Jeffrey1988's stats
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- First reviewMarch 31, 2012
- Last reviewMay 18, 2012
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- First review commentMarch 28, 2012
- Last review commentMay 24, 2012
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- First questionApril 4, 2012
- Last questionApril 4, 2012
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- First answerMay 18, 2012
- Last answerMay 18, 2012
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- FirstMay 18, 2012
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Jeffrey1988's Reviews
The Professional Series™ engines were designed to be best-in-class combining power, performance, features, and size. These engines offer consumers and professionals commercial-grade features including easier starting, smoother and quieter operation, increased durability, and longer life. ReadyStart ® is standard on all Professional Series engines.
Overall rating
Best Engine you can put on a push mower and here is why.
PostedMay 18, 2012
Jeffrey1988
fromTamaroa, IL
Age:18-24
Gender:Male
Level of expertise:Expert
Types:Push Mower
Starting
5
/
5
Power
5
/
5
Reliability
5
/
5
Performance
5
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I don't own this engine but I have a family member who does and I have got to use it a few times.
I'm going to compare this engine with a Honda GXV160 and tell you why I would pick this engine if I were to buy another commercial push mower.
Alright in terms of power, the GXV160, I'd say that is the single most thing I dislike about it, it doesn't have enough. This engine does have the power and I fear it may have too much in the situation where you hit a big root or something. But still the I give the Power point to the Briggs.
Terms of reliability, ok lets see here. In terms of starting, both this engine and the honda are an exceeds...I prefer the one or two pulls on the briggs though, to the manual choking on the Honda. But I'd still say its a draw.
Now for the big one, Reliability. Both these engines seem to be reliable, both have something I say could be improved. The Briggs starts easy and runs great, so does the Honda. What could be improved on the Briggs, well a stronger crank, maybe a double ball bearing setup like the honda, because it is more powerful so therefore it would be more likely to break if you hit sidewalk or a root. Easy solution, don't use fancy mowers by sidewalks or rooty trees, I still wouldn't do it with a Honda GXV, just use a cheap mower or a weed eater. Ok now what can the "Legendary" honda improve on? Well, the choke system I mentioned earlier. If you get a branch from a small bush or something in the choke system and it bends, then you are going to have fun fixing it or paying 50 bucks an hour to get it fixed. Honda's GXV engine is no good if you can't set it on the right rpm or choke it, and its sad it relies on a small piece of metal attached to a spring that has a guard that doesn't completely cover the mechanism. Sounds like an achilles heal to me. This actually happened to me lol, my "bullet proof" honda commercial mower. In terms of reliability, I will have to give it too the honda, even though it was close...I'd rather fix a bent piece of metal than a bent crank or worse.
Performance, well lets see. Briggs, doesn't bog down even in thick wet grass while mulching. Honda, bogs down in wet grass if you haven't mowed for 10 days. Now in reverse, Honda uses less fuel...and is quieter than the briggs which is still a pretty quiet sounding engine.
Verdict- I give it to briggs, I'd rather burn a little more gas and not be restarting my mower every 2 minutes when it bogs.
Verdict- I give it to briggs, I'd rather burn a little more gas and not be restarting my mower every 2 minutes when it bogs.
Value- the briggs 850 you can get a new engine for under 850 on amazon, the honda is around 400. Terms of whats more for the buck, I say the briggs only because it is cheaper. But too be fair, if you want a fuel efficient very nice sounding engine, the honda is for you. If you want an engine thats gonna get it done in faster in bad conditions you want the briggs 850.
Now in conclusion briggs has more points than the honda on my scale. I think it is more of an ideal choice for most conditions. Easier to get parts for, easier to work on than the honda. But by no way am I saying honda is junk it definitely isn't. But if Honda made a 190 gxv it would be a more fair comparison.
ProsQuiet, powerful, easy to work on, easy starts, cost friendly parts
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The all new 625e Series™ engines provide easier starting, more durability, and lower emissions. These engines provide the power needed for high-performance mowing. Featuring Maxi-Clean™ air cleaner, and a Super Lo-Tone™ Muffler.
Overall rating
Good engine, awesome price.
