Briggs and Stratton vs Kawasaki Engines: Which One is Better?
Trying to decide between Briggs and Stratton and a Kawasaki mower engine? Then you might want to read our comparison of the two lawn mower engines.
In this article, we look at a head-to-head comparison of Briggs and Stratton vs Kawasaki mower engines, paying attention to factors such as reliability, cost, engine power, efficiency and warranty.
Ready? Let’s dive right into it:
Briggs and Stratton Brand Overview
Briggs & Stratton Corporation is an American Fortune 1000 manufacturer of gas engines and has its headquarters in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
The company was founded by Stephen Foster Briggs and Harold M. Stratton in 1908.
They started with the production of cast-iron engines but they did not gain popularity until they manufactured lightweight aluminum engines in 1953.
The firm has thirteen facilities in the United States of America and eight more in China, the Netherlands, Mexico, Australia, Canada and Brazil.
Apart from producing small engines, they are one of the leading manufacturers of lawn and garden turf care, power generation and job site products.
Kawasaki Brand Overview
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd is a Japanese public multinational corporation manufacturer of heavy equipment, engines, motorcycles and rolling stock.
The firm has its headquarters in Chuo, Kobe and Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
It was founded by Shozo Kawasaki in 1896. Kawasaki specialize in making gas engines and are adept at manufacturing garden tractor motors and commercial-grade mower engines.
These motors are used for lawn mowers, water pumps and generators.
Key Differences Between Briggs and Stratton and Kawasaki Lawn Mower Engines
The main difference between them is that Kawasaki mower engines have more power output (14.5 HP- 38.5HP) and a lifespan of 3500 hours if properly maintained.
On the other hand, Briggs and Stratton engines have a horsepower rating of 5 HP -37HP and can last up to 1000 hours if properly maintained.
Best Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower Engines
1. Briggs & Stratton 49T877-0004-G1 27 Gross HP V-Twin Engine
This engine comes with an increased cylinder block structure that ensures added strength and durability.
Its cyclonic air filter protects the engine from debris while the full pressure lubrication with spin-on oil filter ensures longer component life.
2. Briggs and Stratton 19 HP Single Cylinder Engine
The 19HP Briggs and Stratton Intek Series engine has a Dura-Bore cast-iron cylinder sleeve that ensures extended engine life. It is perfect for riding mowers.
The OHV design enhances a cooler operation. This single-cylinder engine includes a fuel pump, a magnetron electronic ignition and an installed muffler.
3. Briggs and Stratton 44N877-0005 24HP Endurance Series 16 Amp
The Briggs and Stratton engine is a universal replacement engine for riding, zero-turn mowers, lawn, wide-area walk-behinds and garden tractors.
The engine is easy to install. A user liked the fact that the engine has great startups and can run smoothly.
4. Briggs and Stratton 31R907-0007-G1 17.5 Gross HP Engine
The Briggs and Stratton 17.5 HP engine comes with a Dura-Bore cast-iron cylinder sleeve to enhance longer engine life.
Its float carburetor provides easy starting while its patented linear balancing system enables the engine to run smoothly.
The engine is easy to install and offers you an outstanding value for your money.
5. Briggs and Stratton 17.5 HP 500cc INTEK Engine
The Briggs and Stratton 500cc engine is a common replacement engine for riding lawn mowers.
It comes with a patented linear balancing system that ensures smooth engine performance. Its cast-iron cylinder sleeve and dual-element air filter ensure longer engine life.
Other features include a fuel pump, oil filter, magnetron electronic ignition and a 9 amp charging system for top-notch engine performance.
Best Kawasaki Lawn Mower Engines
1. Kawasaki FR730V-HS00 24 HP 726cc Vertical V-Twin Engine
The Kawasaki FR730V-HS00 V-twin engine is a common replacement engine for consumer riding and zero-turn mowers.
A user commented that the engine is reliable for maintaining a large yard.
The Kawasaki engine is well-liked for its good price, good value, excellent packaging and easy installation.
2. Kawasaki FJ180V-BM09 Engine
This Kawasaki lawn mower engine is a commercial replacement engine that you can purchase for less than 500 dollars.
It is best suited for consumer and commercial push mowers.
A user noted that the engine runs well and had no problem for more than a year. The Kawasaki FJ180V-BM09 engine has features such as a carburetor, air filter, valve and starter.
3. Kawasaki FX1000V-EFI 38.5 HP Engine
The 38.5 HP Kawasaki engine ensures optimum cutting speed through tough conditions. It enables you to get your work done in a short period with maximum fuel economy.
The comes with overhead V-valve technology and hemispherical combustion chambers to help ensure high power, low emissions and smooth operation.
The magnetic clean-out port covers make maintenance easy. It has a maximum torque of 57.8 ft-lbs at 3,200 RPM and an oil capacity of 2.2 U.S qt (oil capacity w/filter).
Other features include integrated electronic throttle control, open-loop design, cast-iron cylinder liners and a pressurized lubrication system.
4. Kawasaki FR691V 23HP Engine
The Kawasaki FR691V engine is a commercial-grade power plant that meets your yard’s toughest demands.
