Well, after having my new Snapper for two days, I need to clarify a couple things.
The seat is sprung and adjustable, the engine is quiet and smooth, the mower deck is what makes all the noise.
The cut is magnificent, the handling is easy, I could cut a straight line after driving the mower for ten minutes.
There is no ROPS, which I like because of so many trees in my yard, I did not have to duck or move any limbs out of the way.
It has two Five gallon gas tanks, which it needs for the added weight over the back wheels.
I like the bearing guards, the powder coating is superb, the blade drive belt looks to be very high quality.
The front wheels and casters work very well, I wonder about some brands that use a lot of caster, too much will cause the mower to not stay on an incline.
The Snapper pro seems to use less than most which I believe will help it maintain it's heading on a slope, and the fact that it has less caster does not hinder the maneuverability in any way, you just think about changing direction and those wheels will rotate.
The only drawback I found is the lack of traction when I mow down into the ditch, I'm sure it's because of our ground being saturated with water, it doesn't look like we are going to get any real dry weather for a while.
We have earth worms crawling around on the concrete trying to get out of the saturated soil...........worst rain fall in many years.
After it dries out I will attempt to mow along the ditch and not down into it.
I have to stop now, I think I heard the grass grow, I'm going out and check, talk at you later..................Ron