North America Small Gas Engine Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033
Steady Growth Fueled by Landscaping, Construction Demand, and Technological Advancements

The North America Small Gas Engine Market is on track for consistent expansion over the next decade, supported by rising demand from the outdoor power equipment, construction, and agricultural sectors. According to Renub Research, the market is expected to reach US$ 2.11 billion by 2033, up from US$ 1.5 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 3.88% from 2025 to 2033.
This growth trajectory highlights the region’s ongoing reliance on compact, efficient, and durable power solutions, even as electric alternatives gain traction. From lawnmowers and leaf blowers to pressure washers, chainsaws, and portable generators, small gas engines continue to underpin the operation of millions of everyday machines across North America.
North America Small Gas Engine Industry Overview
The North America Small Gas Engine industry is experiencing robust development, driven by the widespread use of outdoor power equipment and growing adoption of compact construction and agricultural tools. Small gas engines—typically under 25 horsepower—remain essential for powering equipment such as lawnmowers, generators, pressure washers, trimmers, chainsaws, tillers, and portable construction tools.
Key Industry Drivers
Growth in landscaping and gardening activities
Rising residential and commercial construction
Modernization of agriculture
Technological advances in engine efficiency and emissions control
Expanding use of portable power solutions
Technological innovation is particularly crucial, as manufacturers introduce engines with smarter combustion, better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved durability. The integration of electronic fuel injection (EFI), advanced ignition systems, and hybrid components is modernizing legacy equipment and meeting tightening environmental regulations across the U.S. and Canada.
The region is also witnessing strong replacement demand as homeowners and contractors upgrade older machinery in favor of more efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally responsible engines.
Despite rising competition from electric and battery-powered equipment, small gas engines continue to dominate high-power, heavy-duty applications that require long runtimes and sustained torque—areas where electric alternatives still struggle.
Key Factors Driving Market Growth
1. Expansion of Landscaping and Construction Activities
Landscaping, lawn maintenance, and small-scale construction activities are expanding rapidly across North America, creating sustained demand for small gas engines. These engines power an extensive range of outdoor power equipment—including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, edgers, trimmers, and compact construction tools—valued for their reliability, mobility, and high output.
Urbanization, suburban development, and rising household spending on home improvement have significantly boosted the adoption of lawn and garden equipment. Gardening as a recreational activity is also contributing to a surge in consumer-level demand.
Manufacturers are responding by offering:
Lightweight engines
Easy-start systems
Improved power-to-weight ratios
Longer engine life and reduced maintenance
This aligns with the preferences of both professional landscaping firms and DIY homeowners.
2. Advancements in Engine Technology and Performance Efficiency
Innovation remains central to the growth of the small gas engine market. Engine manufacturers are increasingly integrating smarter combustion design, cleaner emissions systems, advanced filtration, and fuel-efficient technologies to stay competitive.
Key innovations include:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for improved engine start and fuel management
Smart ignition systems for enhanced durability
Advanced air filtration systems for longer operating life
Lightweight materials to improve mobility and reduce fuel consumption
Hybrid power systems that combine fuel-based and electric components
These advancements are helping manufacturers meet stringent environmental standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Canadian regulatory bodies.
For end-users, improved fuel economy, reduced maintenance, and enhanced engine reliability make modern gas engines more appealing than older-generation models.
3. Rising Demand for Reliable Portable Power Solutions
Portable power is becoming increasingly valuable—both in residential and commercial settings. Small gas engines play a critical role in powering portable generators, pressure washers, compact agricultural machines, and construction tools essential for jobsite mobility and emergency backup energy.
Other demand-driving factors include:
Rising power outages across North America
Increasing participation in outdoor recreation
Growth in off-grid and mobile operations
Expanding use of small agricultural equipment such as sprayers, irrigation pumps, and portable harvest tools
The versatility and dependable runtime of small gas engines continue to position them as preferred power sources where mobility and immediate performance are required.
