Horse Power. How important is hp?

[txtrigger]

Looks like this is a really great group of folks who know their mowers. Glad I found this forum. So, my first question is on horse power. The more mowers I research, the more confused I get. Looking at the approx. $3000 +/- range, zero turn. When looking at stats, how important is hp?? Some are only a difference of 1 or 2 HP, others 5 or 6 between models.

I have a regular 1+ acre to mow, occasional acre along road which can be tall Johnson grass, and not smooth surface, and occasional acre or two in pasture.

Had a Husky GT 21 hp/46" lawn tractor with the Briggs motor that got this done, but very, very slow, bogged down at times, and we finally killed it after 10 years of abuse. (RIP)

So guys, before I compare brands, do I need to really pay much attention to hp?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[exotion]

Looks like this is a really great group of folks who know their mowers. Glad I found this forum. So, my first question is on horse power. The more mowers I research, the more confused I get. Looking at the approx. $3000 +/- range, zero turn. When looking at stats, how important is hp?? Some are only a difference of 1 or 2 HP, others 5 or 6 between models.

I have a regular 1+ acre to mow, occasional acre along road which can be tall Johnson grass, and not smooth surface, and occasional acre or two in pasture.

Had a Husky GT 21 hp/46" lawn tractor with the Briggs motor that got this done, but very, very slow, bogged down at times, and we finally killed it after 10 years of abuse. (RIP)

So guys, before I compare brands, do I need to really pay much attention to hp?

Thanks so much!!!

I would imagine hp would would be important if you need it? Ie: mulching or bagging? Going use it to snow blow or plow? How many blades spinning. Climbing hills? Pulling stuff? Lots of things depends on different hp.

 

[RatRacer]

Having a lot of ponies is not a bad thing, but look at the torque rating too. You'll see 23hp Kawasaki's with double the torque of a 28hp Briggs, and you'll pay an extra $3-500 for it. Since the motor is spinning the blades and propelling the machine too, so consider the width of cut and the weight of said machine when motor sizing, since it's always under some form of load. 25hp tells you how fast you get from point A to point B. Torque tells you if those 25 horses are Clydesdale's or Shetland ponies.

 

[OLBIKER]

Having a lot of ponies is not a bad thing, but look at the torque rating too. You'll see 23hp Kawasaki's with double the torque of a 28hp Briggs, and you'll pay an extra $3-500 for it. Since the motor is spinning the blades and propelling the machine too, so consider the width of cut and the weight of said machine when motor sizing, since it's always under some form of load. 25hp tells you how fast you get from point A to point B. Torque tells you if those 25 horses are Clydesdale's or Shetland ponies.

Well said!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[pugaltitude]

Horse power is a difficult thing.
When an engine manufacturer tests to get a rated hp it could be tested at 3600 rpm.
As long as the reading hits a hp for a second on the scale it is rated at that hp.
A mowers operating rpm is usually between 3000 - 3200.
So something at 20 hp could only be producing 18hp at operating rpm.
Now they show torque power at operating rpm. The more torque the better.