Loncin and Briggs and Stratton are among the most common engines in the small engines segment. When it comes to lawnmowers, generators, and small recreational vehicles, one may find himself torn between a Loncin or a Briggs and Stratton engine.
But are these engines similar or equal in performance output and reliability? This is what you need to know about Loncin and Briggs and Stratton engines.
The Companies
Loncin
Loncin engines are manufactured in China by Loncin Holdings. Most of the utility engines are manufactured by Loncin Motor Corporation which produces motorcycles, motorcycle engines, and general-purpose engines. The company has also expanded into the manufacture of recreational vehicles, large displacement engines, auto parts, and agricultural machines.
The company prides itself as the only manufacturer of a wide range of engines with vertical or horizontal shafts in China and which are exported globally. Loncin produces vertical shaft engines with a capacity range of between 87 and 700cc. The Loncin engines cover general power solutions with low-carbon emissions and elaborate after-sales service.
Briggs and Stratton
The manufacturers of Briggs and Stratton engines pride themselves as the largest small engine producer in the world with a global service network unmatched by any other company. Briggs and Stratton, an American company have been around for over 110 years now. The company manufactures a wide range of small engines for outdoor power generation such as utility engines, racing engines, generators, lawnmowers, and snow blowers among others. The Briggs and Stratton engines are either horizontal or vertical shafts that are easy to start and last longer. They also manufacture engine parts for ease of repairs and replacements.
The Engines
Loncin
Loncin engines are powerful, reliable, easy to control, and fuel efficient. One major feature of a Loncin engine, especially those in the outdoor operations segment is made with standardized footprint mountings that are an actual drop-in replacement for similar engines.
Loncin engines are easy to start, they come with an optimized combustion chamber and air injection designed to improve burning efficiency, have Low fuel consumption, and in-engine exhaust control that minimizes their impact on the environment.
The Loncin engines provide cost-effective and fuel-efficient operations for most applications.
Loncin engines and parts provide an economical, affordable, and effective alternative to the leading small engine brands. Loncin engines have established a foothold among other leading brands and have a global presence. The company provides comprehensive after-sales services for all its units.
The Loncin engines are fitted for the following operations:
- Motorcycles
- Lawn mowers
- Power generators
- Tamping machines
- Snowblowers
- Small recreational vehicles
Loncin engines Designs:
1) Double Cylinder Series
This engine uses a balanced design of a V-shaped double cylinder with a dynamic crankshaft. This design makes the engine to be more compact and greatly reduces engine vibrations. The design offers more steady and stable operations. The combination of high flow cooling fan, an oil filter, and an oil cooler lowers the engine operating temperature leading to an enhanced performance that effectively extends service life and engine longevity.
2) L-series
The L-series engines have a novel and compact appearance. The camshaft uses new patented technology which provides strong power output. This new engine is designed to operate under a large load.
3) Lawn mower engine
This is a vertical single-cylinder 4-stroke with an OHV built-in motor. This engine has a capacity of 432 cc with a 14HP output. The engine has a balanced crankshaft and a compact design that reduce engine vibrations while the OHV valves and a high flow fan lower the engine temperature significantly. The engine does not have an exhaust pipe and can easily be installed in tractors, most work machines, and riders.
Among its mowers is the DEDRA DED8720-43l, a special Loncin lawn mower designed to operate even under very thick grass. Powered by a 2.4kW petrol internal combustion engine, the mower has a folding foam handle and a combined mulching/cutting
function. Moreover, the mower has a self-washing capability where a water hose is connected to the mower and the cutting blade rotates, splashing and cleaning the underneath of the mower.
4) Tamping Machines
These are special engines designed for special engineering machinery and are utilized in many different applications such as plate tamping, impact tampering, and general engineering.
5) Snow blowers
The Loncin snow blowers have strong power output, economic performance, and reliability that meet the requirements for operations in harsh low-temperature areas.
6) Recreational Vehicles
The Loncin recreational vehicle engines range from 50cc to 700cc ATVs. The recreational vehicles come complete with a CVT transmission.
