If you’ve ever used different types of lawn mowers in the past, you’ll surely agree that they are effective for trimming grass within a short period. But, did you know that it can be challenging to buy a reliable and long-lasting lawn mower? In case you didn’t, there are some factors that you need to pay attention to before picking a lawn mower, one of them being the engine.
With that in mind, here’s a question you might ask: which lawn mower’s engine is the best? First, to answer that, know that there are many reliable lawn mower engines out there. However, the two top manufacturing companies are Briggs & Stratton and Honda.
The key difference between Honda-powered mowers and Briggs & Stratton’s engines is that the former is way more expensive than the latter. So, if you have a tight budget, going for a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine is surely a great move as it can last long if properly maintained.
Unarguably, there are many reliable lawn mower engines out there. If you bring out 50 people and ask them which engine is the best for lawn mowers, you’ll most likely receive 50 different answers. That can be explained by the fact that the efficiency of a lawn mower engine depends on several factors.
In this post, I’ll be addressing the burning question regarding the better option between Honda’s and Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines. So, without further ado, let’s get down to business.
Briggs & Stratton’s Lawn Mower Engines: Pros
Brief history
The Briggs & Stratton Corporation, founded in 1908 by Stephen Foster Briggs and Harold M. Stratton, is an American Fortune 1000 manufacturer of gasoline engines. The company has headquarters in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
Furthermore, Briggs & Stratton gasoline engines are specifically designed for use on lawn mowers, pressure washers, go-karts, electrical generators, and many more. The company started with the production of cast-iron engines, known to be durable.
However, the Briggs & Stratton Corporation didn’t gain popularity until the development of its new type of engine in 1953, called lightweight aluminum engines.
Top 3 Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines
Today, Briggs & Stratton offers several types of mower engines. Although, I won’t be talking about all of them and will focus on the top 3 lawn mower engines designed by this manufacturer.
- Briggs & Stratton EX Series
The EX series engine is without a doubt one of the best products designed by the Briggs & Stratton Corporation. This engine is occupying the first spot because of its many great features.
First, it has a “ReadyStart” for ride technology, which makes it easy for lawn mower users to start the engine. But that’s not all! The EX series engine also features an anti-vibration system, making it possible for the user to enjoy a smoother ride and more comfort.
Furthermore, the engine packs a full pressure lube system that helps eliminate wear. You’ll also enjoy the engine’s best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio, which can reduce vibrations when using your lawn mower.
- Briggs & Stratton EXi Series
Occupying the second spot on this list is the Briggs & Stratton EXi Series
. The engine comes with a check and add technology, which helps eliminate the need for an oil change. That’s possible because the technology helps keep the oil clean and cool while the lawn mower is operating.
Furthermore, the EXi Series features an advanced debris management system. Its purpose is to make the engine last longer by eliminating grass and debris that falls on it. But that’s not all. The engine also has a “ReadyStart” for ride technology, a full pressure lube system for reducing wear, and a V-twin engine for extra power, durability, and comfort.
- Briggs & Stratton Professional Series
Occupying the third spot on this list is the Professional Series engine. As its name suggests, this engine offers world-class performance when used to power lawn mowers.
One of the Professional Series’ engine’s unique features is the overhead valve (OHV) design, which helps the engine run cooler and faster, allowing you to save on fuel.
It also has an advanced debris management system that keeps the engine clean and long-lasting by eliminating debris and grass from it. Additionally, the Professional Series’ engine also packs a single cylinder and V-twin engines for endurance and power.
Advantages of Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines
Now, let’s talk about the strengths of Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines.
Many people choose Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines over and over again due to the value that the engines offer them. That being said, let’s have a quick look at the pros of having a Briggs & Stratton-powered lawn mower.
- Reputation
As mentioned earlier, the Briggs & Stratton Corporation began operations in 1908, meaning the company has been delivering engines for 113 years.
Over the years, the Briggs & Stratton Corporation has remained consistent in delivering top-notch engines by introducing innovative solutions. Furthermore, the company is one of the leading manufacturers in the industry and has all it takes to improve the user experience of its engines.
