Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club | Peter | Activity https://vhgmc.co.uk/members/urbanalfa/activity/ Activity feed for Peter. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:12:35 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 82424a3445b752996b79a1a8a158344d Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44641 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:19 +0000 Keeping the wheel on might make life easier in the sense that the wheel isn’t wobbling all over the place. You might lose some oil out of your oil bath air filter, but as long as you check the crankcase oil and air filter oil after you’ve finished I can’t see why it would be a problem.

]]> ea6e371152bac1c832aa8e7891c1047a Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 inner tube change, in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-inner-tube-change/#post-44639 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:32:19 +0000 They’re not particularly difficult to change if you can change a wheelbarrow tyre. If you’re not used to changing small tyres then it’s probably more challenging.

When I’ve done it before I’ve put some scrap timber under the chassis at the engine end to support it (push down on the handles to lift up the front end, put some wood underneath and…[Read more]

]]> 46bd5aa9ef50105ae205cb7f1dae970e Peter replied to the topic Ride in Mower identification in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-in-mower-identification/#post-44628 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:24:44 +0000 Thanks Alan, yes it had a 48″ deck so I’m sure it was the W16. I’ve not seen one for years!

Many thanks

]]> 534553d9416541d21a31f1286e207efd Peter replied to the topic Ride in Mower identification in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-in-mower-identification/#post-44610 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:14:01 +0000 I would agree that it’s a replacement engine. Probably not uncommon that another engine was grafted on to keep the machine working.

Alan – seeing the pictures reminds me of a Westfield I drove in the late 80s. It had the angular deck and a twin cylinder, electric start Briggs engine. I seem to recall it being badged as a Westwood Gazelle. Was the…[Read more]

]]> 90cc3ae967ca72d507790401d85b6198 Peter replied to the topic Membership costs in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/membership-costs/#post-43895 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:47:29 +0100 I would agree with the statement above about the cost increase being small when considered over the course of a year. Costs everywhere are rising and it’s no suprise that club subscriptions need to rise, too.
Personally, I don’t feel that moving to an online only publication would be a good move. There may be others who are very happy to read the…[Read more]

]]> 3e4c5a74336a38a233d22f64a832c922 Peter replied to the topic Help with identifying Brass Machinery Tag in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/help-with-identifying-brass-machinery-tag/#post-42735 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:48:31 +0100 The idea of guaranteeing outcomes with plants is a modern one created by retailers in recent years and I fully agree that suppliers would not have guaranteed outcomes in the period from which this tag originates.

The guarantee being referred to here is purely about being true to type – i.e. of the variety being advertised in the catalogue.

On…[Read more]

]]> 527767238fb6a7f43a78b9d913a28c17 Peter replied to the topic Help with identifying Brass Machinery Tag in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/help-with-identifying-brass-machinery-tag/#post-42720 Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:10:40 +0100 I would agree with Charlie and Alan that it seems unlikely it was attached to a machine.

My money would be on this tag being attached to a tree purchased from a nursery in the dormant season. The stamped ES50 would be the catalogue reference for the tree that is being guaranteed to be as per the catalogue specification. The gardener would plant…[Read more]

]]> 8529c52570287343154d44df6206033f Peter replied to the topic Unidentified implement in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/unidentified-implement/#post-42455 Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:00:38 +0100 Thank you. Quite possibly – it’s definitely something cobbled together from various bits, but I was hoping someone would recognise some part of it so it could be put to another use. I don’t really want to scrap it, but it’s rusty, bent and not much use to me so it can sit here for a while longer until I eventually scrap it!

]]> 47fa71a4433be5a0072d14b28ac81f77 Peter replied to the topic Unidentified implement in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/unidentified-implement/#post-42401 Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:32:08 +0100 Pictures added

]]> 522c00ff22c59bbd918336c4aa664db1 Peter started the topic Unidentified implement in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/unidentified-implement/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:28:15 +0100 I acquired the implement in the pictures from someone clearing an allotment alongside some other parts that I’ve been able to make use of. This implement was (I presume) attached to some walk behind machine – it’s less heavy duty than a cultivator from a Ransomes crawler, but larger than something to go behind a Howard 350 or Merry Tiller.

