Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | hortiman | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/hortiman/activity/ Activity feed for hortiman. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 20:54:25 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 8fcf60ad7feee62682f4144366dd2105 hortiman replied to the topic Allen Scythe date of Manufacture in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/allen-scythe-date-of-manufacture/#post-44520 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:42:25 +0000 I have a list somewhere, I will look it out.

]]> 3629050aef251c88afe37eb5d378e4e1 hortiman posted an update: I received the sad news this Morning that our ex Chairman […] https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/27154/ Wed, 20 Aug 2025 20:20:01 +0100 I received the sad news this Morning that our ex Chairman Geoff Ravenhall had passed away, early this morning, I am sure our thoughts are all with Ruth and family, RIP Geoff it was a pleasure knowing you.

]]> 0 4b4b3321dc92a8f1587003dbbe1d9524 hortiman replied to the topic VHGMC Facebook Group in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/vhgmc-facebook-group/#post-42463 Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:23:41 +0100 Sorry to hear of the passing of Ray Smith from Cheddar, I was told today that he had passed away.

Ray was the top man when it came to Mayfield products, if fact he owned and restored several rare models over the years, an displayed them at many shows. Ray was also involved in putting on the club display at RHS Wisley back in the 90s, this was…[Read more]

]]> b00fb6b8a39f5eaeafd5572cb5beb3e8 hortiman replied to the topic Hayter -JLO in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/hayter-jlo/#post-42000 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 21:29:28 +0000 We had both 2 stroke and 4 stroke Ospreys back in the day. 2 stroke very powerful but also very thirsty, I guess you have to pay for power in one way or another. Flymo also had a good little JLO which proved to be a good machine.

]]> 50e437a47bd5af654266b8792c1b87d5 hortiman replied to the topic push hoe in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/push-hoe/#post-41833 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:55:08 +0000 I agree with Alan it is an M&G Hoe.

]]> c97e20c436439a280025316f260b75d4 hortiman replied to the topic The Cultivator. February 2024 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/the-cultivator-february-2024/#post-41832 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:52:25 +0000 Mine arrived safely this morning, thank you Alan, another good issue.

]]> 43533e109995db3d47a8fa111f718f83 hortiman replied to the topic VICTA Self propelled 2 in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/victa-self-propelled-2/#post-41054 Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:13:41 +0100 Alan thank you for the info, I had not heard of a ‘Commander’ before but it looks to be same beast. The 4 stroke ones we used to use were ‘Corvette 4’, That is definitely the twin cylinder 500, it would be good to come across one of those, I imagine they were all thrown away in disgust ! My 2 stroke was new in 1963 according to supplied…[Read more]

]]> bc26b220361e90ab4d050054bf005cfc hortiman replied to the topic VICTA Self propelled 2 in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/victa-self-propelled-2/#post-41047 Fri, 04 Aug 2023 19:23:38 +0100 Hwllo Alan. We used to use a lot of Victa machines back in the 60s 70s, the twin cylinder 500 was brilliant when running well, but used to go ‘off song’ frequently, usually a whisker on one of the spark plugs, and they were very thirsty. The big 600 was a bit of a beast to push in long grass if ground was uneven, what a shame they did not…[Read more]

]]> 18d471b198898d1b3283849ec203e838 hortiman started the topic VICTA Self propelled 2 in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/victa-self-propelled-2/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:52:08 +0100 Just wondering if anyone is still using one of these Victa machines, as I have just aquired this excellent example. Ear defenders most necessary !

]]> e10900e6bb5a091c9d1efb094adbdb77 hortiman replied to the topic Vista 550 air filter cover in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/vista-550-air-filter-cover/#post-40999 Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:40:52 +0100 I think there is one on Ebay at the moment for a 550.

]]> c186bd437008d13955aadc6104f66152 hortiman replied to the topic Honda F600 in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/honda-f600-2/#post-40614 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:58:02 +0000 Hello there
Ihave a pair of drum rotors wide and a pair of narrow ones if you are interested.

]]> 07094eda0d64466eb7ea74f66b3f72e1 hortiman started the topic Cothi Bridge show 2022 in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cothi-bridge-show-2022/ Sat, 02 Jul 2022 20:34:29 +0100 A few photos from the Cothi Bridge Vintage Show recently, Philip Swain and myself put together a small display at short notice, and Philip added the Scythe peening anvil and stool from one of the junk stalls, a rare find, a lucky day !

