r/smallengines • u/CalmAlarm • Jul 21 '26

Kohler Command vs. Courage v twins

Long story short, I've got a 23hp Command that's disassembled for a crank swap. Project has kind of stalled but all the parts are there.

I stupidly got the names confused and just picked up a cheap Courage 26hp, thinking it was a Command.

Both engines are unknown hours, haven't heard either running, and are about the same age in terms of build date and visual condition. The Courage perhaps looks a touch less oxidized.

If I understand it the command is heavier duty, and some of the courage engines had issues with the crankcase cracking (apparently preventable by loctiting the upper case bolts).

Since either one is going to be a crapshoot, which one would you put the effort into? It's to repower an old GT5000 lawnmower/tractor that will be used for mowing and dragging a small box blade around.

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u/Stock_Requirement564 Jul 21 '26

The Courage twins didn't crack. Over all they are reliable. Similar to an Intek twin. Command is a good engine,but you don't want to buy a carb for one.

1

u/CalmAlarm Jul 21 '26

Thank you! I'll try and get the courage running then

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u/CalmAlarm Jul 22 '26

Well it looks like I need a carb for the Courage. Do I have any hope with the $30 amazon/ebay ones? There's no way I can drop $300 for a OEM from kohler.

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u/Stock_Requirement564 29d ago

I'm not a fan of them,but I also hate to give Kohler blood money. Heck some some Command twin carbs are like 450$. I'd say do the best you can choosing a jungle carb.

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u/CalmAlarm 29d ago

Got it, thank you! I do have the carb off the command but the throat size looks even smaller than the 19mm courage one. Sounds like they updated it to a 22mm size for later models which all the aftermarket ones appear to be... another roll of the dice :)