Final recommendations came down to John Deere and Rover. I'd not heard
of the latter but, having seen the build quality, robust but simple
design I chose that. The 22" I got was a little more expensive than the
OP wants at £700 but I am very satisfied with it. Built like the old
Hayters used to be. Has swing(ish) blades like the old Hayterette. Has
Honda engine, which starts after half a pull. Is self propelled. Single
point height adjuster. One and a bit years on and I'm still very
pleased with it. It feels like it will last many years. I do not know
whether the smaller ones share the same grade of Honda engine or the
build quality but worth a look IMHO.
http://www.justlawnmowers.co.uk/page..._22M_Honda.htm HTH

Five years on, I'm still very pleased with the Rover 861M35, which is an
older 22in walk-behind model with a B&S Quantum engine (metal carb,
cast iron sleeve, no problems).

Rover mowers are a very good example of no-nonsense Aussie engineering,
and the local dealers say it's the only brand that can stand up to hire
and contract work in this county. The blades and deck certainly take a
lot of punishment here, from half-buried rocks and boulders. The wide
open back is also excellent for throwing wet grass.

Expensive, but money well spent. If I had to buy another, it would
definitely be another Rover... but I don't think I'll ever need to.


--
Ian White