Is your power equipment in need of a new engine? The good news is you don’t have to replace it with the same brand that failed. But with so many models and brands available, finding the right engine for your mower, log splitter, pressure washer, or other equipment can feel overwhelming. Selecting the wrong engine can impact your equipment's performance and longevity, ultimately costing you more in the long run. At Small Engine Warehouse, we understand how challenging this decision can be. That's why we've identified the top four engine brands and offer key insights into each one, helping you make an informed choice that best fits your needs.

Briggs & Stratton

Founded in 1908, Briggs & Stratton initially found success by providing power solutions for the agricultural and military industries. Early in the century, they developed the Type “P” which allowed them to become the world’s largest manufacturer of air-cooled gasoline engines. In the 1950s, they revolutionized the lawn and garden industries with the introduction of the first lightweight aluminum engine, leading to innovations like the Kool Bore™ and Sleeve-Bore engines. These advancements paved the way for more efficient mowers and set a new standard in small engine performance. Today they remain the world’s largest producer of outdoor power equipment engines.

What is noteworthy about Briggs & Stratton engines?

• Commercial or Residential: Offers engines for both residential and commercial use. The Vanguard series is their flagship product for commercial applications.
• ReadyStart® : Technology ensures fast and easy starting and eliminates the need to prime or choke the engine.
• Overhead Valve (OHV): Allows for more efficient combustion.
• Easy Maintenance: No tools are required for basic maintenance.
• Common Applications: Push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, generators, pressure washers, log splitters, snow blowers.

Kawasaki

Kawasaki entered the small engine industry in the 1950s, initially developing a prototype for their first general-purpose engine in 1956, which they began selling the following year. Named the KF4, this 4-stroke gasoline engine was inspired by aviation technology and quickly gained popularity for its performance and durability. Over the decades, Kawasaki continued to innovate, establishing itself as a leading brand in the small engine sector. By 1989, the company expanded its production to the US to support its growing sales. During this period, Kawasaki also introduced a water-cooled V-twin engine. Today, Kawasaki remains a prominent player in the global engine market, known for its ongoing innovation and high-quality products.

What is noteworthy about Kawasaki engines?

• Commercial or Residential: Offers engines for both commercial and residential use; with their FR series built with residential use in mind and FX series designed for commercial needs.
• Reliable Quality: Each engine is test-run before it leaves the production facility.
• Built for Tough Jobs: Their Electronic Fuel Injection technology equips them to handle tasks requiring maximum output.
• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Network: Collaborates with leading outdoor power equipment manufacturers to pair their engines with top-tier equipment.
• Common Applications: Zero-turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, stand-on mowers, Garden/Lawn Tractors.

Kohler

Kohler has a diverse range of products across various industries, but they entered the small engine sector with a major milestone: the world’s first engine-powered generator in 1920. It wasn’t until 28 years later that they expanded into manufacturing engines specifically for landscaping and agriculture. A significant technology advancement came in 1998 when Kohler became the first to implement electronic fuel injection in lawn mowers—a technology used only in automotive engines up until this point. Today, their Command PRO® series, launched in 2015, stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency and continues to be one of Kohler’s top options available.

What is noteworthy about Kohler engines?

• Commercial or Residential: Offers engines for both commercial and residential use; with primary focuses on home, garden, professional landscaping, and industrial construction.
• Professional Grade Materials: Engines are designed to last with cast-iron cylinder liners.
• Cost Efficient: Electronic Fuel Injection technology reduces fuel consumption, leading to significant savings.
• Engine Protection: Engines equipped with Quad-Clean™ are designed to operate reliably even in dirty conditions.
• Common Applications: Walk-behind mowers, zero-turn mowers, pressure washers, log splitters, generators, compactors

Honda

Honda's founder initially designed an engine for bicycles, which quickly boosted the brand’s popularity upon its release. Known as the Honda Type-A, this product spurred further innovation within the company. Their major breakthrough came in 1977 with the release of the G150/200 engines, designed to rival the American-made engines that dominated the market. These engines featured innovative components such as an automatic shutoff when oil levels were dangerously low, an emergency kill switch, and easier starting thanks to a decompression cam. Honda achieved another significant advancement with the launch of their GX series, setting a new standard for OHV engines. Today, Honda's reputation for quality remains strong, and they are one of the world’s largest engine manufacturers when combining automotive, motorcycle, marine, and power equipment.

What is noteworthy about Honda engines?

• Commercial or Residential: Offers engines for both commercial and residential use; with their GX series equipped for commercial use and their GC and GS series intended for residential uses.
• Overhead Valve (OHV): Allows for more efficient combustion. Set industry standards for OHV.
• Oil Alert: GX, V-twin series, and iGX issue a warning or shut off altogether when oil levels are too low, preventing engine seizure.
• Quick Starting: Automatic mechanical decompression system reduces compression to provide easy starting
• Common Applications: Push mowers, walk behind mowers, zero-turn mowers, tillers, generators, pressure washers, construction, trimmers, agricultural equipment.

How Small Engine Warehouse Can Help

Each of these four brands offers unique, standout features that set them apart from the rest of the competition. They have all earned their rightful place among the top engine manufacturers in the industry. If you've decided on the best brand for your needs, explore our abundant engine options online. Still uncertain? Our knowledgeable engine specialists are available to assist you over the phone and help you make the right choice.