Between the Tecumseh and Briggs engines you are comparing, there is probably little real difference in durability or performance. Neither is rated in any meaningful way: the Tecumseh makes nowhere near 6.5hp in real life (maybe 4hp on a good day) and there is no such thing as "a torque," and torque is a unit of force and not power (it's a way of Briggs obscuring their bogus power ratings). In fact, an engine making 6.75lb/ft of torque at mower speeds (which we can assume is what they mean) is making less than 4hp. In short, don't choose between these mowers based on the engines. I don't know anything about that Toro deck, and I'm pretty sure both mowers have pretty cheap drive systems. The Honda GCV160 would indeed be a step up both in terms of power (probably about 5hp for _real_) and refinement.

However, if you want self-propel on a mower and are looking in the budget range of mowers, I'd recommend something else: the Lawn-Boy 10685. I don't know if the price is still good, but this was on sale at Home Depot recently for $299. That's pretty hard to beat, and that's for a variable-speed _rear-wheel-drive_ system and a proven deck design that really works. Even at the regular $349 price, I believe it would be worth the extra money over the two fwd mowers you are looking at.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lawn-Boy 10685 at Home Depot

I picked up my LB 10685 at Home Depot for only $180 ($199 - 10% discount)just the other night. I haven't used it yet but will soon!

I think you have a few things to weigh out with those engines. The Briggs have readily available maintenance and repair parts. The Honda parts are difficult to get but only because the model number system on Honda is difficult. Tecumseh will not allow consumers to have access to any on-line info and you will have to go to a Tecumseh dealer to get original parts. The Honda engine will probably last a lot longer. If you use aftermarket parts, Briggs and Tecumseh have more aftermarket available, though I would not recommend using aftermarket parts until the warranty period of the machine/engine is up.

I am a certified repair tech and have worked in a lawn & garden warranty center for many years (11) so whenever I need to purchase any new equipment I always take the warranty coverage into account. All of those engines and machines have a 2 yr. warranty. They are all about the same in that dept. I guess I would buy the Honda.

I would stay away from Toro and Lawn Boy only because I feel they are more difficult to deal with and repair/maintenance parts are more expensive.

The whole torque issue is crazy. Briggs is not the only one doing that. All of the engine companies are going to torque and not telling you the HP. In reality, most machines have engines with too much HP and they never even get broken in over the life of the tractors/mowers.
NeedLawnMowerParts.com

With proper maintenance, either engine should outlast the mower deck. The mower deck will probably outlast the propulsion system & wheels.

FYI...The 10685 LB is (basically) same as the Toro. Same
engine (LV195EA). ALL of these models are comparable. They
are designed and spec'ed for the mass merchant marketplace,
and as Bill said..."With proper maintenance and care will
last for years". I've owned the Toro and currently have the
LawnBoy. BOTH performed exceptionally well. They are much
desired over the MTD built TroyBilt product for the bagging
system....ALONE.

T-Man

Get the Toro. I owned a 2 year old Troy-Bilt and recently bought a Toro from Home Depot. So far I have found that the blade and deck is of a better design on the Toro. Also, the Tecumseh is quieter and a little easier on gas than the Briggs. Let us know what you decide.

Toro does not brand a mower that is the same as the LB 10685. This is the Insight series with a completely different deck than any Toro brand. I'd say to the original question that one concern on any high-wheel mower is that it's front wheel drive which is simply not as good as rear wheel drive. All LBs are RWD, and the Insight series is one of the best bargains going right now, with a 10685 for $199 if you can find that price. I haven't been out pricing them so I don't know if that's in all the HD stores or not. The Tecumseh engine is very good. I've been running a 10684 (same as 10685 except with manual drive control instead of 'Sens-a-Speed') and I like it a lot. I also use a 2-cycle LB, a 10550, but those are discontinued. There has been no consensus here that high rear wheels do anything for you, and because of the higher moment of force on the hub, they tend to wear out and get wobbly quicker than regular wheels. The 10685 with 'Sens-a-Speed' (Toro Personal Pace) is a good mower at $325 and a great buy at less. The Briggs engine is also fine, and the Honda I believe is the quietest and smoothest on any mower, but you have to look at the whole package. All these engines will last for many years with good treatment and maintenance.