The Complete Guide to Briggs & Stratton and Honda Engines
by the Real Experts in Agricultural and Gardening Engines

The engine is the fundamental component that should guide the user in the purchase of an agricultural machine.

Whether it is a lawn mower, garden tiller or two-wheel tractor, Briggs & Stratton and Honda engines stand out for their innovation, reliability and performance. The extensive and varied product line from Briggs & Stratton and Honda offers a wide selection of engines with optimised features.

    1. Briggs & Stratton engines

Briggs & Stratton is the largest manufacturer of air-cooled 2/4-stroke engines for gardening equipment.

The company is based in Milwaukee (USA) and is a world leader in the design, production and marketing of innovative products and services for agricultural machinery manufacturers.

With over 100 years of experience in engine manufacturing, the Briggs & Stratton brand stands for reliability, power and innovation.

The company has a worldwide presence. Its products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries and on 6 continents. Briggs & Stratton’s international outlook guarantees a product and service offer that meets the widest range of market needs, both in terms of technical product characteristics and after-sales assistance service, such as a comprehensive consumer support.

In today’s marketplace, where consumers seem increasingly overwhelmed by the massive supply of engines trying to conquer the international market with lower prices, more clarity is needed.   

Many manufacturers put Chinese engines on the market, hiding their real origin with their European or American brand names. The consumer is therefore convinced that he/she is purchasing a European or American product at a lower cost, but instead buys full-fledged Chinese products. In the midst of this price competition, however, there are companies that offer consumers original products, produced and designed in-house. There are five major manufacturers that do not use Chinese engines: Honda, Subaru, Kawasaki, Kohler and Briggs & Stratton.

Obviously, Briggs & Stratton products are aimed at consumers who look for quality, efficiency, reliability and power in their engines, and consider these factors more important than price. The tangible and intangible characteristics of Briggs & Stratton products motivate the company’s relative positioning in the market and the targeting of its products to certain consumer groups.

    2. The main series of Briggs engines

The main objective of the E-SERIES engines is to reduce polluting emissions. In addition to the lower environmental impact, the E-SERIES engines provide the power and reliability performance that has always been the hallmark of Briggs & Stratton engines. The E-SERIES engines are also perfect for price-quality ratio conscious consumers.

EX-SERIES engines offer all the performance of E-SERIES engines with the addition of greater engine power. In addition to reduced emissions, performance and reliability, EX-SERIES engines deliver maximum power thanks to the new ReadyStart starting system. Therefore, EX-SERIES engines prove to be the best solution for consumers who want superior performance.

In addition to reduced emissions and the innovative ReadyStart system, EX-SERIES ECO PLUS engines are equipped with ECO PLUS technology. This technology makes it possible to significantly reduce emissions from the evaporation of hydrocarbons produced by the engine both when the machine is running and when it is stationary. EX-SERIES ECO PLUS engines are the best solution for the socially responsible consumers who represent an increasingly large share of the market. 

The iS-SERIES engines are the best performing products in the range. These engines have all the features of the previous series in terms of reduced emissions, reliability and power, but include a further innovation that ensures the easiest and most innovative start ever seen on a lawn mower. The iS series engines use a lithium-ion battery that allows the machine to start easily and safely, without the need for a starter rope. IS-SERIES engines, equipped with the InStart device, are probably the easiest garden equipment engines to start.

    3. The main Briggs technologies

    3.1 InStart-Is

InStart iS (Instant Starting Technology) is an innovative system that allows the engine to be started with a single touch, with no starter rope, no carburettor primer and no air control lever.

Briggs & Stratton defines this new technology as “the perfect combination of power and intelligent start-up”.

The InStart system, mounted on the new Briggs & Stratton 667 iS, 775iS DOV and 875 iS engines, was presented for the first time in Italy at the Eimadi Bologna exhibition in November 2014.

This starter system uses lithium battery technology integrated directly into the petrol engine. The battery recharges in 10 minutes allowing more than 10 starts, or in 60 minutes for more than 50 starts. Once the battery is inserted, the engine starts by means of a safety lever plus button or key.

