Roundup: Engines, Oils and Fuel Additives

This roundup features a sampling of companies that produce branded engines, oils and fuel additives. For each listed company, you’ll find an overview of its product range, as well as a single highlighted product of our choosing. We’ve listed the companies in random order, and we’ve sourced all the information you see here directly from their websites. Keep in mind that we’re only including companies that produce branded products, and that this is a sampling of companies versus a comprehensive list. We welcome suggestions for possible company/product additions, which we’ll consider including the next time we feature a roundup on this product category.

Honda

Honda offers engines for commercial and consumer lawn and garden applications, as well as tractors, pressure washers, forestry equipment, generators, small vehicles (golf carts, go-karts, etc.), construction/industrial, agriculture, tillers, water pumps and much more. It produces nearly 20 commercial lawn and garden engines, ranging from the ultra-lightweight 4-stroke GX 25/35 (25cc/35.8cc) to the 779cc iGVX 800. Also available are the GCV 160/190, GXV 160 and GSV 190 lawnmower engine models, as well as the eGX Power Unit.

The Honda GXV160 is a vertical-shaft, air-cooled 4-stroke OHV engine (163cc). Its features include: precision camshaft design; high compression ratio; ball bearing-supported crankshaft made of forged steel; large-capacity exhaust system; heavy-duty recoil starter; optional electric start; and Honda’s Oil Alert system to help prevent engine seizure due to a low oil condition.

Toro

Toro’s product roster includes Full Synthetic Oil (SAE 30/10W30), 4-Cycle Lawnmower Oil (SAE 30), All Season 4-Cycle Canned Fuel and Premium Fuel Treatment.

The company’s All Season 4-Cycle Canned Fuel is a powerful detergent (92+ octane) engineered to help prevent deposits for a cleaner fuel system. Its friction modifier lubricates engine parts for better fuel economy, resulting in less wear and tear on internal engine parts. The ethanol-free product has a 2+ year shelf life after opening.

Champion Brands

Champion features 2- and 4-cycle oils, diesel engine oils and fuel additives, snow plow hydraulic oils, tractor fluids, hydraulic fluids and other specialty lubricants, both commercial and consumer.

Champion 4-Cycle Lawnmower Engine Oil is specifically formulated for use in 4-cycle lawnmower engines operating at high temperature in dirty environments. The 30-weight mono provides optimum shear stability to prevent engine wear, extend gear life, and maximize engine life. Also recommended for use in go-carts, snow blowers, mini-bikes, ATVs and other applications using a 4-cycle utility engine specifying SAE-30.

Yamaha

Yamaha offers four series of multi-purpose engines: MZ (171-357cc), MX (358-402cc), MX-V (all 824cc) and EH (653-720cc).

The MX825V-EFI is an electronic fuel injected vertical, V‑twin engine (824cc) specifically targeted to the professional zero-turn mower market. Designed for high fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance to increase zero-turn run time, the MX825V-EFI features a Delphi EFI system, ball bearing supported PTO and industry-standard air filtration system. A Yamaha stainless-steel muffler, tuned for optimal sound and performance, is optional. Available in 825v, 800v and 775v configurations.

Aspen

Aspen manufactures engineered alkylate fuels and other fuel products for 2- and 4-stroke engines. It sells its products into industries including landscaping, forestry, motorsports, building/construction, marine, emergency rescue and others. Products include Aspen 2, Aspen 4, Aspen Bio Engine Oil, Aspen Sport, Aspen R, Aspen+ and Aspen Outboard Oil.

Aspen 2, for 2-stroke engines, is ready-mixed with fully synthetic biodegradable oil. The premixed fuel contains premium oil that exceeds JASO FD requirements on lubrication and engine cleanliness. Suitable for engines requiring 50:1 or 40:1 mixes, Aspen 2 can be used in a variety of air- 2-stroke engines, from clearing saws to hedge trimmers and power cutters. Aspen 4 is a high-octane alkylate gasoline designed to power lawnmowers, rototillers, snow blowers and other 4-stroke engines. Ethanol-free Aspen 4 is largely free of hazardous components such as benzene and other aromatic hydrocarbons.

