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure, and by taking the time to carefully examine and match engine specs you will be saving yourself hours of work.

A proper engine repowering kit will come complete with wiring, mounting brackets, and detailed instructions. Exceptional engine repower kit providers will also include the original manufacturer warranty as well as ongoing support from the manufacturer network. Rather than attempt to make a used engine work, we recommend a brand new engine for your Sand Pro. Engine replacement, rather than refurbishing, offers many benefits, including the advantages of new technology. Your new engine will likely have overhead valves, higher fuel efficiency, electric start, and full pressure lubrication.

Beyond these specs, it will be helpful to have your Engine Spec Number on hand when speaking with a Repower Specialists representative. This number may be located on the old engine and will assist a specialist in determining a suitable replacement.

For assistance with Sand Pro engine replacement and any engine spec checking, call Repower Specialists. Our representatives have years of experience in matching new engines to old machines. We can help you avoid problems by providing expertise on the best engine option for your purpose.

Small Engine Maintenance Schedule [Downloadable Checklist]

When it comes to small engine maintenance, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. While doing maintenance tasks may seem like a hassle, the truth is that you will spend far less time and money in the long run by paying your small engine regular attention. Use the link below to download our checklist on important small engine maintenance tasks.

Download the Small Engine Maintenance Schedule Checklist.

Engines are not static, nor simple. They require our consistent care to achieve their maximum lifespan. Changing the oil or replacing a filter may not seem critical, but over time, such small jobs add up to a significantly healthier engine. We encourage you, for the performance of the engine, to regularly conduct important maintenance.

Category: Checklists