The characteristics of lithium batteries ensure simple, immediate and repeated start-up without the need to recharge after each use. With ignition by means of a safety lever, push-button or starter key, InStart is the easiest starting method ever, eliminating the pull mode.

    3.2 DOV: Direct Overhead Valve

A specific consumer survey was carried out in this respect and the results were clear: 90% of respondents found the Instart engine much easier to start than they expected, 84% of respondents using electric lawn mowers said they would be interested in purchasing a 2/4-stroke lawn mower with a simplified starter.

Dov, Direct Overhead Valve, is a patented Briggs & Stratton technology that brings major innovations to engines.

A smaller engine can deliver higher torque and therefore greater responsiveness and engine power, together with a reduction in noise and parts vibration.

    4. The Briggs engine classes

    4.1 400-500 Series

These engines are Briggs & Stratton’s entry-level range of hobby products suitable for non-intensive or continuous use, but with the best value for money:

• 450E Series
• 500E Series
• 550E Series
• 575EX Series

They offer the best performance in their class and incorporate the latest design technologies, while ensuring optimum torque and efficiency and resulting in reduced emissions. 

The engines of this series are ideal for powering lawn mowers used for gardens of up to 600 sq m.

Main technical features of the engine series:

• Magnetron electronic ignition system
• OHV technology for longer engine life and better fuel economy
• Lo-Tone muffler for less noise and better sound quality
• Splash lubrication which supplies adequate lubrication to the carter under normal operating conditions
• Air filter protecting the engine from debris
• Float feed carburettor optimises fuel delivery for improved starting capability and performance
• Limited emissions

    4.2 600 Series

This series includes engines for some of the best-selling lawn mowers and riding-on mowers. These engines are designed for semi-professional machinery:

• 625E Series
• 625E Series
• 650EXi Series
• 675EX Series
• 675EXi Series
• 675IS Series™ InStart®

They offer reliability and high performance and also feature the latest innovations in terms of engine power and responsiveness as well as reduced emissions. 

These engines are ideal for powering lawn mowers used for gardens of up to 1000 sq m.

Main technical features of the engine series:

• Magnetron electronic ignition system
• Ready Start system for easy ignition without having to prime the engine manually
• OHV technology for longer engine life and better fuel economy
• Super Lo-Tone muffler that significantly reduces engine power and provides exceptional sound quality
• Flat paper air filter for increased engine protection from debris
• Float feed carburettor optimises fuel delivery for improved starting capability and performance
• Limited emissions
• Engine speed control to provide more power in heavy-duty usage conditions
• Higher torque providing more power and therefore improved equipment productivity
• S2 Start Guarantee

    4.3 700 Series

This series of engines, thanks to the new technologies introduced, offers performance significantly different from the past. The effects of these innovations are evident, the difference can be seen and heard. They are engines used for heavy-duty products:

• 750EX Series DOV
• 750EX Series I/C DOV
• 775iS Series DOV InStart

DOV technology allows the engine to deliver more torque, with better sound quality, less noise emissions and less vibration than competitive engines in the same class.

They are ideal for powering lawn mowers used for gardens of up to 1500 sq m. 

Main technical features of the engine series:

• Magnetron electronic ignition system
• Ready Start system for easy ignition without having to prime the engine manually
• DOV technology for greater power responsiveness, lower noise emissions and smoother operation
• Muffler that significantly reduces engine noise and vibrations and provides exceptional sound quality
• Oval paper air filter for increased engine protection from debris
• Float feed carburettor optimises fuel delivery for improved starting capability and performance
• Higher torque providing more power and therefore improved equipment productivity
• S2 Start Guarantee
• Optional electric start
• Higher oil pipe for easier maintenance
• I/C: cast iron sleeve for greater protection

    4.4 800 Series

This series of engines uses Over Head Valve (OHV) technology. It operates at lower temperatures and reduces emissions. These engine types deliver more power, have a longer service life and lower fuel consumption. They are mainly fitted to heavy-duty equipment.

