[DNF] [24] Oh SNAP! 6x8 Snapper RER by JB_4x4

#Buildoff2024

I bought a bunch of Snapper RER mowers to restore over the last 18 months.  Number 3 was run over by something at auction, but, it had a motor!  So, I took that motor off and put it on Snapper # 1.  The most complete and with the nicest paint. Not running because the head was broken so it could not be pull started. I have bought a good used head,hoping I can get the motor started.  I have a scrap 10 HP I can rebuild as backup.

Snapper 1028 # 2 I bought just because I liked the way it looked.  It's rear axle is locked solid, I do not know why.  I had to drag it to the current resting spot.  Though under the sheet metal, it is the same RER Snapper as the others.  I do not know what it means by Convertible with the recycle logo. Maybe it was offered with a sun shade? :-D

# 3 I was going to use the rims for my AWS axle on  the 6x6.  If they do not fit, I might use this one for parts on this project.

# 4,# 5,# 6 are donors.

What I want to do is get one working 6x8 out of # 2 by combining it with 2 more drive units.  I want to buy a front engine Snapper riding lawn mower with the cast iron front axle so I can keep it almost all Snapper parts. I do not see the stock RER front axle being a viable axle off road unless you like having the steering wheel ripped out of your hands on a regular basis.  Plus, I need to run a minimum of 16" tires in the front.

It is going to lose the cutting deck and be replaced by a solid floor because all I can see is someone hitting a hard bump, their feet coming off off the pedals, and running themselves over.  After giving themselves a wedgie.

I think it would be cool to be able to stand up while riding a trail, especially uphill, so, a solid deck it is.  Probably will have tilt steering to that end.

If I like it and it comes out okay, I will take Snapper # 1 and convert that too. For a HIS and HER matching set.

I have a scrap 16 HP vertical engine to rebuild for this project.  If  it gets too involved, I will just go buy a new engine.  I want to be riding at least the framework by the end of February even if the other 2 driven axles are only place holders.

I was just going to scrap # 3-# 6 after removing spare parts, after getting two complete RER Snappers going (# 1 and # 2).

Reason for this build, just something cool for the contest that i can start riding right away.  Plus, I am redoing my porch AND I have to get all the leaves and such removed before I start welding and cutting metal outside for my main 6x6 project.

At the moment I have 6 Snapper RER and 6 riding lawn mowers (2 running one under repair), along with a dead lawn aerator.  So, I need to clean up my yard in a hurry.

As to how I am going to drive all the 6 wheels at the same time ... I have no idea until I take # 3 apart and see how the internals are driven.  I know it is a chain drive, I do not know the chain size, sprocket tooth count, etc.

Basic outline:

< 96" long
< 36" wide
  6x8 with three rear driven axles. Engine in the rear behind an improved seat.

  Going tracks is within the realm of possibilities.
 
Unlike most of my other stuff, which is work related, this is just for fun.  I don't care if it can cut grass or anything else.  Though towing a cart might be nice.  Maybe a little utility bed or fold out camper.

I might put working lights on it so it is low speed vehicle ready.

















When you see the "could of been" RER Snapper you just might say "Oh SNAP!"



reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aofoBrFNdg



Approved Jan 28th, 2024 by @Brianator

[mod]Welcome to the Build Off! Made your sign ahead of time I see![/mod]

Sounds like an interesting build, I look forward to seeing it come to life!

No, I actually made it on the 7th on my computer, but, my HP (swear word) ink jet printer ran out of ink 1/2 way through. So, I decided to buy a new (anything but HP) color laser printer, and it was the 1st thing I printed out over a week ago.

With all the write up, week+ of rain, having to do firewood, and emergency repairs to my DD LT, I did not get out to take the photos until today. I just did not feel like reprinting and wasting toner. I am starting the build tomorrow. I might buy a go-pro so I can video while doing the build, too awkward using my smart phone.

Hi,

I have to give up on this project, because I had a whirlwind come through my property and take out ten medium to large (one a 42"+ DBH oak 110 feet tall) trees.  I just had 2 trees taken down on July 4th, just finished splitting the small one completely, then this happened.  Then I had to have another 4 taken down because when the big oak tipped over, the trees next to  it became unstable.