- Innovative
Apart from its good reputation, another thing that makes Briggs & Stratton engines stand out is that they always pack innovative technologies. These offerings will help you enjoy your lawn mower engine, making it durable.
An example of innovative technology introduced by Briggs & Stratton on its engines is the anti-vibration system. As mentioned earlier, this feature enables users to enjoy a smoother and more comfortable ride.
- Reliability
Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines are known to be reliable, in part because the company offers a wide power range to its engines. That means you’ll always have enough power to cut through grass, regardless of the conditions you find yourself in.
- High performance
Another thing you’ll benefit from when you opt for a Briggs & Stratton-powered mower is high performance. Indeed, the engine will provide you with an excellent pace, making it easier for you to cut grass.
- Instant starting technology
Another benefit of Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines is their ability to start with ease. As previously mentioned, one of the common features among Briggs & Stratton’s top engines is the “ReadyStart” for ride technology. It enables you to start up your lawn mower engine without having to pull a rope.
Briggs & Stratton’s Lawn Mower Engines: Cons
As with every mechanical equipment, Briggs & Stratton’s engines also have their issues.
Having gone through various social media platforms and forums, I found out that the most common problem with Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines is that they sometimes fail to start.
For instance, according to Pat of Alpharetta, a verified reviewer on Consumer Affairs, the engine wouldn’t start just six months after buying the lawn mower. Here’s what the reviewer said regarding the product:
“I bought a Toro mower with a B & S engine. I don’t use it a lot so I use a fuel stabilizer. Guess what? After 6 months it won’t start! Called a dealer as HD does nothing. All they had to say was: “Your fuel is old, you didn’t use a stabilizer, might have a carburetor issue, etc etc. Bring it in!” So I guess this means I have to repair this POS (a piece of **) every 6 months. Ridiculous! My handy friend couldn’t get it going either.”
One other thing you need to understand about Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines is that they require regular maintenance. Thus, if you strongly want the product to last for years, you need to operate your lawn mower with care.
A perfectly conditioned lawn is what every homeowner dreams of and a reliable lawn mower is essential in making this dream a reality. If you want to get a lawn mower that is of good quality and will last for years, you need to purchase it from the right place. Here are 7 best places to buy a lawn mower. Happy shopping!
Honda’s Lawn Mower Engines: Pros
Brief history
The Honda Motor Company, Ltd., founded in October 1946 by Soichiro Honda and Takeo Fujisawa, is a Japanese public multinational conglomerate manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. The company has headquarters in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
Honda is known as the leading company in several industries. For instance, the company has been known across the world since 1959 as the largest motorcycle manufacturer. But that’s not all! Honda is also the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines.
Honda expanded its product range in August 1978 by releasing the HR21 walk-behind lawn mower in overseas markets, including the U.S. The product, which was the first of its kind for Honda, came with a vertical engine. This type of engine packs several amazing features in one object, such as quick starting and quiet operation.
Top 3 Honda’s lawn mower engines
- Honda GX200
The Honda GX200 is without a doubt one of the best lawn mower engines designed by the brand. The product includes several amazing features, one of them being the overhead valve (OHV) design that helps enhance combustion efficiency.
Furthermore, the Honda GX200 has a high power-to-displacement ratio. Plus, the product also packs an automatic decompression system and an easy-to-grip soft recoil starter handle. These features allow the engine to start easily and quickly.
The Honda GX200 also comes with high-quality materials that make the product reliable and long-lasting. Other unique features of the Honda GX200 engine include low fuel/oil consumption and reduced vibrations.
- Honda GX340 4-stroke engine
Occupying the second spot on this list is the GX340 4-stroke engine. According to Honda, this engine is considered one of the best in the industry. It offers high and quieter performance and offers some of the best features.
First, the Honda GX340 engine packs a digital CDI ignition system with variable timing for fuel efficiency and high output operations. It also has an overhead-valve, which is crucial for increased efficiency and optimal power transfer.
In addition, the Honda GX340 is engineered with precision components, which offers smooth performance and lower vibration. The engine also comes with a large capacity, multi-chamber exhaust system, excellent camshaft, and muffler. All of these features contribute to making the engine exceptionally quiet while operating.
