56. Buying a used snapper, things to look for 

Hi Jim, I wanted to thank you for your videos. You make it possible for me to do some repairs myself, without having to break the bank. I'm a 67 year old single lady. Your videos make that possible. Thank you again.

Thanks Jim !!! for sharing

Well, I just wanted to give Jim a shout out for this superb video! After watching it twice, several inane emails, and even a phone call later, I went and looked at my first Snapper for sale today. Also armed with how to read the engine code, I determined it was a 2001 on a 28" Hi-Vac. Boy, this one had been ridden hard and put up wet! I tipped it up just as Jim suggested only to find both boots gone, zerk joints buried under rock-hard grease, at least one bad king pin (or bushing) and both front wheel bearings shot. The main tube was immovable and probably frozen up with rust. The engine ran but had not been cleaned in years and years. There were some other issues too, but you get the picture. I clearly knew more about Snappers than this owner, even though this is the first actual Snapper I have sat upon. I'm so grateful to Jim for all his help that I just had to share. Now, on to the next one! Kudos!

I thank you for helping get my snapper moving again

Thank you Jim. I Just bought myself a one owner, like new 28 inch Snapper. I’ve learned a lot from you, and I’m grateful you teach us things how to maintain and repair these model of mowers. Thank you! -Stephen, Ohio

Your do'n a Great job explain'n rear engine Snappers! Thanks for be'n a real go to video. I'm in so.Indiana. love my Snappers. Thanks again.

Thanks Jim! I just bought 2 old Snappers last week. Like I need another Snapper! The oldest one was a Comet Series 0 with a running 8hp Tecumce. Needs new front tires. The other mower is newer Series 13 with a blown no compression 12.5 Briggs. Otherwise in very good condition. Both machines for $100. I couldn't resist.

Great info, Jim. Thanks for giving such great advice. I've had 2 snappers like this one and have never greased it, as I wasn't aware of those grease fittings. You're very knowledgeable.

Well I've watched this video start to finish ! As well as some others by this gentleman & I gotta say the info he gives..the in depth info that is can save everyone that owns one of these lawn tractors a lot of fustration, MONEY & time ect, if they simply took the time ..or made the time to watch at least one video of not all not only will you learn something..and by the way I'm a machanic!... Small engine repair is what I love most in doing mechanic's...& I've learned things that I thought I knew but over looked & by just simply Makin the time to watch ..lol I know I've saved myself a lot of money & time ect. For present and future fixes..& that's factual as well as my opinion..so you who's watching and reads these review's will have a leg up on your own situation when trying to troubleshoot or fix or whatever... thanks Tim Lundquist

That hidden zert grease fitting can be replaced with a (pipe to tube fitting). You then run tubing to a convenient location to another (pipe to tube fitting) like maybe on the frame somewhere. That way all you need to do is use a grease gun. No need having to lift mower up to grease. Run as many lines as you need to same location. 😂😂😂😅😊😊❤❤

Mr. Jackson, thank you for such and informative video. My nephew just gave me his late father's 30" snapper that sat for 14 years. Started right up after I put a new battery in and is in superb shape, but I'm trying to gather as much info as possible on these machines. You are a RICH source of information. I've subscribed and I'm going to view all your videos.

glad youtube brought me here. I just got one of these Snappers for free, greatly appreciated how-to

Just started restoration on a 1982 series 5 w/ Tecumseh engine...fantastic original shape! These tutorials will be a big plus, thanks for posting.

Just bought a 2015 28 inch. It is immaculate, garage kept, the guy I bought it from bought it new from a snapper dealer, only thing it needs is a new friction wheel as it really slows down in 5th gear when going up hill. I gave me all the original owners manual, extra blades, spark plugs, service book and everything. He even had a snow plow and a pull cart for it. The machine basically looks brand new aside from having a small tear in the seat. I picked it all up for 450 bucks!

Thanks Jim really informative. thanks for all your efforts.

I bought the lawn mower. It's older than the ones you have been featuring but common sense goes a long way. The boots were completly gone, Snappy has new boots in now. (As a woman I name everything) anyway your guidance has helped me more than i can say it's in pretty good shape with it's character markings for its age and now its being lubed and taken care of I'm sure with your guidance it will be in the best shape it can be soon. Thanks again. My budget couldnt afford to be taken on the purchase of a crap used mower or to purchase a new one. I just made 60 bought me a little piece of retirement heaven. Three acres of which I am trying to build a small self sufficient farm for retirement and for the past year I have been cutting it with push mowers. You have been a blessing.

