[alan]

I was looking at the MERL site a few weeks ago and thought I should perhaps pay a visit. Having searched online archives I know that some of the documents and literature relating to tractors I have are held there so need to contact them at some point.

Look forward to reading about it in The Cultivator.

[alan]

I’ve found some info on the old forum archive which may be of help regarding your lawn edger.

https://www.tractorbox.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4581

[alan]

Thanks, Paul.

I’d not seen any advertising about the theme and didn’t know who was running it now as it’s never mentioned anymore. I assumed it was no longer happening as it wasn’t mentioned on the Newark show site either.

Many thanks.

[alan]

Wingnut, many thanks for finding out and posting here that the horticultural theme this year is Howard Garden Tractors & Implements. I did wonder what it was going to be!

I’ve scoured the internet, looked it up on the Newark site and also checked this years entry forms for more details and sadly cannot find any mention of it.

Anybody idea of who is in charge of the horticultural theme this year?

[alan]

Wingnut, many thanks for finding out and posting here that the horticultural theme this year is Howard Garden Tractors & Implements. I did wonder what it was going to be!

I’ve scoured the internet, looked it up on the Newark site and also checked this years entry forms for more details and sadly cannot find any mention of it.

Any idea of who is in charge of the horticultural theme this year?

[alan]

Excellent machines and still doing the job they were intended for with some good attachments.

Do you know their ages and models?

[alan]

Well I would never have guessed that, well spotted Chris.

There’s some 1926 adverts in the gallery with a 22″ cut water cooled mower.

https://vhgmc.co.uk/photo-galleries/governor-john-shaw-and-sons/

Also I have a couple of 1924 adverts but they do appear to be of a different model to the one Geoff has photos of. Note that they have the same roller though.

From a bit of research I did a while ago many UK produced machines were exported to Australia.

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[alan]

Hello Dave

Nice to hear about the Suffolk mower.

Occasionally unused or as-good-as-new machines and equipment turns up, it’s surprising what’s in sheds, garages and attics across the land. Last year I had a look at an immaculate and still boxed 1977 Qualcast Astronaut lawnmower with instructions and warranty card.

There are things about such as the unused tiller at Newark in 2012. I recall something like it had been stored in someones front room since new. Image attached.

Don’t forget that the value is only what someone is willing to pay.

Alan

[alan]

Just found an advert for the Hayterette in 1969, was £39.15.0 .

Hayterette mowers with prices 1969

[alan]

Hayters were popular and I can remember lots of them and the hayterette at the place I started horticulture at, the mowers were then replaced with Hondas.

I’m guessing either spare parts from a donor Hayter or maybe parts from another mower make may be useable?

There are a few Hayters in the gallery, do any other Hayter handles look similar.

Hayter

[alan]

As far as I know Mountfield were the importers/distributors of Murray mowers in the 1980’s. As others may recall weren’t Mountfield and Murray mowers also available in DIY stores like B&Q?

From past research I have done there does appear to have been a lot of horticultural machinery manufacturers in Ohio and surroundings. For instance there was the Quick Manufacturing Inc of Springfield (makers of the US sold Springfield mower) that also sold their machines in Europe but redbadged with another makers livery and logos.

[alan]

It has only taken eight months but today the mower deck, electric motors and brackets finally got painted. I’m glad to report it has turned out well.

True to form the weather started out fine but then the rained threatened and I was determined to get this deck painted so I had to put up my Billy Smart circus marquee, which is quite apt as the clowns were doing the painting. One day I’ll learn to pick a dry day.

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[alan]

I was considering going to the machinery sale as I could combine it with buying a load of plants at the wholesalers in York, that way I can convince myself that’s it’s a work thing and not a day out!

Unfortunately I haven’t planned this very well and won’t be going tomorrow, although I might go to the machinery auction next time instead.

I’ve had a look through the catalogue online and there are a couple of things there I’d like but probably don’t need!

Would be good to meet some VHGMC members.

[alan]

Hello,

That looks a good project to be doing, I once rebuilt a Westwood many years back. Most parts should be easily available. Tyres are standard size and available online, I think I have seen Westwood stickers for sale online as well.

I’ve done a bit of searching and had a look through the Westwood brochures that I have and think that your machine might be a W11 as you suggest but decals do hint at a T series.

The steering wheel looks original – they can be a devil to remove. I also recall that rear wheel hubs are hard to remove too once they’ve siezed on!

Engine dates it to 1984, from the info I have Westwood appear to have started manufacturing this style of tractor in the early 1980’s.

PTO at the rear is for the powered grass collector and a few other items as can be seen in the gallery image of a later model. https://vhgmc.co.uk/photo-galleries/westwood/westwood-tractor-attachments-imgwestw003/

And also on the image from the brochure:

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[alan]

That looks really good and I’m jealous!

We’ve just been building a timber pergola and it’s been suggested that a pergola is nothing more than roof-less workshop – there’s some truth in that!

[Author]

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