- Honda GXV50
Occupying the third spot on this list is the Honda GXV50 engine. This lawn mower engine is pretty reliable as it packs high-quality materials and offers tons of other amazing features. Among them is its ease to start, which is made possible because the engine comes with a heavy-duty recoil starter and an automatic mechanical decompression system.
The Honda GXV350 offers high and smooth performance due to the engine’s ball bearing supported crankshaft and a few other precision components. Besides, the engine also comes with an OHV design, utilized to deliver optimal power transfer and higher efficiency.
Advantages of Honda’s lawn mower engines
There are many benefits associated with Honda’s lawn mower engines. The company is tagged as the world’s largest motorcycle and internal combustion engine manufacturer for a reason. Indeed, the company has proved its value over the past decades.
Furthermore, the brand uses the experience gained with motorcycle and automobile engines to design lawn mower engines. That being said, you can check some of the strengths of the company’s engines below:
- All Honda lawn mower engine models pack an automatic mechanical decompression system, which allows them to start easily.
- The Honda GC and GS models come with a compact combustion chamber, OVH design, and uniblock construction. The purpose of these features is to increase the engines’ overall reliability. Also, Honda makes the engines lightweight and easy to maintain.
- High-end products, such as the GX, V-twin, and iGX series, have variable timing digital CDI ignition. The offering makes it easy for the engines to start quickly. Besides, the benefits also include delivering high power output and better fuel efficiency.
- Honda’s lawn mower engines, such as the GX, V-twin, and iGX series, have “oil alert.” This feature makes the engines reliable.
- The Honda V-twin engine model has a hemispherical combustion chamber and an integrated cylinder and head. The former contributes to the engine’s ability to deliver better fuel efficiency and higher output. As for the latter, it helps improve the overall combination and reliability of the V-twin engine.
Cons of Honda’s Lawn Mower Engines
Since all mechanical equipment comes with strengths and weaknesses, let’s also talk about the disadvantages of the Honda lawn mower engines.
First, these engines cost more on any lawn mower, especially Honda products. Although, that’s not surprising as the engines are engineered with high-quality materials and unique features.
Another drawback of Honda’s lawn mower engines is that they require regular and proper maintenance. However, it isn’t really a setback to me as all engines need to be well maintained to last longer.
If you have a lawn mower at home, storing it in the right place is part of its proper maintenance. Although a garage can be a good place for storing it, is it safe to store a lawn mower in a garage? Read our article to find out.
What are the differences between Briggs & Stratton- and Honda-powered mowers?
All that being said about Honda- and Briggs & Stratton-powered lawn mowers, the next question is: What are the key differences between the two products?
- Manufacturer
First, Briggs & Stratton-powered lawn mowers are designed by the Briggs & Stratton Corporation, an American Fortune 1000 manufacturer of gasoline engines.
On the other hand, Honda’s lawn mower engines are designed by Honda Power Equipment Mfg., Inc. (HPE).
- Cost
Now, the main difference between Honda’s and Briggs & Stratton’s engines can be seen in their costs.
Generally, Honda’s lawn mower engines are extremely expensive. However, they deliver great results and tend to last longer than those of their competitors.
On the other hand, Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines are pretty affordable, while being as reliable as the Honda lawn mower engines.
Should you choose a Briggs & Stratton or Honda mower engine?
After going through several social media platforms and forums, one of the common questions that people ask is: Which engine should I choose between Honda’s and Briggs & Stratton’s?
The answer is pretty simple, and of course, depends on a couple of factors, such as your budget and needs. One thing you need to keep in mind is that both Honda and Briggs & Stratton are big names in the industry. Their lawn mower engines deliver high performance. As such, they are pretty reliable.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to save money while opting for a high-performance mower engine, I’ll advise you to go for Briggs & Stratton’s lawn mower engines.
However, if you have the proper budget to purchase a Honda engine, I’ll advise that you go for it. These engines are rugged, reliable, and tend to last even longer than Briggs & Stratton’s engines if properly maintained.
