Snapper SXD21SPWM82K 82V Review

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion