Comparison Briggs&Stratton 500 Series vs Briggs&Stratton 500E Series

The rated power of the engine in horsepower (in fact, the maximum power that the unit can produce in normal operation, without overloads). Despite the popularity of the designation in watts (see below), horsepower (hp) is still quite widely used to indicate the power of internal combustion engines. 1 HP is approximately 735 watts.

In general, the more powerful the engine, the more speed and tractive effort it is able to develop. On the other hand, this indicator directly affects the weight, dimensions, and most importantly, the cost of the unit, while the real need for high power is relatively rare. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned application; specific recommendations on the selection of an engine for a specific technique and tasks can be found in special sources. We only note that models of the same power can differ in speed and "torque"; see "Shaft speed" for details.

In general, performance up to 8 hp. are considered low, up to 13 hp. — medium, more than 13 hp — high.

The rated power of the engine (the highest power it can deliver in normal operation) in kilowatts. Initially, the power of internal combustion engines (ICE) was usually denoted in horsepower, but now it is also common to record in watts / kilowatts; this, in particular, makes it easier to compare the power of internal combustion engines and electric motors. Some units can be converted to others: 1 hp approximately equal to 0.735 kW.

In general, the more powerful the engine, the more speed and tractive effort it is able to develop. On the other hand, this indicator directly affects the weight, dimensions, and most importantly, the cost of the unit, while the real need for high power is relatively rare. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned application; specific recommendations on choosing an engine for a specific technique and tasks can be found in special sources. We only note that models of the same power can differ in speed and "torque"; see "Shaft speed" for details.

The maximum torque developed by the engine during operation. Note that such an indicator is usually achieved only at certain speeds — this nuance can be specified in the characteristics.

Torque can be simplistically described as the force exerted by a motor on a shaft. The higher this effort, the more “high-torque” the motor is, the better it overcomes resistance and handles with high loads. The torque value is directly related to the power. For example, for 5 hp models. and less torque up to 10 Nm is considered quite normal, engines of 4 – 7 hp. give out from 10 to 20 Nm, and values of 20 Nm or more are found in units with a power of at least 8 hp. At the same time, engines of the same power may differ in actual force. So this indicator characterizes the capabilities of the unit well in comparison with analogues.

It is worth saying that many consider torque to be a more reliable and visual parameter than power: the latter can be indicated in different ways (nominal, maximum, etc.), while torque is a completely unambiguous characteristic.

Shaft type, more precisely, the type of fastening for the hub provided on the shaft shank.

Recall that a hub is a part with a hole that is put on the shaft; it is through this part that the rotation is transmitted to the mechanism with which the engine is used. The general rule in this case is this: the type of shaft must match the type of mounting on the hub, otherwise normal operation will not be possible. Nowadays, there are units with shafts under the key, under the spline, under the cone and under the thread. Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Dowel. Connection using a key — an elongated part placed in a special longitudinal groove. More precisely, there are two grooves: one is located on the shaft, the other is on the hub, and the key is tightly installed in the space formed by the grooves and connects the shaft and the hub. Such connections are simple and at the same time quite functional, due to which they are widespread and found in engines of all price and “weight” categories. On the other hand, a keyed connection is less secure than a splined connection and is less suitable for high RPM and/or heavy loads.

— Slots. Connection based on slots — longitudinal slots. Most often, there are six of them on the shaft, and the seat on the hub has the appropriate shape — in the form...of a characteristic asterisk. A spline connection is more complicated and more expensive than a keyed connection, and numerous slots reduces the strength of the shaft and it has to be made thicker. However, the connection itself is very reliable, as it evenly distributes the load during rotation. Therefore, splines are recommended for work at high loads.

— Cone. A shaft with a shank in the form of a cone (tapering towards the end), in the centre of which there is a hole with an internal thread. It is used quite rarely, mainly on fairly powerful units — from 7 hp. and higher.

— Carving. Cylindrical shank with external thread. A rather specific option that has not received much distribution — in particular, due to the fact that the thread tends to loosen from vibrations as it is used, and significant efforts may be required to connect and disconnect the shank and hub.

The highest shaft speed provided by the motor. Before buying, you should make sure that this indicator corresponds to the characteristics of the equipment in which you plan to install the engine — too high a speed can damage the working tool, transmission units, etc.

It is also worth considering that a higher rotational speed (for the same engine power and transmission characteristics) means less torque, and vice versa. Therefore, this parameter allows you to compare engines in terms of the speed / thrust ratio (however, only on the condition that they do not have reduction gears — see "Functions").

The working volume of all engine cylinders. Usually, other things being equal, a larger volume allows you to achieve higher power, but increases fuel consumption and affects the dimensions of the unit.

The engine piston diameter is a reference parameter — in fact, this data is required very rarely, usually, for repairs and other specific tasks that the average user usually does not deal with at all.

The distance that an engine piston travels from one extreme point to another. In general, it is a rather specific characteristic and is rarely required in fact (for most ordinary users, it is never needed at all in the entire “life” of the engine).

The nominal volume of the engine's fuel tank is the maximum amount of fuel that can be safely filled there. Knowing the fuel consumption (see below), it is possible to estimate the operating time of the unit on a single refill by the volume of the tank by dividing the tank capacity by the consumption.

Large fuel tanks, on the one hand, allow you to work for a long time without refueling, on the other hand, they significantly affect the dimensions and weight of the engine. Also note that many models allow refueling "on the go." When choosing a tank volume, manufacturers take into account these points, as well as the “weight category” and the specifics of the engine application.