Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | Site-Wide Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/ Activity feed for the entire site. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:07:32 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 c43659be304f9b1de09d873e8e7c0e06 chris-hart posted an update: To ct33731 Thank you so much! That will be of tremendous […] https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27415/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:07:12 +0100 To ct33731
Thank you so much! That will be of tremendous help.
I am so grateful!
Chris

]]> 0 b6ba55d51e12301c5f2e31faee1d4bd1 dave clark replied to the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/#post-44718 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:19:51 +0100 My copy landed on the mat yesterday as well, will done to the team for all their effort.

]]> 0b6a7d61a29163f6bdf2ca1219125227 David Bliss replied to the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/#post-44716 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:54:57 +0100 My mag arrived today, The fertiliser and seeds broad casters, I broke up my old 1936 Austin Cambridge and turned it into one of those, used forty years, then axle went on again back onto a car to save the day so 102 years of use and still going.

]]> 1b30951f96197ca49fb8f26993a5c6c4 ct33731 replied to the topic How to join the Forum/Club in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/how-to-join-the-forumclub/#post-44715 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:51:31 +0100 Hi what you have there is a Gutbrod 1031 tractor, some were badged Allen Motorstandard tractors they were imported to England by John Allen and Co of Oxford,and were badged Allen Motorstandard, during the 1960s/qnd early 1970s, they were of German manufacture and were very strong well made little tractors, and are very collectable today, I have…[Read more]

]]> a5fbda349731284d993248ebb46fe3ad Robert Page replied to the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/#post-44714 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:35:36 +0100 All contributions to the magazine are greatly appreciated whatever they are.
Mt copy also arrived today.

]]> 2b3409fa0d46f02d380aad948bbb5309 Chris Hart replied to the topic How to join the Forum/Club in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/how-to-join-the-forumclub/#post-44709 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:46:59 +0100 Hi, I have just uncovered a little tractor.
Although I am in Portugal I am told the machine is British. It was brought here by a Brit couple.
It has a Siba DynaStart made in England, so that means the machine is post 1954, assuming the starter is the original.
I put jump leads on it; the battery is kaput, of course, and the motor turns! Not…[Read more]

]]> fe1a0bf1c33d785df04766fc7d2086b7 andyfrost replied to the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/#post-44708 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:32:58 +0100 Mine also , top work to all concerned. When I can get my daughter on the case , I hope to do an article soon , it will be my first ever attempt , so you’ll have to forgive me if it appears amateurish.

Andy.

]]> 68f0a3dc5f0a74ed28f6e63e6a856931 Charlie Moore (aka charlie) replied to the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/#post-44707 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:43:53 +0100 Bang on time my copy arrived in the post today.

]]> 39ab31a4eb76666e24d3c6e7f6349496 Ransomes256 replied to the topic MG6 Spare Parts in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mg6-spare-parts/#post-44706 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:04:30 +0100 I should be able to help. send me an email.
njarrett@btinternet.com

]]> dad6c449b0624702ab7653e27ad8240d andyfrost replied to the topic MG6 Spare Parts in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mg6-spare-parts/#post-44705 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:08:11 +0100 Neil Jarrett is your man , he’s a member here , Ransomes 256.

Andy.

]]> 467e02a8a03c6b92a2292e884b1e98b8 John Wickenden started the topic MG6 Spare Parts in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mg6-spare-parts/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:44:00 +0100 Hi All,
I a looking for some spare parts for my MG6, Mostly gaskets for engine and pump.
Be grateful for any help please.

]]> 8f4ee3ed1b8b915eb0fb6c4aa3390784 alan wrote a new post https://vhgmc.co.uk/?p=44304 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:49:06 +0100 Manufacturers Of Tillers – Part 1 Not long ago on social media, someone asked for help with what they referred to as their Merry Tiller. As it turned out, it wasn’t one at all but just a m […]

]]> db0e15ca91739216cefcc4c86b11e432 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44694 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:51:15 +0100 Andrew
Thanks for that, and you now say engine was probably made by Ransomes can see know looking at parts not quite finished as the old three speed jobs, I thought would have been like barrel sort of overhangs crankcase in parts, carb looks the part and very well machined but design is a bit more than just lacking especially they got things right…[Read more]

