Mower and tools buying advice needed

Hi everyone, recently joined this forum and have spent many hours reading and learning. I am new to gardening and having recently moved in to our own place I thought its best to start learning quickly as I now have some gardens to maintain. Not having any tools I have drawn up a list of items which I think are the basics to get me started. Please let me know if I have missed anything or if you think there is something on the list that I wont really need to start with.

Spade
Fork
Rake
Hoe
Gloves
Secateurs

Regarding the spade and fork I have found mixed advice on whether to go for a stainless steel or carbon steel. I don't mind paying a little bit more if it means getting good tools as I am hoping they will last me for many years to come. Therefore any pointers on what to look out for or things to avoid is much appreciated.

Next up I am looking to buy a petrol mower, now I am not sure if I should buy a new cheap non branded one or buy a used one from eBay. Budget for the mower is a little tight around £200-£300. One that ticks all the boxes is the Honda HRX QX range a new is plain out of budget as its around £700-800+. What I am not sure about is,

1. Is it even worth considering buying a used one or are is it a false economy?
2. If it is OK to buy used, what sort of things should I be looking out for?
3. Is it best to avoid the commercially used ones as they would have had a hard life?

I will try post some pictures of my two gardens front and back in the morning so you good people can get a good idea of what sort of work I have ahead of me and so can recommend any tools I should buy to help with the job.

Many Thanks
Abdul

 

Abdul
I have used Bulldog spade and fork for 30 years now with no problems, a bit pricey not stainless.
Rake and hoe I inherited from my father who also used Bulldog spade and fork.
Do handle them before buying and check not too heavy, too long or too short.
Secateurs I have had a pair of Felco No2 for many years again pricey but comfortable and maintainable.
If your garden has shrubs/trees then I would suggest you consider a good pair of loppers for the thicker stuff and also a folding pruning saw.
Car boot sales and second hand tool stalls can provide bargains.
Nigel

 

For Secateurs I was considering Felco No. 5, I imagine these should be adequate for general gardening needs. Amazon has them for £21 cheapest I could find.

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

Felco's are very popular, I don't think you can go far wrong with those m47een.

Honda's are a good make of mower with good engines, I had one for fourteen years. Have a look at local suppliers, Honda usually have mowers across a wide price range. Beware of buying any mower with a Chinese built engine, they tend to be unreliable.