Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor Review: Tougher than the Competition

The first riding mower I ever used was a secondhand rear-engine Snapper, and we drove it until it was no longer serviceable. That was 30 years ago, and today, I’m coming full circle with a review of the Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor. I want to know if it’s still built for the long haul, how well it performs, and how it compares to the competition. I’ll share everything I’ve learned from cutting my 1/2-acre of St. Augustine and help you decide if it lives up to Snapper’s reputation.

Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor Basics

Engine

Snapper turns to the Briggs & Stratton EX1900 engine as its powerplant. Sporting 19 horsepower, it’s in the mid-range of power when you consider what’s available in this class.

At the T42’s price point, most of the serious competitors I checked are using OEM engines, so having Briggs & Stratton quality at the heart of the mower feels like a confidence-boosting upgrade.

Transmission

Unlike my old Snapper with its wheelie-inducing clutch and gear change, the T42 lawn tractor has a Hydro-Gear T2 transmission. Most of the competition in this class also has hydrostatic transmissions, so it’s not unique. However, it’s what you want to be able to make smooth accelerations and maintain precise speed control.

Deck

The deck is one of the first things I look at to get an initial impression of a mower’s quality. I was very pleased to find that Snapper went with a fabricated 11-gauge deck. It’s a big upgrade in durability from the 13-gauge stamped decks many competitors are using.

The deck has 13 cutting positions, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Adjustments are super-easy with an assisted lever that makes raising and lowering almost effortless.

Additional Highlights

• Metal Hood: Reduces the risk of cracking the hood compared to plastic
• Cast Iron Front Axle: Improves the durability of the drive system
• Integrated Brush Guard: Protects the front of the mower when you’re driving through high overgrowth
• Steel Chassis: Improves the overall durability of the mower
• Reinforced Deck Edge: Provides additional protection where the deck often meets obstacles
• All-Terrain Tires: Grip on a wide range of ground types
• Pre-installed Hitch Plate: Add tow-behind attachments
• Front Accessory Capable: Add front accessories
• Transmission Override: Allows you to disengage the transmission and push the mower into position
• Easier Service: Grease Zerks, tool-free spindle covers, and a serviceable transmission reduces downtime

Mowing with the Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor

Cut Quality

For my initial testing, I was tackling the lawn at my own house, which sits on a little more than half an acre and had missed its last cut. We’re still in the growing season as I’m writing this, and St. Augustine is enough of a challenge without giving it a few extra days to grow on you.

While Snapper doesn’t specify the tip speed of its Oregon Gator G4 blades, it was clear that they didn’t have any issue clearing the way. There were a couple of times in particularly thick patches that the engine asked me to slow down a touch, but it was smooth sailing for the vast majority of the lawn.

Did you know? Gator G4 mower blades are exclusive to Snapper. As part of the Carbon Cut System, these high-lift fusion blades are thicker, wider, and more aggressive than standard blades.

I really like Snapper’s choice of a rubber discharge chute. It’s longer than many but flexible, so it’s able to handle contact with trees and other obstacles without a problem. I wondered if the size would negatively affect the clipping distribution, but I was getting a good spread of around eight feet in most sections.

If you’d prefer to mulch or bag instead of side discharge, those options will be available at the beginning of 2026. Now that I’ve got the lawn on a healthy mowing schedule, I’ll be adding the mulch kit to return more nutrients back to the grass for the spring.

Considering the conditions, I was very pleased with the evenness of the cut. It’s not a perfect lawn, and despite the bumps and sections in need of minor repair to fill in, the final result looked nice.

Controls

The mower’s basic controls aren’t complicated. A standard keyed ignition system gets you started and has a position for the headlights when you need them. The throttle lever handles the engine, including a choke position at the top.

There aren’t any surprises in the steering system, with a reasonably comfortable steering wheel and drive system that responds well as you’re moving.

The one element that can take the longest to adjust to is the side-by-side pedal system. Like other mowers that incorporate a similar design, you press the left pedal to go forward and the right to reverse. The nice thing is that you don’t have to mess with a shifter. However, your natural tendency is likely to go for the right pedal for forward.

It’s a huge deal, and within the first few cuts, your muscle memory begins to set in, and it feels more natural.

By default, the blades shut off when you begin to reverse. However, there is a reverse override switch if you’d prefer to keep them running.

Comfort

Snapper includes a 15-inch high back seat for the T42. The seat itself is comfortable, and twin springs underneath help absorb bumps as you drive. It’s not as plush as some of the seats you find on higher-priced ZTs and there’s no tensioner to adjust for weight, but compared to other mowers in this class, it’s on par.

My biggest issue is my height. At six feet, two inches tall, I have trouble fitting on most lawn tractors in this class. The T42 has a nice range of adjustment, though, and it’s just short of being ideal for me. That was a nice surprise, considering how often I do an impression of the Hunchback of Notre Dame on some models. Most people up to 6 feet tall should be able to find a perfect seat position.

Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor Comparison

In the 42-inch class with similar engine power, you have a range of options. Here’s how Snapper stacks up to a couple of names you probably know:

Should You Buy It?

The Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor competes in a competitive class and earns its place among the top competitors. What stands out most is the extra attention to durability in the build that helps it survive the unexpected better and last longer. Combined with a Briggs & Stratton powerplant, it’s a step up from competitors with weaker builds and OEM engines.

I like this model for lawns between 1/3 of an acre and 1 acre as its sweet spot. The fuel efficiency can keep you running north of 2 1/2 acres on a tank if you don’t mind some extended seat time, though.

If you have a larger property, you may prefer a larger deck size, which Snapper doesn’t offer in this line (yet). If you’re constantly fighting overgrowth, you may also want to step up in engine power.

However, as the first of its new generation of lawn tractors, the T42 is positioned to meet the needs of the widest range of homeowners, and I’m impressed with what it has to offer.

Look for the T42 Lawn Tractor at select local Snapper dealers now for $2499. Online ordering through Snapper’s website is coming soon as well. Remember, you purchase is backed by a 3-year residential warranty.

Snapper T42 Lawn Tractor Specifications

• Engine: Briggs & Stratton EX1900 19HP
• Starting: Keyed electric
• Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gallons
• Deck: 42-inch 11-gauge fabricated steel
• Blades: 2 x Gator G4
• Cutting Height: 1.5 – 4.5 inches, 13 positions
• Max speed: 5.5 MPH forward, 2.5 MPH reverse
• Transmission: Hydro-Gear T2
• Front Tires: 15 x 6-inch
• Rear Tires: 20 x 8-inch
• Turning Radius: 16 inches
• Weight: 450 lbs