]]> 25b9d9e0d9e978f5261930316dede3e9 hortiman replied to the topic What Scythe mower for Hay making? in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/what-scythe-mower-hay-making/page/2/#post-38809 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:44:45 +0100 As joegraham suggests why not contact your local vintage agricultural machinery club and organise with them a ‘play day’ you could if you are lucky get it cut, turned, baled and carted over a period of a few days , if you hit the weather right.

]]> 64e3f0bc10046daf9559a2691798123f hortiman replied to the topic And Now For Something Completely Different in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/and-now-for-something-completely-different-2/#post-38604 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 21:58:46 +0000 It is probably all under concrete and legoland houses now Charlie, even if the land had been surveyed I don’t imagine old Horticultural items would be classified as treasure.

]]> 3a363b604aa4fe82eab2d65e17ee7dc7 hortiman replied to the topic Howard Bantam in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-bantam-7/#post-38603 Thu, 24 Feb 2022 21:52:44 +0000 Bantam 38300 appears to be a 1956 made machine.

]]> d797c7763f6ea2b7052eb99acbb9a2be hortiman replied to the topic Howard Bantam in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-bantam-7/#post-38583 Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:08:23 +0000 If you post the serial No on here I may be able to date the machine.

]]> 14ed559ea929b8720c87deb916694a69 hortiman replied to the topic Mayfield Finger Mower. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mayfield-finger-mower-3/#post-37349 Sat, 19 Jun 2021 20:59:41 +0100 I was thinking of just the mower attachment. but the whole machine would be about 200 kg I would think.

]]> c77a4315793966d2b891056da1ff9967 hortiman replied to the topic Mayfield Finger Mower. in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/mayfield-finger-mower-3/#post-37348 Sat, 19 Jun 2021 20:57:38 +0100 Hello there tonyb, I would think about 40kg.

]]> 7dd995c4d132637ee6c3f9833ad65f2c hortiman replied to the topic Howard 700 parts plans...... in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-700-parts-plans/#post-37316 Sat, 12 Jun 2021 20:46:45 +0100 I would try Ricky Mapes, he is a member of this forum, I know he has 700 items some probably for sale too.

]]> 55080bf3d1caa7896a4fc23fed30729c hortiman replied to the topic in the forum Members https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/trojan-tractor/#post-37237 Sat, 22 May 2021 20:56:36 +0100 IS Your Trojan an early model ? is it Red or blue? I have an early/ red one with 3hp Clinton and new rear tyres, owned it for 25+ years but not used it lately.

]]> bed4f321b7cc87e7db7c3360665fc480 hortiman replied to the topic Weeley 2021 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/weeley-2021/#post-36785 Sun, 14 Mar 2021 21:50:39 +0000 A wise move, sadly along with many more of our favourite shows and rallies.

]]> 24c4757a5baf2705ca9d918121d85003 hortiman replied to the topic Honda Rotavator Transport Wheels & Attachments? in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/honda-rotavator-transport-wheels-attachments/#post-36752 Tue, 09 Mar 2021 20:47:05 +0000 If you can’t find genuine Honda wheels, maybe Merrytiller ones could be modified to fit, they could be more plentiful.

]]> a0e49813e906cd21333704ed2e24f3c3 hortiman replied to the topic Honda Rotavator Transport Wheels & Attachments? in the forum Garden implements https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/honda-rotavator-transport-wheels-attachments/#post-36742 Fri, 05 Mar 2021 21:16:25 +0000 Hello there.
I have a set of wide drum rotors, a set of narrow drum rotors for a Honda 610, I think they would fit on your hex bar.

]]> 49b40092ffbe666bd22788bad90660bf hortiman replied to the topic Cooper Pegler sprayer in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cooper-pegler-sprayer/#post-36565 Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:44:30 +0000 You could contact the company that made them, I think they are still trading, but could have been taken over by a French company.

]]> 8ee93b62d2c82802f7f1ff763e9e959f hortiman replied to the topic New SIMAR owner seeks assistance! in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/new-simar-owner-seeks-assistance/page/3/#post-36537 Fri, 29 Jan 2021 21:39:02 +0000 I can let you have a new/old stock exhaust if you are interested, for the cost of postage.
Chris.

]]> 366d2eadecd64404c7261550cb393ee1 hortiman replied to the topic Your Cultivator in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/your-cultivator-3/#post-36220 Mon, 21 Dec 2020 20:50:45 +0000 Another excellent issue Alan, well done, Merry and safe Christmas to one and all.
Lets hope for some Horticultural action in 2021.
Chris

]]> e023dfb8adca4a5be6bed7b69a75af57 hortiman replied to the topic Howard Gem with JAP 600cc engine in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-gem-with-jap-600cc-engine/#post-35424 Sat, 26 Sep 2020 20:18:21 +0100 The part numbers with a G suffix are Gem part numbers, not the machine number, you have to trace the number on the chassis frame tube to locate the machine number, I am not sure about tracing JAP engine numbers for this model, for dating purposes.