Any…[Read more]

]]> 9ffc1f633075d652530fa2c6ed4c4979 Peter replied to the topic Petrol pump on 1978 Wheelhorse tractor Model C 121 8 speed in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/petrol-pump-on-1978-wheelhorse-tractor-model-c-121-8-speed/#post-41924 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:21:58 +0000 This looks like one of the plastic Chinese fuel pumps available on a well known auction site. I can’t advise which fuel pump is correct for your engine, but it should be possible to test if the pump is working by manually using the lever while it’s not fitted to your machine.

If possible, I’d recommend getting the original fuel pump back from the…[Read more]

]]> d50fedb0ccf5adebb5ebb5ea309142df Peter replied to the topic Cutting cylinder regrind in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cutting-cylinder-regrind/#post-41385 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 10:18:21 +0000 If you can’t find somewhere local there are a couple of companies advertising on eBay if you search for ‘cylinder grinding service’

]]> 824e6639f33177e91a2a086011595985 Peter replied to the topic Unknown implement in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/unknown-implement/#post-41170 Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:22:45 +0100 There’s no picture visible, but it sounds like a bout marker to me. Fitted to the top of an implement and marking a line in the soil so that you have a line to work to when returning down the other side of the row on your next pass

]]> 6ee84cfe59ea2e2f60f7f6b61a2ac6b3 Peter replied to the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/#post-41164 Sat, 26 Aug 2023 08:43:38 +0100 My electric iron won’t be powerful enough to get it hot – I’d probably use a mapp torch that I’ve used for soldering copper pipe

]]> 3a8b30919eb593edf65d01e321b17ff6 Peter replied to the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/#post-41162 Sat, 26 Aug 2023 07:37:41 +0100 Thanks Chris, I’d been thinking I would mig weld some tabs on, but it doesn’t need the strength of a weld and soldering would allow me to use a lot less heat so that’s probably the way to go. I’ve never soldered steel before, but I can’t imagine it’s any different to soldering copper

]]> 8d289788000ff818b85263648f5f963f Peter replied to the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/#post-41159 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:23:01 +0100 Thanks Charlie – I hadn’t tried them, but have now been in touch and they can’t find a supplier of these parts. I assume there isn’t a great deal of demand for these parts nowadays and it’s no longer worth making them.

I’ll have to get creative and make something

]]> b180130ad424ac40f002c5a4d1b1a0a9 Peter started the topic Briggs starter tabs in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/briggs-starter-tabs/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:50:33 +0100 I’ve been replacing the plastic pulley and recoil spring on a horizontal crank Briggs engine. It’s the old type with metal tabs that bend over to retain the plastic pulley. Unfortunately, the tabs have broken off and I’m not able to keep the pulley held in the housing.

I understand that aftermarket parts suppliers made plastic clips that held the…[Read more]

]]> 8fa77a079d77399ca6f89ee9ea016831 Peter replied to the topic More motor triple questions. in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/more-motor-triple-questions/page/3/#post-41065 Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:54:54 +0100 Good to hear that it’s cutting well.

How long did it take you to cut 4 acres? Interested to know how fast they are compared to more modern equipment

]]> e4459c0e6813baaaf123d0b80ee42026 Peter 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-40910 Sat, 17 Jun 2023 14:44:54 +0100 You’re right to be sceptical that it would weigh two tons! An MG40 weighs about the same as an MG6 and slightly more than an MG5. I haven’t got the weight written down anywhere (can’t find it in the book), but it’s certainly less than a ton.

]]> e90770f84c6b418485d21750e0a961a7 Peter replied to the topic Rodents! in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/rodents/#post-40811 Mon, 08 May 2023 06:49:01 +0100 Either search on an auction site for ‘coal tar creosote’ or visit a local agricultural supplier

]]> 8b025c35bcbaa80c87e909d112cc4bb5 Peter replied to the topic Robin brushcutter parts in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/robin-brushcutter-parts/#post-40625 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:33:13 +0000 Have you tried to find a non-runner for sale that you could strip for parts? I’m not sure how common the parts are, but I suspect they’re modern enough to come up from time to time on auction sites at much lower cost than a new part

]]> 41e5b76859cfa54878e1dc9b4b43f763 Peter replied to the topic H 16hp Bolens in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/h-16hp-bolens/page/2/#post-40599 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:18:49 +0000 Interesting, thanks.

Good point about powder coating.