Thank you!!! I really appreciate that you took time out of your schedule to teach us what to look out for when buying a used mower! I deeply appreciate that I was able to find a video like this! I'm trying to buy a used snapper now, and I don't have anyone teaching me about this stuff! Extremely important!! So thank you very much!!!!

Pvc pipe makes good bushings for those pipes had mine together that way for ten years now but I also have a grease zerk in mine

Jim thank you! You're videos are important information that I'm not finding (with nice common sense explanation!) anywhere else. I bought an older 42" rear engine snapper for $250. It cranked right up! But, after spending $350 in parts and labor, (to get new parts at spindle on one side!) I kept struggling to shift shifter arm to get gears changed! I'm still with this problem! I'll check for stick obstruction, and check hex thing and grease it up good. I'll keep watching every one of your videos too! Even if I can't get this one operating, I like snappers. So yep, your videos are like me going to school at 59 yrs of age! Thanks my friend. (I hope you're doing well, and your family is doing well! Until next time.....Adios! Randy in Union county North Carolina

Thank u for such a great video! Glad to see a true old school mechanic with a wealth of knowledge to share with us. Thank you from a Snapper Comet owner!

I've just been given one. I love it, so simple to work on. Its made my day. Yes the cluch had gone but thats not a hard job, took me half an hour at best. Perfect machines for my paddock.

Just found your videos. Your awesome I just bought a 33" 14hp snapper. It's got some issues but after watching your videos I wanna restore it.

Thanks again Jim ! Yes, I also had to use a torch on my old 30" snapper tube bushing. Just a complete hassle. Thanks for your videos.

Awesome video, thanks!

Thank you from Cheboygan MI.

I bought a 28" new in 2001 for $1000 and have used it ever since to mow my 1 acre lumpy bumpy and hilly lot. I'm no mechanic but I do the minimum maintenance every spring (air filter, plug, oil), including greasing that rear wheel bushing. Watching this video makes me think mine must be near the end of its life even though it seems to run fine. I wasn't even aware of most of the parts talked about, like the yoke, and that thing with the spring holes, and that long center pipe being important etc etc. Really interesting video but I don't want to start a new career as a lawnmower mechanic so maybe I'll start looking for at new machines that'll last me the rest of my life.

This needs a lot more "Likes". Thank you for the video, sir. Mine's in great shape and I plan on keeping it that way. Great work.

Jim. A friend of mine that works on small engines was going to scrap a Snapper 30" rider like the ones in your video. I asked him if I could have the mower being that I also have a Snapper 21" push mower as well as my collection of "Old School Lawn Mowers". I have not got to look everything over as of yet. The edge of the mower deck chute needs the rusty metal replaced - But otherwise looks pretty good for its age. The engine has been replaced with a 11 or 12 Ho Briggs & Stratton with the pull start. I always remembered driving through neighborhoods when I was a kid within the Lexington/Versailles, Ky area of Central Ky seeing usually older men with their fedora hats mowing their well manicured lawns with these mowers. I am getting ready to retire from my state government position as a welder/fabricator within the KYTC effective in March 2018 - So I need to keep my creative mind active along with my amateur radio exploits.Thanks for your video & my very best regards from Versailles,Ky.

great video Jim. Love your videos. Thanks for putting these together.

Thanks Jim ! I also had to burn my old tube bushing out with a torch 4 years ago. L.O.L. !!! The old mower is now 14 years old and needs the axle boot job next up. PS: The old 9-hp Briggs engine has held up exceptionally well ! Thanks again,

Thank you. There is a shop here in town who says they are still making them. They have an order in for some but due to COVID. Most places I have called say the same thing you are saying. Also the Snapper models that look more modern with the circular steering wheel… I was told to stay away from those. My brother is trying to help me find one. Thank you again for answering. I enjoyed your video

Jim, your channel is GOLD to me, i own 2 Snappers, a 33 inch Hi Vac, and a 30 inch Regular deck. As i write this the 33 is having a 13.5 hp B&S Intek engine installed, the 30 has a 11.5 hp Intek engine. By the way Pepsi should buy your drinks , those Pepsi bottles get lots of views on You Tube, Thanks Bob

