On Sat, 04 Aug 2012 01:52:40 +0100, John Rumm wrote:

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.

Trouble is the lawn isn't "that size", it's in bits and has bushes and other
obstacles, so using a bigger mower would be very tiring. Same goes for
self-propelled - it'd be a nuisance in the many tight spots.

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.

The Bosch has been on the same setting since new: lowest acceptable for the
roughest part and don't worry about the rest.

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.

I'd be happy to spend this sort of money - what do you think about this
one?:
http://www.justlawnmowers.co.uk/lawn.../product52.htm
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway