Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | Christopher Lambert | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/chris/activity/ Activity feed for Christopher Lambert. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:51:07 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 0d2a314a06ad727a288d1c8f9e345bc7 Christopher Lambert started the topic Membership costs in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/membership-costs/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:11:55 +0100 Hi All, my copy of the cultivator arrived yesterday, in it is much concern about the costs of running the club and raising the membership fee to £30 to mitigate this. You asked for feedback!
Would I pay this, yes I think I would, would I accept reducing the the number of issues of the cultivator to Five a year or lower?
If that what it takes…[Read more]

]]> d0d4eb86a1d615aa37f0be606b65cc5b Christopher Lambert started the topic Website in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/website-2/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:28:30 +0100 Is it just me or has the website changed its layout?
The topics does not show as readily as it did, seems to make the forums very clunky, for want of a better description.
It does not list the discussions currently going on!

]]> 7d98275c8f7824bb598082cb0e02a14f Christopher Lambert started the topic Merchandise in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/merchandise/ Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:12:45 +0100 Hello all
How or who do I purchase some stuff from the club shop?
The shop heading says Steve Woolas is the man and the cultivator says Jim Beacon.
I have tried to email through the shop enquiry and also direct to Jim Beacon.No reply as yet, but I am used to being ignored I am married.
I could ring , but I don’t want to interrupt someone’s day and…[Read more]

]]> 2abe5fd9c84bf1e077ff9e5224e9da66 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic The Cultivator. June 2024. in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/the-cultivator-june-2024/#post-42435 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:34:14 +0100 Well done on this months The Cultivator newsletter, my first thought was ,it seemed a bit thin, my second thought was what is that machine on the front, and my third thought was that the articles were particularly good and interesting , obviously quality has won over quantity.
By the way I fully understand that it up to us members to send in…[Read more]

]]> 5e407d9f36e0b1f5fbab56bca04bea5e Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Motor Triple mowes bad in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/motor-triple-mowes-bad/#post-42260 Tue, 14 May 2024 22:23:10 +0100 We would use grinding paste and diesel or parrafin or light oil . If they are really bad they ought to be re ground.but lapping should improve it.
Is your location a remote one or could you aquire some paste on the internet or a local supplier or mower repair place?

]]> 9f827e525ca01e5e77288a800d6ee04f Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Motor Triple mowes bad in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/motor-triple-mowes-bad/#post-42256 Tue, 14 May 2024 11:18:03 +0100 I would suggest that you reset the cylinders to the bottom blade, they should cut paper(not newspaper) you should get a clean cut along the whole of the blade . You might need to lap the cylinders if you cannot achieve this.
Reduce your forward speed and increase your cylinder speed if you can.

Chris

]]> bcec35c5c8a120e64a81c81e4fd16032 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Hayter condor in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hayter-condor/#post-42086 Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:08:40 +0100 My memory is suffering on this, but the ones we had in the eighties had Kohler 8 hp engines on them. The cutting decks had two styles of connection between the blade gearboxes, the later one was if I remember correctly was much simpler, I think it used a double chain each side to transmit the drive. I cannot remember much more, except they were…[Read more]

]]> 505124bab7396ad5b7e8531e362fbb65 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Holes in petrol tank in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/holes-in-petrol-tank/#post-42054 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:24:12 +0100 I think this depends on your kit available and required end result!
Bear in mind that when I worked with mowers etc we were NOT allowed to weld or braze or solder a petrol tank.(risk of explosion causing injury)
However it looks like this has not seen petrol in a while so thoroughly wash out with detergent in an effort to remove any fuel…[Read more]

]]> 23796e58dfc973f35101dd392088060d Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Engines, Brands & Manufacturers in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/engines-brands-manufacturers/#post-42028 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:31:16 +0100 Is Kohler on the lists?

Chris

]]> a541156299d98a2d7910b2e981de1839 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Gunsmith Mk 2 drive belt replacement in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/gunsmith-mk-2-drive-belt-replacement/#post-41498 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:09:49 +0000 You could try Gates belts website if you have the dimensions. They list belts by dimensions and types. Hopefully you can find one there,
I am sure other belt manufacturers have a similar service. A good industrial belt supplier should be able to match your existing belts dimensions if you take the belt to them.

Good luck!