]]> cb2db30eb33c4f091ec859b730aecbbe Peter replied to the topic H 16hp Bolens in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/h-16hp-bolens/page/2/#post-40594 Sun, 12 Mar 2023 09:04:55 +0000 Sounds like you’re making good progress.

I’ve wondered about having mower decks galvanized before. Do you think it’s cost effective?

]]> d504a533f05fd3cc919067ef17cc5c22 Peter replied to the topic Wosley clearway in the forum Grass Cutting Machinery https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/wosley-clearway/#post-40430 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:26:46 +0000 Is it a Briggs and Stratton engine? If so there should be plenty of parts available. Is the whole recoil missing or do you need a spring? New cord?

]]> fb2fe6560b9de81e1df07a496a11b87a Peter replied to the topic Rotella 10 or equivalent in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/rotella-10-or-equivalent/#post-39997 Sun, 25 Sep 2022 09:40:13 +0100 Rotella is a monograde, low detergent oil. Different grades were specified depending on ambient temperature, resulting in different oils being used in summer and winter. 10w30 is a multigrade oil that behaves like a 10 grade oil at low temperatures and a 30 grade oil at high temperatures

For use in the UK, SAE10 sounds low – I believe SAE20 was…[Read more]

]]> 653f82d18ebdf163839cc3b3ce910a86 Peter replied to the topic Ransomes MG5 carb flooding in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-mg5-carb-flooding/#post-37707 Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:03:20 +0100 In that case it sounds like you’ve already done what I would do.

Have you spoken to Neil Jarrett?

]]> d0a03b99a9eeca562cd9862ddcb8c3cb Peter replied to the topic Ransomes MG5 carb flooding in the forum Ride-on machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-mg5-carb-flooding/#post-37705 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:59:31 +0100 How much is it overflowing? Are you running the crawler on a hard surface?

As there is no suspension or engine mounts to absorb vibration I find they tend to shake a bit if run on a hard surface. Others with more experience may be able to explain why, but I’ve found it common to get fuel leaking from the top of the carb when the engine is idling…[Read more]

]]> 901f9079fb0e5a3d6a88625d5e8786be Peter replied to the topic Villiars in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/villiars/#post-37373 Fri, 25 Jun 2021 15:16:31 +0100 Interesting stove, Martin.

The design looks very similar to the American built Coleman camping stove that we have. Nearly 100 years on and the design has hardly evolved at all!

]]> 366037fc964d97b1f7a4e08b577165b0 Peter replied to the topic Bristol crawler renovation in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/bristol-crawler-renovation/#post-37301 Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:01:51 +0100 Looks like a fantastic project.

Aside from transport have you got suitable storage and working space for a machine as large as this? I would hope that being parked up outside hasn’t done too much damage, but as you start taking it apart it will take more space to store and be more susceptible to weather damage if stored outside in pieces rather…[Read more]

]]> f576f40a943bccc5c55193b9b5de8628 Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 governor in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-governor/#post-37139 Mon, 03 May 2021 20:56:02 +0100 Finally got the Howard out this weekend and after resolving a fuel leak managed to adjust so that she’s running better than she has for some time.

Thank you very much for the help!

]]> 15e90ecb0790bd690d211db9727ede78 Peter replied to the topic Howard 350 governor in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-governor/#post-36911 Sat, 03 Apr 2021 19:45:50 +0100 Thank you wristpin and ted20 – I’ll take a look at the throttle cable and then the governor adjustment when I can next get to it (hopefully on Monday).

]]> 77b33f556788f677d92d0e57548ba97b Peter started the topic Howard 350 governor in the forum Pedestrian operated machines https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/howard-350-governor/ Fri, 02 Apr 2021 17:47:53 +0100 I have a Howard 350 fitted with a Kohler K141t engine. The throttle lever doesn’t appear to increase engine revs and the governor doesn’t seem to maintain revs when load increases, either (increased load reduces revs). If I manually push the governor lever the revs pick up so the carb seems to be doing its job.

Should moving the throttle lever…[Read more]

]]> 2bf090af25167f92d4ed3e21ff5355e2 Peter replied to the topic E10 petrol coming Summer 2021 in the forum General talk and discussion https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/e10-petrol-coming-summer-2021-2/#post-36718 Sat, 27 Feb 2021 09:09:55 +0000 Thanks Charlie – really helpful information.

