The DOV was introduced several years ago. The engine is a Hemi Head design and features a unique lever system to operate the overhead valves. With 161cc, it is compareable in size to the Honda GC160. It has more torque than the older Briggs Quantum flathead (190cc) and slightly more torque than the Honda GC160. Originally, it was offered with the primer system, but, the "Ready Start" - easy starting system is now offered on some models. I believe it is only offered with an Aluminum Bore. It has the large 1.6 quart fuel tank. The air filter design is mounted higher than the Quantum design, so there may slightly less dirt exposure to the intake system.

While the older Quantum flathead is a proven design, the report card for the DOV has not arrived. This engine will probably show up everwhere as the emission standards become more difficult to achieve for the older flatheads.

LarryF, would that Quantum Side Valve design (which is the one I assume is in the Toro SR4's) steer you away from the Toro, or is that design good enough and reliable enough to not warrant another thought?

The following is my opinion.

The very best mower engines (in order) are probably:
#1 Kawasaki
#2 Honda commmercial
#3 Briggs OHV
#4 Briggs Quantum
#5 Honda GC
#6 Tecumseh
#7 MTD - Chinese engine
#8 Kohler - Chinese engine

The Briggs Quantum, Honda GC and Tecumseh are all well suited for residential use. I don't have experience with the MTD and Kohler Chinese engines. My opinions are different than some of the experts. I look for the best value. I don't care if the engine is less sophisticated than the other models.

If I were looking for a mower for residential use, my choice of engines (in order) would be:

#1 Briggs Quantum - Because of the low price, this engine is the best value for home owners. If you hit a rock the top engines will be just as dead as the cheap Briggs. The Briggs Quantum is the easiest engine of the bunch to service. Dealers usually carry the spare parts for servicing. The carburetor is simple to remove, clean, and repair. The valves and valve guides hold up very well. The most common problems are (a) dirty carburetor (b)fuel lines that deteriorate and (c) the plastic air filter housing sometimes warps.

#2 Honda GC - This engine will have the same problem as the Briggs Quantum - a dirty carburetor. The carburetor is difficult to service bacause of the installation design.

#3 Tecumseh - The basic engine is durable, but the carburetor has the plastic venturi tube with o rings. After a few years, this design deteriorates and carb repairs/replacements are likely. The cheap oil pump is a good feature.

#4 Briggs OHV - This engine would make a good boat anchor. The compression release is very sensitive to high altitude. There were some problems with the sparkplug gaps and the carburetor throttle plate sticking. I feel it is a heavy design.

#5 Kawasaki - best engine made. Has full oil pressure lubrication. Expect problems related to old fuel. This represents less value to the home owner because of the cost.

#6 Honda commercial - 2nd best engine made. Expect problems related to old fuel. The plastic air filter housing warps where it attaches to the carburetor. This represents less value to the home owner because of the cost.

#7. MTD Chinese - For a few years, dealers will not have parts. I don't know anything about this engine and the report card has not been developed.

#8 Kohler Chinese - same as the MTD.

I like the Toro because of the cast aluminum deck.

LarryF, if the cost was NOT a concern for you, would you take the Toro 20092 (nice aluminum SR4 deck w/ Briggs Quantum) or a Snapper RP2160KWV (Snapper Mulcher [not the hi-vac] w/ the Kawa engine in it)? I don't really care too much if I spend more money; I just want the most reliable/capable mower from the onset. Like another fella on this forum said - "Buy a expensive tool once, cry once. Buy a inexpensive tool, cry multiple times as repairs mount or you replace it".

Wow!

The mowers you are looking at are probably the top mowers to be found anywhere and from any manufacturer. You need to examine these for yourself. Is there a dealer close to your home? Are you able to perform any maintenance yourself? I looked at the web sites for some details

Snapper
+ Snapper has the best rear drive of any mower - bulletproof
+ Snapper has the cast iron sleeve Oil pressure Kawasaki
+ Sturdy handlebars
+ although it is steel, deck is sturdy
- Snapper weighs 90 pounds
- Snapper is $709

Toro
+ Engine has "Ready Start" - starts easier than Kawasaki
+ Engine has 5 year warranty on starting
+ mower has 5 year warranty
+ cast aluminum deck
+ sturdy handlebars
+ 83 pounds
+ $529
- Although a good drive system, Snapper drive is superior
- engine has an aluminum bore

I found it strange that the Kawasaki only has a 90 day commercial warranty. On other Snappers, the same engine has a 2 year commercial warranty. I recently worked on a Kawasaki engine and it developed the same problem that is common on the Briggs - old fuel in the carburetor. For commercial service, I would probably choose the Snapper.

As an average home owner, I would probably choose the Toro due to the lower price and the 5 year warranty. The aluminum bore will last many year if the engine receives resonable care and the cooling fins are kept clean. .

Thanks for the feedback !!! I was leaning towards the Toro, but didn't want to kick myself down the road for trying to save the 2 bills. Most folks seem to like the Toros; I just didn't want to choose poorly.

BTW, I'm asking all these questions b/c I hope to be moving in a week and will need to buy something in relatively short order.

My local Snapper dealer shied away from the Kawa saying it was expensive to get parts for. He was pushing the Briggs 8.75 engine (and it wasn't because he had stock of that item; he would need to order either mower). That would be Briggs top lawn mower engine right? Do you guys have any opinion on this motor? I'm ready to pull the trigger on a Snapper Hi-Vac w/ this powerplant !

I'm leaning heavily towards the Honda HRX217HXA. Many dealers are pushing me away from the Snapper b/c it doesn't mulch as well as a Toro or Honda. I also feel more comfortable w/ a Honda engine, and I found a dealership that does all the warranty work and regular work for both Hondas and Snapper. He recommends Honda too.