When it comes to single-cylinder equipment engines, professionals often mention the Honda GX line. However, there are some reservations about the Honda engines as well. While Honda has a solid reputation in the industry, Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard engine is looking to bring some innovative changes. Let’s compare the Vanguard and Honda GX engines and see what sets them apart.
Who is the Pioneer?
Briggs & Stratton’s commercial engine brand, Vanguard, aims to win your business the next time you need to repower or buy a new single-cylinder engine.
The exciting thing about the new range of Vanguard engines is that they have been completely redesigned from scratch. No bases, no clones; just a fresh start to take advantage of new possibilities.
The new Vanguard family of single-cylinder engines ranges from 5 to 13 horsepower. The best part is that they fit within the same footprint as Honda engines, making them drop-in replacements without the need for retuning or machining new parts. This is a significant advantage for users looking to switch from Honda engines to Vanguard.
Starting Reliability and Ease of Use
When comparing the Vanguard vs. Honda GX, the carburetor takes center stage. Honda engines have always had a reliable reputation for starting and user-friendliness. Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard engines prioritize this aspect as well.
Vanguard carburetors feature a corrosion-resistant coating and optimal fuel sizing, reducing the need for frequent maintenance visits and ensuring reliable starts, even after letting the engine sit idle for a season. The combination of the carburetor, ignition, and combustion system provides confidence in stable performance, even in temperatures as low as -20°F.
Advanced TransportGuard Fuel Shutoff System
For equipment rental houses, customers often remember to turn off the machine but forget to turn off the oil. This can lead to oil dilution issues and cause the machine to stop running until maintenance is performed. The Vanguard engine solves this problem with its TransportGuard system, which puts the fuel cutoff on the same switch as the engine shutdown, simplifying the process and reducing downtime.
Pioneer and Honda GX Repair
Most single-cylinder engines require an oil change every 100 hours. However, thanks to a system that keeps the oil clean, the Vanguard engines have doubled their oil change interval to 200 hours.
Additionally, Vanguard engines come equipped with a cyclonic air filtration system as a standard feature. This system creates a tornado-like effect within the intake, expelling larger particles before they reach the air filter. Consequently, you only need to change the air filter every 600 hours, rather than every 300 hours.
Additional Considerations for Pioneer vs. Honda GX
Vanguard engines are designed to reduce vibration, which not only prolongs the engine’s lifespan but also helps reduce noise. The engineers have even worked on optimizing the tone to provide a more pleasant experience for your ears.
Downtime can significantly impact your business’s profitability. Vanguard ensures next-day delivery of their 50,000+ parts to most parts of the country. Moreover, they back their engines with a full three-year warranty, which is unique in this segment.
Starting with the 6.5 HP Vanguard 200 engine in 2018, the Vanguard engine line will roll out for repowers and OEMs over the next two years. Only time will tell how seriously the market takes Vanguard, but one thing is clear – Vanguard engines aim to reach the top of the hill and become king of the hill.