]]> 7d69e99138d01fa40dc09cb25202c060 emilouen posted an update: @roatavator , bonjour , auriez vous le manuel d'atelier pour […] https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27401/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:02:37 +0100 @roatavator , bonjour , auriez vous le manuel d’atelier pour le HONDA F80 ? merci d’avance Philippe

]]> 0 3a08695f9c2691f885a603be7016edf5 hdtrust replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44693 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:00:49 +0100 Ok, at the date your mower is, the engine may well look like a Sturmey Archer, but infact Ransomes had purchased the rights to make Sturmey Archers, and knowing Ransomes had also modified the engine somewhat.
Though what you are finding on the engine are known problems that have appeared on all Sturmeys, the carbs were always a big issue, OK to…[Read more]

]]> a0f1365ebc5df9b985ba9066a820c991 David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44691 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:00:39 +0100 Andrew,
Engine is the Sturmey-Archer and looks like a 150+-cc going by piston size I just forgot to measure it but needs a piston but doesn’t knock as bad now as found old and worn but better rings and is running weaker and no smoke, idles in low hundreds just like a sowing machine that was just a desperate try to weaken the mixture off and…[Read more]

]]> 4fc2fea7624d06b1f60afb07de0efc8a hdtrust replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44689 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:04:59 +0100 Hi David
The Hall & Duck trust owns the register for all Ransomes mowers,
Just had a look for you.
The 16 inch Mk 13 started production in January 1950 and ended production in August 1955, your machine number was made in June 1955.
I suspect you have found no markings to say what the engine is. The Mk12 used a Villiers Mk25C which carried over…[Read more]

]]> f2a6829770b8a7af19b323f260b51a9c David Bliss replied to the topic Ransom mower in the forum Groundcare Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransom-mower/#post-44686 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:54:38 +0100 Its sort of presentable it runs really well with little smoke as manage to find old rings that were a bit better, but it needs a piston and rebore. Quite a few nuts had to be replaced as rotted away that hold cutting cylinder bearing housings, the special seals were sort of useable but to hold them in place and to stop them turning on the shaft…[Read more]

]]> 8728ec4663aaa816ff0162d7e6b8258c David Bliss started the topic Sturmey-Archer engine with poor running in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/sturmey-archer-engine-with-poor-running/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:46:23 +0100 I spent hours last year to stop the carburettor running very rich, Its a very very poor design of how the float works bit like standing on one side of a Coracle as little weight upsets it so same with the float gives little weight to lift needle to stop flooding, so added set screws to opposite side helped a bit but still very poor, been like it…[Read more]

]]> 7465a47e5873e2c4292927f230962b68 David Bliss replied to the topic Type of wood for rollers on mower in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/type-of-wood-for-rollers-on-mower/#post-44675 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:37:28 +0100 Andy,
Many thanks, I had forgot oak eats metal as often seen bad stains where nails have been used, friend has off cuts from building thats why I used oak, he also has Accoya and Saple, I have lost all my ash trees one by one, I think there are seedlings still coming up that were a nuisance, There is still Ash round this way they had masse’s of…[Read more]

]]> 62cc201de6dce66f263f3ee7b1b7f2b6 hdtrust replied to the topic Type of wood for rollers on mower in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/type-of-wood-for-rollers-on-mower/#post-44674 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:47:37 +0100 Hi Dave
Look well but fence posts will split in a very short time, as most are made of soft wood. You really need to use ash, as its resilient, and will last even in a damp environment. Your oak handle will also split, but even worse the oak will react with the bare metal and make it brittle, that’s why on oak ships they use to use copper…[Read more]

]]> 05987be4262d341f52c3ccbf5ce59226 David Bliss started the topic Type of wood for rollers on mower in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/type-of-wood-for-rollers-on-mower/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:59:13 +0100 I have started to get the Ransom’s mower as it is to go to an event later this year, I have just used a fence post for now and for the handles bit of oak, I have seen many old mowers rotting into the ground like this one had been, I was always amazed how the rollers often survived even mine were still un-split but riddled with worm and rusted on,…[Read more]

]]> be4bd309636d7cb1762176ed7f5b422c Charlie Moore (aka charlie) started the topic April 2026 magazine in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/april-2026-magazine/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:47:11 +0100 The magazine has been sent to the printers and will be posted to paid up members as soon as possible after 15th April. The April issue includes minutes of AGM and changes to committee plus the usual articles,reports and adverts etc.

