I think the Suffolk Punch P17S is poorly made, first 2 years it was ok, then it lost the drive to the rear cylinder and had to have some modified parts fitted. There are a large number of plastic parts fitted which are simply not up to the job. I have over the several years I have owned the machine spent a lot of time adjusting and replacing parts. It seems to me the machine has been priced at a premium for a poor quality. The parts for what they are quite expensive.

The only classic cylinder machine on the market under '£500.

The gear system badly lets this otherwise reliable mower down. I did think of replacing the Suffolk Punch P17S Petrol Cylinder Lawn Mower with the dearer ATCO model, but the gear system appears to be identical. The old chain drives were far superior, but then again, the company would lose millions of pounds in sales of useless plastic gears. As it is, it is the consumer that loses out every time.

Overall the Suffolk Punch P17S Petrol Cylinder Lawn Mower is very poorly made but it is very difficult to find an alternative petrol cylinder mower in the price range. It would be better if it was slightly more expensive if the quality could be improved.

I have had two of these mowers and would not recommend them. Whilst the second one does start better (after electronic component replaced) they have both been constituently unreliable. Shame really because when it works I quite like it but frustration kicks in too frequently.