]]> e9d9ac40a2e30f3d1caa73945434bedd hortiman replied to the topic Howard Gem SACHS in the forum Projects https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-gem-sachs/#post-35420 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 20:11:34 +0100 Hi there.
I think you will find that the pump from a Hirth D23 engine as fitted to the 700 and the 400 use the same basic pump, but probably just as hard to find one of them.

]]> 713e4f8a79ed6562998b6000bf387692 hortiman replied to the topic The Cultivator December issue and membership renewals. in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/the-cultivator-december-issue-and-membership-renewals/#post-33051 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 21:17:31 +0000 If you visit the ‘Sussex & Kent weald stationary engine group’ website you will find that they have experienced a delay in receiving membership cards from Bickerstaff , but it apparently is being sorted out.

]]> 7a2a01f2a03371d1793ebaeb658d59bc hortiman replied to the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/#post-33001 Mon, 30 Dec 2019 20:46:01 +0000 Thank you Angus saving the day ( and the sleeve) 5 minutes and a pair of tyre levers and the job was done. Thinking ahead, does anyone know which green would have been used in the 50s ? is it mid Brunswick or a special Atco mix ?

]]> e27a79b4aca271ee3e79474a41888782 hortiman replied to the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/#post-32998 Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:33:39 +0000 Thank you for your wise words Angus, I will post the result very soon.
Chris

]]> b827c9109775c41898a688cec1ecad24 hortiman replied to the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/#post-32993 Sat, 28 Dec 2019 20:35:09 +0000 Thank you for your input Angus, I will take some better shots as you have recommended when in the barn, but have family down at the moment, I understand what you are saying about the possibility of drawing it off the roller shaft, that method escaped me, yes you are correct the big sprocket is free along with the ratchet that releases the drive…[Read more]

]]> 35edf6801e4a0c9b4bbd0cccfe32c67d hortiman replied to the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/#post-32988 Fri, 27 Dec 2019 20:09:27 +0000 This is the little joker I have been trying to remove . I just cannot believe how much effort, heat and bashing this has put up with and not let go.. Tried left hand thread followed by right hand. Looking at the ratchet teeth on the drive release, you would think that it needed to be right hand thread, otherwise the nut would be loosened by the…[Read more]

]]> 353699fdffebb81ad2a1d564e92b102e hortiman replied to the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/#post-32949 Sat, 21 Dec 2019 20:20:05 +0000 Thank you Andy, perhaps an extra weetabix and a longer bar !

]]> 0b6697f3d8cc7d570c2ad4c87d279bcb hortiman started the topic 1950s Atco sprocket removal advice. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/1950s-atco-sprocket-removal-advice/ Fri, 20 Dec 2019 21:56:58 +0000 Can anyone tell me if there is a secret to removing the drive sprocket from the roller drive on a 1950s 14″ Atco 2stroke lawnmower. All other chains, sprockets etc removed with ease, but cannot shift the nut which appears to hold the sprocket on the shaft. All nice and clean and oily so no rust. Do I use brute force or is there a magic solution ?

]]> 1bc4d43147e97aff0ea807b0edaf5c39 hortiman replied to the topic Alternative to a Amal 397 carb to fit howard 810cc engine. in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/alternative-to-a-amal-397-carb-to-fit-howard-810cc-engine/#post-32651 Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:15:05 +0000 It is really important to make sure that all the jets and airways are totally clear on that carb. Really thorough clean with carb cleaner, then carefully blow out all airways etc. Things can get gummed up after such a long period of non-use.

]]> e3b34cf1c0c4cbe77d44a46cf1f64aa6 hortiman replied to the topic Tarpen Trimmer grease in the forum Help and information http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/tarpen-trimmer-grease/#post-31633 Wed, 24 Jul 2019 19:46:26 +0100 I have used Stihl grease suitable for angle drive gears, comes in a handy tube for easy application, works for me, and has for many years.

]]> ae0c0f804029dd2ee1de041632b6a24c hortiman replied to the topic Malvern 2019 Vintage Show Photos in the forum General talk and discussion http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/malvern-2019-vintage-show-photos/#post-30649 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 20:18:56 +0000 It is good to see the David Brown 2D industrial at the show, that one is literally a ‘one off’ and was owned and rallied by the late Bill Speake from Abergavenny, Bill was also a member of the VHGMC. He is much missed on the Rally circuit.

