Briggs & Stratton question

[pbm]

It's time for a new Self-Propelled mower since my 1998 is burning oil and needs a belt (for the SP) and probably a new cable to the carb. It has served me well.
This SCOTT'S mower from HD had an OHV 6.5 Intek B&S.
All the B&Ss that I now see have the flathead 190cc.
Have they done away with the OHV Intek?
I also was wondering why the 190cc is listed at 6.25, 6.5, 6.75 and even 7 depending on the application. How does a 190cc 6.25 Craftsman Silver differ from a 190cc 7.0 Craftsman Platinum?
Was there a problem with the OHV B&S that caused them to go back to the flathead?

PS: I'm between a Toro with the B&S and a Husqvarna with the Honda 160cc.

 

[dwendt44]

The flathead is cheap. Mower makers keep the price down using them in states that allow them. (not Cal.)

The various ratings on the 190 B&S have to do with the same thing that car makers have been doing for decades.

Differing compression ratios, carb size, etc...equal different power ratings.

The basic engine is the same for all.

 

[cmf]

6.25, 6.5, etc are the torque they produce. 190cc is the displacement. A 190cc 6.25 Craftsman silver will output 6.25 ft/lb of torque and is 190cc. A 190cc 7.0 Craftsman platinum will output 7.0 ft/lb of torque and is 190cc.

The B&S 700 series DOV is an OHV engine.

 

[dwcopple]

wonder why your Scotts is burning oil? I'd fix the old, but that is me. I'd avoid new, although yesterday at Sears they had a Craftsman Professional (read commercial) on clearance for $349 from $499 that looked industrial tough and had great features. Looked like Snapper made it to be honest.

 

[Hootbro]

As previously mentioned, flatheads are cheaper to make. It is also my understanding that most if not all flathead production engines are now being made in China.

 

[pbm]

I bought the Husqvarna HU700L with the Honda engine. The reviews were great and I bought it at my local TrueValue (rather than HD, Lowes etc...). I'll let you guys know how it works after using it. Thanks