Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton

Founded in 1908 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Stephen F. Briggs and Harold M. Stratton and headquartered today in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. With more than 115 years of small-engine manufacturing, Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, supplying engines under its own branded product lines plus a major OEM customer base across generators, lawn mowers, pressure washers, and commercial outdoor power equipment manufactured by other companies. The company was acquired by KPS Capital Partners in 2020 and continues operating as Briggs & Stratton, LLC with US manufacturing operations across Wisconsin, Alabama, Georgia, New York, and Missouri.

The Briggs & Stratton generator lineup spans portable, inverter, and standby configurations engineered around the brand's Intek, Professional Series, and Vanguard engine platforms. The Storm Responder portable series covers 5,000W through 10,000W class units for storm recovery and jobsite power, the Q6500 QuietPower Inverter Generator delivers 6,500 starting watts of clean inverter power safe for sensitive electronics, the PowerSmart Series extends inverter coverage to smaller and more portable form factors, and Briggs & Stratton home standby generators provide permanent whole-home backup with automatic transfer switch coordination. Every generator carries EPA Phase 3 and CARB compliance plus access to the largest authorized small-engine service network in North America.

The Trade Table is an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer, carrying the brand's portable and standby generator lineup with full manufacturer warranty coverage and access to Briggs & Stratton's nationwide authorized service network for warranty repair, scheduled maintenance, and parts. The Briggs lineup sits alongside The Trade Table's broader backup power category including portable power stations and home battery backup systems for buyers building layered grid-outage resilience across fuel, battery, and solar sources.

Briggs & Stratton | Portable Generators, Inverter Generators, Home Standby Generators & Outdoor Power Equipment

A Briggs & Stratton generator carries 115+ years of small-engine engineering — overhead valve (OHV) design across the modern engine lineup, Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeves on Professional Series and Vanguard-powered generators for extended service life, ReadyStart starting systems that eliminate the choke-prime-pull routine, and Magnetron electronic ignition for reliable cold-weather and high-altitude starting. The engine platform is the brand's foundation — the same engines that power Briggs-branded generators also power thousands of OEM-customer products. That installed base translates into the deepest service network and the most accessible parts availability in the gasoline generator industry.

The Storm Responder portable generator series is Briggs & Stratton's flagship storm-recovery and jobsite power lineup — mid-tier 5,000W to 7,000W and larger 8,000W to 10,000W class units running on Intek and Professional Series OHV engines with full-frame steel roll cage construction, never-flat tires for jobsite mobility, multiple GFCI-protected 120V outlets, and 120/240V twist-lock receptacles for transfer switch integration. Storm Responder runtimes typically reach 8 to 12+ hours per fuel tank at 25–50% load. Larger Storm Responder units handle full-load residential backup including refrigeration, sump pumps, well pumps, furnace blowers, and most window air conditioners through a manual transfer switch installation.

The Q6500 QuietPower Inverter Generator is Briggs & Stratton's flagship inverter portable generator — 6,500 starting watts and 5,000 running watts of inverter-clean power safe for sensitive electronics including TVs, computers, medical equipment, and CPAP machines. The Q6500 runs significantly quieter than conventional open-frame portable generators in an enclosed-frame chassis with wheels and folding handle, plus parallel-ready outlets for pairing two units when more capacity is needed. The Q6500 targets RV owners, tailgaters, food truck operators, mobile vendors, and homeowners in neighborhoods with noise restrictions during outages.

The PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator lineup extends Briggs & Stratton's inverter coverage into smaller and more portable form factors including compact 2,200W class inverter generators sized for tailgating, RV boondocking, camping, and emergency backup of essential circuits. PowerSmart inverters carry the same clean-power output and quiet-operation positioning as the flagship Q6500 in a more portable chassis.

Briggs & Stratton home standby generators provide permanent whole-home automatic backup — natural gas or LP-fueled units sized from approximately 10kW through 26kW residential standby capacity, paired with automatic transfer switches that detect grid outages and start the generator within seconds. Home standby installation is permitted electrical work performed by a licensed electrician with gas line connection by a licensed gas fitter. The Briggs home standby platform uses Vanguard-derived commercial engine technology for extended runtime reliability and eliminates the manual setup and fuel storage of portable generators.

Beyond the generator lineup, Briggs & Stratton manufactures the broader outdoor power equipment ecosystem that defines the brand — the Intek, Vanguard, Professional Series, Quantum, and Classic engine families for OEM and Briggs-branded equipment; gas pressure washers across consumer through commercial tiers; push and self-propelled lawn mowers under the Briggs brand plus sister brands Simplicity (premium residential lawn tractors and zero-turn riders), Snapper (residential mowers), and Ferris (commercial zero-turn riders with patented suspension); and snow blowers for residential and light commercial Snow Belt applications. The Vanguard commercial engine platform is the most widely-used commercial small engine in North America.