PostedMarch 31, 2012
Jeffrey1988
fromTamaroa, IL
Age:18-24
Gender:Male
Length of ownership:1 Year to 5 Years
Frequency of use:Daily
Level of expertise:Expert
Types:Push Mower
Starting
4
/
5
Power
4
/
5
Reliability
4
/
5
Performance
4
/
5
Value
5
/
5
I have this engine on my yardman I bought a while back at Wal Mart. I have nothing but good things to say about the engine. I change the oil in it after the first initial 5 hours use and afterwards every 25, which for me was in the first couple days and then every 2 weeks, since I mow lawns, using this and my honda hrc. It gets used and abused, but I keep the air filter clean, and good clean gas in it...so far after a couple years no worries. Took the wobbly wheels off the yard man and put steel ones on it, and covered the wheels and bottom of the deck in yellow rustoleum. I also painted the top of the engine guard yellow with krylon fusion, it makes it look more professional, and the rustoleum protects the deck and wheels. One thing I want to point out is, the crankshaft on this mower seems sturdy enough it doesnt bend if I hit something, I generally use the yard man in road ditches and around big root trees (places I wont take my 1100 dollar honda lol, and its had its share of sudden stops lol. Now the briggs 875, I could see bending the crankshaft, its much more force on the same size shaft. So this engine seems well designed, just drain the gas at the end of the season , use premium fuel, (I do in all my power equipment.) Keep clean oil in it, and AT THE RIGHT LEVEL, and make sure too keep the air filter clean. You do that this engine will give you more 10 times the amount of hours per dollar as some of the higher price engines will. Just my 2 cents.
Prosreliable, cheap, easy to work on, performs great
Yes, I recommend this product.
Share:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Jeffrey1988's Review Comments
The all new 625e Series™ engines provide easier starting, more durability, and lower emissions. These engines provide the power needed for high-performance mowing. Featuring Maxi-Clean™ air cleaner, and a Super Lo-Tone™ Muffler.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Used 5 times and broken-will not warranty
By Brian252
from Mandeville, LA, USA
Had a mower for about 5 years that went out at the end of last season (due to wife destroying it, ha ha). Bought this new from Lowe's late in the season and only used it a handful of times-maybe 5. Tried to use it at the beginning of this season after using up the fuel in the bowl as recommended, with no luck. Try to diagnose myself without success. Brought back to Lowe's who sent it out for repair. Received an estimate for $120 on a $300 mower for a carburetor replacement. It should be under warranty right???? Nope, not carburetors! So now I have to either spend $120 to get it fix and have the same thing happen again, or go about and spend another $300-400 on a better model who doesn't have a "sensitive carburetor" as was explained to me by the warranty repair person...... Never again Briggs and Stratton, or Lowe's!
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
sounds costly
Posted March 28, 2012
120 dollars would almost replace the whole engine. These little engines are easy to disembler, you could probably buy the part and change it yourself for 20-30 dollars. But if you only used it 5 times there should be nothing wrong with the carb, but make sure when you flip mower to get under it, that the oil side is down. Sometimes you gotta prime it a few extra times to get it to start as well.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
The Professional Series™ engines were designed to be best-in-class combining power, performance, features, and size. These engines offer consumers and professionals commercial-grade features including easier starting, smoother and quieter operation, increased durability, and longer life. ReadyStart ® is standard on all Professional Series engines.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Best Engine you can put on a push mower and here is why.
By Jeffrey1988
from Tamaroa, IL
I don't own this engine but I have a family member who does and I have got to use it a few times.
I'm going to compare this engine with a Honda GXV160 and tell you why I would pick this engine if I were to buy another commercial push mower.
Alright in terms of power, the GXV160, I'd say that is the single most thing I dislike about it, it doesn't have enough. This engine does have the power and I fear it may have too much in the situation where you hit a big root or something. But still the I give the Power point to the Briggs.
Terms of reliability, ok lets see here. In terms of starting, both this engine and the honda are an exceeds...I prefer the one or two pulls on the briggs though, to the manual choking on the Honda. But I'd still say its a draw.
Now for the big one, Reliability. Both these engines seem to be reliable, both have something I say could be improved. The Briggs starts easy and runs great, so does the Honda. What could be improved on the Briggs, well a stronger crank, maybe a double ball bearing setup like the honda, because it is more powerful so therefore it would be more likely to break if you hit sidewalk or a root. Easy solution, don't use fancy mowers by sidewalks or rooty trees, I still wouldn't do it with a Honda GXV, just use a cheap mower or a weed eater. Ok now what can the "Legendary" honda improve on? Well, the choke system I mentioned earlier. If you get a branch from a small bush or something in the choke system and it bends, then you are going to have fun fixing it or paying 50 bucks an hour to get it fixed. Honda's GXV engine is no good if you can't set it on the right rpm or choke it, and its sad it relies on a small piece of metal attached to a spring that has a guard that doesn't completely cover the mechanism. Sounds like an achilles heal to me. This actually happened to me lol, my "bullet proof" honda commercial mower. In terms of reliability, I will have to give it too the honda, even though it was close...I'd rather fix a bent piece of metal than a bent crank or worse.
