A few facts about the Honda GCV engines...and the Honda mower models for each.
There are two basic models of current Honda mower engines, the GCV160 and GCV190. The GCV engine was launched almost 20 years ago, and Honda sells these engines to dozens of other mower companies for use on their mowers.
Honda's mid-range of consumer mowers are called the HRR-series, and they all use the GCV160. HRR models have 21" cuts, steel mower decks, and are push, self-propelled, electric start, and have a blade clutch (engine keeps running when you let go, but blades stop). They have a 3-year warranty and list prices run $440~$580.
Honda's premium consumer mowers are called the HRX-series, and they all use the larger (+30 cc) GCV190. They have 21" cuts, composite mower decks, and available with slip-belt self-propelled, hydrostatic self-propelled, electric start and blade clutch. They have a 5-year warranty (lifetime on the deck) and are priced from $699~$899.
Other that displacement / size / torque, the GCV160 and GCV190 are identical. Both are all-aluminum that is cast and manufactured in Swepsonville, NC, a 4-stroke design, with a diagonal split-block (no separate cylinder head) and internal timing belt similar to an automotive engine. GCV engines feature both an OHV (overhead valve) and OHC (overhead camshaft) design.
Finally, Honda offers a special commercial model, the HRC216, which uses a commercial-grade engine called the GXV160. It has a traditional block and cylinder head, OHV, pushrod 4-stroke, with a cast aluminum block and cast-iron cylinder sleeve. GXV engines have been around since the early 80s.
Links:
About the GCV160
About the GCV190
About the GXV160
About Honda HRR Mowers
About Honda HRX Mowers
