Snapper High Lift

I've seem this on Facebook Marketplace for a while, and the 30" deck on my current Jacobsen Homelite rear engine rider is kinda tight maneuver around in the garden, plus the 10 hp Briggs flathead threw a rod at the end of last season, and it's peerless 700 5 speed and chain driven axle might inspire another thread...

The price was right, so I've now got myself a genuine 1986 Snapper Hi Lift with a teeny tiny 28" deck and an 8 horse Briggs. The starter doesn't start it but the rope does a fine job. The motor is surprisingly quiet, purrs like a kitten, particularly because the throttle cable or Governor is way out of adjustment, and it won't do much over high idle. The PTO engagement lever pops out when you hit a good bump, too. Seems the plate is worn, should be able to build that up with weld and grind it smooth again fairly quickly.

I'm really excited to add this machine to the fleet, taking lawn mowing responsibilities away from the other tractors completely. Plus I've wanted an old school Snapper for years just because. I'd love to add a bagger, if you've got the right one and want to do some trading, holler. Looking for any tips and tricks you may have.

Is there an oppy twin in its future??

Idk, it's an aluminum 8 hp Briggs, and it's about to get a 10 hp carb and governor. Most likely engine swap would be a 12.5 Kohler Command, and only because I have one.