Atco 28 Knowledge & Wisdom sought!

Hi All,

Ive taken the plunge and acquire some old machines from a friend in the Borders. The first is an Atco 28" machine. Could it be a "Groundsman" model?

It needs a bit of fettling and I'll do a basic check over of the carb and engine. It starts 1st pull but only runs fully choked so investigation required for this tired old friend. I've never researched ATCO or Villiers for that matter but looking forward to the journey. It has a MK25 or C25? engine fitted (213A  31567A) is the cowling serial but I have no idea how to date it. Are there any other machine marking locations to help date the mower?

This one has a kick starter at the rear. The pedal mechanism works but the shaft sprocket teeth seem worn and the sprocket just turns or slips (?) with no resistance to allow starting.

It came with a MK 20 ( 504 59336A) as a spare which looks in better nick but has zero compression so more investigation required. Looks very similar to the 25 but with the carb and exhaust configured slightly differently. How do you date these engines would be a good place to start.

I've downloaded the Villiers Users handbooks from our fabulous club site which should help me on my way.

When I get to that stage, I presume there is a supplier of ATCO green paint?

Cheers all.

Scotty