The Snapper SPX 23/42 is actually two versions riding lawn mower; one cuts at a width of 23 inches and the other at 42 inches. So, you can pick which size fits your needs better. They have a tight turning radius of about 14 inches. This is good as far as it goes, but it should be noted that several of the other riding lawn mowers we evaluated have zero-turn technology that virtually eliminates the need for wide turns.
These riding lawn mowers feature a Briggs & Stratton Professional Series V-Twin OHV engine. You can count on this engine to provide years of uninterrupted service with minimal need for maintenance. It also has a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, and while that may sound small, it’s about a gallon more than several of the other riding lawn mowers we evaluated. Unless you have multiple acres to cover, you won’t run out of gas if you fill up before you begin to mow.
While you should never mow in darkness, this riding lawn mower has two LED headlights that allow you to extend your mowing window into dusk and early mornings.
These riding lawn mowers have seven cut-height positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches tall. This allows you to get the exact grass length to complement your yard. Included cruise control enables you to set a consistent speed while you mow; this is particularly useful when you’re mowing over uneven terrain or inclines.
Some convenient accessories come with the purchase of one of these riding lawn mowers. You get a dump cart that allows you to collect debris and other lawn waste as you mow. You also get a triple catcher, which can hold up to 10 bushels of clippings, and if you get the 42-inch model you also get a twin catcher that can hold 6.5 bushels. Other attachments include a 42-inch dozer blade, a single-stage snow blower and a grass mulching kit. These accessories add greatly to the value and versatility of the machine.
While this riding lawn mower didn’t earn our best value pick and costs more than over half of the models we evaluated, it delivers a pretty good value. Both models retail for about $1,800, which is good price, considering how much you get for it.
For their size and price, both the Snapper 23 and Snapper 42 are solid choices for riding lawn mowers. They have all the features and tools you need to achieve a smooth, handsome cut. They also come with a powerful engine, relatively large fuel tank and highly adjustable mowing heights. Most people will be highly satisfied with their choice of either of these mowers.
