OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums General Discussion Forum Off Topics New Vanguard 200 engine

https://www.vanguardengines.com/na/...r-horizontal-shaft/new-vanguard-200.html

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...l-single-cylinder-engines-300588856.html

I can see a lot of Honda GX features on this...

G'day LRT

I worked for Briggs in a senior position for many years.
I understood the difference between a restricted line (Honda) and full-line engine maker (B&S).
Briggs would always suffer criticism because of this.

Many Briggs engines were mis-matched for their application and audience.
I was always frustrated by that.

Since the 1960s, Honda was always the benchmark for quality small stationary engines.
Briggs caught up in the 1970s with its I/C and then Vanguard lines.

Since then, Briggs has kept its dominance by observation and vision.
I have no doubt it has been inspired by Honda's efforts in making the best small engines.

B&S history - now spanning over a century - reveals the tenaciousness of the company
in maintaining its dominance ...

Briggs is a survivor ...

Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power generation, pressure washer, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs & Stratton�, Simplicity�, Snapper�, Ferris�, Vanguard�, Allmand�, Billy Goat�, Murray�, Branco� and Victa� brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents. For additional information, please visit www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.

Very interesting Jack. Must be careful what I say!

I have been a loyal supporter of Briggs but only lately been frustrated with the increasingly cheap feel and poor reliability of their newer engines.

I have successfully got 20,000 plus hours out of pre 2000's Briggs engines on water pumps but since the Intek line started they're absolutely had it by 4,000 hours.

I have 3 Intek 5.5hp horizontal shaft engines sitting here that need rebuilding. None of them have gone further than 4,000 hours even though I have serviced them every 50 hours. One has thrown a rod and the two others have oval bores.

I also have an Intek pressure washer that has only done 20 hours and is impossible to start. I plan to pull it apart to see what's wrong as it is out of warranty and the owner has gone and bought a Honda powered one instead

I am very grateful for Briggs to provide me access to complete my MST but I wish B&S Australia were more easy to contact!

Because I do not have a shop front I'm ineligible to become a dealer as Australia doesn't use the 100% mobile option B&S USA have. Briggs kindly opened an account for me at one of the nearby dealers but they're very difficult to deal with at times so I tend to buy parts elsewhere.

I now find it hard to encourage a customer to buy a Chinese made Briggs & Stratton as they say 'whats the point in paying $200 more than a Chonda when they both look identical'.

Of course, Briggs will honour their warranty and claim to oversee their Chinese plant but not everyone seems to see that.

G'day LRT
You do not need to be too careful what you say
I am a retired 'Briggs Man', and don't follow them closely now.
I only give brand loyalty to those who deserve it.

I just hope the correct Briggs engine is matched to the intended product.
It's pretty clear that Briggs is engaging in throw-away designs for
entry-level products.

I guess, as a full-line engine maker, it wants to cover every base
in order to maintain market dominance.

This must come at some price in terms of reputation - if the
grade of engine is mismatched to the product application -
and the expectation of the end consumer.

I certainly do not dispute the great stuff you have said.
I hope current Briggs execs are listening ...

Cheers
Jack