OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Company Histories BRIGGS & STRATTON - History - 1980s Booklet

Hello ODK history lovers,

I think the main reason Briggs & Stratton has survived and prospered for over a century is because
it was prepared to diversify its activities and products.

In this booklet, celebrating the company's 75th anniversary, the authors point out that Briggs
pursued products as diverse as electric refrigerators, battery eliminators, and coin-operated paper towel
dispensing machines. Their first product was a six-cylinder two cycle engine!



This booklet is provided in FOUR PARTS
PART ONE covers pages 1-5. Here the reader learns about:

* The meeting of Harold Mead Stratton and Steve Briggs
* The first product - a two cycle engine
* The second product - an automobile
* Gas engine igniter patent
* Manufacturer of electrical specialities - The Basco products
* The Motor Wheel and two passenger Flyer

PART TWO

Part Two covers pages 6 to 12 of the booklet. Here, the reader learns about:-

- Post-war boom and garden equipment
- B&S name almost synonymous with 'lawnmower'
- Introduction of the die cast aluminium engine
- Patent infringement court case
- B&S Technologies -automotive lock supplier
- One million engines in one year
- The 'SonoDuct' engine
- Worldwide service network
- Presidents of B&S

The 'SonoDuct'
Of particular interest to me was the 'SonoDuct' engine, developed by Briggs in 1958.
The authors tell us that the engine did go into production, - but acceptance was hampered by the fact that a large,
odd-shaped hole was required on the deck to install the engine...

This was an engine specifically designed to reduce engine noise. There was a clear realisation that noise
could be reduced by moving the flywheel to the bottom of the engine. Didn't Victa do that a few decades later?

Here is a picture of the SonoDuct engine fitted to an unidentified lawnmower:-

PART THREE

Part Three covers pages 13 to 19 of the booklet. Here, the reader learns about:-

- Briggs crystal radio sets
- Briggs refrigerators
- Outboard and inboard marine engines
- Ignition switches, magnetos & valves
- War time components
- Automotive locks and keys
- International & Casting Divisions
- Gasoline/electric hybrid car

PART FOUR

Part Four covers pages 20 to 26 of the booklet. Here, the reader learns about:-

- Domestic plants and other facilities
- Employee organisations