Thanks fellas. I took a look at both machines and they are very similar and as good as each other. They are both made in South Africa. The TPE has better system for the deflector shield - it's actually bolted on and looks stronger. Might be more time consuming to get off compared with the protea but it's better. The TPE had a noticeably thicker steel on the cutting reel itself so I think that's better. The protea has a stronger catcher with rubber mounts compared to the TPE which is just metal on metal. Both have the same Honda 5hp motor but I think the protea may have the model that is built in jthailand as compared to the TPE which is from Japan. TPE have a 3 year warranty for the motor and chassis compared with the protea which is 12 months chassis and 2 year motor warranty. I'm leaning towards the protea as there are more options with the motors etc, dual drive and there very similar in build to my Scott bonnar so I can some of the servicing myself. The protea is around $2095 for the Honda set and then goes up in price with a Subaru robins motor., dual drive etc. The TPE is around the $2250 to $2400 depending where you get it.
