Understanding Torque: The Power To Get It Done

Throughout its long history, Briggs & Stratton has produced engines that provide the power to help you get jobs done around your yard. We now measure the power of some of our engines in terms of gross torque rather than gross horsepower. Why? Because torque is the most direct way to measure the power you need in a walk-behind mower and other yard care equipment such as pressure washers and tillers.

Torque is a method of rating an engineÕs power output and work capability. Horsepower and cubic centimeters, or ccÕs, are other ways to rate engine power, but torque is a more direct measure of power when it comes to your walk-behind lawn mower.

Torque is a measure of rotational power Ð the exact type of power needed to turn your lawn mower blade to mow your lawn.

You can see examples of torque all around you in everyday life. Turning a wrench produces torque Ð the rotational power used to tighten a bolt, in this case.

The rotational force you use to reel in a fish demonstrates torque, and so does swinging a golf club where the rotational force is applied by the club to the ball.

Gross torque as a power rating makes the most sense when it comes to measuring the power of a walk-behind lawn mower engine because torque measures the power delivered to the cutting blade. An engine with more torque will produce more rotational power to the blade, making cutting your lawn easier and it will allow you to mow even thick, tall grass without the engine bogging down.

The higher the gross torque rating, the more power the engine will produce to get the job done. For an average-size city lawn, you may want to consider a Briggs & Stratton 650 Series engine in your new mower. For a lawn that is a half acre or more, you will want to consider a 700 or 800 Series engine.

The gross torque rating can also be found on engines powering pressure washers, generators, tillers, and other similar power equipment. On pressure washers, more torque means the pump can create higher PSI and GPM for improved cleaning performance. On generators, more torque allows for a higher wattage output, so you have stand-by power when you need it.

When you shop for a lawn mower, pressure washer or other outdoor power equipment, look for the gross torque rating on the engine. Remember, the higher the rating, the more powerful the engine. To learn more about our engines, which can be found in several brands of mowers, visit briggsandstratton.com.