Briggs & Stratton announced new Vanguard oil system

After four years in the making, Briggs & Stratton is releasing a new Vanguard oil system that reduces downtime and maintenance costs. Initially, the new technology will be available on Ferris mowers.

The oil tank is further from the engine to keep it cooler and it’s larger at a 6-quart capacity. “So you’ve got more oil doing less work,” said Jim Cross, commercial marketing manager.

The system keeps oil 6 to 18 degrees lower than traditional systems which reduces thermal breakdown. It features a dry sump engine, meaning that the oil isn’t maintained in the cylinder, but instead in a separate reservoir. So 1 quart of oil remains in the engine with 5 in the reservoir rather than the typical 2 or 2.5 quarts in the engine, which increases the life of the oil, said Ben Miller, product manager.

The cap and the dipstick are located at the top of the system, making them easily accessible for faster oil changes. “You don’t have a messy oil change. It’s quick, simple and very easy,” Miller said.

There are three configurations in two engines: the Vanguard Big Block and the Vanguard 810 EFI.

“We wanted to extend oil change intervals from 100 to 500 hours. Why 500 hours? That’s a typical cutting season,” Cross said.

Cross said that means a 60 percent net cost savings, not including the money owners will save with less downtime and more time for mowers to be at work.

The tool-less oil change design means oil can be drained in less than five minutes.

Briggs & Stratton is also introducing Vanguard Oil, a full-synthetic 15W-50 small engine oil designed for commercial engine applications. The zinc provides anti-wear protection from metal engine components and the high-quality detergent assures lower engine deposits as the oil wears.

The new formula is will work in temperatures up to 130 degrees and has cold start properties as low as 20 degrees.

The system will be available in engines in November. The oil will be available Nov. 15.