]]> 9a09c14a50234da59a4730fd8d11ff6b Christopher Lambert started the topic Ploughing in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ploughing-3/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:05:40 +0100 Spent the day yesterday at Flintham show and ploughing match
My first attempt at a ploughing match, what a fun day it was. My fellow competitors (all six of them) in the garden tractor class including the Judge were extremely friendly, helpful and all round good company! They clarified some rules, helped me unload, even helped me start my…[Read more]

]]> b5a66f0cac8ae4eb78287e724af0bd5e Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/#post-41163 Sat, 26 Aug 2023 08:19:25 +0100 Very little difference except the Steel is a slower conductor of the heat, main problem might be the heat running away through the rest of the cowling,
As usual cleanliness of the surfaces is very important, use plenty of flux. Will you use flame, electric iron or like me old fashioned fire irons?

Like gas welding soldering is a lost art.

]]> f8b6720d8b91a6e760e8f9c751dc0d31 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/#post-41160 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:38:09 +0100 Could you perhaps braze weld or solder some fresh tags on the side of the cowling using some soft steel, or if soldering perhaps some slaters copper strip.

]]> 91f47ea7cf7b99f99335b2b2a220d135 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic August 2023 issue The Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/august-2023-issue-the-cultivator/#post-41133 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:20:14 +0100 Do like the colourful front cover, very nice ! Great improvement, not that the old style was a problem.

]]> c06d53aba9ec64d613bb610984aa3ede Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Weewley working weekend 2023 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/weewley-working-weekend-2023/#post-41113 Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:28:59 +0100 Hi all
With regard to insurance , just what is required for shows, working days and ploughing match’s for my MG 40, not registered , does not comply with road traffic rules ( no parking brake no lights, never likely to be driven on the road more than a few yards
Who provide this insurance and what level of cover is needed? I am sure our m…[Read more]

]]> 23e9465659532c81353537decf5798be Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Ransome MG 40 Weights in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransome-mg-40-weights/#post-40916 Sun, 18 Jun 2023 08:10:43 +0100 Thanks Neil and urbanalfa,
That’s around the weight I thought, but nice to have it confirmed , the good lady wife is now happy and comfortable with that, she was worried it would break the car!
Strange the weight. is not in the instruction books! It is not in my 40 or my 6 operators books.

Chris

]]> 4ce7bccc8e8ef5d133d9029fb9543d9c Christopher Lambert started the topic Ransome MG 40 Weights in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransome-mg-40-weights/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 08:24:16 +0100 Hi everyone,
Does anyone know what the weight of an Ransomes MG 40 diesel is please? I don’t want to be overloading car or trailer. The wife has just asked what it weighs and she needs an answer!
One website is suggesting over two tons, which I cannot believe when the other models are 13 / 14 cwt.
Strangely the handbook does not give weights .…[Read more]

]]> ee177e4a730ddf4a645172243c4dd925 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Honda F501 Tiller in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/honda-f501-tiller/#post-40858 Mon, 29 May 2023 14:08:30 +0100 The blades look to be ok, perhaps a little worn but serviceable
I have a 401. Which I use on the veg plot, During operation it suggests that the machine or blades should weave their way through the ground, it aids progress through the soil, maybe a 4 inch weave is what I do on deep work, this would remove the problem of the uncultivated portion…[Read more]

]]> 540e2c0f7d895252fb875c08959f4693 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic A Real Puzzler in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-real-puzzler/#post-40829 Sun, 21 May 2023 20:13:46 +0100 I used to have ,maybe still do have spanners with this dual marking on, I was taught that AF meant across flats, but my father referred to them as American fine. I never questioned it, it didn’t pay to!

]]> 0d5244d69321005d4f8a9bf2c3f9d346 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Split Rims in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/split-rims/#post-40579 Fri, 10 Mar 2023 07:56:41 +0000 There should be no air at all when dismantling a split rim wheel, even a little pressure can cause the rims to come apart viciously if rims are rusted together or the bolts break when undoing!

On reassembly, I would say enough air to form the inner tube to its correct shape and hopefully tucking itself into the tyre nicely keeping the tube away…[Read more]

]]> dfb04d409ce2c736768c19a3b7f565ae Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Ploughing guidelines with a MG5 and TS42A in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ploughing-guidelines-with-a-mg5-and-ts42a/#post-40570 Sat, 04 Mar 2023 07:50:52 +0000 In the absence of any other replies, I will offer my very limited knowledge,
First give the Anzani a dose of calpol to quieten it down.
The trailer plough should run roughly horizontal across the plough frame and lengthwise.
The rear little wheel only carries the plough when the plough is raised , depth is determined by the land and furrow…[Read more]

]]> 97fbfcb88e74a1ff1de5f450e4415162 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic 2023 membership renewals in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/2023-membership-renewals/#post-40344 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 22:17:06 +0000 John ew is not the only one who gets this “your membership will be automatically renewed” when going to the renewal page.
It might well be wrong, but it is very confusing, not worried in my case as I will use the paper system to renew.
Just concerned other members might be confused by this.

