Clutches for Kohler Command 25

[Stonewall]

I found a really good deal on a used Kohler Command 25, and will be purchasing it in the near future for my Hustler. Since I'm getting a new engine, I don't want to use the same 30 year old clutches that are on my machine. What clutches would you recommend that I buy to get the most out of this new motor? I would prefer a engine clutch that fits a larger diameter shaft, as the motor I'm buying has a 1 5/8" shaft.

[racerone3]

hate to tell yo this, but you are gonna have to find a smaller crank shaft for the engine. 1 1/8 clutches can be tricky to find and I've never seen one bigger than that. 1" is the common size. I wouldn't dare try to turn a crank down that far, as you will end up turning all of the heat treat off, and getting into the soft metal toward the center of the shaft

[duckhunt81]

I also don't want to rain on your parade, but any Command will not fit under the rear seat of a Hustler. You chould modify your rear seat but I don't know how usable it would be. I've seen pics in the gallery were someone modded the seat around one. If you don't plan on using a rear seat you could always make it into a cargo area.

[hydromike]

Race is right. A lot of the Kohler 25s are going for cheaper prices because of their off-beat shaft sizing. 1 5/8", 1 7/16", etc. are pretty common to see on them, due to their wide array of applications. Recreatives can sell you a 1 1/8" clutch brand new, but I don't think you can safely bore one of them to accomodate the larger shaft, without worries of weakening the clutch itself. The last thing you want is to have the clutch hub weakened and potentially let go of the shaft at 3,000 rpm.

[6X6]

Rolling_X_6 has a Kohler 25 in his Max IV. (He's actually selling it, too bad it's a real nice machine). I don't know what he's using clutch-wise, or what size shaft is on it. You could try sending him a PM to see where he got the clutch and if it is the same size shaft as your Kohler. I don't know how quickly he'll respond being he's getting out of 6-wheelers, but he IS a real nice guy, I'm sure he'll help out with whatever info he can.

[Stonewall]

Thanks for all the help, I'll definatly send him a PM. If a clutch the right size isn't available, where do I need to go to get a smaller crank? If I go to the smaller crank, what will be the best clutch set to put on it? Rear seat clearance isn't really a problem for me because I was planning on making something else that will allow for better airflow around the engine anyway.

[Stonewall]

I PM'd Rolling_x_6, and he said that he never had the clutch off of the shaft, so he had no idea what diameter it was. I think I will just go with a R.I. clutch and a 1 1/8" shaft, so where can I get the crank?

[6X6]

OK, I didn't know if he had changed the clutch or not. Guess not.
Not sure if this is correct or not, but here's a start
Small Engine Warehouse: KO-2401428S - Kohler Engine Parts Crankshafts KOHLER CRANKSHAFT 24 014 28-S, fits CH18-CH25, 1"x2-3/4"

BELOW: this is the main Kohler page, click crankshafts on the left column and you can see all the Kohler shafts they stock.
Kohler*Engine Parts Search by Small Engine Warehouse

[Stonewall]

It would seem that I need to know wether it is a CH25 or a CH 730, before I attempt to find a crank. There is a 1 1/8" used crank on ebay for a CH25. Will know what model it is for sure tomorrow.

[6X6]

Funny, there's a 1 7/16" crank that fits both the CH25 AND CH730, but the one I linked for you says it fits the CH25, but does NOT mention the CH730.
Hopefully you can get the 1 1/8" crank.

[Stonewall]

They're probably just the same, I think that the CH730 is just an updated version of the CH25. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say that the one I'm buying is a CH25. I'll ask the guy and know for sure tomorrow. I looked at the one on ebay again and it says it came out of a vertical shaft engine, I wonder if that'll make a difference.....

[Stonewall]

Well it is a CH25, but the crank on ebay is for a vertical CH25, so it won't fit. The good news it that the owner of the local small engine shop knows a place that will turn down the crank it has now, and re-heat treat it for me. So now we're back to what clutch(s) to get for it. I also want a new trans clutch since I will be getting a new one for the engine. So, R.I. or should I look for a better deal elsewhere?

[rdebaeke]

Stonewall... i have a 25 Kohler Command in my Sierra Trail Bossand I found a 1 1/8 straight shaft roller clutch on cartpartsplus.com.. Its rated up to a 100HP and so far its worked like a champ. Its got a slightly larger diameter so the top end increased a little too. the part number is cpp09.

[Stonewall]

That looks like a nice clutch, how much time do you have on it, and what driven did you use?

[Stonewall]

Ok, I need to get my project rolling (no pun intended) again, so I really need to find out about what clutchs to get. I am currently watching a 1 1/8" x 3" crank on ebay, but in case that doesn't work out I talked to the machine shop that my small engine guy uses, and they said that they can turn the PTO down from 1 7/16 to 1 1/8 for $60-70 no problem, they've done it plenty of times. Now I just need a set of clutches!

I don't like the idea of buying the R.I. clutchs that costs more than I paid for the engine, but if it comes down to being the only option, I will. I like the clutch that rdebaeke mentioned, but would like to hear your opinions on it, and what driven you suggest using with it. 1 1/8 inch straight shaft clutch

If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them.