Why We Choose Kubota & Briggs: The Secret to Reliable Power

You can buy the shiniest excavator in the world, but if the engine won't turn over on a cold Monday morning, it’s just an expensive paperweight.

At AHM, we’ve seen the "no-name" engines that flood the market. They look fine on paper, but when a gasket blows or a filter needs replacing, you’re left searching overseas for parts that may never arrive. That’s why we’ve built the AHM AX-series around two of the most trusted names in the world: Kubota and Briggs & Stratton.

Here is why these engines are the "secret sauce" to our machines’ reliability.

1. Kubota Diesel: The Marathon Runner

For our customers who are running their machines 40+ hours a week, the Kubota D722 (found in the AX-15) is the industry gold standard.

• 3x the Lifespan: While most gasoline engines need a major overhaul between 1,500 and 2,500 hours, a well-maintained Kubota diesel regularly sails past 5,000 to 7,000 hours.
• Liquid-Cooled Performance: Unlike air-cooled engines that can struggle in 95°F heat, the Kubota’s liquid-cooling system keeps your operating temperature consistent, allowing you to dig all day without a "cool down" break.
• Low Vibration, High Torque: Kubota’s patented E-TVCS (Three Vortex Combustion System) reduces noise and vibration, which means less fatigue for you and less wear and tear on the machine's frame.

2. Briggs & Stratton: The "Everyman’s" Powerhouse

For our AX-12 and AX-17 mini excavator models, we use Briggs & Stratton gasoline engines. These are the perfect match for DIYers, homeowners, and weekend warriors.

• Start-and-Go Simplicity: These engines are designed for easy starting and intuitive maintenance. If you can maintain a lawnmower, you can maintain an AX-12.
• The "Parts Store" Advantage: This is the big one. If you need a spark plug, a fuel filter, or an air cleaner for a Briggs & Stratton, you don't have to call us. You can walk into almost any local hardware or tractor supply store and find what you need on the shelf.
• Lighter Weight: Gasoline engines offer a superior power-to-weight ratio, which keeps our 1-ton machines light enough to be towed by a standard pickup truck without needing a CDL.

3. Support You Can Actually Find

The biggest reason we chose these brands? The Service Network. Buying an AHM means you aren't just supported by us—you’re supported by thousands of certified Kubota and Briggs & Stratton technicians across North America.

The AHM Promise: We build the "iron" (the frame, the boom, the tracks), but we let the world’s best engine manufacturers handle the "heart." This combination gives you a professional-grade machine at a fraction of the cost of a "Big Brand" excavator.

Which Engine Fits Your Workload?

Feature	Briggs & Stratton (Gas)	Kubota (Diesel)
Best For	Weekend projects, DIY, light farm work.	Daily commercial use, heavy trenching.
Fuel	Standard Gasoline	Diesel (EPA Tier 4)
Maintenance	Extremely DIY-friendly.	Professional-grade intervals.
Found In	AX-12, AX-16, AX-17	AX-15

Reliability isn't a luxury—it’s a requirement. Whether you choose the accessible power of a Briggs or the long-haul durability of a Kubota, your AHM is ready to work.

Are you planning on using your excavator for daily contract work or weekend property maintenance? Tell us about your project, and we’ll help you pick the right engine for the job!