Brigs and Stratton Engines
Briggs and Stratton's engines are among the most well-known in the small engines segment. They are reputed manufacturers of Lawnmowers, generators, pressure washers, outdoor power equipment, garden turf care, and racing cars. Their engines are easy to start, are reliable, and last over a long period.
These engines come in different forms such as:
- Racing engines
- Horizontal shaft Engines
- Vertical shaft engines
- Snow Blowers, and
- Auto parts.
The Briggs and Stratton engines use innovative technology and have the easiest of starts for machines in their segment. They manufacture engines that are specific to the preferences of the user. While there are many other small engines brand across the globe, Briggs and Stratton have cut a niche for themselves with their trust, reliability, service network, and value for money on their engines.
Engine Identification
All Briggs and Stratton engines have their model, type, and code numbers engraved directly onto the engine. Mostly, the numbers are stamped on the blower housing, above the spark plug, or on the muffler heat shield. These numbers are useful in identifying the engine type, model, or series for repairs or replacement.
1) Racing Engines
The Briggs and Stratton racing engines are designed for power, performance, and durability. They produce engines for karting, snow crossing, and world formula-sanctioned races. The engines thrive in grueling and demanding racing conditions and are made to survive in different and specific racing environments that are unique to each race. Among the most popular racing engines are the Animal and the M Series which focus on consistency and simplicity.
2) Lawn Mowers
The Briggs and Stratton lawn mowers are the most known among existing brands. Being a pioneer in the field, the company has continually improved its lawnmowers, which are either man-pushed, self-riding or mounted on tractors. The iS Series is reputed as the ultimate lawn mower which incorporates reliability, power, and performance while having the most innovative and easiest start ever in the market.
3) Snowthrowers
The Briggs and Stratton's snowthrowers come with impressive features that can handle the toughest winters. They come as light-weight single-stage units or heavy dual-stage powerful snow throwers. They have rugged steel, innovative steering, and a 4-year warranty.
Other Briggs and Stratton machines include brush cutters, horizontal shaft petrol engines, vertical shaft petrol engines, Ferris zero turn mowers, Portable generators, and clear water pumps.
Problems and Solutions
Briggs and Stratton's engines develop a few common problems such as overheating, smoking, failure to start, or poor running during operation. The biggest advantage of these engines is that the problems can be easily fixed by the operator. The most common causes of these problems are the use of stale or dirty fuel, leaking oil into the engine, a dirty filter, or a clogged carburetor.
Overheating can easily be managed by cleaning the engine, adjusting the air-fuel mixture upwards, or replacing the gaskets. On the other hand, excess smoking can be repaired by adjusting the carburetor and replacing the air filter.
The engine may fail to start due to stale/dirty fuel. Stale fuel or a dirty engine is also responsible for frequent engine stalls. Replace the fuel; clean the carburetor and the spark plug/s. If these remedies do not rectify the problem, one may require a professional to check on the valves and the compression systems.
The best way to avoid these problems is to have a strict maintenance routine and tune-up. It is also recommended to avoid stale/dirty fuel, dirty air filters, over-used oil, and a fouled spark plug.
Loncin engines suffer from almost similar problems to those of the Briggs and Stratton engines. They require thorough troubleshooting to identify the specific problem. The Loncin manufacturers recommend a troubleshooting procedure that begins with the most obvious before moving toward the more complex ones.
Just like with the Briggs and Stratton engines, the Loncin engines may suffer from
- overheating
- smoking
- failure or difficulty in starting
- frequent stalls
- poor running
The source cause remains dirty/stale fuel, over-used oil, faulty spark plugs, filters, or, compression/air mixture problems. The problems may be a result of a combination of faults.
However, unlike the Briggs and Stratton engines where repair is simple and straightforward, the Loncin repairs may be ineffective. The Loncin engines are designed to replace or re-power existing engines by simply plugging new parts or entire engines into place. In other words, refurbishing, replacing, or extending the life of your current engine is easier and cheaper with Loncin than carrying out repairs.
