Rear Engine Mowers

[Oddjob]

I have a 1984 model 28” Snapper RER with the bicycle handlebars. It has its original B&S flathead 8hp engine. My yard is hilly but I have never felt the need for more power. I bought it at a yard sale for $20 about 20 years ago, and that included the grass collector. It didn’t have a battery and the recoil starter didn’t work. Got it home, cleaned the carb and put a battery in it and it has never failed to start from that day on. The recoil starter only needed lubrication. Last year after leaf season I decided to spruce it up. Took it all apart and painted the frame red and the engine and wheels white. I also own 2 John Deeres (LT155 and RX75) and they are both fine machines but way more complicated than the Snapper and they are thirstier, too. When winter comes I can put the Snapper in my shed and after taking out the battery, stand it up and let it sit on its tail until spring. Best garage sale find ever.

 

[Gord Baker]

I am new to this forum and was pleasantly surprised how quickly my 1st question was answered so here goes for round 2. I am about to purchase my 1st riding lawn mower. Six decades of using a push mower are about to come to an end and I am struggling with what type and size mower I need. My yard is app 140x120 so not extra large but it is hilly. I was encouraged to get at least a 20HP vTwin mower to prolong the life of the engine. I set my sights on an XT-1 46 only to discover that it will not fit through my 48 inch gate.

I then decided to buy a JDeere S-120(22HP) mower as it would fit through the gate, however when I went to the website to order the mower there was a little blurb on the vendors web site that indicated smaller rear engine mowers were best for hilly properties.

Now I am thoroughlly confused the small rear engine mowers offered for sale had only 10 or 11 HP engines so how can this be ideal for hills, The 30 inch cutting width does not concern me but the small engine does. I do not know the degree of slope but it is probably the 15% maximum but part of the lawn is very fine bermuda (tifway type) and quiet slick So my question is am I being misled about the small rear engine mowers or is that really the best option for my needs.

Thanks and hopefully this is my last question before I actually own a riding mower.

You may be happier with a Self Propelled 20-22"

 

[Gord Baker]

You may be happier with a Self Propelled 20-22" walk behind Mower for that small lawn.

 

[GrumpyCat]

Does Snapper make their RER mower anymore. It is bullet proof. Forest Gump mower LOL I still have one but don't use it. I had one that was over 30 years old when I sold it. Had a guy come in one time and wanted a Forest Gump mower I had one and fixed him right up. Never have seen it back.

You are thinking (rightly) of the old welded tube Snapper. The stamped steel chassis Snapper is not worthy of the name.

 

[Gord Baker]

You may be happier with a Self Propelled 20-22" push Mower