• 800E Series
• 850E Series I/C
• 875EX Series
• 875iS Series InStart
• 950E Series

These engines are ideal for powering lawn mowers used for gardens of up to 1500 sq m. 

Main technical features of the engine series:

• Magnetron electronic ignition system
• Ready Start system for easy ignition without having to prime the engine manually
• Performance muffler that significantly reduces engine noise and vibrations and provides exceptional sound quality
• Splash lubrication which supplies adequate lubrication to the carter under normal operating conditions
• Oval paper air filter for increased engine protection from debris
• Float feed carburettor optimises fuel delivery for improved starting capability and performance
• Higher torque providing more power and therefore improved equipment productivity
• S2 Start Guarantee
• Optional electric start
• Higher oil pipe for easier maintenance
• I/C: cast iron sleeve for greater protection
• Optional oil filter lubrication: technology similar to that used in cars to ensure maximum engine lubrication and longer life.

    5. Honda engines

As mentioned above, the engine is a key component that can also be the deciding factor when choosing the agricultural equipment necessary for one’ s purposes.

The Honda engine range presents a complete selection of agricultural and gardening equipment such as lawn mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, garden tillers, water pumps and two-wheel tractors. Honda engines offer high performance, reliability and technological excellence. With its varied range of products, Honda is able to meet the most diverse consumer needs for the entire Green-agricultural sector.

Honda is the world’s largest engine manufacturer.

The Japanese multinational company was founded in 1948 and has extensive experience in the design, development, manufacture and marketing of engines. Thanks to its technical and commercial expertise, it has achieved a leading position in the market.

Thanks to the quality of the materials used, Honda engines boast a very long service life. Another distinguishing feature is the high degree of warranty and assistance service provided by the company, as Honda has always focused on after-sales support. Its service points are located all over the world and offer maintenance, repair, spare parts and warranty management services. In this way, Honda customers can count on an international service network.

Honda is constantly working side by side with manufacturers to ensure that consumers get the perfect match between engine and specific machine.

Honda-branded engines ensure easy and safe start-ups thanks to state-of-the-art technology.

Honda is also environmentally friendly. The goal of reducing emissions is present from the earliest stages of engine production. Over the years, the company has developed increasingly advanced technologies to reduce its environmental impact.

In a market increasingly overcrowded with low-cost, low-quality engines, there is a danger that consumers will become confused and consequently misled. Many groups in Europe and elsewhere are bringing Chinese engines onto the market with their brand names on them. It may therefore happen that the consumer, convinced that he is buying a machine with a European engine, for example, purchases one with a Chinese engine instead. It is therefore important to bear in mind that in this market overloaded with different products and brands there are still manufacturers who certainly offer engines designed, developed and produced entirely in-house. These producers are, among others: Briggs & Stratton, Subaru, Kawasaki, Kohler and Honda. 

    6. The main Honda technologies

• Easy start-up: Honda engines are equipped with a decompression system that allows a simplified start. This system is mounted on the camshaft to slightly open the exhaust valve at start-up until the engine is fully started. The manual effort required by the user is therefore less and allows the engine to be used even by non-experts.

• OHV technology: engines with this technology have “overhead” valves, i.e. they are located above the combustion chamber. This valve arrangement allows for smoother intake of the fuel-oil mix and faster exhaust. This allows for a higher compression ratio. The goal this technology achieves is greater fuel savings and longer engine life.

• OHC technology: engines equipped with this technology have camshafts located on the cylinder heads. The valves have the same location as in OHV engines. This arrangement makes the engine more compact. In addition, the use of an L-shaped rocker arm makes it possible to reduce the height of the conventional engine.

    7. The Honda engine classes

    7.1 MINI 4 Series

Engines suitable for replacing two-stroke engines

The Mini 4 engine series represents Honda’s smallest engine family. This includes:

• GX25
• GX35
• GX50
• GXV57
• GXH50
• GXV50

The GX25 and GX35 engines are used for portable garden machinery such as brush cutters and for non-portable garden machinery such as garden tillers and water pumps. These engines can replace 2-stroke engines.

