Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
A Walmart Snapper is...a Walmart Snapper. You're paying less because you're getting less. The Briggs and Stratton Professional Series on the SP90 is a good engine, but the deck and controls will likely let you down. It also apparently sells for $350...or at least $300 at retail likely.
My understand is that the dealers also get that SP line. The problem is it's made to a budget price regardless of where you buy it and is maybe made by Murray and not Snapper proper. The SP90 really seems nice with nice features and the Professional series motor. All made in USA. But does it hold up good? I don't know probably about as good as any other $350 self propelled mower.
Quote:
The thing I don't like about the Ninja is the Briggs 725ex engine. This is essentially a dressed-up side-valve Quantum. It's an okay engine, but I'd much prefer an OHV Briggs or OHC Honda. It's too bad that this is the only available engine on the Ninja, and it's probably why it's priced at only $500 for what is otherwise a commercial-level lawn mower.
I know, it's too bad they didn't put a OHV Briggs on what is otherwise commercial mower at near residential prices. But Snapper does on their low-priced SP90 lol. Heck, even partner Murray has OHV Briggs on some ~$200 mowers. I guess they had get the price down some how, and the 725ex is not bad from a durability standpoint. But surely being owned by Briggs they could've made an OHV option without increasing the price too much.
The Ninja is the mower I suggested if he wanted quality and durability at a good price.
I'm not so down on the updated side valve Briggs side valve or even Quantams and as keen on the GCV as you are though. The updated side valve is much quieter and smoother running. And I had a 20+ year old Quantam cheapie mower that got little maintenance and gave me no problems I sold. For residential use the side-valve just might be as or more reliable as the OHV.
A Walmart Snapper is...a Walmart Snapper. You're paying less because you're getting less. The Briggs and Stratton Professional Series on the SP90 is a good engine, but the deck and controls will likely let you down. It also apparently sells for $350...or at least $300 at retail likely.
My understand is that the dealers also get that SP line. The problem is it's made to a budget price regardless of where you buy it and is maybe made by Murray and not Snapper proper. The SP90 really seems nice with nice features and the Professional series motor. All made in USA. But does it hold up good? I don't know probably about as good as any other $350 self propelled mower.
Quote:
The thing I don't like about the Ninja is the Briggs 725ex engine. This is essentially a dressed-up side-valve Quantum. It's an okay engine, but I'd much prefer an OHV Briggs or OHC Honda. It's too bad that this is the only available engine on the Ninja, and it's probably why it's priced at only $500 for what is otherwise a commercial-level lawn mower.
I know, it's too bad they didn't put a OHV Briggs on what is otherwise commercial mower at near residential prices. But Snapper does on their low-priced SP90 lol. Heck, even partner Murray has OHV Briggs on some ~$200 mowers. I guess they had get the price down some how, and the 725ex is not bad from a durability standpoint. But surely being owned by Briggs they could've made an OHV option without increasing the price too much.
The Ninja is the mower I suggested if he wanted quality and durability at a good price.
I'm not so down on the updated side valve Briggs side valve or even Quantams and as keen on the GCV as you are though. The updated side valve is much quieter and smoother running. And I had a 20+ year old Quantam cheapie mower that got little maintenance and gave me no problems I sold. For residential use the side-valve just might be as or more reliable as the OHV.
