Description
Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Engine Overview
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine FS481V BS26S is a professional-grade replacement engine for compatible outdoor power equipment requiring a vertical shaft gasoline engine with the listed crankshaft, starter, muffler, and control configuration.
This engine is part of the Kawasaki FS Series, a line commonly used in landscaping and mowing applications where reliable power, compact design, and emissions-conscious operation matter. The supplied details identify this engine as a 603cc OHV 4-cycle V-Twin with 14.5 HP maximum horsepower.
The engine includes a recoil starter, clutch coil, and oil filter side muffler, making it a targeted replacement option for compatible riding mowers and similar landscaping equipment. It is also listed as SAE Power Certified and 50-State CARB compliant, supporting dependable power output and emissions compliance where applicable.
A key fitment detail is the 1-inch x 3-5/32-inch crankshaft, also listed as 80mm in the supplied description. Because shaft diameter, shaft length, keyway width, tapped end size, and vertical orientation are critical for mower engine replacement, buyers should compare these details carefully before ordering.
Equipment Fitment and Common Applications
The Kawasaki FS481V BS26S vertical engine is intended for compatible equipment requiring a 603cc vertical V-Twin gasoline engine with a 1-inch x 3-5/32-inch crankshaft, 1/4-inch keyway, and 7/16-20 tapped crankshaft end.
This engine is ideal for compatible landscaping applications, especially riding mowers, based on the supplied product details. It may also fit other outdoor power equipment that originally used the same Kawasaki FS481V configuration.
Fitment should be verified by comparing the original engine model, crankshaft orientation, crankshaft diameter, crankshaft length, crankshaft keyway width, crankshaft end tapped size, starter type, muffler placement, clutch coil requirement, air cleaner clearance, fuel pump requirement, and mounting setup.
This engine uses a vertical crankshaft orientation, so it should not be selected for equipment requiring a horizontal shaft engine.
For repair shops and mower owners, confirming the original engine tag and matching the FS481V-S26-S / FS481V BS26S reference helps reduce the risk of ordering the wrong replacement engine.
603cc V-Twin Mower Engine Performance
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S uses a 603cc V-Twin design with 14.5 HP maximum horsepower. This makes it a practical power source for compatible riding mower and lawn equipment applications where steady torque, smooth operation, and reliable output are important.
The V-Twin layout can provide smoother operation than many single-cylinder engines, depending on the application. This is valuable for mowing equipment that operates for long periods and must maintain consistent blade speed under normal cutting loads.
The OHV 4-cycle design supports efficient combustion, dependable performance, and serviceability. Combined with a dual-element air cleaner, the engine is built to handle dusty outdoor conditions more effectively than basic filtration setups.
The engine’s max RPM is 3600, which should match the original equipment requirements. Buyers should not exceed manufacturer specifications and should confirm throttle, governor, and equipment setup during installation.
Crankshaft and Installation Details
Crankshaft fitment is one of the most important details for the Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine FS481V BS26S.
This engine uses a 1-inch crankshaft diameter and 3-5/32-inch crankshaft length. The supplied description also identifies the crankshaft as 1 inch x 3-5/32 inch / 80mm.
The crankshaft end tapped size is 7/16-20, and the crankshaft keyway width is 1/4 inch. These details must match the mower’s pulley, blade adapter, clutch, or driven component setup.
Because this engine includes a clutch coil, buyers should verify the original equipment’s clutch system and wiring compatibility before purchase.
The engine also includes an oil filter side muffler, so clearance around the muffler side should be checked. Muffler location can affect frame clearance, heat shielding, exhaust direction, hood fitment, and installation layout.
Starting, Fuel, and Air Intake Features
The Kawasaki FS481V BS26S is listed with a recoil starter. Buyers should confirm that the equipment setup is compatible with recoil starting and any related controls before ordering.
The engine uses a gasoline fuel system and includes a fuel pump, which is important for compatible mower setups where fuel tank position or fuel delivery requires pumped fuel.
The carburetor is listed as an internally vented, float type, fixed main jet, single barrel carburetor. This design supports stable fuel delivery when correctly installed and maintained.
The dual-element air cleaner helps protect the engine from dust, grass particles, and outdoor debris. This is especially important in landscaping and mowing environments where airborne contaminants are common.
Regular air filter service, oil changes, spark plug inspection, and fuel-system maintenance help protect long-term engine performance.
Durability, Compliance, and Warranty Support
The Kawasaki FS Series is designed to provide reliable power for demanding outdoor tasks while keeping emissions down. This engine is listed as SAE Power Certified, which supports confidence in its power rating, and 50-State CARB compliant, making it suitable for emissions-regulated markets where applicable.
The engine includes an oil capacity of 1.8 qt, and buyers should follow the engine manual for proper oil type, oil change intervals, and maintenance procedures.
This product includes a 3-year warranty, giving buyers added confidence when replacing an important mower or outdoor equipment engine.
The engine is also described as foam packed for added protection during transit. Proper packaging matters because small engines can be damaged by rough handling, impact, or movement during shipping.
Key Benefits for Mower Owners and Repair Shops
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine FS481V BS26S gives buyers a clear replacement option for compatible riding mowers and landscaping equipment.
