ENGINES - BRIGGS and STRATTON - #1

Outdoor power equipment lasts a long time. Make sure you choose the right equipment, and the right engine brand to power it. Most consumers recognize that the single most critical component to consider on outdoor power equipment is the engine. That's because Ease of starting, durability and available power directly impact power equipment performance and your satisfaction with it.

When considering the engine brand, keep in mind that some engine manufacturers provide a much broader engine lineup than others. The broader the engine line, the more choices you have in terms of power, features and price levels on the equipment you purchase.

There are a variety of ways to make starting easier and they will vary by the engine you select. To be sure you find the combination of features and power that's right for you, look for an engine brand that offers a wide selection of easy-starting options. All Briggs & Stratton engines offer various easy starting features. One of the easiest starting is with the feature READYSTART® - no choking, no priming, just pull for power.

Engine power is the single biggest difference from one piece of power equipment to the next. For instance, the more cutting power a lawnmower has the more easily it will maintain the speed of the blade and deliver a consistent, quality cut, even under tough conditions:

In combination with engine configuration, engine size is the most important factor in a lawnmower's ability to handle tough, demanding jobs. The higher the displacement, torque or horsepower rating, the more power the machine has to get the job done. For walk-behind mowers, Briggs & Stratton engine sizes typically range from 148cc to 190cc. For riding mowers the sizes typically range from 10.5 to 24.0 gross horsepower:

is a measure of size and indicates an engine's volume or capacity

• Torque - is defined as the twisting force that tends to cause rotation. It is a more direct way to measure power in walk-behind mowers as well as pressure washers and generators.

• Horsepower - is the rate of doing work over time. It is a more meaningful measure of power for riding lawnmower engines. That's because power in ride engines is distributed to the transmission, wheels, hydraulics, and the cutting blades via various gear ratios. This makes horsepower a more meaningful measure of the ride engine's ability to get the job done.