Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

well I got the old snapper running yesterday, all it took was new oil, spark plug and air filter, and it started on the 3 pull,  this thing hasn't been run in years.

so that's good news,  my whole plan with this mower was to put on the ninja mulching kit, but the dealer told me that it won't mulch because it only has a 5 horse engine.

is this true?  I allready bought the mulching kit on ebay 15.00 bucks.  If this is true what can I do to make it work if anything?

Mang

Given the debate on actual vs advertised horspower on the small equipment engines, why not just try it?

I say go for it!..............

A five horse motor from 25 years ago is probably on par with a 7 hp motor today.

Snapper has had this Ninja blade out for years and the stock motor on a Snapper was probably around 5 HP then.

Try it, if it seems woefully underpowered, then take it off.   I bet it will work for you.

Is this a push/walk behind 21" mower? If so, I see no reason why the engine HP would keep it from mulching? It's possible the deck is not designed to mulch. I have a 5HP Kawasaki on a Snapper WB that I mulch with using the Ninja kit. Put the blade on and see what happens, just make sure it's the right one and that it fits correctly.

I had an old Craftsman walk behind with 4 HP.  It mulched fine with a mulching blade even though it wasn't designed as a mulcher.  Power was never an issue.

LL

I agree with all the above.  If it will cut the grass it should mulch, especially if it is a Snapper. It is probably a 5 HP Rear engine rider--Will

Hi...


If it bogs down... just go slower...


Dave...

That's great, and is exactly what I was hoping to hear! 

This is a self propelled walk behind mower.  The engine was actually replaced about 10-15 years ago, it's a briggs, and runs like a champ.  I thought it would probably work if I don't cut down to much at a time and or take a smaller bite.  I would post pics, but you have all seen a million old mowers.

Also maybe richie could help me do somthing to get more power out of it.

I really wanted a new snapper hivac but instead I'll use this one, I went to the dealer and looked at them, and I realized mine is exactly the same! just older

If I wanted to strip it down and and paint it, does anyone know if that snapper red paint is available?  I also would need someone to point me in the right direction for information on how to sand and paint it etc, I think if I painted it and bought a few new plastic peices for it, it would look new, and make me happy.

Mang

Interesting project you got going. There is no greater satisfaction than having a project of yours turn out the way you want it to.

Mang wrote:
5hp shouldn't be a prob mulching, i think the dealer was trying to bilk ya ;)  In terms of repainting, i would think hitting with a wire brush(a semi-fine one unless you need to strip rust) on your drill to strip, then multiple wet sands(200-400-800) then prime, then 800 or higher light wet sand then paint would do it.  Using sanding sponges might help if you can find them will around the curves and such on the deck.

you might be right, that dealer was a huge dirt bag!  I knew I would never go back after seeing the place and speaking with him for just a few minutes.

we have brand new snappers with 5 horse briggs and they come with a ninja blade. should be no prob.

later chris