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There may come a time when your lawn mower’s engine will give in, or you may not be satisfied with its performance or reliability.
If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your lawn mower’s engine for improved performance and reliability, then you have come to the right place.
We have five of the best lawn mower engines to present to you! These engines from Briggs and Stratton are of astounding build quality, and they are a leading brand in the market and industry of lawnmowers.
There is no reason for you to look any further than the five of these lawn mower powertrains.
Lawn Mower Engine Comparison of 2021
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5 Best Lawn Mower Engine Review
Here we gather and review the lawn mower engines you can find in the market. Whether you are looking for a vehicle for a small-sized or mid-sized lawn, these following engines can surely power up your lawnmower to do its job.
Briggs & Stratton 500cc 17.5 Gross HP Engine
Across the 500cc displacement category, this Briggs & Stratton engine is the one you should consider because of its amazing features. Included is its 17.5 gross HP which offers a smooth power delivery. It is among the greatest engines you can find in the price range.
Apart from that, it comes with a dual-element air filter, and its cylinder sleeves are made from cast iron. As a result, you can expect this engine to stand the test of time and maintain its performance through the years.
For ease of use, this engine comes with a float carburetor and a 9-amp electric starter. It is equipped with the patented linear balancing system. Meaning, the crank is perfectly balanced.
It gives the engine a smooth power delivery throughout the entire torque curve, making it easy to operate and maintain. What’s more? It is packed with performance, and it is easy to install.
Even if you haven’t done any kind of engine installation yourself, you can easily learn the ropes and have this 500cc engine powering your lawnmower in a jiffy.
Every single component of this engine is ready to use, out of the box. All the hoses, lines, tubes, and harnesses are easy to fit and install.
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Briggs & Stratton 33S877-0019-G1 Intek Series 19 HP 540cc Single Cylinder Engine
Next up is this Briggs & Stratton that boasts of its 19 HP, 540cc single-cylinder engine. This 540cc displacement unit is equipped with all the bells and whistles that the brand loves to feature in their outstanding products, such as the Over Head Cam (OHV) with a 12-volt electric starter plus many more features.
Also, the engine’s signature OHV and patented linear balancing system dampen the reciprocating forces that the engine produces.
Overall, it helps eliminate any side-to-side motion from the conventional counter and rotational engine balance systems.
In addition to that, the single-cylinder model comes equipped with a dual-element air filter which maximizes air intake for greater engine performance. This engine features a pressure lubrication system that keeps it clean and frees the internals from any contaminants.
The 540cc displacement engine has a whopping 19 horsepower. Its cast-iron cylinder sleeves enhance its durability. You won’t have to worry about any issues with this engine along the way.
Every feature this machine offers makes it the perfect replacement engine for any compatible lawn mowers in the market. The swift installation will give you immediate access to its astonishing performance and incredible durability.
If you’re looking for a lawnmower engine that is above the 500cc displacement mark, then the Briggs & Stratton 19 HP 540cc Single Cylinder is definitely one option to consider.
It is among the best in the market for its class. With an amazing price tag, you’ll be surprised to have much more performance than what you are paying for.
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Related Guide: Tires for Zero Turn Mowers on Hills
Briggs and Stratton 31R976-0016-G1 Intek Series 17. 5 HP 500cc Dura-bore Cast Iron Cylinder Engine
If you are looking for a cast-iron cylinder engine, then this Briggs and Stratton model is the right match or you. It is dominating the market for three of its most outstanding characteristics, durability, efficiency, and power. These are qualities that make for an engine that sits on top of its competition.
Let’s have a deeper look as to why this Briggs and Stratton engine is highly regarded by many.
First off, this one is a 500cc motor that packs 17.5 horsepower. All that power comes from a single-cylinder four-stroke air-cooled engine.
Everything sounds fairly typical if you’re asking how does this 500cc motor produce so much power? It’s because the engine makes use of the company’s signature Overhead Valve (OHV) technology.
The OHV technology helps make the engine more efficient, produces less harmful fumes, and churns out more power.
In machine-making, sometimes, introducing more power means sacrificing durability, but with this engine, that is not the case. This is because its cylinder sleeves are made with cast iron. Briggs and Stratton’s Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeve to be more specific.
Not only are the internals strong, but the oil pressure system is clever too. With a pressurized oil system, you won’t have to worry about gunk laying around the internals of your motor.
This system ensures that oil reaches all the engine’s components that need to be lubricated while keeping debris and contaminants away from the engine’s internal parts.
Dawned with technology and easy to install, you won’t have to worry a single bit about this engine. If you want a bulletproof engine that will last, then this Briggs and Stratton unit is the one that you should consider.
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Briggs and Stratton 104M02-0020-F1 163cc 725Exi Series Push Mower Engine
For the fourth item on this list, we have an engine made for push mowers. We’ll be talking about this 163cc push mower engine.
If your walk-behind mower is in need of a motor replacement, then we’ve got the perfect engine for you! This push mower engine has a reputation for being a truly reliable machine. Let’s get into more detail.
Apart from being a reliable vertical crankshaft engine capable of heavy mowing, this push mower produces 7.25-foot-pound of torque. The output is remarkable for a 163cc displacement motor.
