Kohler 7000 Series Engine Specs
Article by Mark Trotta
Primarily seen on Cub Cadet and Craftsman zero-turn and riding tractors, the Kohler 7000 series of twin-cylinder engines include the KT715 (20hp), KT725 (22hp), KT730 (23hp), KT735 (24hp), KT740 (25hp), and KT745 (26hp). Although there are slight differences in power ratings, all are vertical shaft and all share the same engine dimensions.
Kohler 7000 Engine Specs
- Displacement: 44.2 cubic-inches (725cc)
- Engine Bore and Stroke: 3.3" x 2.6" (83mm x 67mm)
- Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
- Horsepower: 20 to 26 (depending on model)
- Gross Torque: 40.4 to 54.8 ft/lbs
Engineered and assembled in the USA, Kohler 7000 series engines are designed for non-commercial consumer use. The block is made of alloy with cast-iron cylinder liners. They are all four-cycle, air-cooled, twin cylinder, and feature overhead valves.
Kohler 7000 Engine Oil Change
The owner's manual recommends changing the oil and oil filter every 100 hours, but many people think that's too long an interval. There's certainly no harm in changing it more often, and it should increase the service life of your lawn tractor. But at a minimum, oil and filter should be changed once a year.
I did the first oil change on my Cub Cadet XT1 at 20 hours, and the second oil change at 40 hours.
Oil filter removal was easy with an automotive-style cup wrench and 6" socket extension.
****************************
Oil Capacity and Recommendations
All 7000 series engines have an oil capacity of 2.0 quarts. For the first 50 hours of use, the manufacturer recommends sticking with conventional oil. This is to help the piston rings to seat properly. After that, you can switch to synthetic oil if you choose to.
Recommended Oil Viscosity
- Above 50 degrees: 30W
- Below 50 degrees: 10/30W
- Below 30 degrees: 5/30W
Use Proper Oil
Small engines require oil specifically designed for air-cooled equipment. Most automotive oils manufactured after 2009 do not meet these specifications. This results in higher operating temperatures and reduced engine life.
Shop: Small Engine Motor Oil
Best Oil Filter
The Kohler 12-050-01 oil filter is recommended, but any major name brand filter will do, such as Napa or Wix.
Spark Plugs and Gap
Recommended by Kohler are Champion XC12YC (982) for non-commercial use, and Champion RC12PYC (3071) for commercial use. Don't forget to order two.
Spark plug gap for all models is .030". Socket size is 5/8".
****************************
Kohler 7000 Filter and Tune-Up Kit
Shop: Kohler 7000 Filters and Spark Plugs
****************************
Lawn Tractor Engine Swaps
Kohler 7000 motors have become a popular choice for lawn tractor engine swaps. Since engine mounting patterns are the same, they can be used to upgrade from a single-cylinder motor. Another common engine swap is replacing a lower horsepower twin-cylinder engine to a higher horsepower model.
They can also be retrofitted to non-Craftsman/Kohler machines, as the bolt mounting pattern is the same as other popular brand motors (Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, etc). Usually just the throttle and choke cables need to be switched or modified.
****************************
Kohler 7000 Valve Clearance Specs
Intake Valves .003"
Exhaust Valves .003"
****************************
Powering my Cub Cadet XT1 lawn tractor is the 22hp KT725 engine.
Along with changing the oil and filter once a year, I also replace the fuel filter once a year.
****************************
Related Articles:
Best Fuel For Small Engines
Cub Cadet XT1 Lawn Tractor Review
Lawn Tractor Yard Cart Review
