On 03/08/2012 09:47, PeterC wrote:
Seems that the Bosch electric mower has emitted a few too many sparks. I
might be able to fix it, but just in case I can't I'm considering buying a
petrol mower before I need to hire a combine harvester!

Looking at various models, most seem to be very loud - about 96dB, so are
there any less loud ones?

Most petrol mowers with a B&S motor, concentrate much of the noise into
the lower ranges of the audio spectrum, so while they are loud they are
not particularly hard on the ears (or the neighbours). Far less
unpleasant to work with than say a two stroke garden tool that may emit
the same level of noise in dBA terms.

I don't want self-propelled as the grass (about 250 sq. m) is in 5 parts and
rather, er, 'complex'.
The electric Bosch cuts almost right up to an edge - wall or path - and I'd
like one that does the same, if petrol ones can.

No reason why not...

Also don't want too big; this leads to the old problem of smaller machines
lacking abilities as they are seen as 'cheap', so 40cm would be tops I
guess.

Might be a tad on the small size for that area of lawn.

Things to think about...

for that sized mower 3.5hp will be fine for either collecting or cutting
and dropping. If you want to mulch then you will need double the power
to do it well.

Easy height adjustment is worth having - some need you to tweak the
setting on each wheel individually. Some have a leaver that does the
whole deck in one hit.

Something that has loads of airflow through it, and preferably a manual
throttle so you can up the revs when the grass is damp and you want
effective collection.

What seems to be a good make, reliable and has a reasonable warranty? Up to
a sensible limit I don't mind how much I spend gulp.

Had my Hayter Harrier 41 for about 18 years... its had one oil change
since new and that was about its only engine maintenance. Its on its
third plastic undertray though (they fatigue near where the real wheels
attach). Airflow not really good enough, and no throttle control on
mine. So I don't think I would buy the same model again. Having said
that the engine is good. Starts easily even after a winter in a cold
shed etc.



--
Cheers,

John.

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