414-8 OHV

[Hydro 131]

I have an opportunity to buy a low hour 414-8. I had heard those first OHV engines introduced in 1998 were not as good as the Magnum and K series. Does anyone have any comments one way or the other?

[Forest Road 594]

I had a 2001 12.5 in a 312-8. It was abused to say the least. Ran well after a tuneup. The PO stripped the fuel pump mount in the aluminum block. We helicoiled it and it seemed fine. I sold it to a friend two years ago. He loves it! I personally prefer the thump of a flat head kohler. However given the chance to grab another Command OHV Id probably jump on it. Newer tractor and little more fuel efficient motor.

[Wheel-N-It 2,968]

Gary, all I can do is comment on your inquiry. I've known for a long time that overall Kohler makes a good engine. I'd say if you like the tractor, and the price is right, and you got the money, then buy it. Heck if its been running however many hours, and the engine sounds good, and its been taken care of, then chances are it will serve you well just like it did the previous owner.

Just my 3cents,

Van

[kpinnc 11,979]

And if the motor blows, You can always replace it with K321s, M14s.... :)

[CRE1992 135]

414-8s were only made in the mid to late 80's and had K321 and 14hp magnum engines... So either the engine was replaced or you have the wrong model number...

[kpinnc 11,979]

But the later year model 314-8 had a Kohler Command 14 on it, which may be what Gary has found.

[BOWTIE 226]

HELLO GARY, I MOW WITH A 1999 314-8 KOHLER OHV. THIS WAS MY FIRST OHV ENGINE. PLENTY OF POWER AND QUIET. I HAVE BEEN USING IT FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS NOW. HAVING A OIL FILTER THE OIL STAYS CLEAN FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I CHANGE OIL EVERY 50 HRS AND FILTER 100 HRS. THE MANUAL RECCOMENDS YOU GO LONGER. THE OIL IS 10W30 AND A COMMON SPIN ON FILTER. I LIKE IT JUST MY TWO CENTS.

BOWTIE

[Hydro 131]

Thank you all for your input. I have no experience with this engine. This unit has a snow cab mounted so I can't see the model number but it is post 97 and it is the first generation of the OHV before their 15HP. I checked the models on this site...1998-2001 if I recall correctly.

[tgranthamfd 29]

I can't speak on the 14hp OHV's, But I can tell you about the 15hp OHV Kohler Command's. They are very powerfull, reliable, and fuel efficient. Mine is a 2005 315-8, and it is my go to tractor for anything I could throw at it. For the last 2 years it has been my plow, grader, box blade, and tiller tractor. I decided to throw the deck back on it the other day, and it still mowes like a dream, and I can put a gallon of gas in it and mow my yard 3 times before it needs to have more, I don't have a small yard either. I would not trade it for anything, but it has been kept inside and clean for it's hole life, and properly maintained as well. Heck, I expect it to out last me. p.s. it is the one in my avitar, but it has chains and weights on it now. didn't mean to ramble on so much.

[Hydro 131]

I can't speak on the 14hp OHV's, But I can tell you about the 15hp OHV Kohler Command's. They are very powerfull, reliable, and fuel efficient. Mine is a 2005 315-8, and it is my go to tractor for anything I could throw at it. For the last 2 years it has been my plow, grader, box blade, and tiller tractor. I decided to throw the deck back on it the other day, and it still mowes like a dream, and I can put a gallon of gas in it and mow my yard 3 times before it needs to have more, I don't have a small yard either. I would not trade it for anything, but it has been kept inside and clean for it's hole life, and properly maintained as well. Heck, I expect it to out last me. p.s. it is the one in my avitar, but it has chains and weights on it now. didn't mean to ramble on so much.

It's ok you're in love Thanks for your input.

[SAM58 30]

I have a 1998 314-8, it has become my favorite tractor for grading or general work beside mowing, over my 520H.

I too was leary of the OHV engine until I used it for a while, it is a very good engine.

UPDATE....

i JUST NOTICE HE SAID HE FOUND A 414-8 WRONG ANSWER.

I WOULD SAY IF IT HAS THE OHV - IT IS A 314-8.

MINE IS THE 1998 AND I REALLY LIKE IT, QUIET, PLENTY OF POWER.

WHEN YOU PUT IT UNDER A LOAD YOU CAN HEAR THE OLD KOHLER THUMP...

[can whlvr 993]

i think if its a 314 gary of that late of years it will have the heavy rear and 8 fronts,which is basically a newer 414,which i have 2 of and really like em,they are great machines,but yours would be alot newer and even more refined one would think

[Hydro 131]

Hey Guys...sorry about the model confusion....I got my murds wixed. It is a 314-8 not a 414-8. It has the OHV engine and sounds like people who know them have had no problems. This is a tractor I don't need but might buy only because....I'm sure many of you know what I mean!

Thanks for the input, much appreciated :flags-canada:

[can whlvr 993]

gee gary i better watch out or your gonna pass me in the #,s area,if its a good deal you can allways get your cash back,or usually anyway by the prices i see up here,last week a similar machine to what your talkind theyy were askind 2500