Performance, well lets see. Briggs, doesn't bog down even in thick wet grass while mulching. Honda, bogs down in wet grass if you haven't mowed for 10 days. Now in reverse, Honda uses less fuel...and is quieter than the briggs which is still a pretty quiet sounding engine.
Verdict- I give it to briggs, I'd rather burn a little more gas and not be restarting my mower every 2 minutes when it bogs.
Verdict- I give it to briggs, I'd rather burn a little more gas and not be restarting my mower every 2 minutes when it bogs.
Value- the briggs 850 you can get a new engine for under 850 on amazon, the honda is around 400. Terms of whats more for the buck, I say the briggs only because it is cheaper. But too be fair, if you want a fuel efficient very nice sounding engine, the honda is for you. If you want an engine thats gonna get it done in faster in bad conditions you want the briggs 850.
Now in conclusion briggs has more points than the honda on my scale. I think it is more of an ideal choice for most conditions. Easier to get parts for, easier to work on than the honda. But by no way am I saying honda is junk it definitely isn't. But if Honda made a 190 gxv it would be a more fair comparison.
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
Mistype
Posted May 18, 2012
*The Briggs 850 you can get a new engine for under 250 on Amazon.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
The Professional Series™ engines were designed to be best-in-class combining power, performance, features, and size. These engines offer consumers and professionals commercial-grade features including easier starting, smoother and quieter operation, increased durability, and longer life. ReadyStart ® is standard on all Professional Series engines.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Top notch engine with brilliant berformance.
By Mountfieldm4
from uk
Hi all, I used a Mountfield m4 Major 18'' push mower, which rear discharges and collects with its 5mm thick deck.
For approximatley 33 years #from 1977 it had the standard 3.5 hp Briggs and stratton Model 92908 side valve engine, which ran sweet as a nut for all those years and even with that engine the mower coped exellently with long grass. now though the points are pitted so it does not run but that's an easy fix for a good engine.
I then decided to go for a 850 I/C series 12Q902 model engine, which I bought for £200 approx from a reputable authorized engine dealer.
For approximatley 33 years #from 1977 it had the standard 3.5 hp Briggs and stratton Model 92908 side valve engine, which ran sweet as a nut for all those years and even with that engine the mower coped exellently with long grass. now though the points are pitted so it does not run but that's an easy fix for a good engine.
I then decided to go for a 850 I/C series 12Q902 model engine, which I bought for £200 approx from a reputable authorized engine dealer.
This is how I rate the engine as a professional user.
Features
pros
Cast iron bore will definatley provide a long engine life. high mount oil fill and dual element air cleaner for dusty conditions. super low tone muffler for quieter operation ready start for 1 to 2 pull starts even in winter resin blower housing for no dents.
cons
No full pressure lube so can't be used on same gradients as 2 stroke engines, if you could design a simple, efective and reliable solution for this problem then then this would be great.
No heavy duty bearings as standard as previous reviewer pointed out
This feature is optional and only comes with heavy fly-wheel to the best or my knowlege.
This feature is optional and only comes with heavy fly-wheel to the best or my knowlege.
Performance.
This thing keeps turning near full revs even if the deck clogs with grass because of the torque of the engine. so safe to say that i could even cut down grass that's knee height with virtually no bogging down.
I have never had it cut out exept from from tank being empty.
I have never had it cut out exept from from tank being empty.
The only downer is that there's no full pressure lube available only pressurised oil filter is available not the whole engine so you can't use it on slopes. but otherwise amazing performance for that perfect cut even in damp climates or conditions.
economy
Full tank will easilly last an hour so it's really good on fuel
reliability.
starts first time every time
when engine get's warm it sometimes takes a few pulls to get the engine started
does'nt quit or bog gown so better thn the honda gxv160 which boggs down quite often which I have experienced on one mower.
I havent had any issues exept fuel jet in carb is minute for emission compliance reasons so it can clogs even if fuel has been filtered with fine mesh funnel but that can be fixed very cheaply for under £10.00 at local Briggs and stratton dealer who will rectify the problem with the correct procedure.
durability
Engine has resin blower housing like Vanguard engines so is resistant to impacts and easy to clean.
Dual element air filter with seals for stopping debris entering engine,
cast iron sleeve to resist wear and allow a full days operation for a whole week.
cast iron sleeve to resist wear and allow a full days operation for a whole week.