]]> a4875c032e9ae98b0b44ab423e60189e mikep changed their profile picture https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27389/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:55:09 +0000 0 6c50d86688b35674cb34379a9420a658 David Ford replied to the topic A New interest, Bulldog or early Bullfinch? in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-new-interest-bulldog-or-early-bullfinch/page/2/#post-44662 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:53:56 +0000 I own a Bulldog with handle bar not loop handle I think mine was made around 1954

]]> d3d3fd114845e8ceba6bae1cb2af5894 David Ford replied to the topic Howard 350 serial number/oil seals. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-serial-number-oil-seals/#post-44660 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:32:25 +0000 Firstly how are the bearing housing held to the chain case ? Are they bolt or what they called” WHIZZ TYPE FLANGE SCREWS ” Which are sot of riveted to the chain case if so then these are the same of the Howard 300.

]]> 1f607925fb4be84128c68da0954c2bc5 David Ford replied to the topic Howard Rotavator 200 Spares in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-rotavator-200-spares/#post-44657 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:16:11 +0000 I am very sorry but there are no replacement tyres for a Howard 200 / Demon and have not been for around 50 +years This is what We were told by Dowdeswell’s as the last ones were fitted with much better tyres We had a Howard Demon some years ago and We did replace the wheels with the modern type but it was a very big job to do

]]> fe46af5b4ea8ceaa6acaaff07c5f01b7 alan wrote a new post https://vhgmc.co.uk/?p=44446 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:34:25 +0000 The History of Mr Challis's 1899 Lawn Sweeper We are all probably familiar with the early pony-drawn lawn mowers of the 19th century. These machines transformed the maintenance of large grounds, making […]

]]> aed2cbbe8a926ad6683f239f7163d94e Mike Weideli started the topic History of Sprayer Manufacturers in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/history-of-sprayer-manufacturers/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:31:09 +0000 I have found out more about two companies. Thomas Hickin and Allen & Freeman (Carpenter & Allen). Anyone interestted can find the information in Vol. 4 dowloadable from http://www.vintagesprayers.uk

]]> 7d8397ff7933d9c4cf59060441ab2cce running-mg2 posted an update: I’m looking for the plate for the TS30b plough or i […] https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27377/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:53:34 +0000 I’m looking for the plate for the TS30b plough or information on someone that can make a copy – Many Thanks

]]> 0 9cdcf18ee7c018ca2105757d3c586951 running-mg2 posted an update: Thank you Alan https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27376/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:43:27 +0000 Thank you Alan

]]> 0 43d5b86d86612c9a6a396570666bc36f running-mg2 posted an update: HI anyone have a any information on the Ransomes TS30B Plough […] https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27374/ Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:27:31 +0000 HI anyone have a any information on the Ransomes TS30B Plough – Handbook / User Manual Etc as currently restoring one and not sure if anything is missing

]]> 1 7cff9c084073434bfbd35129737ca5e8 Sprayerman replied to the topic Bridges of London in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bridges-of-london/#post-44643 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:24:58 +0000 Thanks for the info Alan.

]]> a8563e2e80c2e60d19670170f1f2cd82 Robert Wood replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44642 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:05:22 +0000 Thanks Urbanalfa, useful advice!

]]> 82424a3445b752996b79a1a8a158344d Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44641 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:19 +0000 Keeping the wheel on might make life easier in the sense that the wheel isn’t wobbling all over the place. You might lose some oil out of your oil bath air filter, but as long as you check the crankcase oil and air filter oil after you’ve finished I can’t see why it would be a problem.

]]> 2024d1d51bbd4a936793979847be5132 Robert Wood replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44640 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:16:26 +0000 Thanks for the feedback urbanalfa, I’ll be giving it a go tomorrow if the weather cooperates!

Can you see any problems if I tip the rotator at 45 degrees against my shed and fit the inner tube by levering the tyre off the rim while the wheel still bolted to the axle or would it be easier to take the wheels off to do it?

]]> ea6e371152bac1c832aa8e7891c1047a Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44639 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:32:19 +0000 They’re not particularly difficult to change if you can change a wheelbarrow tyre. If you’re not used to changing small tyres then it’s probably more challenging.

