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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Cutting Cylinder to Fixed Blade Gap

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I have a Suffolk Punch which I bought last year, but it is not cutting very well. The grass is left quite long even though I have dropped the cutting height. I believe that the reason is the gap between the cutting cylinder and the fixed blade being too large. The gap is 30 to 35 1/1000". Is there a way of adjusting this gap and can someone assist me in finding out more about the type and age of my mower?

 

Forums

hortimech Thu, 25/02/2021

You will find a large  screw at either end of the cylinder (between the cylinder and the inside of the frame), these are the adjusters, you just turn the screws to lower the cylinder to the bottom blade. Not sure if it will set up though, the blade edges appear rounded, you may need to get the cylinder and botton blade reground.

As for age, probably late 80s to early 90s

 

wristpin Thu, 25/02/2021

By the look of the rust and indentations on the blades it is unlikely to to cut properly. Requires professional attention!

DJD Thu, 25/02/2021

I'd try cleaning the old grass away first with an old knife and wire brush, then turn the slotted screws at each side down a half turn each at a time, whilst slowly turning the cylinder itself, once it's catching one side, back the  screw off that side a bit then tighten the other side until that's dragging, back off and slightly tighten the opposite side again, until both side are just catching or rubbing slightly, try cutting some thin card or thick paper all the way along. You may find a dent, bend or ding sticking up that you can file down so that things are more even all the way along.

DON'T FORGET to loosen up the chain or belt that powers the sprocket or pulley to the cylinder or you'll be in danger of damaging a belt or that side won't adjust very well. You can take the bottom blade off and square it up in a vice if you have lots of time and a good sharp file and plenty of spare energy! Give the oilers each side a squirt of oil too, whilst you're at it, but they're often full of old grass and muck, clean them out with a piece of wire first.

Clipper61 Fri, 26/02/2021

Hi All,

Firstly thanks for your replies, they were most helpful.

I have cleaned the blades and made the adjustment as you have described. The cut is better, but as you say the Fixed Blade is not level and so it did leave some lines.

I plan to remove the Cylinder and Fixed Blade and get them sorted when I find someone local to do it.

I should have had a good look at it over the winter, so now I will do it in the next couple of months, give it a good service and tidy it up.

Thanks again.