Originally posted by plmn"" * Posted by plmn (My Page) on Sun, Jan 4, 09 at 23:07 My dad's old Toro with the Suzuki two-stroke was a POS. Let me rephrase that: The Suzuki engine was a POS. Smokey, smelly, hard to start, frequent repairs, and early death. And the deck was heavy for its size. Only lasted about 8 years of pretty light use. He bought a cheap Briggs Murray around the same time that was used for a large and rough commercial lot that lasted longer and was easier to use. Going off my experience, I can say with confidence that my new Toro 20092 is a superior machine in all areas but weight. So far anyways. But with a good self-propel system, who cares about weight? " Your opinion is contrary to 96% of commercial mowers who love that mower and claim it never will die.....myself included. A problem machine does happen occasionally but usually the problem is more of a reflection of the mechanic or owner, not the machine. Synthetic oil at the right ratio and smell/smoke is a non issue.

Depends, depends, depends... is it sharp? How high is it set? Is the grass fine or coarse? Have to confess I cheat- on damp days I leave the catcher off and let the clippings fall as mulch for the grass. My older version Masportr pushmower is pretty good for producing a gentle spray of clippings, though. Especially when it's been freshly sharpened. And the cut grass smells great, too. No petrol fumes.

g'day alison, you mentioned embankment? just be careful 4 strokes aren't made for steep area mowing. if you have a steep bank maybe get a flymo for that specific area? 4 stroke for sure is the way to go honda (no experience with them) are gaining a very good rep' in this area, masport with a briggs & stratton might be next then rover (not sure what else is out there?) just be sure the b&s is manufactured in the US of A. go for models with steel ball bearing wheels masport did have an adjustable set up very ideal (500mm model), for me i reckon a bag catcher outweighs the plastic models in function usability and very light so no added weight to the mower, just remmeber to rinse or hose them out after each use, almost indestructable. not sure about honda as i said above but the masport plastic catcher is very strong indeed if you go that way. for most domsetic uses don't buy less than 3.5hp capacity 4 hp is even better. me i like heaps of grunt they last longer doing domestic work so i go for the 5hp IC models never wear them out if you learn to do the servicing right and run them in from new (read my page i think i have some hints there?). so right up front don't buy from the discounters, go to a specialist shop the trick to find one where they are fully experienced but even then you are streets ahead when dealing with specialists as they only generally sell top of the range models, which the discounter models aren't. pity snapper aren't available over here anymore they have 21" 5hp I/C self propelled model that was top of the range a very nice machine indeed great for the ladies to use. the so called home grown product just isn't worth a look these days. len Here is a link that might be useful: lens garden page

g'day jamus, i was waiting to see if anyone would mention that but you are correct, buying a particular machine in this case battery electric because they "are environmently friendly?" isn't quiet rite now buying one because you have conditions that prevent you from starting the normal mower is another whole reason. flymo's work very well in the applications they are designed to cope with, from my many years as mower mechanic when mowers are put down it is usally because they are being used outside their design principals, this comes back to buying from a specialist shop the person selling to you should first ascertain your needs (if you buy from a discounter or such retailer you pretty much are on your own in making an informed decision). the batteries & the making of them and the recycling of them (???) is very hazardous to the environment. and also electric mowers just simply don't have the grunt of some of the petrol engine models, and the pollution caused at power stations is generally right in the middle of where your agricultural food is produced. if you are going to buy electric/battery seek out the top of the range model don't buy a cheepie, not sure that victa would be any better than if was way back then, they had a key start then and very unreliable and not very popular. most who bought electrics of some sort where not very satisfied (especially anything painted black & yellow/orange designed as single use throw away units when something anythings wears). also it was a heavy mower for its class. len mail len lens garden page