]]> 0db26328f562107c5f42a8f2a983cbc8 hortiman replied to the topic Douglas Industrial engines resource in the forum Help and information http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/douglas-industrial-engines-resource/#post-30273 Sun, 03 Feb 2019 21:10:45 +0000 Good day Captain.
If it is of any use I think I have an old copy of a handbook somewhere.
Chris

]]> 0e5bd3d0c40572922102985582c6e05f hortiman started the topic A blend of ancient and modern, working in harmony in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-blend-of-ancient-and-modern-working-in-harmony-2/ Thu, 10 Jan 2019 21:45:45 +0000 Ancient and modern being used in the garden, before the wet weathr arrived !

]]> 0e5bd3d0c40572922102985582c6e05f hortiman started the topic A blend of ancient and modern, working in harmony in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-blend-of-ancient-and-modern-working-in-harmony-2/ Thu, 10 Jan 2019 21:45:45 +0000 Ancient and modern being used in the garden, before the wet weathr arrived !

]]> 8fb1f824217d922a39925e3d9d67cb9b hortiman started the topic How many remember this ?? in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/how-many-remember-this/ Thu, 29 Nov 2018 20:36:36 +0000 Filming was taking place for the Brian Bell video

]]> 5b4d084fb2d8c1d6f619e8adc3c16515 hortiman replied to the topic Garner 7HP Light Tractor on Canals in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/garner-7hp-light-tractor-on-canals/#post-29324 Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:23:49 +0100 This is the only photo I can find of Bill’s Towpath tractor at the moment.
Chris

]]> 6117f675d7a24c48b010890aafb947a3 hortiman replied to the topic Garner 7HP Light Tractor on Canals in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/garner-7hp-light-tractor-on-canals/#post-29322 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 21:00:45 +0100 Hello Martin.
The only David Brown 2D towpath tractor was until a few years ago owned by the late Bill Speake , who was a good friend of mine.
It apparently worked on the Avon and Kennet canal in the 1960s as a general ‘dogsbody’ during remedial works on the canal. I understand that it finished up falling into the canal, after which a veil…[Read more]

]]> 5e40a1f89619a6a0c15734565d21310a hortiman replied to the topic A blend of ancient and modern, working in harmony in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-blend-of-ancient-and-modern-working-in-harmony/#post-28713 Fri, 15 Jun 2018 20:49:21 +0100 Trusty roller working with Kubota in the garden

]]> 46a850d86104a04e0daaed9539caea05 hortiman started the topic A blend of ancient and modern, working in harmony in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/a-blend-of-ancient-and-modern-working-in-harmony/ Thu, 14 Jun 2018 20:44:24 +0100 Rolling in the garden, with Trusty roller behind the Kubota, they really work well together.

]]> 1cce274bf9f3a8d3413725bdcc1727ed hortiman replied to the topic sasch diesel what type of oil in the forum Help and information http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/sasch-diesel-what-type-of-oil/#post-28404 Sat, 28 Apr 2018 19:32:28 +0100 Hello Tom.
I would not expect to see you with anything other than a Simar!!.

I used to run Sachs Gems on our Nursery, the handbooks tell you to use straight 40 HD in the oil tank, if the oil grade used is too thin too much is delivered to the engine and they smoke badly.
You must also remove the small filler plug near the injector pump and fill…[Read more]

]]> 95dcbf520614270fa4751bbe3c873129 hortiman replied to the topic Howard 700 in the forum General talk and discussion http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-700-3/#post-28030 Fri, 23 Feb 2018 20:05:43 +0000 Peter.
You just missed my Hirth engined 700 with plough etc, It went to a guy in Reading who intends to use it. They were not a good engine for reliability, starting being a problem unless they were in tip top condition, compression wise. Mine did quite a lot of work for me, and performed at GDSF and other shows, I think it is on the Brian Bell…[Read more]

]]> f9f9fe2b7a739bc7eedd12390672722c hortiman replied to the topic SIMAR 56 plough in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/simar-56-plough/#post-28025 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:08:31 +0000 That does not look like the same machine to me, so he could have more than one machine.

]]> 86b42d48c3c0a46270675e4002b54314 hortiman replied to the topic VHGMC stand at Malvern in the forum General talk and discussion http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/vhgmc-stand-at-malvern/#post-28024 Thu, 22 Feb 2018 21:03:19 +0000 I think one tends to keep clear of ‘Tree Hogs’ unless you have tin legs !!

]]>