The first benefit is fitment clarity. The listed FS481V-S26-S / FS481V BS26S reference, 603cc displacement, 14.5 HP maximum horsepower, vertical crankshaft, 1-inch x 3-5/32-inch crankshaft, 1/4-inch keyway, and 7/16-20 tapped end help buyers and installers confirm compatibility.
The second benefit is commercial-grade usability. The V-Twin OHV 4-cycle design, dual-element air cleaner, fuel pump, and 3600 max RPM support dependable operation in lawn and turf equipment.
The third benefit is included equipment-specific features. The recoil starter, clutch coil, and oil filter side muffler are important details for compatible replacement applications.
The 3-year warranty and 50-State CARB compliance add further value for equipment owners and repair shops.
Who This Engine Is Best For
This engine is best for riding mower owners, landscaping businesses, turf maintenance teams, outdoor power equipment repair shops, property managers, small-engine technicians, and professional installers who need a compatible Kawasaki FS481V vertical replacement engine.
It is suitable for compatible equipment requiring FS481V-S26-S, FS481V BS26S, 603cc displacement, 14.5 HP maximum horsepower, vertical crankshaft orientation, 1-inch x 3-5/32-inch crankshaft, recoil starter, clutch coil, and oil filter side muffler.
This product is a strong choice when the original engine has failed because of low compression, hard starting, fuel-system wear, overheating, oil-related damage, internal wear, or general service-life decline.
This engine is not intended for equipment requiring a horizontal shaft engine, different crankshaft diameter, different shaft length, different keyway width, different tapped-end size, different muffler layout, different starter system, or incompatible clutch wiring unless fitment has been professionally confirmed.
Technical Details and Included Specifications
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine FS481V BS26S is listed as a 603cc vertical OHV 4-cycle V-Twin gasoline engine with 14.5 HP maximum horsepower, recoil starter, clutch coil, and oil filter side muffler.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Vertical shaft replacement engine |
| Brand | Kawasaki |
| Engine Series | Kawasaki FS Series |
| Model Reference | FS481V-S26-S |
| Additional Reference | FS481V BS26S |
| Engine Design | OHV 4-cycle V-Twin |
| Displacement | 603cc |
| Maximum Horsepower | 14.5 HP |
| Fuel System | Gasoline |
| Crankshaft Orientation | Vertical |
| Crankshaft Diameter | 1 in. |
| Crankshaft Length | 3-5/32 in. |
| Crankshaft Dimension Reference | 1 in. x 3-5/32 in. / 80mm |
| Crankshaft End Tapped Size | 7/16-20 |
| Crankshaft Keyway Width | 1/4 in. |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Air Cleaner Type | Dual element |
| Fuel Pump | Yes |
| Oil Capacity | 1.8 qt |
| Carburetor Type | Internally vented, float type, fixed main jet, single barrel |
| Starter Type | Recoil starter |
| Clutch Coil | Included |
| Muffler | Oil filter side muffler included |
| Max RPM | 3600 |
| Certification | SAE Power Certified |
| Compliance | 50-State CARB compliant |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
| Common Applications | Compatible riding mowers and landscaping equipment |
Fitment Support and Ordering Notes
Before ordering the Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine, buyers should confirm that the engine matches the original equipment setup. Important details include model reference, engine family, displacement, crankshaft orientation, crankshaft diameter, crankshaft length, keyway width, tapped-end size, starter type, clutch coil compatibility, muffler location, air cleaner clearance, fuel pump requirement, and mounting layout.
This engine uses a vertical shaft, so it should not be selected for equipment requiring a horizontal shaft engine.
The crankshaft is 1 inch x 3-5/32 inches with a 1/4-inch keyway and 7/16-20 tapped end. These specifications should match the original engine and driven equipment.
Because this model includes a clutch coil and oil filter side muffler, buyers should verify electrical compatibility and physical clearance before installation.
Customers can also compare this product with other Kawasaki FS engines, compatible vertical mower engines, spark plugs, air filters, oil filters, fuel-system parts, mower clutches, engine oil, mounting hardware, and service parts when planning a complete repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kawasaki FS481V S26 S engine used for?
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S is used for compatible riding mowers and landscaping equipment requiring a 603cc vertical V-Twin gasoline engine with the listed crankshaft and installation specifications.
What is the engine displacement and horsepower?
This engine is listed as 603cc with 14.5 HP maximum horsepower. Buyers should confirm that these specifications match the original equipment requirements.
What are the crankshaft dimensions?
The crankshaft is 1 inch x 3-5/32 inches, with a 1/4-inch keyway and 7/16-20 tapped end. These dimensions must match the mower or driven equipment setup.
Does this Kawasaki engine include a muffler?
Yes. The supplied description states that this engine includes an oil filter side muffler. Buyers should confirm muffler clearance before installation.
Does this engine include a clutch coil?
Yes. This Kawasaki FS481V BS26S includes a clutch coil. Buyers should verify wiring and clutch compatibility with the original equipment.
Is this engine 50-State CARB compliant?
Yes. The supplied product details list this Kawasaki FS Series engine as 50-State CARB compliant.
What warranty comes with this engine?
The Kawasaki FS481V S26 S Vertical Engine includes a 3-year warranty. Buyers should review warranty terms for installation, maintenance, and coverage
