I've heard nothing but good out of these new Briggs motors. I just recently picked up a cheap mower with a Briggs 6.25 for a backup mower and was impressed by its power and ease of starting, so I imagine a 8.75 would be a beast!

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The crankcase end of the 8.75 engine is similar to the 6.75 Quantum series flathead engine. Both engines have about 12 cubic inches are are considered large displacement mower engines.

The 8.75 cylinder head appears to be a beefy design. There are only 4 head bolts to secure the head. I have not heard of any problems with blown head gaskets. The cooling fins located under the valve rocker plate are likely to collect grass and debris. The air baffle on the lower part of the cylinder will require cleaning every couple of years. On the cast iron sleeve models, there is an oil seal on the intake valve guide - a good feature. I don't know if the Snapper engine has the cast iron sleeve. Beefy steel valve guides are pressed in the engine I examined. Valves are adjustable.

On the outside, the carburetor is slightly more difficult to service than the flathead Quantum. There is no throttle stop for the throttle when the engine is idled down. Sometimes the throttle plate can wedge in the closed position - even when the throttle control is wide open. I solved this problem by installing a self threading screw and a tension spring in the boss provided. The sparkplug gap was changed to .020 to improve starting. the compression release is very sensitive to correct valve adjustment. The engine is durable but heavy.

Given a choice, my preference would be the old fashion flathead 6.75 Quantum engine. The "ready Start" feature makes this flathead an easier starting engine than the 8.75. I also like the simple design over the OHV design. I suspect the OHV engines from all manufactures require more attention than the flatheads.

I think I'm just going to go out and get the Honda HRX217HXA. It has the beefier residential grade GCV190 engine, supposedly mulches superior to the Snapper, and carries one extra additional year of warranty.

Well it should be time for the driveline to go south on that honda and they cost big time. My honda is sitting in my backyard in need of a $80 coil and $140 flywheel that kept chipping away instead of coming off, done by two honda shops btw. Not worth proceeding with it and imo honda mowers and their service absolutely sucks since I only got 10 years from it. As a homeowner unit even!! Don't get me wrong, Hondas are fantastic mowers until they age but that's when I was used to Snappers getting their second wind. I've never seen a 40 year old self propelled Honda still going & Imo I won't either unless a lot of bucks have been thrown into it.

Meanwhile my trusty old 1996 Snapper is still rolling strong as ever, glad I kept it. It's still not burning through any oil between changes. No signs of slowing down with over 20 years use on it. I'll throw another new briggs engine on its deck for about $130 when it does go but It's never leaving my home.

But' what is a "beefier residential grade" engine? That is funny, so the honda engines "almost" above residential classification? My aunt was "almost" my uncle when she was born too...lol

I am confused about some of the replies. What am I missing? I did not know Snapper made engines.

Also, Why would anyone in this century want to purchase a flat head engine. Only to save money. Hmm would you buy a new car with a flat head engine. Of course not. They don't make them anymore. You get more Hp from a overhead valve engine, which is more efficient, uses less gas and a zillion more reasons.

Also the carburetor on the 8.75 is easy to get to.

Many people were fooled about the longevity on the GCV engines. The timing belt which everyone thought was a weak point was not they hold up well.

Now for the self propelled Honda 's I agree. The 1,2,3 speed transmissions were junk made in France. But the variable speed units which are hydraulic is in my opinion the best self propelled units. And as long as you keep the belt area clean the belt should last a long time.

What most people do not do is adjust the valves on their overhead engines.

Anyway, I would get the 8.75 engine.

The HRX217HXA is a great machine. Once again nothing mulches like a Honda.

The 8.50 is the only "Professional" Briggs with a steel sleeve cylinder. The 8.75 is like other homeowner B/S are, all aluminum cylinders...Even the JD special 8.75 was first advertised as steel sleeve we now know is just aluminum. Can fool some but sure can't fool google it told!

Snapper does build engines as they were bought out by Briggs over a decade ago so ya' they do build them however they want.

Look at the breakdown for the Honda HRX217HXA. Look for a transmission and if you can still buy one, buy it and put it in your attic for future use. As Honda changes their designs again and again, finally all that will be available is what is left on the shelves "again" for their customers. If not already, they change a lot?

The Snapper self propelled units have remained the same many many decades. and parts are everywhere and dirt cheap. If one uses the correct weight of grease "00" in their trans instead of trans fluid or motor oil the trans on them will outlast a couple family members lifetimes with ease. Very few families around that didn't get a hand me down Snapper at some point and time, although usually an uncle snags it first while the funerals going on.

In all the years I've owned them, only the $6 rubber drive wheel and the 2 belts needs replaced once in awhile at $10. The small spring holding the drive wheel down to the drive plate too, replaced one at $4. Best user friendly, low/easy maintenance driveline ever made as far as longevity goes it's a true marvel. Why so many landscapers use them too, even if one acts up, rarely will it not finish the day out.

Hmm. I did not know Snapper made a engine. If so, I am ignorant of that.

Because I am a Honda man.

And if you are mechanically inclined you can see the Honda variable transmission is one of the best ideas and designs on the market.

You only get what you paid for.

The design on the Snapper Rider where it has the easy storage is a excellent .

But whatever ,the name being changed to protect the innocent IT IS A BRIGGS & Stratton.