[roatavator]

Great videos Nigel!

In fairness to the organisers at Marsham there was a display of the horticultural machines in the ring. But at all other times the machines just stood in their pen with no owners around, and virtually no-one looking at them. The same could be said for the tractors, which other than the time in the ring, were silent and neglected, with no owner on hand.

My point is that if, as owners, we took the trouble to be with the machines every now and then and start them up maybe every hour or so, it would make our exhibits more entertaining. The sight of someone trying to start a machine always attracts attention. As a spectator its good to be able to chat with the chap who owns the machine, and starting one up nearly always gets a conversation going.

In the good old days when I had transport, I preferred to take the collection to working events. To my surprise spectators would come up and start asking questions, even trying to talk over the sound of a SIMAR! Often I had to stop the engine to hear them, then giving them the treat of seeing me struggle to start up a hot and reluctant 2-stroke!

Its the machines running that brings the exhibit to life and attracts the attention.

[roatavator]

More info on the tractor from Jr.

It’s a cat 3406b from a foden 4000 truck, 14.6 litre and is currently running about 500bhp with uprated fuel pump and injectors. When the turbo blows it’ll be replaced with a much bigger one from the states as the engine is very popular over there in truck of the 90’s and are regularly tuned to 7-800 bhp for normal use and can see over 1000bhp with uprated internals!!

[roatavator]

Fraid not, a bit far from Norfolk! But we have Marsham event this weekend, complete with tractor pulling, I haven’t heard if VHGMC are there officially, but we have been in the past. Weather permitting I’ll be there; without machinery I’m afraid, still no transport.

Fingers crossed for all of us with the weather this weekend!

[roatavator]

Now that brings back memories. In the mid/late 60’s I spent many hours behind the heavy duty rotary, cutting orchard grass. I seem to remember there was no clutch between the engine and the rotor, the rotor was one heavy piece of metal, and you developed good muscles pulling over the engine and rotor to start it. 3 speed Albion gearbox with reverse, if I remember correctly.

That was replaced when it wore out with the ride on mower, which did have a rotor clutch. You had to go to full revs before engaging the clutch, or the sudden load stopped the engine. In those days, no health and safety, you could set the revs, jump off and walk beside it steering if your backside was getting sore after a long day of cutting! Also 3 speed Albion and reverse.

[roatavator]

Aw, shucks, thanks PM (turns red).
Seriously though, it was fun to do and once you start the words just keep coming. I’d love to read some articles from members who are enthusiastic about our machines, we must know more about them than anyone else.

[roatavator]

Mine already sent!

[roatavator]

Well, I had a go at writing, and I’m still here to tell the tale! Thoroughly enjoyed it too. I reckon the “new look” Cultivator is great, and with members contributing could develop into a much better mag than the defunct competition because the words would be written by people who actually use the machines and/or were around when they were used originally, and not written by a journalist!

Conratulations by the way to all involved in the magazine and the running of the club. I reckon you do a marvellous job, and we’re all grateful for the time you give up freely to make it all the success it is today.

[roatavator]

I take my hat off to you, Charlie. There are very few people with the enthusiasm, expertise and patience to tackle a project like this (to say nothing of the willingness to part with the cash!) You’ve made great progress, those of us addicted to SIMARS are following your restoration with anticipation!

Thank goodness there are people like you who realise the importance of these old machines. I can’t wait to see the end result.

Keep up the good work!

Peter

[roatavator]

Hi Mike

Can’t get to my machine without moving lots of other stuff to see numbers, and no indication in manuals what engine or carb number are. I’ve attached a scan of the carb from the workshop manual, if this doesn’t help let me know, I’ll try and get the Honda moved out next weekend.

Peter

Attachments:

1. 

[roatavator]

Ok, I give up, but re the Gem, someone had to take the supervisory role.

[roatavator]

Junglejim

Sorry for delay, not keeping up to date with posts, let me know your email and I can send you the workshop manual and owner’s manual. Lings at pretty good for finding spares to fit these, and I can give you a contact name, but new Honda parts are expensive!!

Alan, I’m not sure the carb you have shown will fit, but anyway, the problem would be that the F80 carb has got a governor.

[roatavator]

The “old man”, as you so inappropriately put it, only has SAE40, which if you carry on in that fashion will be liberated over your head and not in the mower……

[roatavator]

If I’ve done it right, I’ve added Jr’s video.

Attachments:

1. Video.mov

[roatavator]

Thanks Chris.

I’ll let the boy know.

Peter

[roatavator]

Curses, no transport or would have added to the noise level with another 2 Simars!

If I get a chance, I’ll spectate, if not by this time next year may well have appropriate means to get my collection more regularly on the working circuit.

[Author]

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