Briggs & Stratton Options

• Storm Responder 5,000W to 7,000W portable generators for storm recovery and jobsite power
• Storm Responder 8,000W to 10,000W portable generators for whole-home critical-load backup
• Q6500 QuietPower Inverter Generator with 6,500W starting / 5,000W running clean inverter power
• PowerSmart Series inverter generators for RV, tailgating, and quiet portable backup
• Briggs & Stratton home standby generators (10kW–26kW class) with automatic transfer switch
• Intek Series single-cylinder and V-twin OHV residential engines (10–25+ HP class)
• Vanguard Series commercial OHV engines with full-pressure lubrication and Dura-Bore sleeves
• Professional Series engines for premium residential and prosumer applications
• Quantum and Classic Series engines for entry-level outdoor power equipment
• Briggs & Stratton consumer, prosumer, and commercial gas pressure washers
• Briggs & Stratton push and self-propelled lawn mowers and snow blowers
• Simplicity premium residential lawn tractors and zero-turn riders
• Snapper residential walk-behind and riding mowers
• Ferris commercial zero-turn riders with patented suspension
• ReadyStart starting system, Magnetron electronic ignition, Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeves

Benefits of Briggs & Stratton

• 115+ years of small-engine manufacturing experience and engineering refinement
• World's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment
• Wisconsin-based engineering and customer service since 1908
• Largest authorized small-engine service network in North America
• ReadyStart starting system eliminates choke-prime-pull routine on most consumer engines
• Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeves on Professional Series and Vanguard for extended service life
• Vanguard commercial engine platform built for daily commercial duty cycles
• Q6500 QuietPower delivers clean inverter power safe for sensitive electronics
• Home standby generators integrate with whole-home automatic transfer switch coordination
• EPA Phase 3 and CARB compliant across the engine and generator lineup
• 2-year consumer warranty with extended warranty options on home standby installations

Common Uses for Briggs & Stratton Products

• Whole-home and critical-load backup power during storms, hurricanes, and grid outages
• Jobsite power for construction, electrical, HVAC, and trade contractors
• Quiet portable power for RV, tailgating, camping, and outdoor events
• Permanent home standby backup with automatic transfer switch integration
• Backup power for medical equipment, well pumps, sump pumps, and refrigeration
• Hurricane preparedness across Gulf Coast and Southeast storm season markets
• Snow Belt winter outage backup during ice storms and prolonged cold events
• Rural and remote property backup where utility power is unreliable
• Food truck, mobile vendor, and concession power applications (inverter generators)
• Construction and remodeling site power where utility service is unavailable
• Off-grid cabin and hunting camp portable power
• Residential pressure washing for driveways, decks, siding, and vehicles
• Residential lawn care and snow removal across the Briggs-powered equipment lineup

Why Buy Briggs & Stratton from The Trade Table?

The Trade Table is an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer, carrying the brand's portable and standby generator lineup with full manufacturer warranty coverage. Purchasing Briggs & Stratton through The Trade Table delivers valid warranty registration with authorized-dealer proof of purchase and access to the largest authorized small-engine service network in North America. Our team helps customers select the right Briggs & Stratton generator based on application (storm recovery, jobsite, whole-home standby, RV, tailgating), capacity requirements (2,200W portable through 26kW whole-home standby), starting and running watt sizing against critical-load lists, fuel type (gasoline portable, natural gas or LP home standby), and transfer switch compatibility for residential installations. For buyers building complete grid-outage resilience, we coordinate Briggs gas generator selection alongside portable power stations and home battery backup options across fuel, battery, and solar sources.

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Briggs & Stratton FAQs

Are Briggs & Stratton engines good?

Yes — Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest manufacturer of small gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment with more than 115 years of continuous production. The Intek Series is the most widely distributed residential engine line in North America, the Professional Series adds Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeves and premium internal components for prosumer applications, and the Vanguard Series is engineered for commercial duty cycles with full-pressure lubrication, automotive-style oil filtration, and extended service intervals. Engine quality varies by series — match the engine tier to the application duty cycle and Briggs & Stratton delivers reliable long-service-life performance. The brand's installed base, authorized service network, and parts availability make Briggs the most serviceable small-engine platform in the industry.

Where are Briggs & Stratton engines made?

Briggs & Stratton is headquartered in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, with US engine manufacturing operations historically based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (the company's 1908 founding location) and additional manufacturing facilities in Auburn, Alabama; Statesboro, Georgia; Munnsville, New York; and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The company also operates manufacturing facilities internationally to serve regional markets. Engineering, product development, and customer service remain centered at the Wisconsin headquarters where Stephen F. Briggs and Harold M. Stratton founded the company in 1908.

