Honda vs Briggs and Stratton: Lawn Mower Engine Best Value?
Gain valuable insights into the comparison between Briggs & Stratton and Honda lawn mower engines. Explore their key features, performance, and considerations to help you make an informed decision for your lawn care needs.
Greetings, fellow lawn care enthusiasts! If you’re in the market for a new lawn mower, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right engine.
Two prominent contenders in the industry are Briggs & Stratton and Honda, both of which are on my list of best small engine manufacturers.
Today, we’ll dive into the details and explore the key factors that can help you determine which lawn mower engine reigns supreme. So, let’s rev up those engines and get started!
Briggs & Stratton vs. Honda: Key Differences
Before we delve into the performance, design, and cost factors, let’s highlight the main distinctions between Briggs & Stratton and Honda lawn mower engines.
The key difference: Honda-powered motors emphasize power and performance, while Briggs & Stratton engines prioritize affordability and durability.
Performance and Power
When it comes to performance and power, both Briggs & Stratton and Honda have their unique strengths. Briggs & Stratton engines are known for their reliability and longevity, provided they receive proper maintenance.
On the other hand, Honda engines are often praised for their potent power output, which translates to efficient and even grass cutting.
Fuel Efficiency and Emissions
If you’re environmentally conscious or looking to minimize your fuel expenses, fuel efficiency and emissions become crucial factors.
Honda engines have a reputation for superior fuel efficiency, allowing you to mow more while using less fuel.
Additionally, Honda engines often boast lower emissions, making them a greener choice for eco-minded individuals.
Briggs & Stratton has one thing to say about that, “Challenge accepted”, and in my opinion they rose to the challenge in 2015 with their “Never Change Oil” EXi series motors.
Have a look for yourself, these Briggs engines became so popular they are still being manufactured today. Who wants to change the oil on their mower anyway right?
Since my first lawnmower purchase in (approximately) 1969, I have owned and worn out a number of push-type lawn mowers all of which had Briggs & Stratton motors. In my experience, B&S have been very good and – until my latest research – I could not speak highly enough of them. My current mower with a 190cc B&S motor, over 10 years old, starts and runs perfectly with no other maintenance than an infrequent oil change and blade replacement.
by Keith, a verified reviewer on Consumer Affairs
Design and Durability
The design and durability of a lawn mower engine can significantly impact its performance and longevity. Honda engines are often applauded for their compact designs, which contribute to easier maneuverability and storage.
The GSV190 4-stroke engine is a good example of Honda’s focus on durability.
Moreover, their engines are built to withstand the test of time, ensuring years of reliable operation with proper maintenance (get maintenance tips in the power equipment blog). On the other hand, Briggs & Stratton engines are recognized for their durability and ability to handle smaller areas effectively.
Cost and Value
Cost is undoubtedly a crucial factor for many consumers. While Honda engines tend to be pricier upfront, they offer several value-added features, such as enhanced performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.
On the other hand, Briggs & Stratton engines provide a more budget-friendly option without compromising on reliability.
User Experiences and Recommendations
Real-world experiences can provide invaluable insights when making a purchasing decision. It’s essential to consider user reviews and recommendations from fellow lawn care enthusiasts.
Many users appreciate the dependability and long-lasting performance of Briggs & Stratton engines, especially when properly maintained.
Meanwhile, Honda engines often receive praise for their ease of use, low noise levels, and overall user satisfaction.
For more general lawn mower buying tips check out our lawn mower buying guide.
Other considerations
After closely examining the performance, design, cost, and user experiences, it’s clear that both Briggs & Stratton and Honda offer commendable lawn mower engines.
The best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re seeking power, efficiency, and a compact design, Honda might be the ideal option for you.
On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability and durability, Briggs & Stratton is likely the perfect fit.
Remember, the right choice is the one that aligns with your lawn care requirements and budget.
Whether you choose Briggs & Stratton or Honda, rest assured that you’ll be equipped with a reliable lawn mower engine that will assist you in maintaining a pristine lawn for years to come.
Tip from a 25+ year small engine mechanic: The more common an item, the cheaper the parts tend to be. In terms of Honda vs Briggs and Stratton engines, parts for the Honda mower tend to be more expensive than those from Briggs.
You’re paying for brand recognition a little bit, but getting quality in return, which also has value. That being said, some repair service, like testing the ignition coil, vary in price between brands.
Be careful to only get genuine parts as cloned parts don’t have that same level of quality the original parts do. cloned parts tend to be cheaper, too.
My personal Briggs vs Honda engine recommendations
If you value power and performance most, I’ll recomend you look at a Honda-powered lawn mower. If you value durability and saving money more, I’ll recommend you try a mower powered by a Briggs & Sratton engine.
Just remember, you need to compare lawn mowers of equal caliber to make any worthwhile comparisons. To do that, compare mowers in roughly the same engine output range, often disclosed in cubic centimeters (engine size in CCs).
Consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences before making a decision. Which is better for one person may not be better for another.
It’s also really hard to make a “bad” decision between these two exceptional companies because they both listen to their customers.
Take it from me, the size of the repair bills for simple engine maintenance is often noticable, too. Choose wisely my friends.