thanks for all the input, much appreciated. however, i've exercised my
prerogative and decided to buy him a compound mitre saw instead.

big round of applause for the first person to say: you can't cut the
grass with one of those ...

jils wrote:
i may buy a new mower for my husband for christmas. anyone have any
recommendations?
i'm north of sydney, the garden backs on to bushland, so it's undulating
and has quite a bit of debris from trees, it's not a bowling green by
any means!
appreciate any input, it's 15 years since i bought a mower and i've no
idea ...