8/1/2023: Jim, thanks for sharing this information. I just stopped by a local shop that was selling an SR825. I didn’t thoroughly look at the machine yet, I just got the sellers phone number and asking price then came to the internet to find some information. Voila! You’re video came to me by way of Google. Anyhow, thanks for sharing and you’re a great teacher by the way. I’m a gear head/wannabe mechanical engineer at heart and thoroughly understand the simplicity of these mowers now. My only intimidation is getting into yet another “project” but one can’t resist the projects can they? The log cabin I’ve been rebuilding and not living in yet isn’t enough. (Kidding) I’m going to check out that Snapper now. ✌️

Great video. Hello from Minnesota

Good information thanks .iam in Texas .

Thank you for this info

finally got a comit snapper and a 2nd gen for parts a 3rd gen im gunna use as well the comit is now top project ..... good video you published it in 2016 i see but snappers are snappers. and they are getting scarce ... that rear part you got handy really helpes me understand the details and where the springs go and the grease fittings and how to check for wear

Fantastic advice. I just bought an old 28084S that appears to be in good shape but I'll take it through your inspection. Thanks for all you do!!

Thanks Jim I really needed you advice on buying a used Snapper. I'm going look and one in the morning armed withe the knowledge you shaired. Again thank you. And I live in Louisiana.

There’s just no cut equal to a genuine rear engine Snapper.🐢 Mine is a 1980 10 horsepower Briggs and Stratton 30’’ fork end mulch bladed mowing dynamo. Normal routine maintenance ( minimal ) keeps it ready at the touch of starter to keep half the neighborhood groomed as a putting green. Easily cuts in fifth gear with power to spare. Can mow in reverse with wide range of forward mow speed. Razor sharp blade. I like synthetic top shelf 20 50 oil in mine. The proof is in the pudding as it runs as new after all these mow seasons on original drive train. Save for new driven disc, normal wear item, ten minute change out, 20 dollars.

Great video. My cousin gave me one of these snappers bc he hasn't used it in a year or so. It was probably bought in the early 90s. It was working when he quit using it so I'm charging the battery and I'll see if it fires up.

Snapper 421616BVE SR1642 buying Wednesday April 28th for $450 with manual and now looking for a thatcher and cart plus other goodes.

Very informative, thanks 👍

A genuine American Icon, had mine over 12 years, a year ago I had the tired Kohler 15hp. replaced with a Kohler Confidant21hp. I can't imagine having anything else,sadly Snapper sold out to Briggs and Stratton and they are a mere shadow of the past.

Thankyou for this info Jim, I just picked up my first Snapper Hivac 1987,its in great shape with all the points you have suggested. I've have started the tuneup on the 8hp Briggs and stratton. Grateful for finding your site. Only thing missing is the pulley shroud,, if your able to suggest a direction or have one to sell I will be needing this. Cheers Eric,, Ontario Canada

Great video! Thank you. Im going to check over the 96' 28" snapper I bought earlier this year, see if its got a snappy future or if its gonna need some major maintenance. -Nate, Missouri.

Thank you for the information Jim.

I just bought just the snapper frame without the engine so I could make a gocart

Thanks Jim.

Thanks Jim for a great informative video.

Thanks Jim, I have been on you channel a few times, subscribed and liked, add Co Antrim Ireland onto your map, going to need a bigger map👍🏻

I'm still using my grandma's old snapper from when I was a kid - here in NC

Jim, thanks for the very instructive video on what to look for in a used Snapper. I don't have to look far because there is one in my garage. It came with my house in 2010 and I bought a new battery and ran if for one season until I was temporarily incapacitated. When up and around I just used my Toro Recycler.The Snapper has been sitting in the garage ever since. It used to run. Can't find any tags to date it but the manual was revised in 1982 and a new Briggs & Stratton 195707 8.0 was put in in 1996. A nearby hop will pick it up and diagnose any problems. At the very least it needs a battery and they will probably put in a new carburetor. I enjoyed the video but am wondering if it's worth getting this thing going. I won't put a pile of money into it but if repairs are reasonable am I just buying myself a can of worms. Just how much maintenance does such an old machine require? I don't do heavy work and am a 73 yo female. I've put a new carburetor on the Recycler but am not about to try and figure out a 35 year old heavy piece of equipment. The mower shop said there are still people interested in old Snappers. Any advice for this lawn mower novice? Thanks.

