I’ve been a Honda guy for as long as I can remember, but the newer Vanguards have been doing some impressive improvements. Any one running both ?
You still debating that purchase?!
Yes,I’m so on the fence. 
…it takes me forever ,I beat the research, till there’s nothing left
@SurfaceTherapy
I’ll comment on this subject since I bought a b&s since new… It’s at 370 hours, it’s been great! I did get a rear main seal oil leak at 10 hours but it was a 20 minute fix and the part was like $6 from b&s. Super easy to replace
No issues after that, just a choke coming on while working but its due to the linkage being loose… 2 minute fix.
Starts real easy! Fuel economy is great! My gx390 used up more fuel than his V twin 18hp Briggs… loving it so far
2 Likes
Thanks man, I won’t be needing a gas guzzler 690. I’m gonna go with the 630 or the vanguard 18hp. Gonna run 5.5 at 3500 psi. Just wondering how everyone on here felt about them. More honesty and ppl in the trenches actually using them than Google etc…
1 Like
You’ll be happy! I got mine from small engine warehouse. Amazing service from those guys and a great price!
No issues with my 630…then again it only has 35 hours.
1 Like
Gallon an hour. Cheap for peace of mind
2 Likes
Is that what a 690 uses more in an hour ? Id really like your input on the Briggs and the Honda. I know you’ve used both before if I recall correctly, or was it the Kohler you ran @Innocentbystander ?
Meaning just get the Honda gx630 over the vanguard to run a 5.5 12v hot box, 3500 psi ? I don’t want a generator anymore. It’s to finicky from my understanding , not like the old ones
1 Like
I know nothing about Vanguard. Have always had Honda on various things with no major issues so I just automatically go for those. My 630 on the Hydrotek has had no issues yet. Granted it’s only 150 or so hours
2 Likes
I run a 12v system, I see no reason to change it… Next rig will have another 12volt system… Mines been trouble free…
1 Like
I have 2 12volts now. 1 @2000 hrs ,other 1300 hrs. Replaced a fuel pump on 1 at 400 hrs. New electrodes and fuel nozzles,and do a coil cleaning as maintenance on both yearly. Really no real problems, knock on wood. But this will be my first big boy V twin. I’m running Honda gx 390’s on both of mine now. Just looking for insight between the vanguard and honda V twins. Thanks for ya’lls help
1 Like
4 Likes
That’s a sweet set up!!
I ran Kohlers until they started vapor locking on ethanol. Ran Briggs until I got tired of bent push rods and valve covers spewing hot oil everywhere. My Landa guy ran Briggs off when they admitted they had a problem but no fix. Hondas are great with the exception of the stupid fuse behind the key switch and coils occasionally
4 Likes
Nuff said gentleman. That horse is dead for sure. Honda it is. Thank ya’ll so much.
2 Likes
Ha I hate that stupid fuse. I have a blown vanguard sitting in shop floor. Just buy a Honda. I’m not saying they are not better than they were but still got a long way to go. It’s a maintenance thing for me if you like to work on your equipment when you get home buy one. If you like to go in the house get a cold beer and grill meat on the deck buy a honda
FWIW, I talked with the main mower shop tech here in town and when I mentioned Vanguard he paused and said ‘stay away’.
