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I have an old Snapper. I'll repair it until it can't be repaired, and that just won't happen. It's one with the cast deck, and that's what makes them great. You can replace anything else. I've replaced the engine with a $20 garage sale mower engine. People throw away good things just because they don't want to do maintenance.
IF your old Craftsman is a good mower, don't throw it out to get a new expensive mower. Mulching isn't that big a deal, and if you have any sort of bagger, it's about the same. I also have a Lawnboy (best cut I can find but not self-propelled) and a Troy-Bilt Mulching Mower (very uneven cut, and leaves piles of mulching stuff on turn around). Find someone who doesn't own a business but likes to fix mowers and you're gold. Even if you do have to pay a private shop to repair your mower, you're money ahead to hang on to it. It's not like getting a new sports car or a motorcycle! Still work.
I'd let the others go but you'll never get my Snapper.
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Repairing your existing mower sounds good, but if you're going to get a new one I'll add another vore for the Personal Pace system from Toro. I actually have a Lawn Boy (they're now owned by Toro), and the self-propelled nature of the mower is virtually transparent. It just feels like a conventional mower that's easy to push. The mower is lightweight, easy to manuever and a cinch to start. And my LB uses the Honda OHV engine which is supposed to be the least-polluting powerplant out there. I bought it in April 2006 for about $420 (after $40 rebate) and Lawn Boy upped the warranty to three years.
If I had the right size and shape lawn I'd give an electric a try, but for me dealing with the cord would just be a nightmare...
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My Dad had a Snapper.
I cut his lawn with the rider, now.
Great mower. (the Snapper)
Cuts excellent.
Bagging :
Sucks like a vacumn cleaner. Only mower I've seen that really picks up pine needles as advertised.
Just don't cut dry dirt in the Summer. :-)
At least not with the rear-bagger.
New pull cord every year.
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Sounds like you have been happy with your Craftsman. Why not look at what they have at Sears?
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I spend a lot of time looking at every brand but somehow I always go back to Craftsman. Parts and service is a big issue. Try to get parts for your MTD you bought at Walmart.
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I second the vote for the personal pace toro (or Lawn Boy). Best self-propelled lawn mower system I have ever used.
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I have had the most longevity with Toro and Honda Mowers... Easy to get fixed and
find parts for. The Honda models with rear bagger and 4 mulching blades are awesome. I always get an extended warranty...
I have used some snappers they were excellent.
Sear Craftsman stuff can be flakey... imho
Rudie *(:>*
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I "third" the vote for TORO PERSONAL PACE.....around $399. Mine has been great.
Two years old and always starts on by the 2nd pull. Even thought I paid a little extra for the electric start ( believe it or not ) I have never plugged in the charger since the pull cord is so easy and reliable. LOVE THE PERSONAL PACE. The mower speeds up or slows down based on how fast you want to walk.... due to the forward pressure on the handle.