Challenges Facing the North America Small Gas Engine Market
1. Stringent Emission Regulations and Environmental Concerns
The industry faces increasing pressure from strict emissions standards targeting greenhouse gases, smog-forming pollutants, and noise levels. EPA rules require manufacturers to redesign engines to include:
Catalytic systems
Controlled combustion technology
Low-emission carburetors
Advanced exhaust treatment systems
While these improvements help reduce environmental impact, they also raise manufacturing costs and require extensive R&D investment.
Consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious, prompting some to shift toward electric alternatives. Gas-powered engines are often criticized for:
Carbon emissions
Noise pollution
Dependence on fossil fuels
These concerns continue to challenge market expansion, especially in regions or municipalities with eco-focused regulations.
2. Rising Competition from Electric and Battery-Powered Equipment
Battery-powered and electric equipment is making notable inroads into markets traditionally dominated by gas engines. Thanks to improvements in lithium-ion technology, electric tools now offer:
Lower operational cost
Zero emissions
Quieter operation
Minimal maintenance
Increasingly powerful performance
Government incentives promoting clean, electrified solutions further accelerate this shift.
While small gas engines still outperform electric alternatives in high-torque, long-runtime applications, the competitive gap continues to narrow each year. Manufacturers must innovate or diversify toward hybrid and electric alternatives to remain competitive.
North America Small Gas Engine Market: Regional Overview
United States Small Gas Engine Market
The United States leads the region in small gas engine demand, driven by widespread use in outdoor power equipment, generators, and compact construction machinery. With substantial activity in residential landscaping, infrastructure development, and home improvement, the U.S. remains the dominant market in North America.
Key market characteristics:
Growing suburban housing expands lawncare needs
Infrastructure modernization boosts construction equipment demand
EPA-regulated technology advancements increase product differentiation
Consumer preferences shift toward efficient, low-maintenance products
Despite competition from electric tools, small gas engines remain essential for heavy-duty tasks requiring longer runtimes and stronger performance. The U.S. continues to be the primary hub for innovation, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance for the region.
Canada Small Gas Engine Market
The Canadian market is expanding steadily, driven by rising adoption of outdoor power equipment in residential landscaping, agriculture, and construction. Seasonal weather patterns, including heavy snowfall, also fuel demand for small gas-powered snow blowers and winter equipment, further differentiating Canada from the U.S. market.
Key growth factors include:
Increasing suburban housing development
Expansion of commercial landscaping services
Adoption of fuel-efficient and low-emission engines
Consistent replacement demand for older machinery
While electrification presents challenges, the reliability and power density of small gas engines ensure continued relevance, particularly for rural and agricultural users.
Market Segmentation
By Engine Displacement
20–100cc
101–450cc
451–650cc
By Application
Gardening
Industrial
Construction
Others
By Equipment Type
Lawnmower
Chainsaw
Portable generator
Pressure washer
Trimmer
Edger
Others
By Country
United States
Canada
Key Companies Covered
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Kohler Co.
Honda Motor Co. Ltd.
Yamaha Motor Corp.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
Kubota Corporation
Liquid Combustion Technology
Kipor Power
Champion Power Equipment
Each company’s overview includes key personnel, financial performance, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and strategic initiatives shaping the competitive landscape.
Final Thoughts
The North America Small Gas Engine Market is entering a phase of steady, technology-driven growth. While challenges from electrification and regulatory pressure persist, small gas engines continue to play an essential role in powering outdoor equipment, construction tools, agricultural devices, and portable generators across the region.
As innovation accelerates—particularly in fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and hybrid technologies—the market is expected to remain resilient and adaptable through 2033. With a strong foundation in landscaping, construction, and portable power applications, the small gas engine industry is well-positioned for sustained growth, modernization, and competitive evolution.
About the Creator
Renub Research
Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company. We have more than 15 years of experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys and Consulting. Call Us : +1-478-202-3244




Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.