[tommydog]

Does anyone what any idea what spark plug to buy for the machine? I have lost the original, so don’t have any numbers etc for reference. Were all the Hayter Hayterette plugs the same? Assuming it is 1965, does anyone have a link to a suitable plug?

Secondly – AndyFrost. Do you have a link for the Magnetron that you purchased?

[tommydog]

Do you have a link for one online (ebay etc)? I have looked, but not sure what is 100% working with this machine.

[tommydog]

Thanks for your reply, but the website does not seem much help with dating the engine. As far as I can make it out (its very difficult to read), the stamped number under the sticker reads:
82902 0159 01 6505254

This does not seem to follow the format shown on the website.

Secondly, any idea where I would get a new coil from?

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by tommydog.

[tommydog]

Thats not really an option. I am not on good terms with a few of the people in that club. I currently have a court case against one of the guys as he owes me a lot of money for something.

[tommydog]

I have not been able to find much about the Howard Dragon. From what I can tell, Dragons (not sure if they ever had a number?) don’t seem to come up for sale very often and I wonder about spare parts for them compared to something like the 350? Not sure if there are any replacement engine options for them either? I need something that I can maintain into the future.

[tommydog]

After a lot of research I have decided to go with a Merry Tiller Titan. The parts are easily available and even the engines can be swapped out easily for newer engines. I know it’s a small machine and its probably not ideal, but at the moment I use a manual scythe. It takes me forever to do even 1 acre. So I feel any powered machine will be a huge step forward. I can also use it for rotavating a 1/2 acre vegetable plot. For my budget, I think this is the best option.

[tommydog]

Yes I am looking purely for budget reasons. A full size tractor would be perfect but out of my budget. Its not possible to ask anyone to help around here. I have fallen out with most of the neighbours over a planning application, but thats another story.

At the moment I used a manual Scythe, so anything powered would be a huge step up.

[tommydog]

Thanks for that. Are you sure they all had Briggs engines. This one here has a GX200 engine:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304399184448

It looks in nice condition, so tempted to make an offer. What do you think? Trouble is I don’t see any Scythe attachments for sale at the moment.

[tommydog]

I understand what you say, but am very reluctant to sell any land. At my previous place, I used a manual scythe to cut a field which took forever. So a powered machine would be a huge step forward. What about something more modern like a Wolseley merry tiller titan?

There is no way I could ever stretch to something like a BCS 740. At that sort of price I could get a full tractor, such as a really nice Massey Ferguson 135 with attachments. The BCS equipment looks nice, but its just not worth it for me. If looking for something newer, are there any good Chinese clones that are worth considering?

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by tommydog.

[tommydog]

I just discovered the Merry Tiller Titan and it looks like a good option for me. It seems that all models after 1978 had reverse. Which engine do you recommend with these?

I have also been looking at the GT and Professional, but they seem very rare used and not sure if you can get a scythe attachment for them?

Its good that you say spare parts are easily available for the Titan. Any idea if you can get replacement scythe blades? I have looked but cant see anything.

[tommydog]

From my research, the Oxford Allen had the option of a plough attachment which would meet my needs. Problem is I have never seen one for sale, they seem to be pretty rare.

I have not been able to find out much on the Howards, other than what you say that the Bantam had a Scythe attachment. So it looks like the 350 or any of the bigger models didn’t. I also heard that the Bantam engine was not so good.

[tommydog]

What about the Howard 350? Can you get a scythe attachment for them? I have read good reviews on the Howard 350

[tommydog]

Well 10 acres is not that much. According to the Oxford Allen brochure, it only takes 2 hours per acre. That is very manageable – but do they tend to over heat after a few hours?. I’m happy to put in 10 hours of work per day (have done a field with a manual Scythe before), so would have the lot done in a weekend. No way am I getting a contractor in. Time is not so much of an issue (within reason) and I enjoy working outdoors. Also bailing is not an issue, as I have a big cart that I fill loose and park in the barn. My main constraint is budget, that’s why I was looking at the older machines. But would be willing to spend about £500 on a newer used item if it would make more sense. Just interested to hear peoples opinions on the best way to go? Maybe the Oxford Allen is the best option?

[tommydog]

Thanks for your reply. Just a couple of follow on questions:
1) Would you say an Allen Scythe is my best option? Or are there better vintage machines that have parts readily available?

2) Would the Allen Scythe be up to the job of cutting 10 acres of land for making Hay? Or is it best to go for something newer?

3) If I do go for the Allen Scythe, is it best to go for the 4 stroke engine in terms of reliability and getting parts?

Many thanks

[Author]

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