A perfect mono-culture lawn is a hard thing to come by. My lawn is more of a moss field, uneven with lots of bumps and dips, and is mainly clumps of grass surrounded by moss, buttercups and probably other things I haven't identified.

Now, to handle this gardener's hell, last year I bought an Atco electric powered lawn mower, with scissor cut blade and a rear roller. Top of the range, ultra expensive - and it didn't do well on my lawn, in fact it has just given up the struggle. Blue smoke came out of the motor so I've taken it back and am expecting a refund (hopefully).

I went to look at candidates for the job of being the 'next' one to take on the challenge. I have got my eye on a Bosch Rotak 40. This model has a horizontal rotary blade, so I reckon that should be able to handle the difficulties. Has anybody got one of these? Are they any good?

_________________
Laird

If all else fails, use 6 inch nails

To update.

I bought the Bosch Rotak 40 - and it is brilliant. Also, the Amazon price was 118. Last year the Atco cost 269. The Bosch is far superior in every way - gives an excellent cut, easy to operate, lighter, faster, a bigger grass box. A great machine.

The Atco has gone back for repair - no refund. When it returns it's headed for the garden shed.

_________________
Laird

If all else fails, use 6 inch nails

Dont put the Atco in the shed - I`ll give you a tenner for it. I`ll also allow you to deliver it for me- I`m in Leeds. If it`s a cylinder with a roller it`s for a bowling green type lawn, what made you buy it for your clumpy weed ridden thing in the first place?

An interesting offer - Rejected.

My counter offer - You come to Scotland to collect and pay me 200 quid, which is a bargain since the machine will be in perfect working condition having been serviced by Atco. Couldn't be fairer...

_________________
Laird

If all else fails, use 6 inch nails

The Atco has returned.
They have put in a new motor, various drive belts and v-belt.
It has been put straight into the shed.

_________________
Laird

If all else fails, use 6 inch nails

Was not thinking electric but after reading this and Amazon reviews just might; my old Mountfield motor driven 16" is just too heavy for me these days, can give it to the Son, he's just moving from a flat to house with garden.
How about going up to flower beds and corners does it dip and dig in?

Laird, done the deal with amazon, electric side cutter thrown in, ends today, extra blade ordered too.

Laird- That means it`s second hand and good for nowt. My generous offer still stands. Aeromech3- Don`t give your Mountfield away. I`ll give you a tenner for it and let you deliver it to me. I`m in Leeds... etc etc...

Generous offer rejected. The Atco stays in the shed.

I did the lawn again today with the Bosch. It was a breeze. And with this machine, I was actually looking forward to it.
It does up to the edges pretty well. It cuts evenly, and it does not clog or block.
It is so light that you can easily get it round the corners. No more manhandling.

_________________
Laird

If all else fails, use 6 inch nails