Buy a pair of large water-pump pliers. They are the kind that you can adjust for most anything large. Around 15 inches long, with large jaws. Sort of a large version of the old Channel-loc pliers that are a trusted tool in any machanic's tool box!
I'm quite sure they will turn that stuck filter!
The name "water-pump pliers" is what they have been called, from day one! Ask an older mechanic. He'll know!

Strap wrench works well also.

Never failed to remove a stuck filter with this one...

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or this one...

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Both are cheap at Harbor Freight.

Unfortunately, Kohler doesn't always follow their own guidance on filter installation. There are always filters that are tough to remove. The one last year that I broke the center out of the wrench, luckily the rest of the wrench stayed on and a 3' pipe wrench removed it. Fortunately there was room to do so. I'm even more concerned as the new filters are claimed to be 11% (no kidding) lighter, so they may have also gone w/ a lighter steel. Plus, removing one from a Courage that is attached to the reasonably fragile top plate - you really want to have the right tool for the job.

It's useless to harp on the fact that production personnel over tighten filters or fail to lube the filter gaskets because the REALITY is that we have to deal with removing the filters.

When you do the same filter in the same installation often enough you know what tool works and reach for that one. I have an entire drawer of the roll around devoted to JUST filter wrenches and am never surprised when I have to add another one to the collection.

I have NEVER failed to remove the most stubborn filter using either the unique tool for that filter, a steel strap wrench, or the two tools I've posted pictures of above. Of course, the operator behind the tool will determine how effective that tool or any tool is.

This is an interesting design in a filter wrench but I've never tried one...

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Kohler really puts them on tight. I used the plier above (black with red handles) and colasped the filter then I desided to drive screw driver through it and twisted the filter off at the screw on plate. Then, too out the BMF coal chisel and beat it into sumission. even with the engine hot it still was the worse filter I had ever removed. At one point I thought I was going to have to pull the engine, but after spliting the remaining ring it finely gave up the ghost.

I don't mind paying decent money for a wrench that is made to do the job. The common one I have is solid aluminum which never gives. I've got a Volvo one that is a heavy steel ring. very nice. The cupped solid steels don't let you down either. If the best I can get is a stamped steel one, I can lay some weld to make up for the deficiency of the spot welds. So long as it doesn't slip or crush, it's all good. I hate to deal with the scenerio like rc mentions. That's why I'm asking. Time is money. Worse yet, I don't feel like buying a top cover job for one of these Courages that the filter spins for over a turn before you can even think of turning it by hand.

Snap-on makes a webbed-belt type of filter that has always worked on the worst of filters.

The problem w/ a strap or pliers is that there isn't room to use them on many applications. Same with the 3 legged job that MR Goodpliers posted. It looks like there isn't one to be found. I guess I'll beef up a stamped steel one. Thanks to one and all.

Found exactly what you're looking for. Fits the new Kohler filters perfectly. Nice casting and deeper than the stamped tools, 3/8" ratchet or hex driven. made in USA, and only $4.29

Always tryin' to help do-it-yourselfers.

Mr. Goodpliers

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Cool! How to get part info would be good. Thanks!

An update for those interested. I went to Harbor Freight like Lurker suggested. They had a 4 pack of aluminum cup wrenches for 7 bucks. One of the four fit the new Kohler filter tightly, so hopefully it works out. The small one in the set fits the Kawasaki's, and the large seems to fit transmission filters. Too bad one doesn't fit the Briggs etc. filters. We have a real tool store in town, but not open Saturday AM anymore. If anyone has found a better source- post it here!