Technical features:

• They are the first 4-stroke engines that can also be operated 360 degrees tilted in all positions
• OHC technology runs a compact, lightweight and silent engine 
• Engines that start easily and safely thanks to Honda technology
• Long-lasting engines
• Reduced emissions

There is also the GX25 Digital CDI engine, which has a variable ignition timing system and is applied specifically to mini-engines.

The GXV57 and GXV50 engines are used for a wide range of garden machinery and water pumps. These engines can perfectly replace 2-stroke engines. Technical features:

• OHV technology for efficient combustion
• High power with low displacement
• Ergonomic starting handle for easy start-up
• Engines engineered and built to last a long time thanks to high quality materials
• Low emissions
• Reduced noise and vibration

The GXH50 engine is used for a wide range of garden machinery and water pumps and has all the technical features featured in the GX57 and GX50 engines

    7.2 GCV/GSV Series

Engines suitable for semi-professional garden machinery

The GCV/GSV series includes the following engines:

• GCV160
• GCV190
• GSV190

The GCV160 and GCV190 engines are employed to drive various garden equipment intended for non-professional use such as lawn mowers, garden tiller, power sweepers.

Inclined engines (45 degree inclined with cylinder upwards) are ideal for use on air cushion lawn mowers.

The GSV190 engines are aimed at semi-professional machinery such as: lawn mowers, garden tillers and power sweepers. Technical features:

• OHC technology for a compact, lightweight and silent engine
• High power and low displacement
• Long-lasting engine
• Easy operation thanks to the ergonomic starting handle
• Auto Choke System, optional automatic starter system
• Cast iron cylinder for longer engine service life
• Reduced consumption
• Low emissions

    7.3 GXV Series

Engines suitable for heavy-duty garden machinery

The Honda GXV engine series includes:

• GXV160
• GXV340
• GXV390
• GXV630
• GXV660
• GXV690

These engines are used to drive various heavy-duty garden machinery such as riding-on mowers (as well as construction and industrial equipment).

The main technical features are: 

• OHV technology for highly efficient combustion
• Digital CDI technology (variable timing system) that ensures more power with lower fuel consumption and emissions
• Engines engineered and built to last a long time thanks to high quality materials used
• Low emissions
• Reduced noise and vibration

    7.4 GC Series

Engines for non-professional garden machinery  

The Honda GC160 engine is ideal for fitting to non-professional agricultural machinery such as garden tillers.

• OHC technology for a compact, lightweight and silent engine
• High power/displacement ratio
• Easy operation thanks to the ergonomic starting handle
• Engine with a long service life thanks to the use of high-quality materials used in its construction
• Reduced emissions

    7.5 GP Series

Engines suitable for lightweight garden machinery

The GP160 and GP200 engines are designed for use in non-professional agricultural machinery such as garden tillers, lawn scarifier and similar equipment.

Technical features: 

• OHV technology for highly efficient combustion
• High power/displacement ratio
• User-friendly and lightweight starting system
• Long-lasting engine
• Low emissions

    7.6 GX Series

Engines suitable for heavy-duty multi tool garden machinery

The Honda GX engine series includes stroke engines:

• GX100
• GX120
• GX160
• GX200
• GX240
• GX270
• GX340
• GX390
• GX630
• GX690
• GXR120
• iGX270
• iGX390

The GX100 engine is ideal for powering heavy-duty machines such as portable generators, water pumps and other appliances.

Engine features: 

• OHC technology for a compact, lightweight and silent engine
• High reliability and durability of the engine thanks to the special steel cylinder liner and main ball bearings
• Low fuel and lubrication oil consumption

Honda GX120, GX160, GX200, GX240, GX340, GX390 engines are employed in a wide range of heavy-duty garden machinery, such as generators, engine-driven welders, water pumps and other industrial equipment. Features: 

• OHV technology for highly efficient combustion
• Digital CDI technology, a variable ignition timing system that allows more engine power, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions
• Easy starting system thanks to the ergonomic handle
• Long-lasting engine
• Reduced consumption
• Reduced noise and vibration