Walk behind has big advantages around the pond. You can get much closer with out falling in or sinking in the mud and then never getting out. My old machine has a 8 hp engine. It has a 5 lb. blade so it can cut through a 2 inch sampling very nicely. The advatage to it over other mowers is that it mulches as it cuts so you are not all tangled up in the mess that sickle bar mowers leave. I have used it in places that a brush hog would have sunk and never been recovered. It works as well and easy as the commercials you see on TV about it. They have had a try it for 6 month offer or money back gurantee forerver. They would even pay the return shipping. It really is a great tool.