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Looking for opinions on the best small engines out there, new or old, up to 30hp for use in riding mowers. Please include any model numbers or the application it was installed into if possible. If the engine is bulletproof, Im listening, enlighten me

Briggs I/C (which are similar to old inteks, I think)engines are pretty good. I had one fire right up after sitting for 10 years. New oil and fuel of course.


This video may be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0DdGmmFaAs

But the truth is, everyone has had different experiences with engines and engine manufacturers, one guy might recommend a Intek engine over a Kohler Courage, someone else might like the Courage over a intek.
I would prefer equipment with a Kawasaki engine, because I have a Kawsaki horizontal shaft engine that has been running for 20 years. Only new p piston rings.original crank,cam and rod. And no major problems.

The Briggs L-head would be my choice, simple and reliable plus parts are reasonably priced and readily available. Trouble is the last of those were built years ago so any in service are well past the best before date.

Best engine out there was the Tecumseh SnowKing engine. Sorry it won’t work in a tractor, but you asked for the best engine. Even though Tecumseh has been out of business for 10+ years, there are still thousands of these units powering blowers all over the country.

Must be a good engine, the company that made it went out of business
I kid, I kid.......:wink:

Scrubcadet10 said:

Must be a good engine, the company that made it went out of business
I kid, I kid.......:wink:

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When they make it too good, they get no more sales. Many went out that way.

Hard to say on these new engines but the old Kohler flatheads, singles and twins, seem to run forever at least for the average homeowner.

Tecumseh always made a good engine, went out of business due to very poor management. Have to agree the Kohler K-Series comes in a very close second.

What became of Clinton engines? Did they become Tecumseh?

I'll throw in my old Flathead Briggs, 159cc, still runs like a clock.

cpurvis said:

What became of Clinton engines? Did they become Tecumseh?

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From Wikipedia

Clinton Machine Company manufactured small gasoline engines, and by 1956 they were the tenth largest employer in Iowa. They changed their name to Clinton Engines Corporation in 1958. It was at this time that farmers began working in the factory and farmed around their shift work.[3] Thomas sold the company to the Charnay Group, an investment company based in New York City. The company manufactured engines for washing machines, chain saws, outboard motors, industrial air circulation fans, and lawn mowers for a variety of companies.[2] It won the President's "E" Award in 1966. However, the Charnay Group failed to adequately support Clinton Engines financially, and it had to file for bankruptcy the same year. Clinton Engines was sold to Martin Hoffinger, a New York investor, who operated the company on a reduced basis. It was eventually downsized to produce spare parts for engine repairs. By 1999 there were only about 35 employees left. The plant was in disrepair when it closed that year. In 2000 the facility was donated to the city of Maquoketa, who tore down the factory and maintained the office building. The Jackson County Historical Society maintains the Clinton Engines Museum, the Jackson County Research & Family History Library, the JCHS Media Arts Center, the Clinton Engines Association, and a large program center in the building.[3]

Very impressive. Good info.

Thanks for the info on Clinton.

I'd agree on the flathead, horizontal shaft Kohlers.

A friend in the sod business had a roller that was powered by a 10 hp horizontal shaft B&S. It was indestructible. Very old. Recoil start but not recoil; it had the slotted cup that you had to wrap a rope around.

cpurvis said:

Thanks for the info on Clinton.

I'd agree on the flathead, horizontal shaft Kohlers.

A friend in the sod business had a roller that was powered by a 10 hp horizontal shaft B&S. It was indestructible. Very old. Recoil start but not recoil; it had the slotted cup that you had to wrap a rope around.

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I remember us having a cement mixer that had that rope wind on pulley start. I remember it too well.. LOL

7394 said:

I remember us having a cement mixer that had that rope wind on pulley start. I remember it too well.. LOL

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Only starter I have ever known is recoil and electric.

Scrubcadet10 said:

Only starter I have ever known is recoil and electric.

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You must still be a young man then.. LOL

7394 said:

You must still be a young man then.. LOL

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There are other kinds of starters.

First of all, the plain old crank.

Second, hand-spun flywheel (old John Deere tractors)

Kick starter (Maytag washer, motorcycles)

Wind-up crank starters (in lieu of recoil)

Pony motors (old Cat dozers)

Some diesel trucks, notably Mack, had compressed air starters.

I've either used or seen used all of these.

Others I'm aware of are Kreighoff cartridge starters and hand cranked flywheel inertia starters for airplanes. These are circa WWII.

cpurvis said:

There are other kinds of starters.

First of all, the plain old crank.

Second, hand-spun flywheel (old John Deere tractors)

Kick starter (Maytag washer, motorcycles)

Wind-up crank starters (in lieu of recoil)

Pony motors (old Cat dozers)

Some diesel trucks, notably Mack, had compressed air starters.

I've either used or seen used all of these.

Others I'm aware of are Kreighoff cartridge starters and hand cranked flywheel inertia starters for airplanes. These are circa WWII.

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I do have memories of most of those. Pony motors to start Big CAT*s, Air starters for Mack, kick starters, plain old crank. Times sure have changed.

tom3 said:

Hard to say on these new engines but the old Kohler flatheads, singles and twins, seem to run forever at least for the average homeowner.

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I still have a 10 HP Kohler K series engine (1978 Wheel Horse) that still runs great after 41 years.

DK35vince said:

I still have a 10 HP Kohler K series engine (1978 Wheel Horse) that still runs great after 41 years.

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They don't make 'em like they used to..

7394 said:

They don't make 'em like they used to..

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That goes for cars and trucks too. It goes for just about anything....

They don't make 'em like they used to..

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That goes for cars and trucks too.

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True enough...they are far better now.