I tried a reel lawn mower on my large St. Augustine grass lawn -- it broke the first time I used it. The grass was just too much for it. And it was a good brand lawn mower. Plus, the size of my yard makes using a reel mower difficult and exhausting. Takes a really long time. I can only mow when the sun starts to set because of the 100+ degree heat here, so I don't have time on my side.
Anyway, that's a long way of saying that I need to save up for a power lawn mower. I'm open to electric or gas (although I've never worked with anything gas before--I know, it's odd). But it needs to be reliable and tough enough to cut through vine-like, sturdy grass, as well as being easy to use.
Suggestions?