Chris

]]> 6994dccee55148e29a3b7a439fa34686 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Quiz 2022 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/quiz-2022/#post-40332 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:55:15 +0000 9 out of 12 for me, much better than other years, though have to admit to 12 guesses!

]]> 021eef05f116623ce02d94fd1e318970 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Ransome TS42A Mouldboard in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransome-ts42a-mouldboard/#post-39666 Mon, 08 Aug 2022 07:07:39 +0100 If you look this site at member downloads there is a manual for the TS 42 plough, the spares list shows the different mouldboards/ shares that were available for this plough, including the part number.
Finding one is more difficult, there are people who have old stocks of plough parts and break up old ploughs for parts.
I don’t know if a modern m…[Read more]

]]> 077b9c451f7538bb4a88383fc440a683 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Working day Sunday 13 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/working-day-sunday-13/#post-38660 Sat, 12 Mar 2022 14:59:00 +0000 What time does the event start/ open, is there a charge for spectators ?

]]> 1910be9a6eeae61193d5c894b22a3dd8 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Working day Sunday 13 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/working-day-sunday-13/#post-38657 Fri, 11 Mar 2022 13:25:28 +0000 I intend to be there as a spectator, hopefully I might learn something! This will be my first visit to VHGMC event!

]]> 3bb8c904f0461562d63ac345ab4fc79a Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Ploughing tractors vintage classification in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ploughing-tractors-vintage-classification/#post-38096 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 17:51:00 +0100 Personally, I think the proposed band is too narrow, I would like to see a max horsepower of 18hp and age of rolling 40 years old.
Surely the idea is to bring more people to the hobby.
Keeping it too narrow will reduce it.

I can see the argument that when is the point that horticultural or compact tractors becomes equal to agricultural tractors.

]]> 54f69ef98dbed40a9d4e43538854d915 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Mountfield M1 - With Briggs & Stratton Engine in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mountfield-m1-with-briggs-stratton-engine/#post-36887 Thu, 01 Apr 2021 22:23:26 +0100 Carb looks complete to me, you do have the air filter that fits on top?
Have you reset the mixture screw on the carb?
What sort of poor running are you experiencing?

]]> 933302eb43c6cc560f911d2e2f99559f Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Early Trusty Rebuild in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/early-trusty-rebuild/page/7/#post-36582 Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:07:54 +0000 On the subject of replacement tines, try a different agricultural supplier, the dealers are often tied to the manufacturers they are agents for and tend to stock what they have sold.
An independent general stockist will have all sorts of tine points, I used (when I was working ) Hargreaves agriculture of Holbeach, they could get all sorts of…[Read more]

]]> fe47a2e7c806a2a374f64212ee095d22 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Valves in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/valves/#post-36400 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:08:23 +0000 The most important thing is that there is a gap of at least what is specified, otherwise when the engine is hot the valves may not close fully, so causing the valve to burn and reduce performance.
Obviously there is not much that can be done with too wide a gap, as the adjustment is to grind the end of the valve! I’m my limited experience the v…[Read more]

]]> 988ffd84d3e4444f1d36779f048cc6d9 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic MG FUEL FILTER in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mg-fuel-filter/#post-34792 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:46:48 +0100 Well after an afternoon of rummaging through various boxes and cans of bolts I have found one a bit longer in 1/4 UNC, I have run a tap down the filter housing again 1/4 UNC (1/4 and 6 mm use taps always difficult to find, they break easily) and with a fibre washer all assembled and fitted!
Next question is, I intend to fill and run the tractor…[Read more]

]]> 11f2dfce6d4b8ca5580b96cd49402ede Christopher Lambert started the topic MG FUEL FILTER in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mg-fuel-filter/ Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:36:44 +0100 Hello everyone
I have a diesel mg 6 possibly a 40, ( place says 6 decals says 40) it has a vokes ltd fuel filter , but I can’t find a cross reference for it.
I planned to fit a AC 60 filter assembly instead off an old engine but the centre bolt only enters about one turn and is clearly not long enough.
Does anybody know what size and thread t…[Read more]

