I'm an older dude and I always thought B&S were pieces of junk as engines. Lo and behold, as I go lawnmower shopping I'm getting told things that are causing my brain to tilt. Here's what I heard yesterday. Briggs is a great engine. The Vanguard is not really a Briggs but it is better than a Briggs. Kawasaki QC has gone down. Koehler is a great engine. All you gotta do is take care of them and they will all last a "lifetime".
I am looking as Bad Boy, Grasshopper, Kubota, Cub, Scag, etc. From watching a bunch of You-tubes, I know to go first for more transmission as
my main criteria, then comfort and then "all" engines are pretty much the same. As for as engines, hp does not equal pulling power so don't let 1 or 2 hp pull me from a better lower hp engine.
One dealer told me to only use 30 wt oil as they use Federated (I only mow in VA/NC border) and to not use a high temp grease as it wouldn't melt in the spindles???
The world sure has changed since I purchased my Honda 4120 in 1994 for $4500.
I thought I knew "the truths" but apparently my reality has been in "Wonka" land.