Who owns Briggs & Stratton?

Briggs & Stratton, LLC is owned by KPS Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm that acquired Briggs & Stratton out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. KPS Capital Partners restructured the company and continues operating it as Briggs & Stratton, LLC with manufacturing, engineering, and customer service operations rooted in Wisconsin. The brand maintains its independent product roadmap, dealer network, and warranty obligations under KPS ownership.

What size Briggs & Stratton generator do I need?

Generator sizing depends on the critical loads you need to power during an outage. For essential-circuit backup (refrigerator, sump pump, lights, internet, well pump on smaller homes), a 5,000W to 7,000W Storm Responder portable generator typically covers the load. For partial whole-home backup adding furnace blower, microwave, and smaller window AC, step up to 8,000W to 10,000W. For full whole-home backup including central air conditioning and electric water heating, a Briggs & Stratton home standby generator with automatic transfer switch sized to the home's electrical service (typically 14kW to 26kW residential standby) is the correct path. For sensitive electronics, medical equipment, or RV applications, the Q6500 QuietPower Inverter Generator delivers 6,500 starting watts of inverter-clean power.

What's the difference between Intek, Vanguard, and Professional Series engines?

The Intek Series is the residential workhorse — single-cylinder and V-twin OHV configurations covering 10–25+ HP class, used in walk-behind mowers, lawn tractors, generators, and pressure washers for typical residential weekly-use duty cycles. The Professional Series adds Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeves, premium internal components, and longer service life ratings for prosumer applications and high-use residential equipment. The Vanguard Series is the commercial tier — full-pressure lubrication with automotive-style oil filter, Dura-Bore cylinder sleeves, extended service intervals, and the durability required for daily commercial duty cycles. Storm Responder portable generators run on Intek or Professional Series engines; home standby generators use Vanguard-derived commercial engine technology.

How do I clean a Briggs & Stratton carburetor?

For light gum and varnish deposits, Briggs & Stratton carburetors can often be cleaned in place — disconnect the spark plug wire, remove the air filter assembly to expose the carburetor, spray carburetor cleaner through the throat and external jets, allow the cleaner to penetrate per the product instructions, then reassemble and start the engine to burn off remaining residue. For ethanol-fuel-related deposits, stuck float bowls, or stale-fuel varnish, the carburetor typically needs to be removed, disassembled, soaked in carburetor cleaner solution, blown out with compressed air through all jets and passages, and reassembled with new gaskets. For warranty-eligible engines or complex carburetor service, the Briggs & Stratton authorized service network handles the work with full parts and labor coverage. Most carburetor issues are preventable with ethanol fuel stabilizer use during off-season storage.

Where do I get Briggs & Stratton parts and service?

Briggs & Stratton operates the largest small-engine authorized service network in North America with thousands of authorized service centers and parts dealers nationwide — the brand's dealer locator at briggsandstratton.com identifies the closest authorized service center by ZIP code. For products purchased through The Trade Table, warranty service coordination is handled through the authorized dealer channel including parts replacement, repair labor, and warranty claim documentation. Customers needing routine maintenance parts (spark plugs, filters, oil) source through the Briggs & Stratton authorized parts network where factory-original components are stocked.

What warranty does Briggs & Stratton offer?

Briggs & Stratton warranty terms vary by product category and consumer-vs-commercial use designation. Residential consumer portable generators typically carry a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of original purchase. Home standby generators carry extended warranty terms reflecting the permanent-install application (often 5+ years on engine and components). Vanguard-powered commercial equipment carries category-specific commercial warranty terms (typically 3-year commercial use coverage). Warranty validity requires proof of purchase from an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer — The Trade Table is an authorized dealer, making purchases through The Trade Table eligible for full warranty coverage.

How long do Briggs & Stratton generators last?

Briggs & Stratton generator service life depends on engine tier, duty cycle, and maintenance discipline. Properly maintained Storm Responder portable generators commonly deliver 1,000–3,000+ hours of service life with disciplined oil changes, air filter replacement, and ethanol fuel stabilizer use during off-season storage — equivalent to 15–25+ years of typical residential backup duty cycle use. Q6500 QuietPower and PowerSmart inverter generators carry similar service life expectations. Home standby generators, running on Vanguard-derived commercial engine technology and operating on natural gas or LP without ethanol fuel issues, commonly deliver 2,000–5,000+ hours of service life — equivalent to decades of typical residential backup duty cycle use. The brand's authorized service network supports rebuild and repower options at end of service life.