Kohler Command interchange
 

I picked up a 3225 with a 60in deck and 740 hrs, non-running, for cheap. Upon getting it home, I discovered that the block has a crack and bulge in it (hidden behind the starter; not the easy/quick fix I was hoping for).

What are my options for engines/tractors to look for?

22hp = GT 2550, 3206, 3240.
23hp = GT 2554, 3235, GT 3100, GT 3204.
25hp = GT 3200, GT 3235

Would any or all of these be direct swaps? Are there any others?

I haven't decided if I want just an engine or an entire mower. It seems an entire mower may be the same price or just a hair more. If I get another mower that fully works, then this one would become a parts machine or at least a deck-donor.

Thank you in advance.

Can anyone help with any info on any of these swaps???


I have located a GT 2550 at a reasonable price. It has the CH670. I'm still trying to find how it compares to the CH22 in the 3225.

The 3225 had a Kohler Command CH22-66549 engine in it. The CH22-66549 was only used in the 3225.

If you are looking for a direct replacement, "plug & play", then the CH22-66549 is your only option.

Other Kohler Command engines, "may" fit, with some modification. Those modifications could be minor and simply, to not cost effective.

How much time and money do you want to invest in making something that "may" fit ??

The models you listed require a lot of time, research, and pouring over technical data (if you can get it) to see if things will line up.

Personally, I have no fear into jumping into this project, and if it were mine, spend the time to do the reseach. I know my fabricating skills and tools I have. The next person, will have a totally different resources.

It is up to you.

Thank you Roland.

I had no idea each had such specifics that may accompany them. In simplicity, I assumed a horizontal 22hp was the fundamentally same block at least. If it came down to swapping over everything external to the block, including or not including heads, that wouldn't be too bad at all, but you illude to the fact that this may or may not be the case. Without the data available to compare any of these engines, one may not know without having them sitting side by side.

You can go to the Kohler web site and download the manuals. they have pictures and dimensions, and they are free.

What he said. I put a Command in my 1711 from a cub cadet. I don't even remember the model - it was $150 and had a good Kohler horizontal shaft motor. Toughest part was managing the exhaust.

Thank you Richard. I have no problem combing through data, but how do I go about finding the exact model of CH22/CH23 that came in each tractor? TractorData only lists the base portion, CH22 for example, and not the specifics. Is there another site/source to use?

Farmall450, if exhaust is the biggest issue, I know a guy ?

Biggest thing to be aware of is the crank dimensions o mount the electric PTO. Chances are if the Command came from a Cub Cadet, your original PTO will go right on. On my 582 with the CH20 swap, the exhaust and the clutch hub driver were the biggest hurdles.

When you say crank dimensions, are you referring to the diameter or length that sticks out from the block?

I am looking for a Cub Cadet version of the motor, not from something else. It seems the Cub motors were the only ones with provisions for the shaft to connect to the fan side.


Unfortunately, my cheap alternative donor of a GT 2550 is no longer available :(

Yes, the front as facing the grille of the tractor engine crank snout length and diameter. Kohler used several different cranks in the Command V twins.

Sent some paperwork to this bloke , have not had a response as yet , trust he got it
Oz

He hasn't checked-in, in 3 days.

Thanks Roland , I sent it to his email address , thought I would get a reply
Oz

Still no response 17/8/2023 posted
Oz

In my single-minded way, I didn't think to check back in here...

I've located a GT2550 fairly close to me (2hrs away) for a great price. Reportedly it runs, but the fuel pump is leaking allowing fuel into the crank. Going to look at it today.

My plan is to either keep this thread updated with the swap or start a new thread. I don't know how quickly the swap will happen if I do bring the GT2550 home.

Well....the GT2550 came home for $200 with 482hrs.

Took the valve cover and fuel pump with me off the 3225. Put it on and it fired right up. Seems to run great. No smoke.

From brief inspection, the PTO on the 2550 is electric with a single pulley VS the vacuum actuated dual pulley on the 3225. I'll have to see how that'll work out.

As I said in my last post, this swap won't be done quickly.

Nice machine , have resent info to you
Oz

I replaced my CH225-66549 with a 24 hp PA-CH-3328.

The 66549 had a very similar failure. A rod broke and caused catastrophic failure as indicated by a 2" diameter hole in the same location you described (behind the starter/solenoid)

The 3328 didn't have the exhaust manifold "hole" that supplied the PTO with vacuum so bypassed that by installing a separate 12v vacuum pump and line. I guess I could have torn down the new engine and installed a different manifold and vacuum line.

I wonder how many other folks out there experienced broken rods in these engines?

Post a chart?
 

If any of you do the research on the critical differences in this engine family, please make a chart and share it here.