I just checked with parts tree parts list for the yoke, you showed the worn area in certain gears. the cost is so priced up almost double what you said. I just bought a 1977 30 inch cut one. I guess I'll look tomorrow, to see," how many things", your mentioning, are bad. But it was about a 250 mile round trip, "I certainly was going to buy it". He showed the engine running in the market place add/video. Only $50.+ $40 gas And 8 hours time. I was looking 2 months for a deal. So far grease/oil/dirt stuck all over rear area worse than I ever seen. and one bad boot.

!after watching this video I have realized that I'm just going to buy a brand new lawn mower. Thank you

Boy that's a nice one.

Thank you from Cheboygan MI

Thanks Jim just found and new subscriber! Pick up one for free and going to get it clean up. Will not start cleaning out the gas tank and carburetor! Hope to make contact with you in the future!! 30 inch 11 hp motor

Excellent videos

Great video i'm looking for a used machine and this will help . Thanks

This is one great channel

A fellow Snapper fan. Great videos.

I am thinking of buying a 2001 Snapper rear engine rider. Thanks for the tips.

I live in Kentucky

Nice tips , man from Ga.

mr. sr. u rock I ADMIRE U N I RESPECT YOU

Why not weld a larger pipe for your small pipe to slide into

Hi Jim I've been watching your videos and you're you're pretty knowledgeable and helpful and lots of ways I have a problem with my snapper it's a 30-in cut with a 12 overhead valve motor and the battery won't stay charged it's a I bought a brand new battery and put on it I checked my lines on my charging lines and they're all connected and it won't hold a charge on the mower I can leave the battery on a charger all night long that when I first try to start it it'll fire real strong and real hard and and into the mall for me a little bit but then it'll just get tired and quit and then when I try to crank on it my batteries almost dead

Hi it's Jim How high are you trying to get it up to the machine is engineered and designed for the height range that it has, you can raise the back of the mower deck by lifting the chains I'm not sure how you would lift the front to make it level. thanks for your question. Jim

Thank you mister Jim I have problem with my carburetor I didn't do nothing yet with it but it was parked for a year what should I do take it apart and soak it in carburetor cleaner Cajun land Church Point Louisiana I'm a snapper man but don't know much about them just cut grass

I just bought a 25066. I think it's an 83 not sure. Everything works. Paid $200. I don't know. We'll see how long it lasts.

👍

Hi Jim, I am looking at my first Snapper today. Where are you located?? I'd like to run the information by you b4 I make the trip out if you are available. I really liked your video and learned alot. I am in beautiful Summerville, SC. Hope all is good with you anf look forward to hearing your ideas. Andrea

I am looking to buy a 28" snapper riding mower, with a 10 hp motor and after-market bagging system. The motor is being tuned up by the seller, along with a new battery for the starter, and this video was very helpful for me to look closer at the frame and bearings, etc. The mower is clean, but the seat has a rip in it. What would be a fair-market price for this mower? I will send an email as well, and thank you for your help!

I just bought a series 11, as I’m learning , that has the channel iron style front tube assembly. Specifically it’s a model 80260 301011BE. I like this machine a lot. I serviced it greasing and oiling everything you’ve shown in your videos and checked the gear lube in the chain case and differential. I topped it up bit with Lucas gear lube. It was slightly low but not by much and the lube in it was still fluid and not hardened. There’s no evidence of any major leaks. The clutch driven rubber wheel is about half worn so I’ve ordered a new one to install. There is a good bit of loose wobble in the other half that is is bolted to the chain case. I feel like this needs to be replaced but I cannot find this part as readily available as the rubber wheel half. I have two questions actually. One is, how does this series 11 machine stack up to the other “round tube” models? The second question is how do I break the large nut loose that holds the other half of the clutch to the chain case so I replace that part when I can find it. Overall my machine is in very good condition and has been maintained quite well be the previous owner. As it is, it runs excellent and has only very minor slippage of the clutch such as climbing a steep bank or driving it up the ramp gate onto my trailer. I’ll tighten up the spring on the yoke too if needed once I install the new rubber driven clutch wheel. Thanks. I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos. I’ve always admired the snapper rear engine riders and have used them to mow with a few times over the years but this series 11 machine is the first one I’ve actually owned.

