Honda vs B&S
Tim, Read everything again. The overwealming opinion is go with Honda GX series. You cant Beat it!
A little story. About 8 years ago I was looking for a larger backup machine. I had a hot box and I needed a c/w pw to mate to it. At the same time A fellow contractor was buying a machine. He bougbt machine 10hp B&S with belt drive pump 3000/4.0. I bought a Honda 13hp GX with gear reduction 3000/4.0. He has had numerous problems, hard to start, replaced carb, burned oil after about 2 years. Seemed to wear out prematurely. Now he took good care of this machine, changed oil, keep it clean and stored properly. I on the other hand only changed the oil and spark plug. This thing still runs like a scalded ape. No problems. It has outlasted the B&S 2:1. Even though I like the belt drive better than the gear reduction. This made little difference. Spend the money, its a little more, you get what you pay for. It will last you much longer. Nothing is worse than trying to do a job with some kind of POS home owner machine. If you are going to be a contractor have some contractor grade equipment. ( Ill probably get flamed for that statement ). Anyway you will pay for this machine in no time.
There ya go Tim, those are MY thoughts.