[andyfrost]

What we’re all sure about is the very early engine , however I think a machine of that age would of had steel/cast wheels , the wheels on yours appear to be much later aircraft wheels , also the front weight/tray assy looks decidedly homemade.
Another clue that could help us would be a picture of the plough and cultivator.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Yes David , the engine does seem to have the timing cover that resembles some of the early Raleigh motorcycle engines , that as you correctly say dates from mid 1920s to mid 30s , also a non original Villiers carb. I can’t help but think it’s a Bitsa , but appears to be a reasonably well thought out one.The engine to me is early , but the rest seems much later
I hope I’m corrected , and it proves to be something really rare.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

In over 50yrs of collecting , I can’t say I’ve ever seen one of these , all I can add it is a fourstroke engine and not twostroke. Let’s hope someone can identify what it is.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

They can be lapped in , believe it or not I still use VIM on carb needles , I don’t know if it’s still available.Any such paste is OK , but it MUST be very fine.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

There were different engines on these , usually either BUX or JAP , with a few different carbs , a picture of both your engine and the carb(close-up) and we may well be able to help.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

The simple solution is to put up on the well known auction site , that way you will find out what the current market is really like.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Looks nice , out of curiosity what was the original engine.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Mine also arrived yesterday , a HUGE well done Robert.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Howard 700 , with Villiers 28b 353cc twostroke engine , it appears to be the slightly later model , hard to date without serial numbers , but certainle a late 1950s model.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Definately Briggs and Stratton , 7-8hp with Flojet carb.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I’m going for Briggs , but stand to be corrected.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

I wouldn’t have thought so David , it appears to be sidevalve , and sidevalve diesels are extremely uncommon.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

A few more pics would help.

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Graham , you would be surprised what seals are still available , I did a back to front restoration on another Howard 700 over last winter , and got every seal I needed. You may well not get leather clad ones , but later equivilant are often available, which are better for rotor boxes anyway , as grit does not get impregnated in them

Andy.

[andyfrost]

Provided you can supply the engine code numbers (stamped in the cowling) Garden Hire Spares are who I usually deal with for coils , they’re a sister company of L&S Engineers , always helpful and give a very swift service.

Andy.

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