Lawn owners will agree that lawn maintenance is much more than just mowing and watering.
Now, if you’re a first-time lawn owner, I am not saying that you will master the various lawn maintenance techniques overnight. But rest assured that the right equipment will make the job somewhat easy. However, the market is flooded with numerous brands, which will invariably make choosing the right tools an incredibly challenging task.
My experience with lawn care made me familiar with some of the most popular lawn care brands. And in the following sections, I’ll be introducing you to one such brand. Hi! I’m Stacy, and today, I have an overview of Snapper Lawn Products to help you make up your mind.
So, let’s start!
Overview Of Snapper Lawn Products
A Brief History Of Snapper
Interestingly, the history of Snapper goes back to as early as 1894 when the company commenced operation as Southern Saw Works. Later, it was renamed McDonough Power Company.
Shortly after World War II ended in the late 1940s, there was a crisis in the lumber industry. And that’s when William Raymond Smith, a Georgia-based businessman, observed the growth of suburban households and predicted the subsequent need for lawn care equipment, especially lawnmowers.
Sensing a business opportunity, he acquired the McDonough Power Company. He also purchased the patent of a rotary mowing blade, thereby engineering the first product of the brand, the “Snapping Turtle” lawn mower, in 1951. It was named after the turtle-shaped figurine placed on the top of the initial models and the “snapping” action on the grass.
In 1976, McDonough Power Company registered the trademark for the mower and adopted the name “Snapper”. Over the years, it established manufacturing facilities in various states, namely, Beatrice, Georgia (McDonough), Nebraska, Texas (Fort Worth), and began manufacturing tillers and snow blowers alongside mowers.
The Change In Ownership
In the early 1990s, Snapper announced the shut down of its factories in Nebraska and Texas. Meanwhile, the manufacturing facility in Georgia was expanded to accommodate more production. Almost a decade later, in 2002, the company was acquired by Simplicity Manufacturing, another American-based lawn and garden equipment manufacturer.
Two years later, in 2004, Briggs and Stratton, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of power tools, acquired Snapper. Since then, the name has been added to different equipment like leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers, etc.
In 2014, Briggs and Stratton decided to close the manufacturing unit in Georgia and shift manufacturing to its Wauwatosa factory in Wisconsin. This was done to keep the manufacturing operations in the vicinity of the Briggs and Stratton headquarters in Wisconsin, where other departments like product research and engineering could support the manufacturing wing. Since then, Snapper has been headquartered in this county.
Not very long ago, in 2019, Briggs and Stratton announced restructuring plans for Snapper, including doing away with the final product divisions. It also focused on catering to the demand for engines and stationary generators of the consumer market.
Other than that, it plans on selling several other lines, including Ferris, Simplicity, Billy Goat Snapper, and Snapper Pro. Among the most notable products being sold are portable generators and pressure washers.
What Products Does The Brand Manufacture?
Currently, the brand manufactures more than 150 different models of lawnmowers, including push mowers, riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, stand-on mowers, and walk-behind mowers. The push mowers for residential use are further divided into the Quiet, Ninja, Hi Vac, and Commercial series.
Beyond that, you will find a number of pressure washers and electrically-operated tools like lawnmowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, cordless snow blowers, and snow shovels. So, be it for regular lawn maintenance or keeping your lawn in pristine condition during specific seasons, Snapper has got your back.
I like how the brand doesn’t miss out on the essential secondary tools like self-propelled utility carts, cordless cultivators, and wet and dry vacuums. The latter is especially helpful in overall property maintenance and other DIY projects. And these products are powered by 82-volt lithium-ion max batteries.
If you like to wear the brand you’re working with, then don’t forget to check out the Snapper Pro apparel section. It features a collection of t-shirts, pullover sweatshirts, fleece jackets, and waterproof jackets. Plus, the line has other accessories like caps, beanies, sweatshirt blankets, side bags, backpacks, and hip packs.
Here, I should also mention that some select walk-behind and zero-turn mowers are manufactured in the States and distributed through independent dealer channels. Similarly, some outdoor power equipment like snow blowers and the electric line of tools are produced in collaboration with partner firms in China.
You will find a list of international mower dealers under the “where to buy” section on Snapper’s official website. Furthermore, you can find attachments and spare parts at your local dealers’.
Is Its Quality Worth The Price?
It may be helpful to know that Snapper levies premium prices on most of its products, including the entry-level ones. During my research, I found that the brand has earned a reputation for its reliable and high-quality products. Many user reviews speak highly of the mowers, with some considering them as “second to none.”
Apart from that, there are rave reviews about the exceptional customer service, offering quick and precise solutions for all user problems. Design-wise, almost all the tools have a robust and durable appearance and are easily identified by their iconic red color.
Overall, it’s safe to conclude that Snapper has been successful in justifying its steep price tag.
Final Words
Snapper entered the market with the belief that customers would pay more for quality performance. And it continues to lead markets with this policy.
Despite being acquired by different companies at different points in time, it’s really appreciable how the brand has not deviated from upholding and improving its quality standards. The wide range of products has something for both novice and pro users.
With that, it’s time for me to wrap up today’s proceedings. I hope that by now, you have a clear idea of whether or not to get Snapper lawn equipment.
See you another day!