So, I have 16 trees to cut, split, and chip.  Not to mention fence repair, new firewood sheds, and probably need a new trailer.



If you notice in the picture, the Poulan I posted for my other 6x6 just missed getting dunked along with that John Deere 335 I posted about buying at auction just for the power steering.  Unfortunately my trailer was damaged and the tongue twisted, I managed to get it out, BUT, doing so killed my Harbor Fright 5000# winch.  In that hole is a B&S L head under the two feet of water that was right next to the Poulan.  I might have to give up on it and it's new carb and starter.

Anyone that is close by and wants 5 Snappers without engines, for free, that has posted a message on the board since 2024 let me know.  Plus, I have a 6th with a 10 HP B&S that is really nice, but, I have not had time to finish putting a head and pull start back on. I don't know what I want for that, I might finish it so I have more room in my yard.


Good news is I heat entirely by firewood.

@JB_4x4 that sucks, I'm glad you're alright. We got hit by the hurricane right after a tornado so the wood is plentiful here as well Lol We wrapped a tape measure around the one that fell on our house and it measured 12'

> that sucks, I'm glad you're alright.

Actually, 100% blessed, there is a longer story behind what happened, I only posted the memo.

> the one that fell on our house and it measured 12'

About 45.83" diameter, so, you have me beat by 3" diameter, though that 3" is deceptive.

a one foot section of 42" diameter white oak here will weigh 712# (74# a cubic foot), a 46" diameter would be 854#. 142# difference per foot, over a 10 foot log that is 1420# difference.

I have to assume only the top hit your house, if the trunk landed on even a brick house I imagine it would crush it right to ground level because of the leverage.

Still working on my other 6x6, probably start welding the frame this weekend. Hate to give up on the project, but, I know with the 160-200 extra hours now for yard cleanup, I will be hard pressed even to start on it before the end of the year.

This an official withdraw then?  Hate seeing the damage and hearing about more.  Glad you all are ok.

@JB_4x4 that's cool getting to hear the math behind that. No wonder we've broke a 1993 f250 and a 12000# badland winch Lol. it wasn't as much the top that hit our house it was some of the girthy middle bits but we were lucky and the tree kind of stopped half fall so it didn't completely smash it

> This an official withdraw then?

Yes, I need to free up space, and six Snappers take a bit, but, the main thing is time, I will have very little spare day light time. So, I am going to concentrate on the other 6x6, since that is a "need" vs. "wish".

No garden this year, I lost three+ weeks with an injury, and with this I will be breathing firewood and chipping for 6+ weeks. Worse for my dog, she can't be in HER :-D yard until it's fenced in and the root balls are gone.

Something amusing, I found that the N in a L head engine code stands for NADIA.  

Behind the black Poulan, was a B&S L head covered by a white tyvek bag to keep it clean.  I took the new carb off so it would not get damaged by accident.   I pulled the cover out, I could see no engine. I was looking for the engine and could not find it by the edge of the hole where the cover was.  I could not find it on the other side of the root ball, where the tree trunk now is. So, I gave up.

We had a week of dry weather and the water goes down about a foot, and I see the engine standing straight up.  I wish I had a video of how high it launched up in the air to come straight down and stick a perfect # 10 landing!




No way I was going to get it out of the mud with a rope and my Murray with that mud suction.  So, after a few tries of wrapping a cable I made for the job, using a long pole, since there was no way I was getting under that root ball or that deep smelly mud with entangling roots.   I managed to snag it and pull it out.






Crankshaft looks bent.

Thats just incredible. Anything else in the pit of doom?

Yes, I was amazed at the landing.

The only thing in there now, as far as I know, are maybe 15-24 cement bricks. Hard to tell, many of them already sank. If my (new to me) 8x20 dual axle trailer was just 12 inches closer, that probably would have been flung somewhere.

Just too dangerous to even get the bricks from the edges, so, I am just going to fill the pit with shredded and chipped tree branches. Maybe knock off the dirt with a pressure washer before I yank it out of the ground. Going to be a while before my dog gets her yard back!

I dislike getting rid of the Snappers, but, I need to concentrate on firewood, trees, and my other 6x6 project as I really need that.