The only bad point is that it does'nt come with the Heavy duty bearings like the honda gxv160 although in virtually every other way this is the ultimate mower engine even better than kawasaki fj 180v KAI which has less torque and is less reliable because of hunting issues has a shaft which is prone to bending and does'nt have heavy duty bearings but only has plain bearings.
Summary
A great engine that's much better priced than its competitors and is more powerful, durable and is generally more reliable than it rivals. A vanguard version would be an exellent addition to the product line with all the features of your big block engines such as a grass cutting screen in the blower housing to stop build up of grass in that area and enhance durability and reliability it could also have a central oil pump with oil cooling heat sink which would alow the operator to safely use mower on any slop they can walk on without damaging the engine.
I would highly recomend the 850 I/C engine to any commercial user or home owner with a large amount of lawn to care for.
This is the finest engine available for walk behind mowers available today and is hard to beat with bags of power, durability, ergonomics and performance to match.
This is the finest engine available for walk behind mowers available today and is hard to beat with bags of power, durability, ergonomics and performance to match.
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
Nice review...
Posted May 24, 2012
I mistyped the price at 850, meant too type 250 wish I could change that number after I submitted.
Honestly I think the perfect engine would be a GXV190, maybe some day but doubt it.
On Honda I really wish they would fix the finicky throttle cable set up...my brother has a briggs and stratton engine on a tiller. It has a regular switch lever on the engine itself instead of a cable connecting small pieces of metal. I think if Honda would take that Idea from briggs and incorporate it in a gxv190 it would be the ultimate 22" or less mower engine.
As for the Kawasaki you mentioned, have you had experience with both the Kai and the older fjv180? Do neither of them have ball bearing? And do they have the same finicky style throttle set up as the Honda on the Honda commercial 21?
Anyways I have to agree with your statement, I haven't seen a better engine for a push/walk behind mower than this briggs for productivity. Not too mention the honda is welded to the frame which I find as another annoyance with the Honda commercial.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Jeffrey1988's Questions
The Professional Series™ engines were designed to be best-in-class combining power, performance, features, and size. These engines offer consumers and professionals commercial-grade features including easier starting, smoother and quieter operation, increased durability, and longer life. ReadyStart ® is standard on all Professional Series engines.
crankshafts
just wondering why they dont put a thicker diameter crankshaft on these 850 and 875 engines, they are so powerful it gives them an achelies heel. I know that honda gxv has a 1" double ball bearing design, and it doesn't have near the power as one of these engines. Kawi has a 1", and it has less torque, I believe briggs uses a 7/8, I mean it can't cost that much more to make it a bit tougher. Other than that I love your engines.
1 year, 1 month ago
by
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
Jeffrey1988's Content
The all new 625e Series™ engines provide easier starting, more durability, and lower emissions. These engines provide the power needed for high-performance mowing. Featuring Maxi-Clean™ air cleaner, and a Super Lo-Tone™ Muffler.
i want to get a replacement carb assembly
more cost effective to replace carb than to degunk it from fouled gas.
Look in your manual for a part number, I get most of what I need off of Amazon. But man I'd try some cleaning and using a little sea foam, it isn't that expensive
1 year ago
by
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
The all new 625e Series™ engines provide easier starting, more durability, and lower emissions. These engines provide the power needed for high-performance mowing. Featuring Maxi-Clean™ air cleaner, and a Super Lo-Tone™ Muffler.
purchased this mower can not get starter cord to pull?
If the rope has went all the way back down to the engine, you may just have to give it a harder tug, just keep the recoil rope up in the position on the handle bar so its easier to pull.
1 year ago
by
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
The all new 625e Series™ engines provide easier starting, more durability, and lower emissions. These engines provide the power needed for high-performance mowing. Featuring Maxi-Clean™ air cleaner, and a Super Lo-Tone™ Muffler.
after priming with bulb engine will turn over once then stop. seems not to be getting fuel but the fuel lines are clear.
the priming bulb has a small hole in it. Could this be the problem.?
If you have an MTD mower, they probably use the cheaper spark plug...You may have to hit the prime 7 times. You would know if it was priming right because you can here a suction noise when pressing it. But if it rolls over when you are starting it then dies, I'd just try priming 7 times and see if that is what you need to do.
Could be a number of things, bad gas etc I could list on and on...always rule out simple things first
Could be a number of things, bad gas etc I could list on and on...always rule out simple things first
1 year ago
by
Jeffrey1988
Tamaroa, IL
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