The pride of Snapper, the SP90 self propelled lawn mower, 775ex series features their largest yet motor with 175cc rear driven output offering up variable speed and the ability to climb steep surfaces, navigate beyond mounds and uneven terrain with ease. This mower clocks in at an impressive 3.5mph meaning you do less work pushing it around. The mower’s other stalwart features include a full steel deck with steel rear and front axles, 8 inch wheels and a massive torque output of 7.75 foot-pounds. It all translates to better cut quality be it tall grass, brush or weed.
Snapper uses 3-N-1 feature which allows it to quickly convert between mulching, side discharge and bagging. Coupled with a long 3 year warranty, this Snapper no push lawn mower is an excellent proposition for those stuck with an uneven yard and lawn.
2016 Update: Discontinued by Manufacturer
Snapper 21" Self Propelled Gas Mower with Side Discharge, Mulching, Rear Bag and Rear High Wheel
Amazon.com In-depth Review of the Snapper SP90
Ease Of Use
It comes almost completely pre-assembled, you just need to attach the handles and tighten a few nuts and bolts here and there. It takes less than 15 minutes and instruction are all clearly laid out. As for first time use, you get a bottle of oil along with the Snapper no push mower, so remember to fill the oil only as much as is mentioned in the manual. Once ready, with the gas tank full pull the rip cord and it should rumble to life instantly. Mine did on the first pull, you may need couple more. From then onwards, the engine starts on the first or second pull all the time. As for maneuverability, change of height and even switching between the three different modes, it is all intuitive and rather simple.
3.5mph may sound really less but when you first push the throttled handle to its limits you will realize you walk much slower than that. I prefer the slower speed setting since it doesn’t need more than that to climb steep surfaces. Turning the mower is instantaneous and it almost does a swivel rooted to the spot.
Cut Quality
A powerful engine, sturdy blades and a deck made of rugged steel ensures perfect cut quality all the time. It really does power through tall grass with ease including small bushes and weed. You don’t have to worry about tiny twigs and thin branches with this one.
Motor Power
The Snapper self propelled lawn mower SP90 uses a Briggs & Stratton 175cc engine which pumps out more torque than speed ensuring a powerful cut at all times. However, beware that this engine requires a bit more maintenance than others. If you run into any complications do not waste your time visiting the nearby Briggs & Stratton service center as they almost always run on backlogs. Better to get your local mechanic take a look at it.
Height Adjustment
With both front and rear axles made from steel, adjusting the height on the wheels puts no strain on the entire chassis. Moreover, this mower provides sufficient adjustability starting from 1.25 inches to 3.75 inches in 6 height positions. At 1.25 inches it nearly scrapes the ground especially if you are on an uphill segment.
Maintenance
If it weren’t for the engine’s reliability issues, this would have been my favorite lawn mower. It is light, easy to handle and doesn’t require much maintenance, but you will eventually have to take the engine to a mechanic to get some or the other component entirely replaced or fixed. Snapper’s Quick Clean Technology makes cleaning easy and quick.
Cost Effectiveness
At over $500, this is probably among the costliest self-propelled lawn mowers in the market and with the engine complications, it does not fare well against Husqvarna, Lawn Boy and others. Having said that, it is a good investment if you have a large yard or lawn and tend to occasionally mow.
- Cut Quality
- Motor Power
- Steel deck
- Price tag
