Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Status of Tecumseh Engines, briggs and stratton, tecumseh engines

Question
I am looking at purchasing a new snow thrower and have noticed a lot of manufacturers utilize Tecumseh enines.

I have recently heard (a rumor?) that Tecumseh is either closed or is closing their operations.

Is this true and if so, should I stay clear of products using Tecumseh?

I generally keep my equipment a long time (lawn mower now 23 years old and my last snow thrower 34 years) with careful maintainence. How hard would it be to get Tecumseh parts in several years from now if they are in fat closing their doors.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Thom

Answer
Thom:

The rumor is correct, Tecumseh quit manufacturing engines December 0f 2008.  Their service division is open to support their products, but for how long i am not sure.

Briggs and Stratton does have a snow engine.  A good one too!

Many Chinese engine companies are trying to get into the snow business and pick up where Tecumseh left off.  The major player is a company called LCT.  They have US presence and you actually talk to folks in South Carolina if you have a problem.

Most of the employees that work for LCT are former Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh personnel.  I personally know the former Tecumseh employee and he built a career on selling tecumseh engines to Toro.

This is more info then you asked for, but yes, I would stay away from units with Tecumseh engines on them.  If i was purchasing a new snowblower today i would look at the Sears or Husqvarna line up with the LCT engine.

Some of the Chinese engine companies say they have a sno engine, but one has to ask themselves, if it never gets below 30 degrees Fahrenheit have they really tested a "snow engine"?

The jury is still out on the Chinese snow engine, but they are the only option right now...besides Briggs and Stratton.