What models are more reliable?
Are there any models to avoid?
Can I tell the approximate age of the mower by frame style features (like the steering wheel shape)?
Is the Kohler engine as good as the B&S?

Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Well you don't seem to be getting much traffic on your post. You may have set too high a standard, see above.

Since there are no smart people here right now, I will give my opinion on a couple of things in the mean time.

More important than age and model number in a used Snapper is what kind of care it has had. The "X-tra Tough" models have some slight advantages.

I would take ahold of the rear standard on each side and slowly lift up while watching the rear axle. You are watching for play, axle/wheel stays in place while you lift on the rear standard. Play, especially on the right side, gear box side, indicates excess wear perhaps caused by not keeping the gear box full of lube. Left side MAY be able to fix fairly easily, right side, no. Concern is not so much the worn out bushing but what may be going on inside the gear case.

For the most part I would recommend the Kohler COMMAND but here again, that can depend on what kind of care it has had.

When push comes to shove, you are just going to have to use your own good judgment or perhaps I should have said when it comes to plunking down money.

Walt Conner

Actually, I've followed your posts on other threads. Always worthwhile.

Regarding the issue of axle play - would more than 1" of play be considered excessive?

You bet!

Walt Conner