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Snapper SXD21SPWM82K 82V Review

This mower offers few features to rationalize its steep price tag
snapper sxd21spwm82k 82v cordless lawn mower review
Credit: amazon.com
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Price:  $600 List
Manufacturer:   Snapper
By Nick Miley and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Oct 1, 2019
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 7
  • Mowing - 35% 7.0
  • Battery - 25% 6.0
  • Handling - 25% 4.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

While the Snapper SXD21SPWM82K 82V looks the part of a high-performance lawn mower, it failed to live up to that expectation throughout our testing. In contrast to what one would expect from a mower in this price range, this model is sold with an abysmal 2 amp-hour battery, which renders a very short runtime. Additionally, the Snapper suffers from poor maneuverability, lacks many ease of use features, and has a poorly designed cockpit. That said, if the mower were a bit less expensive we would be less critical. The folding/ storage system is certainly effective, and the machine doesn't lack in the power department. Additionally, the 17.6" cutting deck is quite wide for the class, and the machine is self-propelled.
REASONS TO BUY
Fast recharge
Fairly quiet
Easy battery removal
REASONS TO AVOID
Lackluster maneuverability
Expensive
Limited runtime

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award  Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $600 List
$549.99 at Amazon
$549 List$100 List
$81.04 at Amazon
$349 List
$349.00 at Amazon
$300 List
$319.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Fast recharge, fairly quiet, easy battery removalExtensive runtime, rapid recharge, massive cutting deck widthMinimal storage footprint, maneuverableManeuverable, broad cutting range, well designed bailAbove average runtime, descent power, quiet
Cons Lackluster maneuverability, expensive, limited runtimeFairly expensive, more mower than some may needLoud, hard to adjust cutting height, no bagging optionShort runtime, limited cutting power, not self-propelledNarrow cutting deck, not self-propelled, relatively hard to push
Bottom Line This mower offers few features to rationalize its steep price tagThis long-lasting mower can tackle the biggest jobs without breaking a sweatA low maintenance manual mower suited to small, tidy lawnsAn economy machine that's best suited to low-demand lawnsThis low-cost, manually-propelled lawn mower has an above average runtime
Rating Categories Snapper SXD21SPWM82... Ego LM2102SP American Lawn Mower... Black+Decker CM2043 Greenworks 25322
Mowing (35%)
7.0
9.0
2.0
5.0
4.0
Battery (25%)
6.0
8.0
10.0
4.0
5.0
Handling (25%)
4.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
6.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
6.0
Specs Snapper SXD21SPWM82... Ego LM2102SP American Lawn Mower... Black+Decker CM2043 Greenworks 25322
Self-Propelled Yes Yes No No No
Estimated Cutting Area 4,382 ft² 14,275 ft² N/A 6,457 ft² 9,196 ft²
Measured Recharge Time 30 min 57 min N/A 300 min 60 min
Cutting Deck Width 17 5/8" 18 1/8" 14" 15 5/16" 13 3/4"
Measured Cutting Gap 15/16" 3/4" N/A 1 1/2" 1"
Measured Noise 72 dBa 71 dBa 86 dBa 74.5 dBa 72.8 dBa
Power (1 - 10) 7 7 Manual powered 3 5
Folding/Unfolding Ease (1 - 10) 7 9 10 5 7

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Snapper SXD21SPWM82K 82V cost considerably more than the other mowers and yet it falls short of the competition in many of the critical areas that would help to rationalize the expense. While this model can tackle a variety of grass lengths with little difficulty, and it folds up easily for storage, it lacks in maneuverability and runtime. That said, there are other models that will fill these gaps for less money.

snapper sxd21spwm82k 82v cordless lawn mower review - the snapper
The Snapper
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Performance Comparison



Likes


When tackling larger lawns, the power of the motor, the width of the cutting deck, and the range of cutting heights are all of critical importance for maximum efficiency. The Snapper 82V checks these boxes with little difficulty. At 17.6 inches, this model has an ample cutting deck width. The width of the cutting deck is complemented by a broad set of cutting heights ranging from 1 3/4" to 3". Given the amply sized swath that this mower can cut, it's good that it also has a motor powerful enough to mulch what it cuts.


The Snapper fares well in our assessment of its ease of use features. First off, its folding/ unfolding system is straightforward to operate and effective at compressing the machine's dimensions for storage. Additionally, the battery removal mechanism is designed well enough that it facilitates one-handed removal. Finally, the bail design is benign, leaving testers with little to report — which, in this rare scenario, is a good thing.


One of the nicer things about cordless mowers is that they are much quieter than their gas-powered ancestors. Registering at 72 dBA from the cockpit, the Snapper does not disappoint in this regard.

Dislikes


While we try to heed Thumper's advice that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all, we feel that we are obliged to point out this mower's shortcomings. Our main complaint is that this mower's sleek exterior and its non-trivial price tag may lead some to think that it is a high-performance machine. This is not the case. Aside from its price, the Snapper 82V, at best, could be called average when compared to its peers.

As far as runtime and the associated mowed square footage estimates go, the Snapper delivered an abysmal performance at 27 minutes and an estimated 4381 square feet respectively. This is primarily due to the 2 amp-hour battery that comes with the mower.


Finally, the Snapper suffers significantly in the handling department. Despite being self-propelled, this mower is very difficult to get into gear and maneuver. First off, the driver control lever is far enough away from the handle that even those with large hands can't reach it without letting go of the handle. Moreover, our testers reported that the wheels of this mower have the annoying tendency of locking up when making tight turns.

snapper sxd21spwm82k 82v cordless lawn mower review - the snapper's cockpit has a bail lever (top), self-propel...
The Snapper's cockpit has a bail lever (top), self-propel lever (bottom), the safety lock-out button (near side) and the self-propel speed control (far side). Note the unnecessarily wide gap between handle and bails.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value


We describe value as a measure of what one gets for their money when compared to other products in the class of cordless mowers. By this definition, the Snapper SXD21SPWM82K 82V is not a good value. One can simply get more from other mowers while spending less money.

snapper sxd21spwm82k 82v cordless lawn mower review - the snapper will bag or mulch, whatever your lawn requires
The Snapper will bag or mulch, whatever your lawn requires
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


Despite a few ease of use and mowing functions, the Snapper 82V does not live up the expectations suggested by its sharp look and hefty price tag.

Nick Miley and Austin Palmer
 
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