Small Rear Engine Riding Mowers

[dlroy101]

I'm looking for a small rear engine riding mower for my wife or I to use on our 1/4 acre lot. We do not need anything big and these types fit through our gates easily and get around objects in the yard. We're looking to purchase something new and the only ones we've been able to find are the:

Sears Craftsman 12.5hp or 13.5hp, 30" cut (built by Swisher), $1249 (on sale, regular $1549)

Snapper 12.5hp, 30" cut, $1649

We live in the Frederick, MD area. I don't know anything about Swisher, which makes me hesistant to consider the Sears. Plus I have to think there are more options out there. We want to keep it below $2000 and $1500 is really closer to what we really want to go to.

Thanks,
Darrell

 

[hunterridgefarm]

I had a Snapper 12.5 I/C Brigs motor for 15 years and never had a proplem with it. I started mowing more yard and sold it and purchased a JD LX277.

The Snapper is a good mower and easy to work on if needed. The only part I ever replaced was the rubber wheel that works as the transmission, cheap replacement at around $10-15 bucks.

When my wife and I first got married and bought a house I found an old Snapper in my BIL's barn under about 10 bales of hay. It was about 12 hp and had not been used for about 8 years. All the paint had rusted off. I ask him if I could try to get it working and he gave it to me. I loaded it up took it home, changed the oil and plug, put gas in it and it started on the 4th pull. I bought a new belt for it, replaced some bushings on the steering and greased everything. The tires were dry rotted but held air. I used it for 5 years before buying the new Snapper and gave the old one to my FIL to mow around his grape vines.

 

[Big Al]

I have a 1983 Snapper RER -- they're dirt simple to work on, can be stored standing up and have a large network of dealers who can supply parts. Parts are pretty inexpensive, too.

All in all, great machines that will last decades if properly cared for. The only downside is the turning radius isn't as tight as other models.

 

[bontai_Joe]

The Snapper rear engine rider is a time tested almost bullet proof design. I've seen them used commercially in cemetary maintenance where small size and manuverability are needed. The above mentioned rubber drive disk is the only routine wear item besides belts and filters. If you are a large person (say over 250 pounds) this might wear more frequently.

 

[DieselPower]

I to have a old Snapper rear engine rider. Thing is built like a tank and very simple to work on.

As for Swisher, no experience with their riders but I do have a Swisher rear pull behind offset mower deck and have used it for 5 trouble free years.

 

[BTDT]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...067d1162712312-bridge-pics-crossing-creek.pdf

Mine is on it's second engine (about 5 yrs old), but the unit itself is about 20 yrs old. Like everyone said, built like a tank.

 

[thatguy]

We had a snapper growing up.. Dad bought in the 70's and it ran until the late 80's... Not sure how the new ones stack up to the older models though

Brian

 

[Big Al]

We had a snapper growing up.. Dad bought in the 70's and it ran until the late 80's... Not sure how the new ones stack up to the older models though

Very little has changed on the Snapper RER over the years. The transmission, deck & steering are basically the same. The only thing of any consequence to change is the engines.

 

[diyDave]

Buy the snapper-Forrest Gump can't be wrong!

 

[wushaw]

My 9hp RER Snapper is 5 yrs old and has been abused, I used it as a mini brush hog mower, stumps, branches, thorns and thick stuff took it's toll, I have broken a spindle 110.00 and replaced all the ft. steer linkage bushings @ 2.00 and the rubber drive pulley 11.00..... Oh and the ft. tires due to all the holes from thorns...they looked like a porcupine. It has taken a beating but with little money it is back in shape now.
It is simple and easy to work on, I will always keep it around.