Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deer LT155, briggs and stratton, kawasaki dealer

Question
Hi Mr Jones,

I was given a John Deere LT155.  The mower has a blown Kohler engine CV15S Spec 41594.  I'm trying to decide what engine I should use to replace the blown motor.  I haven't been able to find the exact engine although I found a Kohler model CV460S spec. # 26516 on eBay that the seller says will fit my tractor.  Is this correct?  Will it matter that the replacement is a 16HP engine?  

I was looking at the manual for the LT155 and it seems like the LT166 uses the same frame but has a Briggs and Stratton engine 303777 in it.  Am I correct in assuming that I could switch my blown engine with the B&S engine.  Again, will it matter that it is a 16HP?  Am I correct in assuming that the B&S is a better motor.  I don't want to waste money, but I also want to get an engine that will last me.  Should I buy new or used?

Answer
If it were me and I wanted to buy the last engine for this tractor, I'd buy a new Kawasaki.  You'd need to check with a Kawasaki dealer about which model to buy.

The Briggs should pretty much be a bolt-in.  The two things that you have to look at would be the throttle control and the crankshaft output length.  I think the Kohler is a better engine myself.

The CV460s appears to also be a direct bolt-in.  Again, if the crankshaft outputs are the same, it should be an easy swap.  Thanks, PK.