Wonder if there is any laying around like ole cars in barns, fields

I've still gotta shim my axel and that round back bone is bent but I've got one that's not bent to replace it with. Once that's done My Snapper will be good to go.Thanks Richard

Are you still working on snapper machines?

Good morning Jim I'm so glad I found your channel. I immediately subscribed. The bagger system is it all the same for the 28" HI-Vac models? Or does it vary? I just bought a 2013 model but I'd like to purchase a bagger for it. Thank you.

I really Hate the shear pin setup they just brake right off

Jim have you ever worked on a snapper 3hp push mower with a Tecumseh TVS90 43547H MOTOR?

We just bought a Snapper model 30085S, how do we find out year of manufacture?

Hello Jim, where I live the ground is always wet and soggy. How much trouble would it be to put double wide tires in the back and the front to get less ground pressure ??? If I could buy adaptors to make this happen I would really be ahead of the mowing season. Makes no sense as I live on a hill but the ground is a swamp. Thanks

Hello Jim. I know this video is years old but very valuable. I'm looking at a snapper but the owner says it needs a carburetor cleaning and it won't start. What should I do?

Jim, I have a 95 Snapper, 281013BE, and when I am turning right while cutting, the blade tends to dip down on left side causing irregular cut. Any idea on why? Tom in Washington.

nice info ,my problem my old snapper 28/8 hp gas tank is creaked(in the seam), i check on ebay they are real price to send to Woodstock N.B. Canada is their a good way of fixing them so they don't leak thanks

Hey Jim, where can I buy the plastic cover that goes over your pulley and blade engage lever ? Iowa

Can the steering wheel be replaced with the older style handle bar steering

I have replaced the belt and drive disc ran a few times then it's just not getting enough power to go.

Thanks for these great videos. I have a m280921B that I bought new about 20 years ago. Used your videos to replace both boots, replace the drive disc and replace the belt. Unfortunately I have the type where the front end tube rides inside the welded-in tube and the thing is frozen solid so I can’t move it and therefore can’t adjust the new belt. Frustrating. I’m going to try heating the tube as you explained. I have chained the rear of the mower to my trucks hitch and secured a chain-pull to a tree which I will hook to the front end of the mower. I figured I would heat the tube and use the chain pull to try and yank the tube out. Do you think this will work? Any other ideas. Thanks again.

Jim I got a snapper with a 14.5 hp kohler I put a new clutch disk on it and it won't move but the axles turn when in gear what do you thank is my problem i am from Louisville ky

My 2013 model 2800 bought used at great price and it looked like new. I cut twice and will not start again and will not even click. The tiny battery shows it is at 13.4 volts. I saw the video about these being lemons. Must be a bad switch as you mentioned as well. Give me some feed back, please. Thanks. Tim Williams Anderson, SC

Hello Jim, can you get a bracket to put two rear wheels side by side ?? So you will have twice the width ??? The tires on my machine are the wide width. Can you please tell me Sir ???? Thanks,V

Hello Jim, I inherited I Snapper Comet 3080S with A Tecumseh 8 Hp Runs pretty good after some work However the brakes are not great and the it jumpy no matter what Can the clutch be upgraded to the smoother type so it does not try to jump off in first Mine has the clutch and the separate brake petals I'm guessing its 40 plus years old

Old snapper rider Gas cap Has a small adjustment mechanism. It tightens or loosens. Backfiring when I start it. Should the mechanism be adjusted?

Hi Jim. Next week I'm going to look at what the owner says is a 25 inch cut Snapper. I've owned a 28 inch but never remember seeing a 25 inch anywhere. Is there a 25 inch? It looks in great condition with little use and garage kept for $500. I will inspect it as you suggested in your RU-vid above. If it passes inspection, is $500 a good price to pay? (I don't know the age but it has the steering wheel vs handlebar).

I live in virginia

Jim, I have a Snapper 28 in mower and want to raise the mower deck higher that the top most notch on the height adjuster. Is there any way to raise the deck?

I have older snapper mower when I put it in reverse it make a wierd noise sounds bad what could this be

I bought a 1982 Snapper not for sure what series it is I think three but I paid 150 for it and it did not run I put a new carburetor in it and took at Champion spark plug out put a better one in and now it runs