Kohler Command Pro 15 Value

[Fordiesel69 267]

Have access to a whole tractor with this engine.  Most of the tractor is shot, i'd want only the engine complete.  What is one of these worth roughly?

 

Im a k series / magnum guy myself so im not into collecting these.

[Fordiesel69 267]

I know the engine forums is not really for this, but im only looking for rough value so when the guy calls back I can decide.  Just need to know how desirable / valuable it is for a command pro 15.  I keep hearing that they are awsome engines with proper maint.   

[bds1984 1,466]

I have one in my 315-8 that runs great and powers the 48" deck without breaking a sweat or using much fuel.  Positives:  fuel efficient, decent power, quiet, and pressurized oiling system with filter.  The only downside (if I can call it one) is it can only be used with an electric PTO clutch.  A good running, complete example with low hours would be a $300 engine to me.  I see plenty of the 12-13HP versions going for $150 with 1500+ hours on them.

[kpinnc 13,744]

13 hours ago, bds1984 said:

it can only be used with an electric PTO clutch. 

 

Not doubting what you say at all, but I am curious why this would be the case? I have two of these engines stored away for a rainy day, so there is a reason I ask.

[pfrederi 18,334]

7 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

Not doubting what you say at all, but I am curious why this would be the case? I have two of these engines stored away for a rainy day, so there is a reason I ask.

Only a few CH15 spec numbers come with thrust bearings on the crankshaft needed for manual PTOs

[richmondred01 2,289]

On 9/11/2021 at 9:09 AM, pfrederi said:

Only a few CH15 spec numbers come with thrust bearings on the crankshaft needed for manual PTOs

I Can’t stress the importance of pfrederi’s post.

There’s a lot of CH15 out there and yes they are good engines but you need the thrust bearings for manual PTO. 

[kpinnc 13,744]

23 hours ago, richmondred01 said:

I Can’t stress the importance of pfrederi’s post.

There’s a lot of CH15 out there and yes they are good engines but you need the thrust bearings for manual PTO. 

Again, I do not understand why bearings would be required for manual but not for electric clutch?

 

Thrust bearings support longditudinal loading. Why would they even make a difference? Crankshaft endplay would be all that gets support. 

 

Is it because the manual engagement has the effect of  pushing the crank towards the flywheel side?

[pfrederi 18,334]

Because Manual PTOs push in fairly hard on the end of the crankshaft (longitudinal loading if you will). On most engines the sleeve bearing on the crankshaft have just a tiny lip that handles any crankshaft end play.  That small surface cannot take the heavy pressing in of the manual PTO.

[Fordiesel69 267]

So the "commercial grade" kohler command pro 15 has sleeve bearings?  That does not make sense.  Id think theyd have a ball bearings inside.

[pfrederi 18,334]

2 minutes ago, Fordiesel69 said:

So the "commercial grade" kohler command pro 15 has sleeve bearings?  That does not make sense.  Id think theyd have a ball bearings inside.

Kohler hasn't used crankshaft ball bearings since magnum singles....KT and Magnum twins never used ball bearings either.

Edited September 17, 2021 by pfrederi

[kpinnc 13,744]

4 hours ago, pfrederi said:

Kohler hasn't used crankshaft ball bearings since magnum singles....KT and Magnum twins never used ball bearings either.

Neither do Onans. Everything staying together and minimizing wear is contingent on continual oil pressure at the crank "bearings".

 

4 hours ago, pfrederi said:

Because Manual PTOs push in fairly hard on the end of the crankshaft (longitudinal loading if you will). On most engines the sleeve bearing on the crankshaft have just a tiny lip that handles any crankshaft end play.  That small surface cannot take the heavy pressing in of the manual PTO.

 

Ok, I see what you mean. I know crankpin and rod alignment is more critical in the "newer" engines, but you would think such a thing would have a standard amount of endplay engineered in. I guess someone decided that this was a corner that could be cut...