]]> c796a332864a71fc7fd96a80bb41180d Christopher Lambert replied to the topic linkages lubrication? in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/linkages-lubrication/#post-34515 Thu, 28 May 2020 21:41:22 +0100 I will expect that there will be many opinions on this!
Some will recommend lubrication with engine oil, some with gear oil, some with an aerosol grease and some will say coat the coupling with grease! Some might even suggest a chain lubricant that ‘ sticks ‘ better. Like we Chainsaw chain oil
Lubrications will attract dirt and grit , some wil…[Read more]

]]> 85b3aa857a35dba3d930b88976019f5d Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Is a Ransomes worth a punt for a newbie? in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/is-a-ransomes-worth-a-punt-for-a-newbie/#post-34497 Tue, 26 May 2020 16:42:22 +0100 I cannot speak for the toro, not dealt with them.
The Ransomes is a motor triple, all mechanical drive through belts from engine to transmission through varispeed pulleys.
A good solid machine, however the faults are if you travel with the cylinders half raised a lot you will shear the rollpins in the lift levers , not a big problem but another…[Read more]

]]> eff5c5364df0621345b7bf41412bda98 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Kubota B7000 in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/kubota-b7000/#post-33789 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:49:22 +0100 The B7100 I worked with I thought had Kubota decks on them, however I am very aware that they could have been made by someone else, I know of a manufacturer making implements and trailers , some are painted orange and badged Kubota!
We were using them for local authority grass maintenance, verges, play areas and some amenity areas.
The electric…[Read more]

]]> b9aecb60e051fe1f506f5007424ca025 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Kubota B7000 in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/kubota-b7000/#post-33774 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:21:19 +0100 Hi peter
I worked on the b7100 models, certainly they could have underslung decks on them, drive came from an electromagnetic clutch on the front of the tractor driven by the crankshaft. Then if my memory is correct a belt drive to a longitudinal shaft driving the mower.
Some compacts have a centre PTO drive underneath the tractor , can’t r…[Read more]

]]> d1127319757f308edb63b8366c5eb603 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Hello. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hello/#post-33661 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:54:42 +0100 Thanks Charlie
I tried online to join but the PayPal would not work, possibly because I haven’t used it in years, so I went with paper!

]]> a199c2dda82d9fc197537e7c32809b60 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Hello. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hello/#post-33652 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 11:52:14 +0100 Hello all.
Membership pack came through this morning, but being told on this site that I don’t have access to this without membership. Am I being dim or what? Or possibly impatient?

]]> b0f0b5ad64fb629f5e72551b7b56d9ae Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Allen scythe in the forum General talk and discussion http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/allen-scythe-4/#post-31237 Thu, 16 May 2019 08:42:10 +0100 Never ever scrap vintage kit, you just need to find the person that wants it, here looks like a good place!!

Chriis

]]> 9b45889a95c2cfbefc4d99227818f761 Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Howard/Dowedswell 352 flywheel fitting in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howarddowedswell-352-flywheel-fitting/#post-31236 Thu, 16 May 2019 08:38:35 +0100 hi Alasdair
If you look closely at the coupling, two holes tighten it up and usually two holes just expand the taper lock to get it off, though frequently a blow with a hammer is needed to get it started!
At 3/4 inch to metric there is very little difference in size I was thinking of 1 inch shaft to 25 mm.
If you go down the liquid lock route then…[Read more]

]]> 97e2240594cd42bdb552be89d455ba9e Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Howard/Dowedswell 352 flywheel fitting in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howarddowedswell-352-flywheel-fitting/#post-31229 Wed, 15 May 2019 21:34:08 +0100 Hello Alasdair.
I assume you are talking about a taper lock coupling as the method of holding the pulley.
These are usually pretty good!

Have you replaced the Briggs engine with anther Briggs or have you used an engine of another manufacturer?
I was wondering if the shaft sizes are the same, in them both being imperial sizes, not a mixture of…[Read more]

]]> 9b4fe9bfd6b7c354c508c4ec4167ea9d Christopher Lambert replied to the topic Grease Nipples and connectors in the forum Help and information http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/grease-nipples-and-connectors/#post-31006 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:15:22 +0100 There is another type of grease gun end, one with a point on that fits into the hole on the grease nipple, as the whole end is narrower it is very useful on things like universal joints.
It does need pushing and holding on while pumping.

Not the easiest type to find and they come in either screw onto the grease gun or as a clip on to a normal…[Read more]

]]> a62471e3e0fd5118a6c6cbd811f221cd chris became a registered member https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/17299/ Tue, 23 Apr 2019 06:43:28 +0100 0