Jim - the Snapper 2811523 series with the 11.5HP engine is only available with a recoil start. These is no electric start option on this model. The rest of the Snapper rear engine riders do offer an electric start, but this model does not. All of the current Snapper rear engine riding mowers are equipped with a Reverse Lockout Mechanism. This mechanism prevents the mower from being shifted into reverse with the blade running. So you will not be able to mow in reverse. And yes, the price on our web site includes delivery to your home or place of business anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States.

Bob - all of the Snapper rear engine riding mowers require a bit of assembly when they are delivered. You will need to put on the seat, steering column, and front axle . You will need to adjust the seat and the steering wheel to the proper comfort positions, as well. All fluids (including the oil) are pre-filled in this mower. All you need to add is the gas.

William - yes, the priority shipping option simply speeds up the processing of your order and get your new mower out the door from our warehouse the same day you order it. The mower is still delivered right to your home or wherever you want it shipped. With the rear bagger installed, this mower will pick up leaves in the fall, but it is not a lawn vacuum, and will not clean up leaves as effectively as a lawn vacuum will. These will still be some leaves left on your lawn - especially if the leave are damp.

Keith - yes, these Snapper rear engine riding mowers can be stored on the rear
bumper for extended periods when not in use. Complete instructions on how to do this are found on page 20 of the owner's manual, but in a nutshell, this is the proper procedure to follow to insure the rear engine rider will operate properly when taken out of storage:
1. Thoroughly clean the mower by removing all grass clippings and debris.
2. Perform maintenance and lubrication as required.
3. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank.
4. Start the engine and allow it to run until the engine runs out of fuel. This allows the carburetor and fuel system to remain clean during storage.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Close the vent on the fuel filler cap.
7. Carefully stand the mower on its rear bumper in the desired location for storage.

If you were intending to do this during mowing season, that you won't be able to do unless you want to refill all of the fluids every time you use the mower. The Snapper rear engine riders have a footprint of approx. 64" to 69" long x 32" to 38" wide depending in which model you are ordering.

John - I think the Snapper rear engines riders would be an excellent choice based on the mowing situation you have described. Less than an acre; most of it relatively flat. Any of the Snapper models would be a great choice. I couldn't agree more. Snapper Riding Mowers A lawn tractor or a zero turn would be overkill for a lawn that is less than an acre. A rear engine rider is perfect for this situation.

And the 5 bushel bagger for the Snapper rear engine riders is probably 2.5 to 3 times larger than the bagger on your walk behind mower, so fewer stops to empty out your grass clippings, which will save time as well.

If you are spending 3 hours to mow now, my guess is you will cut that time at least in half if you upgrade to a rear engine riding mower.

Charlie - for a yard of your size that is relatively flat, you have two basic option for the money you want to spend. If all you want to do is mow the grass, you could choose a Snapper rear engine riding mower - we have a couple of models that would fit your budget. Snapper Rear Engine Riding Mowers If you want something more versatile that can pull a cart or a spreader or can plow snow with a blade, you may want to look at a Husqvarna or McCulloch tractor. Again, we have several that would fit into your desired price range. Husqvarna TractorsMcCulloch Tractors

This would be fine for yourself. My suggestion would be to go with the 12.5 HP unit though because it has electric start. This unit would be recoil only and having a starter put on is not worth the $200 extra you pay on the front end.

Thanks,

Mowers Direct

Even if you choose the free shipping without the lift gate, this would still deliver to your house.

This mower would be more than ok to handle a guy your size. If you were 350 pounds, then you could possibly run into some problems, but would more than likely be ok.

Thanks,

Mowers Direct

If you are lookign to mulch, you would want the baffle for this. We do not just sell the baffle though. It would have to be purchased with the kit. You could try a Snapper dealer and see if they would have something like this available, but we would not sell the baffle.

Thanks,

Mowers Direct

This mower would not come with a bagging system. This would have to be purchased separately.

In terms of electric start, you would be better off purchasing the 12.5 HP model with electric start, because this model would not be electric start. It can be added, but usually would end up costing at $500 for the add on with labor and parts.

Thanks,

Mowers Direct

Thanks for your inquiry. I have not heard anything to that effect. I know the mowers we sell originate directly from Snapper (Briggs & Stratton) and are some of the most reliable mowers we offer. The rear tires on this model are 16 X 6.5.

Thanks for your inquiry. The dimensions are 64 X 32. The weight is 300 lbs.

Thanks for your inquiry. I do not recommend pulling a roller or aerator with this type of mower. You would need a garden tractor of some kind to pull implements such as those.