What are the Pro & Cons - Kawasaki 20 HP FB460V vs B&S Vanguard 18hp V-Twin

[PlumCrazy]

Pro & Cons - Kawasaki 20 HP FB460V vs B&S Vanguard V-Twin

OK folks, what are some of the PRO's and CON's of these engines.

The B&S is in a Response and the Kawasaki is in a Conquest, both 8x8.

I'd bet they are both made overseas.

Is there a heat issue during the summer time with the B&S?

Will I see better performance in one over the other?

With the Kawasaki I can get winter heat by adding an additional exchanger off the cooling circuit.

The B&S has a 20amp charging system, not sure with the Kawasaki.

A little more maintenance time and $$ in the Kawasaki due to the anti-freeze, hoses, radiator cap....

B&S parts are probably more readily available.

OK...hit me!

[Flying Bone]

hello im new here but Ive worked for john deer dealers for a long time they use both engines and both are good choices the briggs is reliable and less expensive for sure but in my opinion you will get better performance with the kaw. it is hands down smoother more efficient and more durable on those long hot excursions as for parts easy to get online or j.d. dealership. personally i would go with the kaw. but thats just me. i hope i have been of some help. myself i prefer the kaw over a honda the second smoothest and reliable. in my book.

[PlumCrazy]

Thanks for insight.
That's what I'm looking for, people who know both engines.
Do JD dealerships stock parts for both, or you have to order them?
The Kawasaki setup adds another 60lbs to the unit, all in the front nose.
I've rebuilt B&S engines before, but never a Kawasaki.
Sounds like you favor the Kawasaki', but like both units.
I'm out looking for another AATV and the ARGO's use both, I was just wondering if I should steer clear of either engine.
Sounds like NO.
thanks...ed

[Dan67]

I have both engines. A 23hp air cooled Vanguard in my Hustler and a Conquest with the 20hp water cooled Kaw. Both engines run very well and I have not noticed any major problems with either. I do need greater volume of air moved to keep the Hustler working in prime, the Kaw has its own fan.

[PlumCrazy]

Thanks Dan,

We noticed the heat issue in the Attex's when we changed from the JLO & Chaparral to the 4cycle Honda clones, need more air flow.
Did you install any fans or blowers?

With the info I have gotten here, I think I can live with either engine, with the Kawasaki the slight preference.
So now I don't have to be concerned with the engine, as much as the condition of the rest of the unit.
That leaves Avenger', Response', Conquest' and Max4 all on my list, with three 6x6' in the family I am leaning towards the 8x8 though.
Just waiting for the right deal now!
later...ed

[Dan67]

Still working on the air flow issue, added a fan above the left side to pull air out. Still have to add a fan to push air in or build a duct to the engine cow so that when the flywheel spins it sucks in cooler air from outside.

[PlumCrazy]

Do you have an extra 2.5amps(12v) you can spare?