I haven't seen that brand in the USA.

Thanks Tomplum, I've searched around the machine including jacking it up and going underneaththe rear, and I cannot find a lever. Thanks also Ggoyeneche, that is a good logical suggestion. I will search further although I'm struggling to picture exactly where you mean. Much of the drive mechanism which contains belts and a chain is shielded by body-work. I imagine that is deliberate to keep grass and sticks away from the drive and blade belts. Purely as a matter of interest, I also have a 16yr old Viking (Stihl) rider which is manually geared and side discharge only. It is a dream to work on compared to this rear-discharge hydro Castelgarden. Everything on the Viking is open and easy to see - and reach. I bought the hydro from a friend because of its grass-catcher. Frankly its been more trouble than its worth but in fairness thats probabably because my friend didn't look after it. Interesting learning curve...

To be sure it is CARB compliant just buy it at a dealer located in California. "Well, after looking around at the big box today, I see they have a Honda HRR216K5VKA for 429. It is over my budget, but doable if it is really worth it. The also had a couple of Toros at or below that range, 2 FWD and a RWD." RB> I would choose a RWD over FWD. "I really would like to get the push version of the Honda, but I do not believe anyone in the area sells it." RB> Check dealers. "Is the drive portion of the Honda (or Toros) any good, or are they going to be problems?" RB> C'mon...those are the two biggest makers of powered lawn mowers. In my experience the machines sold at box stores are good quality, but not quite on a par with the models sold at dealers. If you keep up with maintenance and repairs a Toro Recycler or it's equivalent from Honda will last many years. "Is it worth the extra money (429 vs 200-300) to go with something like the Honda or Toro?" RB> To me it is worth the money. If you buy an MTD or similar expect that handles, controls and wheels will loosen up fairly quickly. If it were me I would opt for the Toro Super Recycler from a dealer. You pay a little more but the added quality is there. "Also, Home Depot had a Honda HRX refurbished for 400 (2 actually). Is it worth the risk?" RB> Depends on the warranty. Realize that Home Depot will not do repairs at the store. Again, if it were me I would forgo the box store and go with a dealer. The price difference is not really all that much.

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