The 4-cycle engine comes with an automatic compression release, internally vented carburetor and electronic spark ignition for superb engine performance.
5. Kawasaki FT691V 22.0HP Engine
The Kawasaki FT691V engine is built to handle heavy loads. It comes with a vortical air filtration system which helps to muscle out debris and grass.
The large and easy-to-access integrated clean-out ports amp up your efficiency and keep you cutting.
It has a maximum torque of 39.6 ft-lbs at 2,400 RPM and is compatible with riding lawn mowers.
Other features include cast-iron cylinder liners, automatic compression release and electronic spark ignition for excellent engine performance.
Briggs and Stratton Vs Kawasaki Engine
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two lawn mower engine brands:
Power
Briggs and Stratton’s engines have a horsepower that ranges from 5hp-37HP.
On the other hand, Kawasaki mower engines have a horsepower that ranges from 14.5 HP to 38.5hp
Winner: Kawasaki. Most of their engines offer more power output than Briggs and Stratton engines.
Lifespan
The lifespan of an engine depends on how you maintain it.
Briggs and Stratton engines are designed to run up to 1000 hours if properly maintained.
On the other hand, the Kawasaki mower engines can also last for up to 3500 hours if properly maintained.
Some users have maintained their Kawasaki engines well enough to last up to fifteen years.
The Winner: Kawasaki. Kawasaki engines can last longer than Briggs and Stratton engines.
Warranty
The Briggs and Stratton engine comes with a two-year warranty while Kawasaki mower engines offer 3-year warranty service.
The Winner: Kawasaki. It offers a better warranty package than the Briggs and Stratton engine.
Cost
With high engine power and longevity, Kawasaki engines are more affordable than Briggs and Stratton’s engines.
The Winner: Kawasaki. Their engines are cheaper than Briggs and Stratton engines.
Brands That Use Briggs and Stratton and Kawasaki Lawn Mower Engines
You can find Briggs and Stratton engines in mowers like Husqvarna, Craftsman, Briggs and Stratton, Brute, Snapper PRO, Bolens, and Poulan Pro mowers.
On the other hand, you can find Kawasaki engines in a wide range of lawn mower brands such as Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, DEWALT, Ariens, Gravely-Pro, Dixie Chopper, Toro, Swisher and John Deere mowers
Winner: Kawasaki. A broader range of brands makes use of Kawasaki engines.
Reliability
In terms of reliability, Kawasaki mower engines are well-known for the precision of their horsepower ratings. Users cite fewer issues with their Kawasaki engines compared to Briggs and Stratton models.
They have fewer vibration issues and do not have the same level of carburetor issues as Briggs & Stratton engines.
Briggs and Stratton’s engines are also reliable but not to the extent of Kawasaki engines. Some users noted that the engine developed leaks and carburetor issues.
For instance, the Briggs and Stratton 27HP 49T877-0004-G1 Commercial Turf Series engine has issues with oil leakage.
Some users also encountered starting problems in cold weather conditions.
The Winner: Kawasaki. Users cite fewer problems with Kawasaki mower engines than Briggs and Stratton engines.
Maintenance
Both brands require regular maintenance on their engines. You need to follow the user’s manual to maintain the oil filter, oil level, air filter and spark plugs.
Almost all small engine shops can handle Briggs and Stratton engines while its replacement parts for Briggs and Stratton engines are affordable but they require a synthetic oil like SAE 30W oil which is a bit high in price.
On the other hand, Kawasaki engine oil costs are much lower and their engines use open-loop control which requires less maintenance due to fewer parts.
The Winner: Kawasaki. Kawasaki engines are much cheaper in terms of long-maintenance costs.
Efficiency
Kawasaki engines make use of EFI and forgo the use of a carburetor. These engines enable homeowners to speed up the pace.
They also feature a precise and high cutting power.
On the other hand, Briggs and Stratton engines lack some of the finesse and pound-for-pound efficiency of Kawasaki’s efforts.
Furthermore, they are not as efficient as Kawasaki’s engines when it comes to cooling. They are more prone to vibrations than their Kawasaki counterparts.
The Winner: Kawasaki. They are more efficient than Briggs and Stratton engines.
Pros and Cons
Briggs and Stratton Engines
Pros:
- Their replacement parts are affordable.
- Easy DIY repairs.
- Briggs and Stratton engines have an anti-vibration system to ensure a smooth mowing operation.
Cons
- They have bulky engines
- Briggs and Stratton engines break down the more
- Greater emissions.
Kawasaki Engines
Pros:
- Kawasaki engines are affordable and more powerful.
- They have fewer repair issues.
- Kawasaki engines have efficient cooling capabilities.
Cons
- Usage of fuel is not that efficient.
- They can wear out.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Briggs and Stratton and Kawasaki brands produce efficient, durable and high-quality engines.
Both engines offer maximum performance to ensure remarkable mowing results on lawns.
However, if you are more concerned about engine power, lifespan and price range, we recommend Kawasaki lawn mower engines because they are cheaper, more powerful and they tend to last longer than Briggs and Stratton engines.