The whole reason I have a Snapper mower is because I don't plan on ever getting a new one. I expect it will last another 20 years *at least*, by which time I'll be ready to give up yard work. I live in the country and have a large yard, and part of my therapy ... er, ah, exercise routine is to work on my yard and garden and orchard and pasture.
My Snapper is built rugged and simple. The parts have not changed for many many years, and are available everywhere. It's easy to service and was a good value.
I understand that it's good politics here at FR to stand behind Wal-Mart no matter what, but I get the impression that that's only because the Democrats are against Wal-Mart because of their hiring practices. People here love Wal-Mart simply because the Dems hate Wal-Mart, but that's not good enough for me. While I'm not anti-Wal-Mart, neither am I pro-Wal-Mart simply becaue the Dems don't like them. I think Wal-Mart is free do do business how they choose, and hire who they choose, and pay their employees whatever their employees are willing to work for. That's business. That's life. You are worth exactly what you're willing to work for. Period. And, in fact, I know people who work for Wal-Mart and have never heard a complaint from any of them.
But, the fact is that much of what Wal-Mart sells is cheap Chinese made crap! So when I want cheap crap I go to Wal-Mart. That's what they're there for. Their aisles are narrow and crowded, but their stuff is cheap. That's the deal, and I wish the Dems could deal with it better.
But I must defend Snapper here. They make a GREAT lawn mower. Made in the USA. Expensive. But a good deal if you intend to care for it. I got my Snapper from a local "small engine" shop, and will defend that decision. My money stayed in the USA and supported my neighbors. And if you look at the picture of the Snapper mower above you can see that it's designed to be serviced. It's essentially made inside-out, where everything can be gotten to. One of the best investments I've ever made. Not just in my lawn mower, but in my neighbors. I say buy USA when it makes sense!