On Sat, 3 May 2014 17:13:53 +0200, Mervington
wrote:

Recommendations for a mower of this size/type that have a reputation for
easy start, would be much appreciated.

I was only looking last week for the same size/type. Pleasantly
surprised that many now have the option of a keystart. Adds about a
third to the price, but I thought that was acceptable.
A google search gave many :-)