VP Racing Fuels

VP Racing offers a full roster of fuels, lubricants, additives and more products for racing, powersports, automotive, marine, hobby and other industries and markets. In addition, the company has fuels and lubricants specifically geared to small engines, including 2- and 4-cycle oils, bar and chain oils, small-engine fuels and more.

VP’s 4-Cycle Engine Oil – SAE 30/10W30 Full Synthetic provides thermal resistance, protection and lubrication for all 4-cycle OPE engines, significantly reducing oil consumption compared to 10W30 mineral oils. Designed with synthetic base stocks, it offers high film strength for superior wear protection and is shear stable in high-heat, high-load environments.

Amsoil

Amsoil’s synthetic lubricants are utilized in a range of markets – from power equipment and powersports to industrial, automotive and others; it also offers fuel additives, bar/chain oils, general-purpose cleaners/protectants and more.

The company’s Synthetic Small-Engine Oil is offered in 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-50 viscosities. Its 15W-50 Synthetic Small-Engine Oil, introduced in 2021, features a shear-stable, high-film-strength formulation for excellent wear protection. It features premium anti-wear additives and a thick lubricating film that doesn’t thin out due to mechanical shear. It delivers protection for up to 200 hours, or the longest OEM oil-change recommendation.

Vanguard

Vanguard offers horizontal shaft engines as well as vertical shaft engines. Its horizontal shaft models comprise single-cylinder engines (5-14 hp), small block V-twins (13-23 hp) and Big Block V-twins (25-40 hp). The company’s vertical shaft models include small block V-twins (16-23 hp), 810cc V-twins (24-48 hp), commercial series V-twin (16-27 hp) and Big Block V-twins (28-40 hp).

Vanguard’s 40.0 Gross HP EFI/ETC engine (993cc) features electronic throttle control to maintain smooth, consistent power in any environment. Plus, it’s designed with debris- and air-management features to enhance durability and performance, as well as an oil system that improves lubrication, maximizes engine life and extends oil -change intervals.

Chevron Lubricants

Chevron’s product lineup includes engine oils, fuel additives, greases, transmission/gear oils, hydraulic oils, coolants/antifreezes and others.

The company’s Techron Protection Plus Powersports & Small Engine Fuel System Treatment is formulated to clean and protect small gas-powered engines. It’s designed for use in outdoor power and lawn equipment, UTVs, ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, go-carts, snowmobiles and other small engines. The alcohol-free formulation stabilizes fuel for up to 24 months and offers maximum corrosion control.

Stens

The Stens Shield roster of lubricants includes oils, fluids and greases, all formulated specifically for Stens and the needs of small-engine applications. Containing additives to extend engine life and increase engine performance, Stens Shield lubricants include: 4-cycle engine oils; 2-cycle engine oils (synthetics); CJ-4 engine oil; bar and chain oils. The company’s Sten Mix lubricants are environmental alternatives for 2-cycle engine lubrication.

Stens Shield 4-Cycle Engine Oil features a shear-stable formula that won’t breakdown under high temperatures or heavy use. Features include: the ability to withstand high temperature; low-deposit formula to keep engines clean; zinc boosters for reducing engine wear and extending engine life.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna’s range of fuels, oils and lubricants are engineered to optimize OPE performance while improving operation and extending the equipment’s life span. The company’s product roster includes Husqvarna VEF oils, XP+ 50:1 fuel and oil blend, HP 2-stroke oil, 4-stroke fuel and X-Guard premium bar and chain oils (in four formulations: Standard, Biodegradable, Dielectric and Low Temp.

The company’s XP+ 2-Stroke Premixed Fuel and Oil is a premium 50:1 fuel and oil blend that is ethanol-free and high-octane. It’s resistant to degrading and oxidizing, staying fresh for years; protects fuel systems and saves carburetors; and requires no mixing. It’s certified JASO-FD as a premium synthetic oil blend.

Kawasaki Engines

Kawasaki Engines’ roster includes seven series of engines for lawn mowers, for residential, high-use residential and commercial use, and for everything from small walk-behinds to zero-turns, stand-ons, garden/lawn tractors and more. The seven series include: FX (for high-demand machines); FT (with vertical air filtration); FS (for riding mowers); FR (for zero-turns and tractors); FJ (field, farm, factor apps); FH Kai (4-stroke, V-twin); and FD Series (zero-turns, riding mower and UTVs). 