When I’ve done it before I’ve put some scrap timber under the chassis at the engine end to support it (push down on the handles to lift up the front end, put some wood underneath and…[Read more]

]]> cab756dec246743ee47e3e9c2a45de86 Robert Wood started the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/ Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:54:01 +0000 I have bought two new inner tubes for my Howard 350. I thought I would ask if anyone who has tackled this can give me any useful tips about the best way to proceed, jacking up, removing and replacing tyres etc.

]]> f04278914c733dd809343c518ffa2fc6 Alan replied to the topic Bridges of London in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bridges-of-london/#post-44637 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:53:07 +0000 As you’ll know, Bridges became Stanley Bridges as in the later Stanley tool company.

The cultivator was advertised from the late 1950s for about ten years. Adverts say it fitted a Stanley ‘Neonic’ drill.

They also made a lawnmower that fitted a drill, but this later had a fixed motor and called the Lawnmaster. A hedgetrimmer called the…[Read more]

]]> b24bb2048dc9c5612d4630e6aa8e62d6 Charlie Moore (aka charlie) replied to the topic Bridges of London in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bridges-of-london/#post-44635 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:22:51 +0000 Without looking on the internet from memory Bridges made electric drills (no idea how I know or why I think that). The device looks a bit like the Tarpen attachment that was available.

]]> 120a10a778bf9b9ca8d76e91bba93207 Sprayerman replied to the topic Bridges of London in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bridges-of-london/#post-44633 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:19:01 +0000 Photo of tool

]]> 69960d8b5f98ebd6685bfca7b3376728 Sprayerman started the topic Bridges of London in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bridges-of-london/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:05:57 +0000 After deciding to tidy up a small corner of the shed found lurking in the furthest corner a different looking tool. The bottom is a small rotovator, max depth 2” so only suitable for light work I guess, on a shaft just over a yard long with a socket that would allow one to attach an old style electric drill to power it. A modern cordless De Walt w…[Read more]

]]> 46bd5aa9ef50105ae205cb7f1dae970e Peter replied to the topic Ride in Mower identification in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-in-mower-identification/#post-44628 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:24:44 +0000 Thanks Alan, yes it had a 48″ deck so I’m sure it was the W16. I’ve not seen one for years!

Many thanks

]]> bf51adcc4094af21e66582ca5a3fd66a Alan replied to the topic Ride in Mower identification in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-in-mower-identification/#post-44627 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:11:01 +0000 It is the cutting width of the blade from tip-to-tip. The deck will be a couple of inches wider than the cutting width.

The measurement may not be exact either, a 30″ blade may measure 29.5″ or just be converted from centimeters to the nearest inch for putting on a brochure.

]]> f79980b3131aa657a89591792db4cad3 Steve Wright replied to the topic Ride in Mower identification in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-in-mower-identification/#post-44626 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:44:40 +0000 Please forgive my ignorance but to check the deck size is it the blade that’s measured?
Or physical deck?

]]> b5b9d0940b8b6d4f6a2e47d358c2b4e3 Richard Hayes replied to the topic Motor Units Coventry Roller in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/motor-units-coventry-roller/#post-44625 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:55:16 +0000 That worked. Thanks

]]> 8cc1460c407c38c2a34466ea77d701af dave clark replied to the topic Iron Horse turnover plough in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/iron-horse-turnover-plough/#post-44624 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:19:21 +0000 In 1953 Anzani were advertising a one way rollover plough in their catalogue

]]> bc68ce62a46a5ff7de42a4b3324ffcda Eddy Jones started the topic Iron Horse turnover plough in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/iron-horse-turnover-plough/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:41:58 +0000 Does anyone know of an Iron Horse single furrow turnover plough?

]]> 73dc189a177375150b1fa2c77845bca7 Charlie Moore (aka charlie) replied to the topic Motor Units Coventry Roller in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/motor-units-coventry-roller/#post-44622 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:44:45 +0000 vandt you should be able to use the pm now, system has updated.

]]> 9d3ba134f1d3a0968499a51dd84bb85d Richard Hayes replied to the topic Motor Units Coventry Roller in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/motor-units-coventry-roller/#post-44620 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:59:32 +0000 Frankton, I’ve tried to pm you, but the page says I need to be a paid up member, which I recently became. We are very interested in any information have. As soon as the website recognises me as paid, I’ll send you my email address.
We have been in contact with Richard, from Leamington, who has roller. Thanks.

]]>