I have a friend who had a SA-250 with the perkins and he loved it. The first SA-250 that he owned had 12,000 hours on it when he sold it,only had to replace the water pump. No other problems. The guy who owns it now has over 14,000 total hours on it,and it`s running great. My friend now has his second SA-250 with over 8,000 hours on it,and no problems,both machines have the perkins. I`ve heard nothing but good about them. I bought a Vantage 300 with the Kubota motor,but before I did I called a place in Texas,which I believe was the national sales rep for Kubuta. The man I spoke to said they had a couple of Kubota motors down there that had over 20,000 hours on them. These 2 engines run constant at high idle under load which I was told would extend the motors life even more. One had 28,000 hours no motor issues,the other had 22,000 hours and only had to replace a water pump. Also I have many friends and family who farm and have the Kubota motor in tractors and skidders and the engines have held up excellent. One of my brothers is quite hard and rough on his equipment,so I know if it will hold up for him it will hold up for me. If a product holds up for him, I know it`s a good thing to buy. The Kubotas held up great for him. In my experience and opinion,they are both an excellent motor. I`d buy either.