Kawasaki’s FR Series engines feature a 4-cycle V-twin powerplant and a range of sizes from 18 to 26 hp. The FR 730 engine (24 hp) is a forced air-cooled v-twin engine that has a rotating grass screen and electronic spark ignition. Other features include a pressurized lubrication system; auto compression release; internally vented carburetor with fuel shut-off solenoid; and cast-iron cylinder liners.

Star Brite

Star Brite features a range of engine oils, lubricants and fuel treatments formulated for powersports, automotive, RVs and more.

Its Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment – Small Engine Formula is a multifunctional fuel additive that uses an enzyme technology designed to allow engines to start easily and run smoothly, even when using ethanol-blended fuel or after sitting idle for months. Star Tron will stabilize fuel for up to two years, preventing the formation of gums and other solids that clog carburetors and fuel injectors. For use in all gas engines, small equipment, boats, cars, trucks, motorcycles and engines that use pre-mix fuel.

Kohler Engines

Kohler offers gasoline engines for commercial and consumer applications (including its Command Pro, Command Pro EFI and K-Series engines), diesel engines and alternative-fuel engines (propane, natural gas, others).

The Kohler Command Pro engines are custom-built for commercial walk-behind mowers. The durable engines feature torque output of 7.75 ft-lbs. (CV173), 9.5 ft-lbs. (CV200) and 11.0 ft-lbs. (CV224); Consistent-Cut technology to maintain fast engine speed through tall, wet grass; Easy-Pull technology for effortless starts; Accu-Fill fuel neck; aluminum block; cast-iron cylinder liners.

TruFuel

TruFuel offers ready-to-use fuel made specifically 2-cycle and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment. Featuring synthetic lubricants and advanced stabilizers, its high-performance, ethanol-free fuel products are engineered for mowers, snow blowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, string trimmers and other OPE.

For two-cycle engines, TruFuel is available in two different additive ratios: 40:1 for OPE requiring a 40:1 gas-to-oil ratio; and 50:1 for hotter-running, higher-revving small engines that require a 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio. Both two-cycle formulations are ready-to-use premixed oil and fuel; 92+ octane; gum-free, varnish-free; butane-free; and benzene-free.

Gold Eagle

Gold Eagle’s brands include Sta-Bil, 303 Products, TriNova, Heet Gas-Line Antifreeze, Motor Force and others. The company offers a variety of lubricants, fuel stabilizers/additives, protectants and more for OPE, marine, automotive and home care.

Sta-Bil Small Engine Pro is a multi-system gas and oil additive designed to: restore lost engine performance by cleaning out gum and varnish; lubricate internal engine components to increase longevity; quiet noisy engines; and prevent corrosion caused by ethanol-blended fuels.

Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton produces engines for push-mowers (five series: E, EX, EXi, PXi and 82Li) and for riding mowers (E, EX, EXi, PXi and its Commercial V-Twin series engines). The company also manufactures commercial-grade engines (under the Vanguard brand), snow blower engines, utility engines, racing engines and more.

Its PXi Series V-Twin riding mower engines (18-27 gross horsepower), designed to provide premium power, boast enhanced components that are extremely durable as well as premium air, oil and fuel filters. Features include: an advanced debris management system; a full pressure lubrication system; and chrome-plated exhaust valves and super finished crankshaft. Options include no choke starting and electronic fuel management.

Echo

Echo offers Red Armor fuels and fuel treatments, oils (2-stroke, 4-stroke), lithium-based lubricants and a bio-based blade cleaner, all designed to extend the life of high-usage products and simplify maintenance.

The company’s Red Armor Fuel is a pre-mixed 50:1 ethanol-free fuel (93 octane) that promotes longer engine life, cleans existing deposits, and protects against future carbon build-up. It features Red Armor Oil, including detergents to remove caked on deposits and carbon upon first use, plus special additives to protect the engine and components from future build-up and keep fuel stable for up to 2 years after opening.