I have the commercial version of the same mower, the only difference is the wheels and decals. Have you tried calling Snapper HQ? There was a problem with some Kawasaki air filter systems so maybe they'll allow a Kawasaki, B%S or Honda engine swap. I also have a Snapper with a Briggs engine and it's easier to start that the Kawasaki but doesn't have as much power though they are rated equally.

Sounds like the air filter may be getting clogged. The person doing the servicing can better tell you what part(s) seem faulty when they are removed from the unit. Since you mentioned that it runs well after the tune up, it must be something that gets progressively worse as you continue to use it.

Newer lawnmower engines, built in the last 5 years, or so, have "lean burn" engines, designed to reduce air pollution. Even small traces of varnish/gum, deposited by gasoline in the carburetor, will cause hard starting, and keep the engine from running smoothly. The solution is to run carburetor cleaner, added to the 5 gallon gas can you use for refueling your mower. I use it, it works, the mower starts easily, like it did when it was new.

I'd second checking the air filter. If your lawn is dry it doesn't take much to get it clogged with dirt and debris. I've had the same trouble with my Snapper.

I appreciate gthe feedback. Are you saying that this mower should be able to be started by my wife? Kinda small (5'4, 120lbs) if air filter is the problem and remedied.

The Kawasaki has more compression so the rope will be a little harder to pull. To help remedy that, disconect the pull cord from at the handle bars so that the cord handle is at the engine. I get more leverage and more cord travel, that way my worn out back isn't strained. Hope it works out for you.

i have the commercial version also of this mower. i had the same problem 20- 30 pulls on the rope to start .i replaced the rope 3 times in 2 years.use only high octane fuel in it.use fuel stabilizer year round.use fuel cut off valve .run mower until it runs dry in the carb. mine starts in 2-3 pulls.hope this helps

My wife has complained about the darn thing so much I got mas late last night and put it on Craigslist. Sold it to first guy that came. I know, I know.........she had be madder than a hornet. Now, I need advice on great mulcher that is easy to start. We will bad only occasionally. She doesnt have alot of upper body strength (she is little).

We have a Yardman that usually starts on the first pull. It has a synthetic rubber primer that has to be manually cycled 3 or 4 times, before attempting to start a cold engine. After four years of summertime use, it started but failed to idle smoothly this spring. I cleaned the carb, put some carb cleaner in the gas tank, and put some carb cleaner into the 5 gallon tank that we use to refuel the mower. That was three weeks ago, and it runs fine now. I am sure that there are other makes of lawnmower that start reliably and do the job well.

paulga:

You use high octane gas in a mower? Why? I would bet your owner's manual calls for regular unleaded gasoline.

High octane fuel will cause your mower to be harder to start. (It is harder to ignite than "regular" gas.) The only benefit to higher octane is it is LESS easy to ignite, thus less susceptible to pre-ignition ("knocking"), thus better for higher compression engines.

Many modern lawn mower engines have a built-in compression release which eases the pulling effort. However, because most females have less upper body strength and shorter arms than guys they remain at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to rope start lawn mowers.

If your wife is doing the mowing, you might consider a machine with an electric starter. Yes, the electric start can be something else to maintain, but they do work. And it will give your wife some needed assistance.

If starting is an issue go with an electric start model. There are several at the big boxes that won't break the bank (not initially anyway). I would recommend the Toro/Lawnboy models for mulching.

tdscpa

my snapper dealer said to use it. i never questioned him on it. they have been in business for over 40+ years. he was probably one of the first dealers in georgia since it is not about 30 miles from the manufacturing plant.i think it might have been because it was a kawasaki.