Vanguard vs Kawasaki Engines – which one is better?

Vanguard and Kawasaki mower engines are renowned globally for their unique features, impressive performance, and reliability. However, discovering their disparities and key advantages is crucial for a wise selection. 

Vanguard engines are powerful and equipped with modern technologies. Kawasaki engines are reliable and have better fuel efficiency. 

In this article, we will go through all possible aspects of both engines to uncover which might be your best option between Vanguard vs Kawasaki engine.

Vanguard vs Kawasaki: The Comparison

Take a look at the primary distinctions between these two mower engines.

Points	Vanguard	Kawasaki
Variations	Variations in engines from small equipment like mowers.	Several series for mower and small equipment engines.
Advanced technology	OIL XTEND™, Oil Guard™, and TransportGuard™.	Digital Fuel Injection, Advanced Ignition
Power Output	5 HP to 40 HP.	14.5 HP to 38.5 HP.
Fuel efficiency	Advanced technology is used for fuel efficiency.	Dedicated options for fuel efficiency.
The noise level	Comparatively louder.	Quieter than Vanguard
Good for	Heavy and professional mowing.	Both residential and commercial mowing.
Price range	Expensive.	Cost-effective than Vanguard.

Here are the short descriptions of both brands and their entrance into small engine manufacturing.

Vanguard

Vanguard is the advanced small engine division of Briggs & Stratton. The first engine Briggs & Stratton manufactured under the Vanguard brand was the Small Block V-Twin in 1987. Vanguard released the revolutionary Big Block™ engine in 2005, which was a game changer for the brand. 

Briggs & Stratton created the brand to offer users powerful experiences and remarkable innovations. The company is regularly adding new features and technologies to Vanguard engines. 

Kawasaki

The brand “Kawasaki” originated in Japan. Kawasaki Heavy Industries was established in 1896. But the company came into engine production later. Kawasaki released its first engine for motorcycles in 1953. 

In 1974, the group of companies opened a manufacturing plant named Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation in the USA. Since that time, it has been a renowned small-engine brand. 

We will compare both engines in the following sections to explore their key advantages.

Trademarked and Unique Features in Engines

Both brands come with some unique facilities and advanced features that separate them. 

Vanguard:

Some innovative features included with Vanguard engines are:

• OIL XTEND™: The technology maximizes engines’ uptime, which is crucial for commercial mowing.  
• Oil Guard™: It ensures a 500-hour oil change interval and reduces a 60% maintenance cost, which is more profitable for professionals. 
• Advanced Debris Management: The feature protects the engine from dust and dirt. In the long run, it enhances the engine’s durability.

Kawasaki:

The advanced features included with Kawasaki engines are:

• Advanced Ignition System: The feature utilizes fuel better, improving the engine’s performance.
• Cleaner Burning Engines: Kawasaki designs cleaner engines. They effectively reduce emissions, which is a top selling point for the brand. 
• Digital Fuel Injection (DFI): Some of the brand’s engines have DFI to generate powerful torque and extra performance. 

Starter Systems of Vanguard and Kawasaki

Vanguard equip their engines with both electric and recoil-started systems. In contrast, Kawasaki includes electric and recoil starters separately, depending on the engine type. 

Electric starters are more convenient and turn on engines quickly. However, this starting mechanism depended on separate battery power. If the battery failure occurs, the electric starter will not work.

In contrast, recoil starters are cost-effective and free from failure risks. They are effective in extreme cold weather and a good backup in case of electric starter failure.

When a mower engine comes with both starter systems, it provides extra safety and peace of mind. 

Vanguard vs. Kawasaki Power Output Range

Both Vanguard and Kawasaki offer a variety of mower engines with diverse power output ranges. The following table represents the engine type/series and their specific output.

Vanguard:

Check Vanguard mower engines with their power output ranges:

Engine type	Power output
Single-Cylinder	5 to 14  HP
Small Block	16 to 23 HP
Mid-Block	26 and 28 HP
BIG BLOCK™	32 to 40 HP

Kawasaki:

Here are Kawasaki mower engines with their power output ranges:

Engine Series	Power output
FX series	15.5 to 38.5 HP
FT series	20 to 26 HP
FS series	14.5 to 24 HP
FR series	18 to 24 HP

Fuel Efficiency of Vanguard and Kawasaki

Vanguard applies multiple technologies to its engines to reduce fuel consumption. For example, the Big Block™ V-Twin engines equipped with ETC are highly fuel efficient. 

Moreover, Vanguard’s EFI technology provides more power comparatively with less fuel consumption. These engines are good options in mowers to enjoy high power and fuel efficiency together. 

Kawasaki mower engines are also reasonably fuel-efficient. However, the fuel consumption depends on specific engine models.  

The brand offers EFI technologies with engines as well to reduce fuel burning. Overall, Kawasaki has a reputation for saving users money on fuel costs. 

How noisy are Vanguard and Kawasaki?

Kawasaki is usually quieter than many mower engines, including Vanguard. Remember that different types of engines from both brands have different noise levels. 

Naturally, gasoline engines make louder noise. But if they make a weird sound, it must be an alarming signal. 

An engine can make louder noise due to excessive vibration, worn-out muffler, damaged bearings, and clogging. So, if an unusual noise comes out from your mower engine, check it immediately to prevent permanent damage.

Longevity between Vanguard vs Kawasaki

Vanguard mower engines are able to provide a peak performance of more than 2,000 hours. In contrast, Kawasaki engines usually offer nearly 3000 hours of the highest performance. 

Both engines last around 3 to 5 years on average. However, users may expand their lifespan with careful use and regular maintenance.

The lifespan of such engines depends on their cleaning and maintenance frequency, oil changing, and the type of pressure they face. 

Engine Types and Ideal Application

Vanguard and Kawasaki have several engine types/series. Each of them has particular usage in the mower industry. Below is the list of those engines and their ideal applications.

Vanguard engines:

• Single-Cylinder: The engine is the best for residential lawn mowers, particularly for low-power options like walk-behind mowers.
• Small Block: They are suitable for both residential and light-commercial mowers.
• Mid-Block: These engines are well-suited for mowing larger lawns, commercial properties, and challenging environments. 
• Big Block™: This one is the most powerful engine by Vanguard, designed for large commercial mowers, zero-turn mowers, and other high-demand equipment.

Kawasaki engines:

• FX series: Kawasaki’s most powerful small engine series, well-suited for professions like commercial landscapers requiring maximum power and performance.
• FT series: They are suitable for both residential and light commercial applications.
• FS series: These engines are reliable and efficient for residential and light commercial mowing.
• FR series: The series has lighter engines for entry-level riding mowers and lawn tractors. 

Warranty for Vanguard and Kawasaki Engines:

Both brands offer nearer warranty duration and coverage. As a result, users trust them equally.

Vanguard engine have 3 years of commercial warranty, covering technical and manufacturing issues. In contrast, Kawasaki provides a 2-year warranty for two-stroke engines and a 3-year warranty for four-stroke engines with unlimited hours. 

The Verdict: Which Engine Is Better between Vanguard Vs Kawasaki?

The best mower engine is the one that satisfies a user’s needs and requirements. However, we can evaluate their core difference to make a wise decision. The precise opinion on both engines is:

Vanguard engines are built for commercial and heavy-duty mowing. If you are a professional or own a large property with challenging terrain, go for Vanguard.

Kawasaki engines provide a good balance for both residential and commercial mowing. If you want a reliable mower engine for residential use, choose one between the FR or FS series. The Kawasaki FX series engine will be ideal for professional use. 

Before choosing an engine option, note your expectations and requirements. Then, choose one engine and match them with its specifications. This is the best way to find the ideal engine for your mowing needs.

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