Hey buddy, I just learned about eReplacementParts.com. I put in my Snapper mower model name and number and the site poped up diagrams to help me order all the parts I needed. I just got the box and plan to put them on this weekend before the mowing season. Also, had to order one part for the engine, which required me to know the Briggs & Stratton engine model number. So, went to B&S site and it had a helpful video to identify the engine model number. From B&S site I downloaded a manual and parts list for my Snapper mower B&S engine. Just went back to eReplacementParts.com and put in the part number and ordered a new muffler guard. eReplacementParts.com had everything. I'm just a homeowner like you who likes to keep my Snapper in tip top shape like you!

Go with the Lawnboy, it's a 2stroke which will last longer when cutting on slopes and uneven surfaces because it provides better engine lubrication due to it being a 2stroke. I really have a dislike for Toro, I just don't like their mower designs. The Suzuki engines on some models like on the commercial models are a nice engine, and made to last, but the deck and control designs leave some to be desired.........Tom

I don't know of any other mower that has a fully open diff like the Snappers. All the others will ratchet forward but not backwards when the drive system is engaged. That's why they maintain 2-wheel-drive on hills, which is helpful there. But the downside is that they don't allow as good maneuverability with the drive engaged, because a sharp turn requires that the operator actually push forward (increase the groundspeed) to make the outside wheel ratchet faster, while the inside wheel continues at the drive system's gear-driven groundspeed. That's a list of pros/cons for each system that must be weighed for each person's particular yard and needs. Unfortunately, there's no cost-effective way to have the best of both. I've been a Snapper user all my life, and moved to a house with a significant hill in the back about 1.5 years ago. I've actually been surprised so far that I can mow across the grade and it keeps driving pretty well. I was worried about this potential traction problem. However, my turf is not very bumpy, and this may be the big difference between the OP's and my results.

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.