To my knowledge the Snapper doesn't have a BBC, so it seems like it wouldn't be a good choice for you. In general, Snappers are good mowers used by many lawn crews, and with few differences between the residential Hi-Vacs and the commercial ones (meaning the residential models are tough). This Kawasaki engine is big and pretty heavy, but it's _really_ powerful. It will mulch and side-discharge well, but Hi-Vacs are of course known especially for bagging abilities. By "top-end" Honda, you probably still mean the residential units (commercial models are the real high end of any mower line). As far as I know, Hondas are generally very good mowers too. My biggest concern would be that the transmission would eventually break and cost so much to replace that the mower becomes disposable. The Snapper can easily and cheaply be repaired forever. As for the Toro model you mentioned, probably the biggest difference is the drive system. Personal Pace is a different animal and takes getting used to. Many love it, some not so much. You should go to a dealer to try it first. Of course, again that's a bagging-specialty mower and if mulching and side-discharge are you main goals, you should probably look at their Super Recyclers.

I was looking for a self-propelled mower a couple of weeks ago. I got the RP2160KWV because I have a five year old 'push' Snapper and it mulches well AND bags well AND side discharges well. They're very versatile mowers and with the Kawasaki engine it'll last for many years. I looked at Honda and Toro too but neither are as versatile as the Snapper.

Heintooga wrote: "I looked at Honda and Toro too but neither are as versatile as the Snapper."

I guess this depends on what Honda you compare it too. The Versa Mow is IMO the most versatile mower available. To be able to mulch or bag or select any setting in-between is excellent. I have used many high-end mowers through my life and this is the first feature with true benefits that has come out since BBC. The Hydro on the Honda is a step up as well. Snappers are nice and I have owned them. The Honda HRX will out bag them and has more lift. It also has a great reputation as mulcher and does it as good or better then any. The twin blades make a HUGE difference!

I have a personal pace. It takes some getting use to (in so far as pulling it back toward yuorself) but I really like it. Pop Pop has a snapper. It seems stury and I believe it has a good mechanical rep but I find it heavy and mot as good a mulcher.

I had an original Honda Harmony 10 years ago and had nothing but problems with it. My dad got one at the same time I did and still has it. You never know how long anything will last. I'd get whats most comfortable and affordable for you.

Thanks - sure appreciate your thoughts.

I purchased a Snapper Model P216019KWV with a 6hp Kawasaki engine model FJ180V 6.0 engine about a year ago. I did have a "Hunting" problem with the engine that I could not adjust out with the limited movement of the mixture screw. I thought it would go away after break-in, but it did not. I took it back to the dealer and they slightly enlarged the main carburetor jet so it was not running so lean. This took care of the problem. However, even before this problem was resolved, the mower did a great job. I use it to side discharge in the summer, and bag in the fall. It has an excellent suction. I recently had to mow some very long wet grass that made a mess in my JD tractor deck, but after mowing part of the same long wet grass with the Snapper, the underside of the deck was clean. I was using the side discharge at the time. I looked at the Honda as well as the Snapper. After having such good luck with a 20 year old Snapper, I chose the new Snapper over the Honda. I am very pleased with my purchase. The only thing I miss is the blade clutch. But, without it, there is one less thing to wear out. It restarts easily enough so it is not a big deal for me. Charles Ranheim