Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): GGP 173 cc SM 55, global garden products, loncin engine

Question
I see that Stiga(Husquarna) is equipping some of their snow blowers and other equipment with what they call a GGP/private brand engine instead of the normal B%26S engine. I'm in the process of buying a GPP engine equipped snow thrower from Stiga but I'm skeptical about the quality of the engine. This GPP engine looks similar to engines I've seen on various Chinese made equipment, like generators. The dealer does not know the source of this engine. I suspect this a Chinese OEM engine. Do you have any ideas? Is this a quality engine (GGP 173 cc SM 55)?

Answer
I believe it may be a Loncin engine or even a Zongshen.  Both companies have been around and are very high quality in the Chinese engine arena.  What is throwing me for a loop is the 173cc displacement. i don't find this in any of my reference materials,but don't fear this.


Just make sure whoever you buy it from has replacement engine parts.  I would not worry about the engine as long as the supplier promises to have parts.  From what i can see GGP  Global Garden Products is supplying the engines.