Power
The rated power of the engine in horsepower (in fact,
the maximum power that the unit can produce in normal operation, without overloads). Despite the popularity of the designation in watts (see below), horsepower (hp) is still quite widely used to indicate the power of internal combustion engines. 1 HP is approximately 735 watts.
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more speed and tractive effort it is able to develop. On the other hand, this indicator directly affects the weight, dimensions, and most importantly, the cost of the unit, while the real need for high power is relatively rare. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned application; specific recommendations on the selection of an engine for a specific technique and tasks can be found in special sources. We only note that models of the same power can differ in speed and "torque"; see "Shaft speed" for details.
In general, performance up to 8 hp. are considered low, up to 13 hp. — medium, more than 13 hp — high.
Power
The rated power of the engine (the highest power it can deliver in normal operation) in kilowatts. Initially, the power of internal combustion engines (ICE) was usually denoted in horsepower, but now it is also common to record in watts / kilowatts; this, in particular, makes it easier to compare the power of internal combustion engines and electric motors. Some units can be converted to others: 1 hp approximately equal to 0.735 kW.
In general, the more powerful the engine, the more speed and tractive effort it is able to develop. On the other hand, this indicator directly affects the weight, dimensions, and most importantly, the cost of the unit, while the real need for high power is relatively rare. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned application; specific recommendations on choosing an engine for a specific technique and tasks can be found in special sources. We only note that models of the same power can differ in speed and "torque"; see "Shaft speed" for details.
Shaft position
Standard operating arrangement of the motor shaft. For different types of equipment, a different arrangement will be optimal: for example, lawn mowers are designed for
a vertical shaft, but walk-behind tractors are usually made for
“horizontal” engines. In any case, the choice for this parameter is determined primarily by the requirements of the mechanism for which the engine is purchased.
There are units with a free arrangement that work normally in any position - both horizontal and vertical. This versatility will be especially useful if the engine will be moved from one mechanism to another, and different shaft orientations may be required - or if the unit will be used in different operating positions, and the engine will need to tolerate tilting and turning. The latter is relevant primarily for brush cutters (gasoline trimmers).
Shaft speed
The highest shaft speed provided by the motor. Before buying, you should make sure that this indicator corresponds to the characteristics of the equipment in which you plan to install the engine — too high a speed can damage the working tool, transmission units, etc.
It is also worth considering that a higher rotational speed (for the same engine power and transmission characteristics) means less torque, and vice versa. Therefore, this parameter allows you to compare engines in terms of the speed / thrust ratio (however, only on the condition that they do not have reduction gears — see "Functions").
Piston diameter
The engine piston diameter is a reference parameter — in fact, this data is required very rarely, usually, for repairs and other specific tasks that the average user usually does not deal with at all.
Piston stroke
The distance that an engine piston travels from one extreme point to another. In general, it is a rather specific characteristic and is rarely required in fact (for most ordinary users, it is never needed at all in the entire “life” of the engine).
Fuel tank volume
The nominal volume of the engine's fuel tank is the maximum amount of fuel that can be safely filled there. Knowing the fuel consumption (see below), it is possible to estimate the operating time of the unit on a single refill by the volume of the tank by dividing the tank capacity by the consumption.
Large fuel tanks, on the one hand, allow you to work for a long time without refueling, on the other hand, they significantly affect the dimensions and weight of the engine. Also note that many models allow refueling "on the go." When choosing a tank volume, manufacturers take into account these points, as well as the “weight category” and the specifics of the engine application.
Fuel consumption
Nominal fuel consumption during engine operation. This indicator allows you to evaluate, first of all, the efficiency of the unit and the costs of its operation. And having data on the volume of the fuel tank, you can also calculate the time of continuous operation on a single refill. However, it should be taken into account that in the characteristics the fuel consumption is usually indicated for a certain average operating mode, and in fact it can be more, especially when using the engine in difficult conditions. However, according to these data, it is quite possible to compare different engine models.
Noise level
The noise level produced by the engine during operation. This parameter is quite approximate, because. the characteristics usually indicate a certain average value. And in some situations (for example, a sharp increase in the load on the shaft), the noise can increase noticeably. Also, do not forget that the components and mechanisms of the machine in which the engine is installed also produce a certain noise, which is added to the noise of the engine. However, the less noise the motor produces, the more comfortable it is, usually, to use it.
The noise level is usually measured in decibels; this is a non-linear value, so it is easiest to evaluate the volume using comparative tables that can be found in special sources. The most "quiet" general purpose engines give out about 70 dB, this can be compared with the passage of a truck at a distance of 8 – 10 m; the loudest are just under 100 dB (subway train noise).