"Adrian" wrote in message
...
We have about the same total area out here in the South-west of
Ireland.

When we moved out here I went looking for a 2nd-hand mower - very few
of them available privately but managed to find a nice one from the
local garden machinery place - they take them in in part-exchange and
then sell them on.

Mine is badged 'Einhel' (apparently made by Husquavarna) - 12hp B&D
engine and twin blades cutting 36".

Things to look for.....
Mulching option - saves an awful lot of 'emptying'
Rear discharge chute - my previous machine was side-discharge and was
forever getting blocked up
'Proper' large tyres - machines intended for lawns will have trouble
coping with lumps and bumps in a paddock
Nothing too 'clever' - the more equipment, dials, buttons lights etc -
the more there is to go wrong.
Try the machine - see if it's comfortable for you.
Expect a warranty and the machine to be serviced when you get it.
Use it lots in the first couple of months to discover any possuible
defects!

Thanks. Exactly the sort of info I'm looking for. Already been advised to
avoid side tube types.

Unless you have money to burn, it's worth looking for a good
second-hand machine from a decent dealer. Some people (out here, at
least) will change their mower for a new one every couple of years -
and if they've looked after the 'old' one then it'll save you a
considerable amount of money

Yes I've had a few second hand cylinder mowers before. Just got a 30 year
old Suffolk Colt off ebay to do the smaller bits. Owner fixes up mowers as a
hobby and did a good job. Might go back to him for a bigger ride behind
cylinder mower at some point. Want the ride on for the paddock and the lawn
when it's got too tall due to bad weather or lack of time to cut it.

In terms of 'makes to avoid' - a friend of mine in the UK bought a new
Countach (?spelling) - and it's been a nightmare. He has a mix of lawn
and meadow - and the thing just isn't up to it - eats bearings on the
mowing deck.....

Hope this helps
Adrian