Colwood TypeA User/Workshop Manual

[gdhsmuseum]

Dear VHGMC
I have just joined your group in hope of finding some info on a Colwood Motor Hoe that our local museum has just been donated. After loooking online at the pics available we are pretty sure it is a Model A as it has the JAP type 1A engine on it. We have never seen one before and think they would be a pretty rare beast over here in Australia. The machine is complete but partially dismantled. It alos looks like someone replaced the original rubber tyred wheel with a “vaned” steel one (the original wheel is with it). The donor said that he put some fuel in a few months ago and the engine started up. Anyway we have obtained a copy of the engine manual online but we would appreciate a copy of the actual machine manual to help us put it back together properly. If anyone can help with a manual we would really appreciate it. I Will try and post some picks of our machine after my visit to museum on Monday
Regards
Roy W on behalf of the Gatton and District Historical Society

[sidevalve5]

Dear Roy,

I have the same machine in original condition that I still use for row cropping. I do not have a manual, but can take some photos of any individual parts of the machine that you are unsure of, if this helps. Think you will find the engine is a JAP 2a, not 1a.

Find the Colwood a joy to use, much easier than a Planet type push hoe that would be the usual alternative. You can go very slow in 1st gear if you want to be very accurate and get close to the crop. Or nip along in 2nd. The clutch on mine sticks after it has been left for a few months, but rocking it back and forth soon free’s it. Had always assumed the steel wheel was fitted as standard on the eariler models and the rubber tyres to the later ones. There are many experts in the club with access to documentation that could clear up this point for you.

Best wishes,

Grahame

[gdhsmuseum]

Thanks Graeme
MY mistake – it IS a JAP model 2A
Thanks for offer of photos too – We will look at all of the bits in the box tomorrow. We are pretty competent with putting stuff back together BUT some things have little quirks or MUST do’s on assmebly and that’s what we were a bit worried about ergo getting hold of a manual
Regards
Roy W

[sidevalve5]

Dear Roy,

There is not much to them, so expect you will be able to work out what goes where quite easily. But if you do get stuck, send a photo and I will try to help. Can dig my machine out and take some pictures of a particular part if you wish. The throttle linkage is a bit crude, the chains are very slack and the gearbox is full of false neutrals. But it still works very well for light skimming. It does struggle on hard ground or with big weeds.

Best wishes,

Grahame

[charlie]

Many of these small machines only had an owners/operators manual and a parts list. The only machine I can think of that had a workshop manual is the Howard Gem. There was a workshop manual for the Villiers Mk10, 12 and 15 engines.

[will-haggle]

My Model B (Villiers Mk10 engine but B’s could have JAP 2 A’s as well) doesn’t have a throttle it’s governed, you adjust the governor for the best speed.

[Author]

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