The best engine for a mower?

[benski]

Like our fellow from Scotland, I've got one of the small Honda riding mowers, and it has served me well since I bought it in 1984. I like the Kawasaki motors, but the parts are expensive as well. I guess for a domestically manufactured engine, Kohler and Wisconsin are my two favorites, but they all (Briggs, Kohler, and probably the others as well) make different grades of engines depending on the price point of the equipment they are being installed in.

 

[somoolive]

Honda has been making small engines for a long time and they are typically quite reliable and efficient. Honda engines are serviced by almost all lawn mower dealers, which is one of their biggest advantages. You can get service almost anywhere for these engines.

 

[chaffe]

if your bagging..the deck matters alot in performance....a good engine is great, but its how all the components work together:smile:

thanks the mower i picked up is a Honda hf2213, 36" cut, should have it going tonight and give it a trial if the rain stays off!

 

[WesternAuto]

With all my past experience, I would have to say Briggs. Tend to last longer, more power/torque, easier to work on.

 

[mowerbeast]

B&S will (in my experience) last longer, be easier to find parts for, and be easier to repair your self.
Honda is better on gas, starts easier, and will go a while without problems.
I don't have much experience with kohler, but I hear they're good.
I will say one thing... Do. Not. Get. a. Tecumseh. :thumbdown:

 

[Oddball]

I've never had a 7 - 11hp engine of any make, but my experiences with B&S, Tecumseh and Kohler have all been positive. I've had several B&S powered machines over the years (anywhere fron 3.5 to 6hp) and the only thing that stopped them was old age, even when they didn't get the routine maintenance they deserved. The one Tecumseh (6.75hp) I had for 13 years was still running strong when I traded that machine for something else and the one Kohler (15hp) I've had, and still have, on an 11 year old John Deere rider, has had nothing done but routine maintenance (oil, filters, etc.) and is still going strong. My current push mower has a B&S 5.5 ft/lbs torque engine and although its fairly new and should be easy to start, it is extremely easy to start with just one half hearted pull after priming.

 

[reynoldston]

First of all, oh my God a member on here from Scotland!

And secondly, why can't I find a ride on mower for fifty quid!? :laughing:

What is fifty quid as to a American dollar ?

 

[Oddball]

What is fifty quid as to a American dollar ?

That's $81.51. Still probably a bargain even if the thing is nearly junk, just for the experience gained trying to get it into serviceable condition.

 

[Larry R]

With soo many engines out there I was wondering what peoples experience and thoughts were on them? Im looking for something around 7-11hp for my mower deck and was thinking briggs, but are there any to avoid? I mean Honda make some real good engines but are they worth the extra cash? And do some mowers make less hp than stated? thanks in advance

Leave the Honda GVC530 off a purchase list. I paid $500 extra for one on a Hustler and it has been junk; constantly in the shop for valve valve guide valve o-rings and garb problems. After cutting 5 times the valve trouble started and had to wait 2 months for factory to make new parts. New parts were no better. Loses power. Can let it cool and may run 5 min or an hour. Back in shop now for either the 3rd rebuild or replacement---whick won't be the 530. May try a 630 or just go to the Kawasaki or Kohler.
All other Hondas I've had have been great.

 

[Larry R]

I was told kawasaki was the best. Thoughts

I had a 16hp Kawasaki on a John Deere and it was great. When I sold it the compression was still like new. Bought a Hustled with a GVX530 and it has been junk with valve and garb problems starting after I cut the yard 6 times. In the shop now for the 3rd time for rebuild or replacement. Replacement won't be a Honda although I have other Honda engines that are great.