skip to main content

seek opinions on small used Snapper rider

10 years ago

We are purchasing a new house with a front lawn and back yard. I don't want to get a walk behind self propelled mower but don't need a full sized riding mower. I have an opportunity to purchase a used Snapper rear engine riding mower. Does anyone have an opinion on these mowers? Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

mownie
10 years ago
You did not include the model number, so we can't know exactly which Snapper RER you have in mind.
But, I own 2 of them (well, one of them is actually my wife's).
Hers is a 1968 Snapper comet. Mine is a 1986 model 28086S.
Both run well and cut grass well. They are fairly bullet proof little mowers overall.
They are also very maintainable by a handy homeowner if that home owner can read and follow instructions.
Those are my opinions of Snapper RER from my house.
rcbe
10 years ago
Wapsiguy - another major factor is the "terrain" of your yard. Sharp inclines (>15 degrees), berms, number of obstacles and their concentration (trees, shrubs, flower gardens, etc.)
A relatively flat yard, few obstacles and the Snapper RER )if in good condition) will do nicely.
Lots of obstacles - would look for a small residential zero turn mower.
Sharp inclines/berms - invest money in either low maintenance ground cover or re-landscaping first before investing in riding mower/tractor.
JMHO...
But, I do concur with Mownie in his assessment of the Snapper RER's - tough and dependable, given normal care.
Related Discussions
Snapper Rear Engine Rider
Q
Comments (1)
Well it appears to be a 30" IF original. Date of mfg has to come from the mfg., they do not use a year code. In my opinion, $500 for an 8 hp RER Snapper is awfully high and would have to be in "new" condition. They haven't used 8 hp engines for many years. Walt Conner
...See More
Snapper Rider Mower Problems
Q
Comments (22)
Of course, answer the questions above about smoke color. The fact that it runs without the kill wire connected but not with it connected indicates that most likely the Interlock is bad. Typical. Of course it could be other things but this is the best odds. I haven't bought one for a long time, were about $15 then and of course are a Safety Feature, think liability. The smoking could be it is just plain worn out, cylinder scored, ring/rings broken, breather bad, or all of above (grin) Do you have a way to check the compression? When you spin the flywheel backwards by hand, does the flywheel rebound forwards quickly? Before you do anything drastic, remove the carb float bowl, clean it, check that the main jet going up inside the well that protruding down into the carb bowl, is tight. Is the float about parallel with the float bowl boss, seat, on the carb when the float is closed? Clean the float needle. Re-assemble, start the engine and turn the main jet adjustment screw, extending down out of the bottom of the float bowl, turn it counter clockwise slowly, does this help the rough running? Turn until the engine starts to stall or surges, turn clockwise until the engine falters, split the difference. Do the same with the Idle Mixture screw on the side of the engine at low speed. Next I would check the crankcase breather valve. I won't go into that here, email me if you want instructions. Walt Conner wconner5 at verizon dot net
...See More
Snapper Rider
Q
Comments (3)
"I need advice from some smart person." Well you don't seem to be getting much traffic on your post. You may have set too high a standard, see above. Since there are no smart people here right now, I will give my opinion on a couple of things in the mean time. More important than age and model number in a used Snapper is what kind of care it has had. The "X-tra Tough" models have some slight advantages. I would take ahold of the rear standard on each side and slowly lift up while watching the rear axle. You are watching for play, axle/wheel stays in place while you lift on the rear standard. Play, especially on the right side, gear box side, indicates excess wear perhaps caused by not keeping the gear box full of lube. Left side MAY be able to fix fairly easily, right side, no. Concern is not so much the worn out bushing but what may be going on inside the gear case. For the most part I would recommend the Kohler COMMAND but here again, that can depend on what kind of care it has had. When push comes to shove, you are just going to have to use your own good judgment or perhaps I should have said when it comes to plunking down money. Walt Conner
...See More
Snapper rear engine rider or tractor for our yard?
Q
Comments (6)
How about just get a new Snapper RER and paint it yellow and green? Seriously, I vote for the Snapper. I think you'll appreciate the later model RER with bigger engine, but you'll miss some of the older models' features that are no longer allowed due to "safety" and/or cost concerns. My idea of an ideal mower for my conditions (similar to yours)- would be a completely restored "white handlebar" model with 30" deck and minumum of 12 HP electric-start motor. This one has the spring-mounted seat, which is a lot easier on my old spine. The front end counterweights would probably be a good safey addition to counteract tendancy to do "wheelies". Also the front Tote-bucket is cool (don't know if still available).
...See More
rustyj14
10 years ago
I have had my Snapper rear engine rider mower since 1983, when i bought it new! Re-powered it once, about 10 years ago, but still the original frame and running gear. I use it for mowing, cart hauling, leaf chopping and gathering, and a lot of other things. Replaced the main drive disc once, in all that time!
I have sold other machines, but always kept the Snapper. I also own an older model, which sits in reserve. Best mower to have and use, except for the raising up of the front end when starting up, heading up-hill. Especially with a full bagger! WHOOPEE!! But, i've never had it fall over backwards! Never!

Related Stories

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Seeking Balance in Virginia

By Jeannie Matteucci

Poor flow and layout issues plagued this kitchen for a family, until an award-winning design came to the rescue

KITCHEN DESIGN Cooking With Color: When to Use White in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Make sure your snowy walls, cabinets and counters don't feel cold while you're riding white's popularity peak

COLOR How to Use Marsala, Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year

By Jennifer Ott Design

Pantone digs deep and goes earthy with its selection. Here are ways to make it work in your home

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: How to Use White Right

By Laura Gaskill

If you’ve ever been in white-paint-swatch limbo, you know white can be tricky to work with. Here’s how to get the fresh look you’re after

COLOR Bathed in Color: When to Use Green in the Bath

By Jennifer Ott Design

Splash some spring-conjuring green paint, tiles or accessories around your bathroom for natural appeal

REMODELING GUIDES When to Use Engineered Wood Floors

See why an engineered wood floor could be your best choice (and no one will know but you)

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact

We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden

LIVING ROOMS How to Decorate a Small Living Room

By Laura Gaskill

Arrange your compact living room to get the comfort, seating and style you need

LANDSCAPE DESIGN See How to Turn a Small Outdoor Room Into a Peaceful Retreat

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Really, that neglected terrace or courtyard can become the garden of your dreams

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: A DIY Dining Room Full of Cheer

By Mitchell Parker

Seeking an uplifting spot during gray days in Washington state, this couple brightened their space with turquoise paint and DIY spirit

Sponsored

The Creative Kitchen Company

47 Reviews

Franklin County's Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

More Discussions

Mower Blade rotation

1