Choose the right engines

The basic blocking and tackling of your business is what type of equipment you choose. The brand and type of machines you purchase have a tremendous impact on your productivity.

But even more important are engines you choose to power that equipment. Because if the power source for your equipment isn’t reliable, neither is your iron and neither is your company.

In a survey of Lawn & Landscape readers, 88 percent ranked reliability as the most important feature they consider when it comes to choosing an engine. A far distant second, with 7 percent, was fuel efficiency. Ease of repair came in third, with 3 percent.

Most engine manufacturers rate horsepower with standards set by SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers), the worldwide authority in engine specifications. Most turf engines follow an SAE rating spec that allows up to 15% variance in power output – which means your engine may deliver just 85% of its advertised horsepower. According to that standard, the 20 HP engine that drives your mowers may be capable of just 17 HP – less than you may need, and certainly less than you expect.

To address this issue, Kawasaki Engines has adopted a higher standard: SAE J2723, one of the strictest in the industry, tighter than the widely-used SAE J1940. It ensures at least 98% accuracy in power output. The 20 HP engine you rely on will deliver a minimum of 19.6 horsepower. Their designation for this standard is called Critical Power.

Further, Kawasaki Critical Power engine output is SAE-certified accurate – the only SAE certified turf engines in the world. Kawasaki Engines actual power output has not changed from before. It is just the rating system that has changed.

Visit lawnandlandscape.com/whitepapers.aspx to download a special report on how landscape contractors across the country approach their engine-purchase decisions.

Exclusively sponsored by Kawasaki.