I love both my Snappers and have used them for years. They are quality machines and simple to work on with easy to find parts. I have had my Snapper 28" rear engine rider for 15 years(bought used). It is the perfect size for my yard and I am able to drive thru all the gates. The walk-behind mower I bought used for $35 dollars at an auction in 1997 is still going strong. When the time comes, I am buying Snapper again. I keep the oil changed, add stabilizer at the end of the season, and keep the blades sharpened. Just like a car, if you take care of it, it will stand by you. And as said above, every once in a while, my rider pops a wheelie.

I bought a used Murray (Snapper twin) with a 10hp Tecumseh from a man in Monterey Cal. 30". Its had some use..... and the model numbers are missing, and it probably is at least 15 years old. But I am pragmatic enough to try and keep things running. Last week I bogged it down and sheared off the spindle pulley. I was ready to retire it. With the help of this forum---albeit with links to suppliers, I now have a new spindle (old one was toast), we are waiting upon the arrival of the new pulley, and yesterday I replaced the starter motor. That Tecumseh motor while is loud, it pulls like a ox. And the 30" blade always did a great job. Now with the new parts being installed along with a new blade (I could still use a new seat), I am anxious to get it back to service. SINCE as others have said, it wiggles in thru gates and areas not accessible to my riding lawn tractors that I also own. When I switched from a trimmer mower to a riding mower last year on my yard I never dreamed of the various problems that I encountered with the larger 42" lawn tractors. Like shearing off sprinkler heads, running it off the curb into the street while trying to negotiate the trees, and sneaking into the backyard via the gates. I'd buy another one in a minute. As long as this unit keeps on Snappin I will use it. (Even if my sons think it's gay looking compared to the John Deere riding mower....). I like it. I use mine. I think they are great. I am looking forward to having a new spindle on mine---and a new blade. While I might miss out on the great message the unit gave me it still will serve us well for a long time to come.

Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

LAY OFF the starter fluid!!! That stuff will blow a small air cooled engine. Use rattlecan carb cleaner instead. pull carb - take plenty of before/during/after pixs for reference - disasm carb - soak overnite in liquid carb cleaner - using small stiff brass wire AND magnifying glass, probe EVERY orifice/passageway in each component, then blowing out with compressed air. CLEAN is the name of the game. Follow instructions included with rebuild kit for that carb, using only fresh needle/seats and gaskets. allow some fresh fuel to drain from carb fuel line into a catch container before hooking up to clear any line trash.