What model of Shay?

[charlie]

Does anyone know what model of Shay this is?

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[andyfrost]

You’ve got a real rarity there , I’ve never seen one before.

Andy.

[charlie]

I will see if I can get it in the car and bring it to Weeley

[davidbliss]

About what year, engine looks like a Rotor scythe. Looks less Heath Robinson than what my neighbour put together in late fifties always wondered where he got the idea from, using a plough disc powered by a very early Mk 12 Villiers, two pram wheels, can’t remember what he made the frame out of but was very impressed being open consumed little power, what ever you pushed it through it cooped. always looked bit dangerous but really no different to what I have today on the end of my strimmer head, ether a four bladed or six toothed disc. oddly large blades only good on light stuff whereas the toothed coops with nearly up to an inch when you don’t want it cut.

[alan]

I know nothing about Shay, but I thought I’d have a look in the corners of the internet and see what I could find.

I cannot see anything similar. Shay did produce the Countryman, approximately a 1960s machine, photo attached.

Do you have any further information that may narrow it down, such as the width of the cut, the size of the rear wheels, whether it has had any original guards removed, or does it have any self-propelled function?

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[charlie]

Alan, thanks for looking. I had wondered if it was a Countryman but decided no. Cutting width is 18″ wheels are 13″. No sign of any vacant fixing holes or brackets suggesting there aren’t any missing guards. The stainless steel guard at base of drive to cutting head could well be home made. Under the cutting disc is a thin brass cover, looks a bit like a saucepan lid, which is very well worn as it would rub along the ground. At some time the machine has been repainted with what looks like army green. Areas of original paint are a light metallic green. The machine was collected along with a Rotogardener rotatavtor.

[alan]

Thanks for the extra information.

I couldn’t find anything in online archives for your machine; it’s a bit of a mystery at present.

Parts of the machine match other Shay products; these include the handles and wheels.

I’m unsure if Shay manufactured products for any other manufacturer, potentially the machine may be listed under a different name in advertising. Anyway, I’ll keep looking!

[Author]

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