Its ReadyStart starting system is by far one of the best push mower starting systems. All it takes is one pull for the engine to start. You won’t need to worry about a primer and a choke to configure. It is equipped with patented Overhead Valve Technology too.
Similar to all their engines equipped with their OHV, this one is efficient and powerful. If you’re looking for one of the best push mower engines out there, then you can look no further than this one. Easy to start, quick installation, and reliable, you can’t ask for more with this.
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Briggs & Stratton 31R907-0006-G1 500cc 17.5 Gross HP Engine
Last but not least, is an engine that is part of the 500cc displacement category, the Briggs & Stratton 500cc 17.5 gross HP engine is among the best choices to power your lawnmower if you want the best bells and whistles from the renowned company.
The engine is one of the greatest 500cc displacement lawnmower engines. Considering its price makes everything even better. Using this engine is such a breeze because of its smooth power delivery, thanks to its patented linear balancing system.
Not only is this engine smooth, but it also packs a punch. Rated at 17.5 horsepower, you will always be more than satisfied with its output. Its performance is impressive, but you’ll be equally impressed with its reliability and durability.
This engine comes with a dual-element air filter and cast-iron cylinder sleeves to improve efficiency and longevity. Because this engine comes with a float carburetor, it’s very easy to start.
The 9-amp electric starter of this engine comes with a rewind start. This is a great back-up feature for starting your engine.
The whole engine package is easy to install as it fits perfectly with most lawn mowers in the market. This engine will be good to go as soon as you have it installed and place all the engine’s necessities such as fuel and oil.
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Features to Look for in a Lawn Mower Engine
If you’re thinking about the factors to consider when choosing the right engine for you, you can start by looking at the technical specification, parts, and price.
These considerations will be a great way to begin when selecting from a set of lawnmower engines.
And if you can get an engine with great performance for a fantastic price, then you’ll be acquiring an item with the best value.
Compatibility
You’ll always want to look for an engine that is compatible with your lawnmower. From the best riding lawn mower engines to push mower engines, what you find online may not properly fit your lawnmower, rendering it practically useless, despite them being the best.
Make sure that you know the bolt pattern, position of its accessories, fuel lines, and the dimensions of your lawnmowers engine bay.
Build Quality
Well, building quality may not usually be a factor in price. Research is needed to determine the quality of a particular engine or engine brand.
Many lawn mower engines come with overhead valves (OHV). This engine configuration is among the most efficient, powerful, and durable.
You may want an engine that is equipped with OHV/OHC for simple tasks, as well as for heavy-duty use.
Engine Size
Depending on how you’ll use your engine, if it’s simply for maintaining your garden or will be used for tough conditions and work, you will have to make a decision on your engine size or displacement.
This is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), the bigger your engine, the higher its power output, and the more it is capable of handling tough situations.
Power Supply
There are two popular motor power supply choices, gas, and electric. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages; gasoline engines are known for their consistent power delivery and ability to last for long mowing periods.
The downside is the level of maintenance needed compared to electric motors. Electric motors are quieter and a greener option. On the flip side, these engines are not as powerful as gasoline engines and cannot run for longer mowing sessions.
How a Lawn Mower Engine Works?
A typical four-cycle or four-stroke engine of a lawnmower runs on gasoline. Your engine can be started with a push of a button, turn of the key, or by pulling a starter rope.
Once the starter is activated, the flywheel – which is connected to the crankshaft spins, and then the crankshaft begins to rotate. This crankshaft is connected to the piston.
During the rotation of the crankshaft, its rotational force is transferred to the piston, which moves in a reciprocating manner in the cylinder.
The spinning flywheel is equipped with magnets, and as it passes through the ignition coil, it creates a magnetic field that produces electricity. That voltage is transferred to the spark plug.
Within the cylinder, the engine goes through a four-step combustion cycle; these are the intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust strokes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average lawnmower typically can last at least 8 to 10 years. Of course, this is only possible with proper maintenance and care.
A lawnmower that is not maintained might only last half the minimum usable year.
Small walk-mower engines usually range from 140cc to 190cc. Yet, go for engines with at least 500 ccs if you wish to power larger lawnmower for tough cutting conditions.
Especially, for tall and wet grass, leaf mulching, or maintenance mowing.
The answer is, it depends on your mower. Now, the rotary walk-behind lawn mowers are powered by gasoline. They typically have engines that are at least 2 HP to 7 HP.
On the other hand, riding lawn mowers have 13 HP to 30 HP engines. This is due to their big and heavy frame.
The lawnmower engine size depends on your land. For at least ¼ to an acre land, you will only need a gas-powered push mower or a powerful battery mower.
Otherwise, a 3-acre piece of land would require you to have a 42″ to 54″ riding mower or a zero-turn mower.
A 2-inch push mower takes about 2 hours to mow an acre of lawn. A riding mower with at least a 36-inch cutting deck will give you the same result in an hour but with greater convenience.
Finally, a 48-inch cutting width should help you mow an acre of lawn within 45 minutes.
Wrapping Up!
Regardless of whether your engine gives up or you just wish to upgrade your old engine, make sure you look at the right features.
In addition to that, search for products that offer the best quality at its price tag. Take note, the best lawn mower engine can last you up to 10 years. The value you get is more than the price you initially invested in the engine!
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API