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Atco B24

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Martinm Sun, 10/07/2022

Original invoiceSuper coltEngineSerial noI am new to the club.  I have an Atco B24 for restoration.  It is stamped Atco Royale B24, L2381.  6.

no. 035750/F.   I have the following questions,

1. is it BSF or unf, bottom blade has raised screws

2. Are there two types of reels

3. Is it difficult to remove reel, any left hand threads

4. where can I get bottom blade and reel, they are on last legs.

engine is good, starting and running.  Needs new carb as bowl is damaged and leaking beside exhaust,fire hazard.

Needs bearings on front roller, sealed type no grease nipples. Just elbow grease then to sand and paint.

See photos.  You will see a line up of machines, a Ransomes Marquis 18 restored last year, a Marquis 51, Atco B17 in great condition with original purchase invoice and manual,  great machine. Suffolk Super. Colt for complete restoration.  These will keep me busy for a while.  Just bought an Express Dual grinder last week.

I would appreciate any replies to questions and other advice.  Forums are great, I have learned alot

M.

Forums

wristpin Tue, 12/07/2022

Bottom blade and reel - Garfitts.

Threads. Older machine, BSF and BSW. Newer,  UNF and UNC

if you are not confident of recognising the thread types get a couple of thread gauges . Not expensive and useful in the tool box for ever.’

An image of the chains and sprockets will give a quick indication of the generation of 24 that you have.

Martinm Thu, 14/07/2022

Thanks for reply.  Attached is photo of chains.. Does serial no photo indicate anything

thanks

m

Chains on B24

wristpin Thu, 14/07/2022

That’s the later type of the cutting cylinder (reel) disengagement mechanism so it’s almost certain that your machine has UNF and UNC threads.

Briefly , to remove the reel  - with experience  there are short cuts you will find them with experience.

Remove the throw plate.

Remove the primary and secondary chains ( not strictly necessary but first time round makes it easier.)

Release the rocking sprocket disengagement lever. Note the position of the spacer collar on the pivot.

Remove the hex head screw in the centre of the reel shaft. 

Draw off the sprockets and the hex adaptor . It’s on splines not threaded.

Release the two bottom blade adjusting screws at each end . One turn is enough.

Undo and knock out the two hex head bolts on which the bottom blade carrier pivots. Take care, it’s heavy. 

The right hand end of the reel is supported in a bearing carrier that can be released and slid inward a few mm to “ narrow the reel” and make it easier to remove.  Chances are that it may be seized up but worth a try so release the pinch bolt that clamps the carrier around the bearing. Then slacken the three hex head screws that locate the bearing carrier in the chassis and see if it will slide a little bit inwards . Remove the screws and the thee bolts at the left ( drive) end. The reel should the be released. If the right hand end doesn’t slide in, you may have to fight the reel out.

Take an image or two as you go!!

You  asked about a supplier for a new reel. In the image that you posted it didn’t look that bad but as you have acquired a grinder give  it a go before spending. Your issue could be the bottom blade. If it’s not too badly worn  it can be refaced but the Dual doesn’t give you that facility. Even a new bottom blade needs to be skimmed to match the reground cylinder ( think pair of scissors) - both blades need to be true.

Enjoy!