Either one will be more than adequate for cutting most lawns. The Briggs is rated at peak hp but does not produce that much on a mower because the engine is slowed due to blade speed regulations.

You found a Troy Bilt with a 5.5 HP Honda engine at Lowes? Here they have to special order them when they can get em. Telling everyone that they will be a thing of the past by next year. Briggs and stratton equals a cheaper quailty built engine. Thus saving Troy Bilt a ton of money for the bottom line profits.

Since we work on cost plus margin the more expensive engine would drive the overall price up.. and interestingly the profit margin. However if we charged the same price for 2 systems and one had much cheaper components it would make for a large profit margin, likely a dissatisfied customer, and a going out of business sign.

I have the non-self propelled Troy-Bilt with the Honda 5.5 and I like it very much so far. The link to it is below. I personally wouldn't have a self-propelled push mower, but hey--that's me. Your mileage may vary. If you have to have a self-propelled, I suggest you focus on a Honda mower. I wouldn't want a cheap self-propelled mower from MTD or anyone else.

AZ

Here is a link that might be useful: Troy-Bilt w/Honda GCV 160 5.5hp

Well, there's actually more to the story. For 2006, Lowe's carries 2 rear propelled Troy-bilts. The mowing features are exactly the same (3-in-1 deck, hi-lift blade, single lever ht adjust) but the starting systems and engines are different. The Honda should be around $349 or so and does have the 5.5 HP GCV160 engine which features Auto Choke, which means no choking or priming, just pull to start. The other model has a briggs 6.75 ,should be listed around $379 and is electric start.

Now, if you see a Briggs that is not electric start, I might stay away because that would be the 2005 model.

The Honda should treat you pretty well.

Hope that helps.

You requested information on the engines.

The Briggs quantum has been in production for about 15 years. This is a flathead engine with approximately 12 cubic inches. It is very easy to service and normally is easy to start. Parts are available everywhere. The engine is most often used on cheaper mowers, however, it is also used on medium priced mowers such as the Toro super recycler.

The Honda GC engine has about 9 cubic inches and is used on the cheaper mowers that are sold by department stores. This engine has very good starting qualities and is a little smoother and quieter than the Briggs. My observation is the engine is a little more sensitive to dirty air filters than the Briggs. The carburetor is more difficult to service than the Briggs due to the method of mounting. Parts are not as common as the Briggs, however, dealers can order and receive the parts quickly.

Both engines are well suited for the homeowner market and both should last 10 - 12 years or longer. Usually the mower falls apart and the engines are capable of continued service by performing a good tuneup.

larryf, good input. I'll add to the air filter deal. The Honda filter simply stops more dirt so it clogs sooner which will cause carbon fouling of the plug. The Briggs filter just so happens to be an exact fit if one wanted to install a filter that doesn't get clogged as soon and wants to let more dirt pass into the engine. But the Honda filter costs less so why not just change it more often and get the better protection.

Lowes has a slightly used T-B 838 for $250 The pull rope is on the engine not located on the handle ?
Is this a older model as my 20017 has the handle pull.

I looked at the same mower TB with Honda, but after reading a lot of posted message here I decided to get the Lawn Boy 10684. Used it last weekend and loved it! Went from a Honda HRM215.

Are Crafterman and Troybilt made at the same factory?
Looks like the same type of drive system....The squeez handel. Will take another look at the one with the Honda motor tomorrow.

Troy Bilt's parent is MDT ,as I recall, so this is a "low-price" item.
Better, IMO, is the Lawn Boy Insight series...which is what I have..
The Honda engine will yield superior fuel economy, with the gas price as it is now, a man could save 10 to
50 dollars per year, using the more efficient engine...

Earthworm....Thanks for the info. Bought a HD Toro 20017 last spring. PP system works pretty good but should of spent $150 and gotton a SR4 Toro.

Lowe's asking 250 for the TB ....use as a back up to my Toro. Started OK and looks pretty good lke used 2-3 times. Should I go for it? Only 2 weeks ago had to get a TB chipper with a 6.5 Honda from Lowe's and that set me back $600!
John
Saint Charles, MO

Bought a returned TB with Honda engine at Lowe's today. Was marked 225....I offered 200 and they said OK! Was used a few times but 95% like new. Gassed it up and started and ran just fine. Best deal that I made all year.

Unable to locate carb adjustment on new mower. Present carb
adjustment running rich and fouling plug.

I bought my troybuild in2008 it has a honda motor it my go down this year but its still going strong it will mow anything. Rear wheel self propelled is wonderful. I havr a hill i mow it will pull you up that hill it goes down i will try my best to find another one best lawn mower i have ever owned