I wonder why there is an exemption for parts of Scotland?

]]> 3b3a45a732112307a9712f30035aa4c4 Peter replied to the topic Cooper Pegler sprayer in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cooper-pegler-sprayer/#post-36486 Sat, 23 Jan 2021 13:42:39 +0000 With photo…

]]> 7c99711d945f79c86799f3c86a207671 Peter started the topic Cooper Pegler sprayer in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/cooper-pegler-sprayer/ Sat, 23 Jan 2021 13:39:36 +0000 I have a Cooper Pegler sprayer that I know nothing about. I assume from the size that it was used in commercial glasshouses or market gardens, but I’ve never seen another and know nothing about it.

It has a small two stroke engine running the pump and the front wheel is removable to allow it to be towed by a quad or garden tractor.

Has anyone…[Read more]

]]> 4ea8d824af046a1afe5d8231cbfabd73 Peter replied to the topic Ride on lawnmower in the forum Help and information https://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ride-on-lawnmower/#post-34365 Fri, 15 May 2020 18:13:59 +0100 It looks like a Horwool Triplex

Horwool Triplex 84 Brochure

]]> 615cabe46c74b2b12a21ba1b8a8317da Peter replied to the topic Tyre sizes explained. in the forum General talk and discussion http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/tyre-sizes-explained/#post-31850 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 08:23:48 +0100 Thank you, Charlie. That’s a really useful resource for understanding tyre sizes.

]]> db99fc0d214902f72ccf4d65a77aa662 Peter replied to the topic Yanmar YM14 manuals in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/yanmar-ym14-manuals/#post-31198 Sun, 12 May 2019 19:13:21 +0100 Thank you futtock, but unfortunately there is no such vinyl under the bonnet nor any evidence that one was previously there. Would you be able to share a photo of yours?

]]> 222e29ff2e739f2f2a15322c8254451b Peter replied to the topic Yanmar YM14 manuals in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/yanmar-ym14-manuals/#post-31043 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:08:18 +0100 Thanks Charlie – yes, I’ve managed to source a parts list from the auction site, but no service or operators information yet.

I shall keep looking and if anyone here comes across anything I’ll gratefully receive any advice!

]]> ae24c6e7446e3ad48c0981548ee2c1b6 Peter started the topic Yanmar YM14 manuals in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/yanmar-ym14-manuals/ Sat, 27 Apr 2019 19:26:30 +0100 I’ve recently been fortunate enough to acquire a Yanmar YM14 garden tractor, which seems to mostly be working. I’d like to service it and keep it in good order, but the previous owner had no manual for it.
Does anyone know whether there are user or service manuals available?

]]> ae8e599f7de265d76e9fe275f935d978 Peter replied to the topic The Wheels are off in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/the-wheels-are-off/#post-22310 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 09:39:25 +0100 Many thanks – I’ll give that a go.

The phosphoric acid in cola makes it useful for descaling kettles and bathrooms, too. I’d never thought of adding acid to home made penetrating fluid, though.

Any idea what makes lucozade work on chrome?

]]> aed06003e1cebcc7b8d82d57861bec14 Peter replied to the topic The Wheels are off in the forum Pedestrian operated machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/the-wheels-are-off/#post-22290 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 09:56:55 +0100 Diesel_dave can you share your recipe?

]]> 84feee0a052a064239de4fc136721558 Peter replied to the topic Ransomes MG valve clearances in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-mg-valve-clearances/#post-21880 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:23:19 +0100 Hi Neil – that’s great, thanks.
Is there a workshop manual that lists these specifications (and others) that I could get hold of for future maintenance?
Peter

]]> e8517671503e6b3822ca0d97e04ab499 Peter started the topic Ransomes MG valve clearances in the forum Ride-on machines http://vhgmc.co.uk/forums/topic/ransomes-mg-valve-clearances/ Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:06:06 +0100 I have the cylinder head off my MG5 due to a rapidly exiting spark plug, which stripped its threads. I have had the head helicoiled and purchased a new spark plug so the immediate problem is resolved, but now have a couple of questions:
Are there torque settings for the cylinder head bolts?
While the head is off I would like to check valve…[Read more]

]]> 8dff28e4ec26a275b1c1a622ea6c54ca urbanalfa became a registered member https://vhgmc.co.uk/activity/p/10438/ Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:39:37 +0100 0