[quote=NormK]Max,
The thing with the Y22 is it has a decent gearbox in it, all the other self propelled have those dicky little fragile gearboxes in them[/quote]

Yes, the Y22's are well just a smaller H660/HE660 - so little tanks to be sure. Still bloody hefty things, IIRC around 80kg - but with that does come a lot of benefits.

Well the thing is and I am goign to word this carefully as I know I'm speaking with THE big boys of info on this site - but my understanding is there's perhaps a couple of SP mowers that are decently robust in their transmissions. but thats a tricky need to thread.

I've actually just written to Victas asking them to clarify the model of gearbox they have on their Mulchmaster 560, as I thought I'd read it'd been upgraded - as it initially was very looked forward to by Lawn Contractors (which I am NOT, but there's a few forums that they have which I've found invaluable for getting info and tricks on mowers - as well it's their stock and trade)...but while they'd initially hope it'd have been essentially a modernised and 4 stroke powered Mulchmaster 550 they had gearbox issues with them.

So tryign to clarify that one.

Same with the Honda HRX217, a lot of contractors seemed to like using it instead of the HRU216 - as having the hydrostatic gearbox this was seen as much more user friendly for use than the shaft driven 3 speed. Also had the nexite (Plastic deck) but crappier engine and bar blade rather than swingbacks - though easy work around to the latter.[quote=maxwestern]Yes there isn't a lot of mowers with a tough driveline like Deutscher mowers.

[quote]I used an old Rover 21 inch Norm for years it was super reliable it was the later red one and I put a Quantum motor on it ,then I sold it
as I stopped using it.

An old mower shop told me a lot of contractors used them when new as they lasted the longest when used every day compared
to Victa and Honda.[/quote]

I actually used something very similar back in the 1980's as a kid - side throw Rover with that drive setup, B&S engine on it - was a terrific mower. yeah hard to find things made like they used to , lol that goes for Max & Norm as well I'd imagine. ;-)