Snapper 2185020 / 7800979 HI VAC 21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower Review
Those who like bagging their lawn clippings are going to love the Snapper HI VAC 190cc 3-in-1 gas-powered lawn mower. This nice-looking, 70-pound red beast boasts a HI VAC deck that acts like a vacuum to sufficiently cut and suck up grass that goes straight to the bag–if that’s where you want it to go. You can also choose side discharge and mulching options. This walk-behind mower also has a rear-wheel drive system with high 10-inch rear wheels for top-of-the-line grip on hills and thick, messy grass. What’s more, the powerful and steady Briggs & Stratton Professional Series OHV engine has professional-grade qualities such as ReadyStart technology, quieter-sounding operation, and increased toughness.
The HI VAC comes with a residential 3-year limited warranty and a commercial 90-day limited warranty.
Key Features
- Briggs & Stratton 850 Professional Series engine with ready-start system
- 14-gauge steel mowing deck is 21 inches
- HI VAC deck cuts and sucks up grass clippings efficiently
- 3-in-1 capability: side discharge, bag, or mulch
- Easy height-of-cut adjustment
Performance
You may move several times over the years and have different types of yards, but rest assured, the HI VAC will likely go with you for each and every yard. It doesn’t matter whether your yard is a postage stamp or takes an hour to finish–the workhorse HI VAC starts on the first pull and is capable of lasting for decades, even if you occasionally slip up on its overall maintenance (it happens to the best of us).
The HI VAC’s rear-wheel drive offers superior traction for those walking behind it, whether it’s up hills or even on slightly damp grass. The smooth-turn differential assists with easy maneuvering and won’t harm your grass. Undoubtedly, the high 10-inch rear wheels glide like a talented ice skater even through grass that’s tall, thick, and weedy. Though it has a big and sturdy look, the HI VAC can maneuver easily even in tight spaces. If converting mowing styles is your thing, the HI VAC does that in spades. You can bag one week, mulch the next, and use the side discharge option a week later. Whatever way you choose, you’re going to get a cleanly finished lawn.
Ease of Use
If comfort and ease are important to you when using your lawn mower, the HI VAC from Snapper has you covered. From selecting the speed to a cup holder, the mower’s “operator zone” possesses everything within easy reach. The cup holder is a true conversation starter and is ideal for storing a bottled water during that 90-degree summer heat.
In addition, handy adjustment handles allow you to easily change the height-of-cut for your lawn. The HI VAC is lightweight, mows cleanly, and leaves nice, subtle lines.
Cut Quality & Options
Yards get an ultra-clean-looking finish with the Snapper HI VAC. And users can cut that grass at seven different cutting-height adjustments, from 1.25 inches to 4 inches. Want mowing choices? The HI VAC lets you bag, mulch, or throw grass to the side. Any way you choose, your grass comes out looking great. Long grass is nothing for the HI VAC, even in rain. And with the bagging and mulching options, you won’t ever need to deal with leaves again.
Maintenance
The operator’s manual offers a multitude of maintenance tips to keep the HI VAC running solidly for a long time. Before starting it, be sure to check the guards, deflectors, grass bag, and covers to make sure everything is in place and is securely fastened. Repairs to the deck drive and the drive system are easy and parts are readily available.
Other to-do items on the maintenance checklist include:
- Cleaning the debris off the mower
- Lubricating
- Checking mower blade
- Checking drive belt
- Cleaning battery and cables
- Changing oil and checking oil level
- Checking grease level in transmission
- Checking the blade and sharpening it
- Replacing air filter, spark plug, and fuel filter
- Inspecting muffler and spark arrester
- Cleaning engine air-cooling system
Various items can be installed and removed on the HI VAC such as the mulching cover, discharge deflector, grass bag adapter, and the mulching plug.
Safety Features
The HI VAC has engine speed control, blade control, and ground speed control to allow operators to use it with the utmost common sense and safety. Various safety decals and explanation-of-operation decals on the mower offer plenty of tips to safely operate the machine. To check the safety-interlock system, start the mower and release the blade control. If the engine does not stop within 3 seconds, do not use it and bring it to an authorized dealer.
Special Features
Thanks to the cutting-edge blade and rolled deck edge, that generates a lot of air and creates massive suction, the HI VAC mower expertly slices and sucks up grass for a finished yard that looks like it was taken care of by a vacuum. Whether it’s grass, leaves, twigs, or even sand and dirt, this machine behaves like a genuine powerful-sucking vacuum–be sure to keep the pet far away when mowing!
The disc-drive transmission boasts a highly reliable speed-adjustment system. With its higher wheel torque and control, it offers better speed control on slopes and helps mowers get through tough terrain.
Additionally, this machine is durable. Its rugged and solid steel front axle and stamped steel deck offer long-lasting performance for many mowing seasons to come. To top it off, the ReadyStart high-powered engine is strong, quiet, and always durable.
Cost Effectiveness
The higher price point of a mower like this one may be well worth it because of its high quality, long-time durability, and parts service. Plus you’re getting 3-in-1 mowing options (side discharge, mulch, and bag). The mulching options saves you the time of raking leaves and having someone come haul off those leaves. Side discharge offers free fertilizing, and the bagging option keeps your yard looking clean all summer, saving on outside maintenance costs. Given its high quality and long-lasting durability, the HI VAC comes off as an economical choice
