ModMech
Platinum Member
Specifications, especially HP claims, are very important. There is a class action law suite against many lawn mower manufacturers going all the way back to January 1, 1994. Many of us received the "Legal Notice" thru the mail recently. Apparently, many of the manufacturers were exaggerating the engine hp all the way up to 30 hp for both walk-behind and riding mowers. There is a long list of defendants in the case. Most manufacturers are now using "torque" ratings for their products. Look here for more info.
https://lawnmowerclass.com/
My '82 Lawn-Boy 21" Commercial was rated at about 4HP, it would cut better and wetter grass than anything now or recently advertised as "6HP" or so.
Yes, I can see this and it's on the automotive side as well. Now even SAE HP certifications must be WITNESSED but that only "certifies" that the test was valid and accurate and not that the test was equal to all other SAE standard test regimines.
This IS a major reason for the Nebraska Tractor tests and why some Mfgrs are interested in completing them and others are not.