The snapper RER start at $1,300. I think one of the reasons you don't see many RER manufacturers any more is for instance Deere's RER cost more than a L series lawn tractor. Sears still has a RER produced for them.

Here is a link that might be useful: snapper price range

Wow thanks, for some reason I thought snappers were more expensive. Does anyone have any comments on how dependable the snapper would be? How about the sears model? I have very bad feelings about craftsman self-propelled push mowers.

i have 2 mid 80's Snappers both all original, never be any 1300.00 LT last as long. I just ordered a new deck belt, a new drive disk, and one other part from Jackssmallengines.com total price 60.00. Go to Jacks and look up part prices.
When i was at my closest dealer, he had a new one in showroom, not sure on HP but was a larger engine than my 12 HP.his price was 1,500.00
In my opinion, thay last way beyond a cheap LT. BUT, you either like them, or you dont, so test drive if possible.

My Great Uncle sweared by a snapper to mow the yard around his farm. All he ever did was when the engine went was replace the engine. He swore by Deere for the fields. His grandson still has his snapper RER. The Snapper has to be 40years old by now. I have to agrre with johninmd that snapper RER will last alot longer than a cheap LT. The sear RER look's kind of flimsy to me I would go with the snapper RER for your yard if your are going to go with a RER.

If you're set on getting a Snapper RER, don't buy a new one when very clean used ones can be had for less that half the money.

Wow, you guys have been very helpful! I tend to agree that a snapper would be a better purchase than some Sears junk. I once went through 3 craftsmen self-propelled mowers from Sears in ONE season. I kept trading up, thinking maybe I just got one "bad" one and a more expensive model might be more dependable. I gave up, and honestly threw away number three because I was just too exhausted with running back and forth with mowers. I bought a TORO personal pace from Home Depot, and it has lasted 4 years now I think.

One last question regarding the snappers, what should I look for when purchasing used? Are these things hard to maintain? One reason I am looking for a RER is that it only has one blade to break/replace and they generally dont have as many belts. Is the snapper disc transmission prone to failure? Is it hard to repair/replace? How would I know when I am looking at a used mower?

the disc looks like a smooth tire mounted on a steel disc, i dont offhand know the wear measurements, but a new disc is 10.00 at Jacks.
As i said, the "transmission" om my 80's are still working. Only disc replacement, and that is as easy as standing it on rear end, taking off four nuts, pull off old disc, put on new,and put nuts back on.And also can replace smooth clutch disc at same time, with same four nuts.Very simple..
The disc is what i see wears the most, but its cheap.
There are a few adjustments to learn if things have been apart, but thats about it.
Most aggravating thing i have found, on mine, "if they havent changed it" is keeping the thru bolt, through the rear wheel hubs tight, maybe cause mine was neglected and had worn the hole oblong, i dunno. But couldnt keep it tight. The bolt shank up next to head is cone shape, and the nut pulls it tight in hole, but not if you let it wear, just something to keep a check on.
Mine has a 41" inch 2 blade deck, other one is a 33" single blade, the single scalped pretty easy, but my lawn has loads of bumps and dips, the 33" had no wheels. The 41" has wheels on deck.And it does a nice job.But so will a single if lawn is pretty flat.
All in all, if i had my choice between a 1300.00 single blade, and a 3000.00+ "good" lawn tractor, i would take the LT. Mainly because of price and quailty of the pricer LT. But comparing bottom Lt's to my snapper, id go with the snapper. But as i said before, if possible..... do a test drive, test cut if possible.
I would check ebay if you arent scared of ebay. I see lots of Snappers on there. some needing a lot, some real nice.
If none of this makes much sense, its because its late, i have a tooth ache, been working all day, well... you know the drill.

I was in a similar boat 2 years ago. I knew a 30" is as big as I could fit (gate) and really wanted a Snapper. Until I started to see prices. WOW!
So I ended up finding a Turfmaster (Murray) at Meijer. It was missing the key and a display, so I got it for just $500 new. By the way all current, and most old, non-Snapper 30" RER's are the exact same design.
Let me say though, hold out for the Snapper. I have had nothing but troubles since the first season. Actually all engine related, Briggs of course. Nothing to do with the mower itself. Just a cheap, basic, crummy, LOUD Briggs 12.5hp engine. So this little guy is headed for Craigslist.