Chinese vs. everything else?

[V5CVBB]

I'm not asking which is better. I imagine each has strong points and limitations. My question is why buy a 195 or 1115 over a good used Kubota, yanmar, perkins etc?  Everything seems to be compromise, so what are the trade offs?

I like the simple design of the horizontal Chinese singles but I have a Kubota dealer next door so it's worth considering.  Will parts likely be around for a S195 twenty years from now?

Any and all advice is welcome. I'm still planning my system. No dreams of going off grid if that makes a difference.

Kevin   

[mobile_bob]

the 195 has been around for a very long time, probably well over 20 years now and there are likely millions of them
in service in the eastern parts of the world.

i expect there will be parts available for a very long time to come, but
it is best to put back what one needs in my opinion, because who knows what might happen to change
the trade climate tomorrow and make parts hard to get.

bob g

[V5CVBB]

Seems like a well developed engine, the 195.  So much of what we buy here in the US is from China and I know some of it is good quality.  Not sure I like the idea of stocking parts due to political influences.  It may not be any easier getting parts from Japan or Germany years from now either.  So it's on to performance.

What are the differences in running and maintaining a 195 vs. something more modern?

Kevin     

[rbodell]

I'm not asking which is better. I imagine each has strong points and limitations. My question is why buy a 195 or 1115 over a good used Kubota, yanmar, perkins etc?  Everything seems to be compromise, so what are the trade offs?

I like the simple design of the horizontal Chinese singles but I have a Kubota dealer next door so it's worth considering.  Will parts likely be around for a S195 twenty years from now?
Kevin   

When you have a good thing it will stay around. look at the old listers, they haven't even made them in what, 20 30 40 years? You can not only buy the parts, but you can buy the whole engine new.

[rcavictim]

i expect there will be parts available for a very long time to come, but
it is best to put back what one needs in my opinion, because who knows what might happen to change
the trade climate tomorrow and make parts hard to get.

bob g

I think Bob is right but didn't form this as a strong enough warning.  If you need any machinery or spare parts buy the stuff NOW.  You may only have a year or two at best to do so before the dollar implodes and you won't be able to import anything.  Forget that big screen TV purchase.  You won't be able to eat it.  Buy what you need to build and fully stock your personal survival intrastructure and start doing it yesterday.

[mobile_bob]

with the epa clamping down so hard on imported engines in the country, getting any diesel engine that is suitable for your intended use
it likely to get harder and harder.

the parts situation?  i have to agree, we better get off our butts and lay in an inventory, either individually or as a cooperative.

the rate things are going, who knows what is going to be available next year, and at what cost, even if you can buy the  parts?

bob g