lawnmower recommendations please

[rhubarbontoast]

I need help! I have quite a large lawn and no mower. The grass is growing and I need to get my hands on a mower but I have no idea what is good and what isn't.

The garden is large enough to warrant a self-propelled, petrol job. I have found the Honda Izy 41 which was selected as a best buy by Gardener's World. Anyone any experience of it? Any other recommended brands or models? Places to buy?

Thanks in advance!

[smallblueplanet]

I went on price I'm afraid - it's an 18"/46cm cut, not self-propelled, adjustable cut height. Its one of the numerous brands from the Electrolux group, but with a Briggs & Stratton engine - Flymow Quicksilver 40.

It was a refurbished model, bought from Crocus.co.uk 2 years ago for £125 (inc p&p) - its been fine. There's often lots of refurbs (check warranty length though) on ebay.

[rhubarbontoast]

Someone else mentioned a Briggs and Stratton engine- sounds like something from a Spitfire! Thanks, I shall have a look.

[Waffler]

My OH has literally just been sussing out a neighbours lawnmower collection (!) and has borrowed one to try. He told me it's a self-propelled mulching one apparently, but I don't know what make. He's just gone in the shower (he's a bit green round the edges from mowing! But I'll perhaps report back either with the details, or once he's had a go and let you know how he got on.

[Nicos]

We bought a reconditioned 2nd hand petrol mower for £75 (and have had no problems with it at all) from our local lawnmower repair shop.
Might be worth looking into if yo're not bothered if its new or second hand.

[vegman]

For my money you cant beat a Mountfield petrol mower but make sure it has a Brigs and Stratton engine. At one stage they changed to an Italian engine but wasnt reliable I think. I have three lawns total approx 600sq m. to cut and have had mine about 13 years. serviecd every two years and never lets me down. 15" cut with a back roller for the 'stripes'.

[Madasafish]

I purchased a second hand hardly used Atco Balmoral 17inch cylinder 5 years ago for my 1/2 acre grass.
Delighted with it.
Repair costs? 1 new air filter plus oil changes.

Cuts very nicely