First petrol cylinder mower
Hello All
I recently joined the club and completely refurbished my Ransome 12 inch Ajax MK5. I must thank everyone for the hints and tips , it is all done now and mows the grass amazing. Consequently, this has given me the bug! (thank you all)
So i am pondering on my first petrol driven cylinder restoration project, and i would appreciate any suggestions to what so of make and model i should look for? I appreciate this may be a horses for courses question, however, i am really open ot suggestions.
kind regards Dave
Forums
Clive
Clive
Thank you , BUG oh dear yes i have ! i am at present looking at a Qualcast 16 , with a villers 2 stroke engine , however i do like the look of the early atco !
Clive again thank you for the warm welcome and advice, i feel that if we did live nearer i would be like a small boy in a sweet shop?
thanks again
Regards Dave
The issue with 50/70 year old
The issue with 50/70 year old Villiers two-strokes is the ignition system as the old ignition coils degrade and are expensive to replace - £60/70 . So if considering one of those it either needs to be working or the cost of a coil should be factored in to the price. Also beware of new old stock coils that may have been sitting on the shelf for just as long.
It may be a better bet to get you motor mower experience on a four stroke Atco or Suffolk from the 1950s, with plenty of cheap parts are readily available. And yes, definitely buy one with a decent grass box.
Wristpin
Wristpin
Thank you , you are really a wealth of knowledge and thank you for this. To be honest i have just been offered as Qualcast sixteen that runs but has a leaky carb for nothing! so i may take the plunge . Thank you again for the tips, saying that thou i may also look for a 4 stroke atco lol
Regards Dave
I would go for a smaller 4
I would go for a smaller 4 stroke, say 18" depending on garden size, lot less fickle than a 2 stroke once you get them running right - I must remember we're talking mowers not little 2 stroke motor bikes which can be a pain :-)
Yes the old mowers are right
Yes the old mowers are right go for a nice marquis with a bsa F12 sloper and be prepared to fall in love, dont start with a wreck
Hello Dave
Hello Dave
Pleased to hear you have the bug! Whist on the forum there are many interested in the Suffolk, Punches, Colts etc, I would suggest an early Atco many around from the 1930's to 1960's, most will have a villiers 2 stroke engine, later ones 4 stroke with spares available for both & several forum members who can give appropriate advice.
This is just an example nearly 70yrs old, best to try & get one with a box, often missing.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Atco-motor-mower/263862923118?hash=i…
Careful re size the 12 & 14in are easy to get on the bench, but a different story with the 28/30in ones.
As said before shame you are way up North as I have several available & would be happy to provide you with something.
Hope that helps.