The deck is a Snapper deck, but without the underturned lip to provide extra suction that Snapper Hi-Vacs have. It's more similar to the AIR decks they made, although the outturned lip isn't as wide. The bag may be Snapper. But that's about the extent of similarity. The drive system is _NOT_ Snapper - it looks like the AYP or MTD (I forget which) drive system. This alone makes this mower inferior to a real Snapper, both in terms of function and durability. The handle and controls are all different, and even the chute appears to be different. I couldn't measure, but the chute looks to be of smaller cross section, more like the AYP chute (a la Craftsman, Husqvarna). If so, it's more likely to clog. So this mower is not equal to a Snapper Hi Vac. Of course, it sells for less, too, so there's not one correct answer for everyone. With that deck, I assume one could use any Snapper blade, including the Ninja, as well as a Snapperizer attachment. So that does bring some benefits.

i have a js40 for 2 years. i would not get another. i got it because of the caster wheels, and i THOUGHT it would be more maneuverable. it is, but the front wheels are too far out in front, so clearance is not as good. also, it is only marginally more maneuverable than a fixed wheel. my real complaint is the bagging system. in a word, it SUCKS. whomever designed the bagging system needs a really hard kick in the buttocks. the attachment for the bag is flimsy. it makes the mulching cover stick out, so there is way less clearance on the right side. there is a guide for the pull start, it is either wrong, or the pull cord is not long enough. with the pull cord on this guide, when you pull it, the attachment wants to come off. it is good that this motor always starts on the first pull, otherwise, i think it would have long fallen off. to attach the bag itself, you have to open a spring loaded door, and hold it, then slide the front of the bag over the opening. right. if i had 3 hands, it would work. as it is, i gotta use my knee, and assume a very awkward stance. and this is EVERY time the bag goes on or off. the bag. ahhhh, the bag. it is not quite long enough to hang on the rear part of the handle like it is supposed to, so you gotta really pull and cuss at it. ok, now it is full of clippings, and you need to get it off and empty it. more fun. unhook back of bag, and hold with 1 hand. hold door with knee, and try to pull front of bag off/over door with other hand. look at all the clippings that fall out of the front onto the sidewalk, and cuss. maneuver bag from mower. now, put clippings in trash bag. this is the fun part. the back of the bag is a huge door. so, you gotta put the bag inside the trash bag far enough so that when the door opens, the clippings stay in the trash bag. i can get about 2 bags into even the largest trash bag. a third attempt will put more clippings on the ground than in the bag. it is because of that idiot rear door design. i think the mulching is also marginal. it seems to blow more clippings out the sides of the mower than any other i have owned. it's like mowing in a dust storm. this is the best starting mower i have ever had, and it goes up the slope in the back yard better than any other. it has a feature where a small capsule of fuel stabilizer is put in the gas tank cap, and it measures out enough stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. a great idea, IF every time i need gas, i take the mower to the gas station. i'm a little guy, i would get a hernia. so, like most normal people, i put fuel in a gallon can, take it home, then put it in the mower. i put the fuel stabilizer in the gas when i fill the gas can, otherwise, it can get stale. stabilizer in the gas cap is no good for gas that is already stale.

I had the same thing. I stressed over it for a few days, thinking what the dealer would charge to get it fixed, then I read this page, bought the time delay module, for 20 bucks, and in ten minutes was out mowing! That little part is big trouble when it fails. At least its easy to change, and cheap. I'm so glad this forum exists, it saved me a lot of time and expense for sure.

It's been a couple of years since you posted this, but I'm curious if you ever got the fuse issue on your John Deere E130 sorted out? Electrical issues can be such a headache, and it's frustrating when a fuse keeps blowing without an obvious cause.While I can't diagnose your John Deere, I will say that if you're considering an alternative in the future, Siromer small farm tractors have been praised for their reliability and ease of maintenance. They're designed with simplicity in mind, which makes it easier to identify and fix problems should they arise.Would love to hear an update if you have one!