Mickwhitt 4,592 #1 Posted November 1, 2019 Hi all, Saw this at a local auction sale, it's missing its carb and may have other issues but it looks very interesting. 7 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #2 Posted November 1, 2019 19 minutes ago, Mickwhitt said: Hi all, Saw this at a local auction sale, it's missing its carb and may have other issues but it looks very interesting. I would hope those handles are adjustable. That could get a little bit hard on the back especially an older back! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #3 Posted November 1, 2019 MICKWHITT, thanks for the pictures , back in the day i used to cut brush on weekends for extra $, i was using a similar JARI unit, really strong and would pull you around like a rag doll , had to really dress up with protective clothing to protect your self from getting shredded . imagine what OSHA would think about that ? pete 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,981 #4 Posted November 1, 2019 Allen Sythe, Mick. You can get some other attachments for them. Getting quite rare now and parts can be hard to find, though not impossible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #5 Posted November 1, 2019 I couldn't see how the handles could be adjusted. I thought they were very low. I've put a cheeky bid in and I will see what happens in the morning. Also bidding on a two wheel tractor with sulky seat and snow plough attachment. Also has a sweeping brush for the front. Mick 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #6 Posted November 2, 2019 MICKWHITT found this gravely sulky sight , https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNQvfwoBgWQSzDJmwcnRcJ8FENi-yA:1572700007768&q=gravely+sulky+tractor&tbm=isch&source=hp&sxsrf=ACYBGNQvfwoBgWQSzDJmwcnRcJ8FENi-yA:1572700007768&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj7hbSKzMvlAhXNs1kKHTuNDI0QsAR6BAgIEAE&biw=1024&bih=625, hope you manage to get that sulky, they are a very good unit ,pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #7 Posted November 2, 2019 We I missed out on the sulky unit, the whole shooting match went for £350 which is peanuts. I already have the sweeper and snow plough, I have plans to build a sulky in the summer. But I am now the proud owner of the Allen Oxford meadow scythe. Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but might be a fun project. £60 bough that for me. Just got to get it home without her indoors seeing it lol Mick 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #8 Posted November 2, 2019 This is my two wheeler this morning sweeping the park area we maintain as a community project. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #9 Posted November 4, 2019 Just got the allen scythe home, it looks in good shape, apart from the carb being missing. Not sure how easy it will be to pick one up. Might be a nice winter project to work on. Mick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #10 Posted November 4, 2019 Looks like getting the villiers two stroke running will be the priority. If that's goosed then no point in wasting time on it. The cutter bar looks fine so if all else fails I could scavenge that, make a hydraulic motor drive for it and mount it on my two wheeler. Mick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #11 Posted January 11, 2020 Hi all, Well, after a strip down decoke, retiming, points set, etc. I wrapped the starting cord round the pulley, squirted neat petrol into the cylinder and pulled like my life depended on it. IT RAN!! Briefly obviously, but without a carb or exhaust it fired up and ran for a few seconds. This proves the engine is sound enough to build on so I will carry on with the running gear now. I guess finding tyres might be an issue, but i will have a look round for something that will fit. Mick 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,408 #12 Posted January 11, 2020 Excellent, keep us posted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #13 Posted January 12, 2020 I managed to find a carburetor on ebay for £20 which was very reasonable. It was a bit tatty and in need of a clean. So I set to stripping and cleaning today. It now looks a bit more presentable, just the petrol banjo to repair where the brass pipe has sheared off. I'll send for a gasket and washer kit and a new air filter unit and it should be good to go. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #14 Posted January 13, 2020 After an epic battle with the gib head keys I managed to remove the drive wheels. Motorcycle tyres fit apparently so not a problem to get sorted. I can have a look inside now and check out the drive train. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #15 Posted January 14, 2020 Well the gear cover came off nice and easy. Inside was as clean as a whistle. Cannot believe the level of engineering in this this, simple dog clutch but so well built, virtually bomb proof. Drive from the engine turns a crank which has a worm gear on it to drive the road wheels via that huge chunk of bronze. The crank part produces the reciprocating motion for the cutter bar. I cleaned out the stale oil and will refill when I'm sure what grade to use. The manual says use the same as in the engine SAE 30, but not to use thick gear oils. I think its splash lubricated. Definitely had gear oil in when I drained it so maybe the last person didn't have the manual. Wheels off to be re-tyred tomorrow then will be rebuilding her. Got to get the carb sorted re throttle cable and choke yet. Mick 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #16 Posted January 18, 2020 Wheels back and looking good. I rebuilt the handles today and fitted the clutch control lever back together. Looks like I have bought a carb for a bike engine, I found a supplier that stocks refurbished carbs so I will buy one for the machine and sell the one I have to a bike nut. I've found the spares for the cutter bar so when they arrive I will rebuild it and we will be close to cutting. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #17 Posted January 19, 2020 I spent a couple of hours rebuilding the engine this afternoon. All looks good and I'm confident everything will run like clockwork when its assembled and fuelled up. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #18 Posted January 25, 2020 The carb I picked up is a motorbike one, not specifically for this machine. So I ordered a reconditioned carb and some more bits and bobs for it. Its coming together well now, just a temporary fuel tank to fit as the original is like a rust bucket. The new carb looks much better and came with original air filter, choke and throttle cable. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jennifer 1,877 #19 Posted January 25, 2020 Looking good!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,981 #20 Posted January 26, 2020 You'll have to bring it, (and the C-125) to the Newby Hall Tractorfest, Mick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #21 Posted January 29, 2020 I'm hoping to get this baby running soon . I am waiting for a plastic fuel tank as the original steel one was a bit tired looking. I cut the tank off its mounting and cut the end off to have a look inside. I guess I was right to replace it... There was a thick layer of rusty sludge inside and the walls were paper thin. I managed to remover the brass threaded insert for the fuel cap so when I make a new tank I can fit the original brass cap. Mick 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #22 Posted January 29, 2020 So it's all back together, bit of petrol in a make shift tank and away she goes. Runs good and drives nicely. It's a bit heavy going but then men were men in 1947 when she was built. I'm very happy with the results. 3 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,797 #23 Posted January 29, 2020 That thing doesn’t LOOK 73 years old! Well done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 9,064 #24 Posted January 29, 2020 Nice! Well done! 👍 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickwhitt 4,592 #25 Posted June 9, 2020 After a fair bit of tinkering with the carb I can now get her running fairly consistently. It's all to do with the choke and throttle setting, not to mention generous use of the tickler button. https://youtu.be/tLiuM1Hbwyo 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
