Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power unveiled the 6.5-gross hp Vanguard 200 engine, the first in a complete line of single-cylinder, horizontal-shaft commercial gasoline engines, spanning from 5 to 13 gross hp.

The engines are capable of powering equipment such as aerators, sod cutters and small trenchers.

“For decades, manufacturers have been modifying old designs,” said Jim Cross, marketing manager, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power. “We went out and asked people what they wanted and needed out of a single-cylinder engine before we even started designing this platform.”

Designed from the ground up, the engine features new carburetion, ignition and combustion systems and is designed to start at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, based on proper starting procedures and fuel and oil specifications. Additionally, all surfaces inside the carburetor that contact fuel feature a corrosion- and stale-fuel-resistant plating, said the company.

The new engine also includes an advanced version of TransportGuard, Vanguard’s single ignition and fuel shutoff designed to prevent oil dilution during transport. The lever now incorporates throttle control.

The engine’s oil management system allows the engine to run efficiently for up to 200 hours between oil changes, and its fully cyclonic air filtration system extends air filter replacement intervals to 600 hours.

The engine’s components lessen vibration impact on performance and wear, and the engine features reduced decibel levels, according to Briggs & Stratton.

The 6.5-gross hp Vanguard 200 will be available to OEMs and for engine repowers in 2018. The remaining models will be introduced over the next two years.

Power levels are stated as gross horsepower at 3,600 rpm per SAE J1940.

Photo: Briggs & Stratton