Briggs-Dihatsu Diesel

[bx24d]

Does anyone know anything about the briggs-dihatsu, 3/LC, 3 cyl diesel engine option for the 07 legacy xl? Trying to figure out if the extra $ is worth it for this diesel engine over the air-cooled Kohler Command V-twin or the Kawasaki V-twin liquid cooled option. The MSRP for the stripped tractor with the Command engine is about 9,300. The Kawasaki is $10,300 and the Diesel is about $11,300 (when you compare models without options). Shaft drive is essential for mowing my hills and the rougher spots but I'm not sure diesel is mandatory or worth it.

[JNJ3]

I have owned an 04 XL with the Kawasaki engine. I had an ongoing issue with hard starting when hot. It was a l....o....n....g.... process to resolve. I now have the diesel powered XL, and it is a whole different beast. There were quite a few small issues with the 04, most were taken care quickly. The hard starting issue was never resolved. I don't beleive it to be a Kawasaki issue as much as an application problem.

I know others here have the Kaw with no problems, but the problem does exist in more than the unit I owned. I think if all you do is mow and park it, you would be fine with the Kaw. If your use has you stopping and restarting under hot conditions with a hot engine, I would avoid the Kaw.

I don't know anything about the Kohler units, but the diesel has been noticeably better than the gas. Naturally, fuel use is less, about 1/2 of what I used with the Kaw. With the higher purchase price, you would need to figure if it is cost effective or not to buy the diesel.

M

[ramairfreak98ss]

go diesel It simply sips fuel compard to the gas engines.

I see most people either go with the Kohler or the Diesel, if your worried about water cooling etc, then your already looking at the diesel model. Its torqey too, water cooled and fuel injected, no choking etc like a lawnmower.

[Andy]

I have the Kohler and I haven't had a bit of trouble but I know the guys out there with the diesel they just love em.
There was a guy in Wisconsin selling a brand new 07 Legacy XL diesel with the 60" deck for 11K. It's still in the crate.

[Andy]

I forgot to mention is was also a 4 wheel drive

[Tall Dog]

I have an 06 Legacy XL with the Kohler and don't regret the decision.

When I was buying the tractor, I asked my dealers advise about the engines. He said he didn't like the Kawasaki because of some problems. He said that if the tractor was being used commercially, he would recommend going with the diesel, but for the average homeowner, the Kohler was the way to go.

It is a great engine and as long as it is properly maintained, will last many years. In 10-15 years, if it does need to be rebuilt, it can be done easily and it's fairly inexpensive to rebuild.

For me, the diesel just wasn't worth the added cost and I didn't want the hassle of keeping an extra can of diesel gas in the shed. The diesel does use a little less gas, but with diesel at about 4.25 a gallon, I doubt if you would save much.

[exNCite]

I too have the diesel. It is my first ever and can't speak enough about them. They just run, run, run and the fuel consumption is really spectacular. Now come the day when it needs serviced, I might change my mind but at this pace, that's way down the line.

[Hardscrabble]

I have the Kaw liquid cooled and have had no trouble with it. When I purchased my tractor the dealer sales rep. advised me that for home use the gas units are fine. He recommended the diesel for commerical applications.