Worth repowering a Snapper Hi-Vac?

[LawnBoy97]

I have an 86 Snapper Hi-Vac with a 3.5 hp b&s engine. I would like to use it for only mulching, but it always misses grass. I bought a new blade and tried the side discharge, which worked pretty well, but I would like to mulch. The 3.5 hp engine runs pretty good but it tends to bog down in moderately high grass. I really like this mower because of how well it is built, but I just don't like the quality of cut. I do own a small lawn mowing business, so I was wondering if this mower is worth repowering or if I should just buy a new mower. Thanks.

 

[Rivets]

The Hi-Vac Snapper was a good mower for it's time, but 3.5hp is under powered for today's heavy lawns. You could repower it, but I recommend spending the $$$ on a new unit. If you really like the unit, set it aside and watch your local dealers for a good used engine, cheap, and then change over in the off season when you don't have to depend on it.

 

[LawnBoy97]

Thats a good idea. Would you be able to recommend a lawn mower for me though, I am not a big fan of self-propelled but I'm having a hard time finding a sturdy and durable push mower that isn't. The mower would only be used a few hours a week, but I don't want to need to buy a new mower in just a few years. I was looking at the Husqvarna 7021p, but it doesn't seem like a lot of people on this forum like the Honda engine. What about the toro push mower? Oh and my budget would be around 200-300 dollars. Thanks for the help.

 

[Rivets]

In your price range I would recommend you go to a good dealer and see what they have in used mowers. This time of the year many people trade in good mowers, just to trade up. Believe it or not.

 

[LawnBoy97]

Ok, there are quite a few repair shops where I live so I wll have to check them out. And thanks for the help with the Toro.