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Mang


Location: zone 6
Joined: Dec 14, 2004
Points: 119

25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Original Message   Apr 7, 2005 2:56 pm
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

Replies: 1 - 11 of 11View as Outline
spottedpony


Joined: Aug 23, 2004
Points: 301

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #1   Apr 7, 2005 3:22 pm
Given the debate on actual vs advertised horspower on the small equipment engines, why not just try it?
Emmo


Joined: May 22, 2003
Points: 1065

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #2   Apr 7, 2005 3:23 pm
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.
Marshall


As Long As There Are Tests, There Will Be Prayer In Public Schools. ;- )

Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 7730

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #3   Apr 7, 2005 3:26 pm
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.
lland


Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 605

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #4   Apr 7, 2005 4:40 pm
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

2001 Toro 20023 Personal Pace
2002 John Deere Trimmer/Edger/Blower
2003 Craftsman DYT 4000 - 25HP/48" w/bagger
2003 Toro 826LE Snowblower
2004 Mantis Tiller/Dethatcher/Aerator/Edger
2005 Husqvarna 145BT Backpack Blower
Rubbermaid 10CF Trailer
Craftsman 40" Plug Aerator
pecanmanwill


got a dog named Devon and a cat named Scooter and a She cat named Fluffy

Joined: Dec 3, 2002
Points: 677

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #5   Apr 7, 2005 7:00 pm
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

Will--sometimes called pecanmanwill
Dave___in___CT


Deliberate often...
...decide once...


Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #6   Apr 7, 2005 7:14 pm
Hi...


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


Dave...


Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.
Henry Ford

   BCS Tractor & snowblower

Mang


Location: zone 6
Joined: Dec 14, 2004
Points: 119

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #7   Apr 8, 2005 9:44 am
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

mrmom


Joined: Sep 19, 2003
Points: 345

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #8   Apr 8, 2005 10:35 am
Interesting project you got going. There is no greater satisfaction than having a project of yours turn out the way you want it to.
terrapin24h


The more I learn the less i know

Location: Rochester NY, USA
Joined: Dec 18, 2003
Points: 628

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #9   Apr 8, 2005 11:32 am
Mang wrote:
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


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.

--chris
2001 Homelite VacAttack Blower
2001 6hp Toro PPace 22" mower
2001 Ariens 824LE
2002 6hp 2400 PSI Excell Powerwasher
2004 18hp Craftsman 27375 42" mower
2004 42cc Craftsman 18" chainsaw
Mang


Location: zone 6
Joined: Dec 14, 2004
Points: 119

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #10   Apr 8, 2005 3:41 pm
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.
snowshoveler


tides in dirts out surfs up

Location: bridgewater nova scotia...aka the swamp
Joined: Jan 3, 2003
Points: 1261

Re: 25 yr old snapper. Mulch?
Reply #11   Apr 8, 2005 7:18 pm
we have brand new snappers with 5 horse briggs and they come with a ninja blade. should be no prob.

later chris

craftsman 10/28 snowblower with tracks   husky 372xpg chainsaw   sachs dolmar bc212 bushsaw   mondo trimmer   monster tractor with trailer    cheep wheelbarro and couple shovels and a partridge in a pear tree 
Replies: 1 - 11 of 11View as Outline
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