Well, it's just a 4hp Briggs is all it is on this one, anyway. There are different model levels of this one and some have the full pressure Kawasaki engines, with oil filter, on them. But they all share the same deck. Compared to a 6.5hp Duraforce Lawnboy, the lawnboy is a clear winner. But those Duraforce engines can be cantankerous at times or you get one that runs great all the time. Mine has lost spark again. As much as I like 2 stroke Lawnboys I just plain got tired of working on the one I've got. My main mower is a Troybilt with a Honda engine. All you've got to is look at the pull cord and it starts and it has variable drive. The more you squeeze the lever the faster it goes. The Deere is a manual 2 speed trans. 1st gear is more my speed anymore. It's a comfortable, easy walk. 2nd gear will give you a good cardio workout. And it, too, starts by looking at the pull cord.